The Revo. Everything else is just a boat motor.

 

I think the line is between the mechanically challenged and the mechanically advantaged. Being a non tech person, I only know what I experience when riding. I had the TC88 in my 02 Ultra with its attendant problems. I got 59000 miles on it before I was seduced by the TC96 and six speed. I have 18000 on the 96 with zero complaints. For an Ultra, this bike outperforms anything I have ever ridden, and I go back to the panhead days. So, if it holds up in reliability, then the 96 is the best engine I have had.[8D]

 

Evo Sportster 1200. Best power to weight ratio of any air cooled HD engine. I prefer the carbed versions.

 

Not the most powerful or reliable, but the best looking by far is the Knucklehead!! It's my favourite... but it's not the best mechanically.



Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]

 

The new 1200 in the KR1200 is the single best engine that HD has ever produced and the bike is the best bike that they have ever made.

 

Kinda partial to Shovels.
Marsh

 

Knucklehead is the best looking engine. Evo is the simplest. Twin cam is&nbsp\\;a screamer when set up right and bullet proofed. Revolution has the most potential for&nbsp\\;change. Complicated question and complicated answer. L: intempestivus

I guess it depends on what you mean by "best".
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If we're talking the best looking, the knucklehead is hands down the best looking to me. I can't really put my finger on it but it just appeals to me more than any other platform.
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If we're talking technology, I'd say it has to be the revolution (Vrod) engine. I guess this one would also be the performance winner if you want to talk drag racing etc., but I like to classify this engine/bike with the buell bikes as I don't consider them cruisers, though that is obviously arguable.
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For performance, I think the twin-cam will prove to be the best platform. Though it hasn't proven itself in this arena yet, there are so many improvements over the Evo I can't see how one would think the the twin-cam won't eventually surpass the hot rod Evo's out there. (Read Donny Pertersons new book if you want a detailed explanation of the improvements).
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Economically, the Evo takes&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;this title and will probably hold it for a long time. First of all this engine saved HD. Second, there are so many aftermarket parts for it that one can build a pretty hot motor for a reasonable price. And finally, this engine is the all time swap meet champion as you can find most anything you need for it at swap meets or on e-bay.
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Good points all. I still like the evo for simplicity and durability. I think the longevity jury is still out on the 96 inch and also the 6 speed. I'm not saying they aren't good, just not proven yet. $.02
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Oh, I like the way the evo sounds and feels too. It's hard to describe, but it's different to my ear.

 

I couldn't agree more. The Knuckle is a beautiful engine... by far my favorite. Followed by the shovel. And, with the advances on the tech side, you can get a reproduction knuck that will perform as well as the twin cam... if not better. But, I think we have yet to see what the best performing engine that the MoCo will produce...