Evo vs Twinkie
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
Evo vs Twinkie
Finally test rode, for the first time, an old evo softail. Exceptional condition, low mileage stock motor. I have only owned twin cams softails so that's all I know. I was basing everything about the evo on heresay. I found that, in my opinion, the ride was much smoother than how others have described, and not a drastic difference than what I'm used to on my 06. The lack of power, on the other hand, was more substantial than what I was expecting. Any comments from owners on what I've said? Your mods to the evo motor, if any? I'm still contemplating buying one of these older beauties and am enjoying the search.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 45
evo for me. to me my evo softail vibrates more than my 06 dyna did. but on the other hand my dyna had motormounts that were going bad too. even though my evo vibrates a tad more at least it doesnt have motormounts that go bad!!! i like the ride of my softail more than my dyna though and the vibes, eventhough a little more dont bother me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 384
From: SoCal hi desert
I would like to have a bit more oomph out of mine and would not hesitate for a moment to buy a new bike if finances permitted. But it does the job well enough for now. The mirrors are useful at freeway speed unlike my '78 Super Glide on which they were pretty much useless unless parked with the engine off.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
The first "modern" Harley I bought was a Heritage Springer when they first came out. I had read and heard so much about how great the aluminum engines were I couldn't wait to experience it.
I liked the power, but the reality was it didn't shake much less than my Pan at highway speeds. No comparison on the reliability though.
The TC Softails are much smoother in my opinion, but not as easy to work on (or as reliable) as the more traditional single cam twins. If the vibration doesn't bother you, good deals can be had on Evo Softies. I'm still hoping to find a late 90s Road King cheap (so far without luck).
I liked the power, but the reality was it didn't shake much less than my Pan at highway speeds. No comparison on the reliability though.
The TC Softails are much smoother in my opinion, but not as easy to work on (or as reliable) as the more traditional single cam twins. If the vibration doesn't bother you, good deals can be had on Evo Softies. I'm still hoping to find a late 90s Road King cheap (so far without luck).
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,575
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA
The TC has much potential for HP and with the trans case bolting to the engine case, there is some good stability...In the AHDRA Street Pro (Gasoline) Class, the fastest ET was 8.947 last March..The last time I was at an AHDRA event (2007), the Street Pro class was all TC's. They were less than .5-seconds slower than the Pro Drag (entry level Fuel) bikes...
The EVO is easy to build and there are still plenty of parts on the market to build anything you choose...
Why not have both?
The EVO is easy to build and there are still plenty of parts on the market to build anything you choose...
Why not have both?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
I have only ridden one or two Twin Cams, and I will take my 99 Softail Custom EVO any day. Mine has plenty of power stock, except for the drag pipes and air cleaner. I think the vibes are just right to let you know its a Harley. Mine is just more fun to ride. Course, that is just my opinion.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin, by God!
I've had both, but, there's something about the Evo that keeps my interest. I sold my TC Roadking and got the Evo Fatboy and I never regretted it. Like the guy earlier, I'm looking for a good Evo RK.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 2
From: Deltona, FL
Yeah, the stock motor EVO puts out about 64hp and I think 72ft lbs torque if I remember correctly. It could have been lower. However, with the addition of a Crane Hi-4 ignition, single-fire coil and an Andrews EV27 or EV3 cam with adjustable pushrods and the ever present "Stage 1" a/c and exhaust combination those numbers can jump into the mid to high 80s easily for both. All for about $1500 in parts and assuming you do all the labor, you're flying.
Most people used to like buying either an S&S or Mikuni carb, and I was one of them but I've come to learn that the stock Keihin is quite nice and more than capable unless you're doing radical big inch conversions. You just have to change the needle jet and adjust the idle mixture a bit. There was recently a write up about this in American Iron.
My wife still rides a 98 Evo Softail Custom, which we just put a 180x18 rear (we cut the fender horns off) and 21x120 front on and let me tell you, that thing is still rocking. Sure, it can't keep up with my Fat Bob on the highway once I kick it into 6th but by then we're already flirting with a ticket at a minimum, possibly jail time if I'm not paying attention to the needle.
I'm starting to look for another FXR personally. I don't think I'll be buying another Twin Cam the way things are going right now with regulations and all. I'd rather have the freedom of a carb and the coverage of having a rock solid platform to build from. I won't give up my Fat Bob, but I'll add an FXR if I can find one. If not, it might be another Softail.
Most people used to like buying either an S&S or Mikuni carb, and I was one of them but I've come to learn that the stock Keihin is quite nice and more than capable unless you're doing radical big inch conversions. You just have to change the needle jet and adjust the idle mixture a bit. There was recently a write up about this in American Iron.
My wife still rides a 98 Evo Softail Custom, which we just put a 180x18 rear (we cut the fender horns off) and 21x120 front on and let me tell you, that thing is still rocking. Sure, it can't keep up with my Fat Bob on the highway once I kick it into 6th but by then we're already flirting with a ticket at a minimum, possibly jail time if I'm not paying attention to the needle.
I'm starting to look for another FXR personally. I don't think I'll be buying another Twin Cam the way things are going right now with regulations and all. I'd rather have the freedom of a carb and the coverage of having a rock solid platform to build from. I won't give up my Fat Bob, but I'll add an FXR if I can find one. If not, it might be another Softail.