Evo vs Twinkie
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,214
From: Oxford, Nc
I've been on Evos that were almost as smooth as a TC but on others where I couldn't keep me feet on the pegs, the vibes were so bad. It seems to be specific to a single given bike.
I love the Evo design, simple and reliable even with upped pistons and a decent cam.
I love the Evo design, simple and reliable even with upped pistons and a decent cam.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
From: State of Confusion, SE PA
I own both motors, my wide glide with close to 90K miles is an EVO. It can keep up with ANY twin cam with 90/90 hp/tq. It's just not a very civilized bike. The twin cam Ultra is a 95", 6-speed an 3.37 gearing is very civilized even with M&M fuel injection...
The EVO will definitely out last the twin cam and built much better then the newer 96" POS twin cam... HD really cheapened the product the last few years and I'm very disappointed with the accountant decisions for the engineers. I do like the electronics, the frame upgrades and the paint but hate the timkin bearing or lack off, the cheapened bottom end, and TBW an compensator sprocket to protect the cheap bottom end!!!
The EVO will definitely out last the twin cam and built much better then the newer 96" POS twin cam... HD really cheapened the product the last few years and I'm very disappointed with the accountant decisions for the engineers. I do like the electronics, the frame upgrades and the paint but hate the timkin bearing or lack off, the cheapened bottom end, and TBW an compensator sprocket to protect the cheap bottom end!!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
FXRS 80" to FXDC 96"
My '89 FXRS-SP was my all-time favorite bike, Moco's best, and I would have another. Stock power of this 80" EVO was adequate for riding solo. Mine got built, and was a lot of fun. (Had the S&S carb).
My '09 FXDC feels like a much bigger, wider, heavier bike. The stock TC96 has adequate power for riding solo, better than the stock EVO, and is much cleaner than the EVO (no weeping). The EFI has been 100% trouble-free, averaging 45 mpg. It runs noticeably hotter than my EVO.
My '09 FXDC feels like a much bigger, wider, heavier bike. The stock TC96 has adequate power for riding solo, better than the stock EVO, and is much cleaner than the EVO (no weeping). The EFI has been 100% trouble-free, averaging 45 mpg. It runs noticeably hotter than my EVO.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 496
Likes: 1
From: Eastern Ontario , Canada
I've ridden several of the newer twin cam bikes , but never owned one . I have owned two EVO's though , a Dyna and my Road King . I'll never own anything (as my main bike) but an EVO . I have a Big Sucker air breather , free flow exhaust and my carb jetted accordingly and my bike runs strong and much cooler than any twin cam . I also find they feel , sound and look better . Just yesterday I stopped at my local watering hole and there was a 95 Heritage there that had over 260 THOUSAND MILES on it and the guy said he did one motor job on it . It still looked and ran like a new bike . What's not to like ?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
potato...potato...potato
I have an odd EVO year. It's factory rated 72 HP stock / carbed.
Since adding the Crane HI4E it's like I woke up the beast, and increased overall performance, along with a better top end speed too for a stocker. Between 3k and 5 1/2K she pulls extremely quick now.
My (mild) comparison, having rented several twinkies, both motors performed well and moved the bike. Both motor versions will break the speed limit in a flash!
To me it's like owning a classic car from the 60s and attempting to compare it to a new car. Sure the new one is slick looking and well put together but there's just something to be said for nostalgia, and old skool that makes riding an older EVO a comfortable, reassuring feel.
There's times when my EVO seems to just love being on the road with a smooth ride and that purr that no other motor gives me.
I'll admit I bought what I could afford and pay for. That's why I feel fortunate to have what I got.
Everyone would like to have a bright, new shiny bike, but not the payment book. Realistically I found my "bargain" to be just what I really needed. $6K with 35k, and another $2.4k in restoration and updates.
Glad to be on 2 wheels again!
Since adding the Crane HI4E it's like I woke up the beast, and increased overall performance, along with a better top end speed too for a stocker. Between 3k and 5 1/2K she pulls extremely quick now.
My (mild) comparison, having rented several twinkies, both motors performed well and moved the bike. Both motor versions will break the speed limit in a flash!
To me it's like owning a classic car from the 60s and attempting to compare it to a new car. Sure the new one is slick looking and well put together but there's just something to be said for nostalgia, and old skool that makes riding an older EVO a comfortable, reassuring feel.
There's times when my EVO seems to just love being on the road with a smooth ride and that purr that no other motor gives me.
I'll admit I bought what I could afford and pay for. That's why I feel fortunate to have what I got.
Everyone would like to have a bright, new shiny bike, but not the payment book. Realistically I found my "bargain" to be just what I really needed. $6K with 35k, and another $2.4k in restoration and updates.
Glad to be on 2 wheels again!
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,137
Likes: 51,478
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Bikes are as individual as the owners no 2 act or ride the same , I've been dealing these beasts too long to believe any different . I built 2 identical 1972 shovel motors to 88" at the the same time same part's everything on the bench side by side . Those motors were night & day different in power band and performance . One was a long legged high end runner the other would jump the front wheel off the ground hitting it in third on a FLH . Identical bikes & builds you tell me .
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; May 3, 2011 at 03:57 PM.