EVo vs. Twin cam
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 136
Likes: 24
From: Florida Panhandle
bjewell asked:
"I have an '03 B TC. Is that AFTER they dropped Timken bearings? It is a carb'd bike and I sure do like it"
2002 was the last year that the TC-88's had a Timkin bearing. From my understanding Harley has changed the bearing design several times since 2003 (last redesign was 08). In 2004 Harley started using press fit flywheels and dropped the Timkin in the sportster too so the MoCo's cost cutting (at our expense) isn't just limited to the TC-88/96.
Did some searching on the net about stock performance numbers EVO vs TC. All the stock EVO dyno sheets I saw showed 50-54 horsepower at the rear wheel vs 60-66 hp for the TC-96. You would think that the TC-96's higher compression and 16 extra cubes would be worth more power then that. Heck 1200 sportster's were in the 55-60 hp range and they are 23 cubes smaller then the TC-96.
"I have an '03 B TC. Is that AFTER they dropped Timken bearings? It is a carb'd bike and I sure do like it"
2002 was the last year that the TC-88's had a Timkin bearing. From my understanding Harley has changed the bearing design several times since 2003 (last redesign was 08). In 2004 Harley started using press fit flywheels and dropped the Timkin in the sportster too so the MoCo's cost cutting (at our expense) isn't just limited to the TC-88/96.
Did some searching on the net about stock performance numbers EVO vs TC. All the stock EVO dyno sheets I saw showed 50-54 horsepower at the rear wheel vs 60-66 hp for the TC-96. You would think that the TC-96's higher compression and 16 extra cubes would be worth more power then that. Heck 1200 sportster's were in the 55-60 hp range and they are 23 cubes smaller then the TC-96.
Well being this post started over 3 years ago, it's still has valid points. I have owned 2 evos and 1 twin cam, so here's my take. The evo's to me seem like a smoother running motor. My latest evo which is box stock, would smoke my stock '03 ultra. Don't understand why but the twin cam needs to me played with to get it going, where the evo just goes. I had a reman done in 1994 due to a bad lifter and never had any issues with the reman motor. The evo is carbed and the twin cam had fi. That made starting in the dead of winter super easy over the carbed bike. No coughing an sneezing. They dont make any new custom parts for the evos, but there are lots of used one around, cheap. So I would say to anyone looking for a Harley, buy the bike you like and can afford.,,
Cam motors very lean for the EPA, and consequently they run very hot and lose about 10 HP to the evos, but a simple remap and stage 1 upgrade fixes that (a lot of folks do that before riding away on their new bike). The '96 and newer Evos got the improved lifter design, also. In fact, the new design is said to be good up to 6,000 rpm. The gerotor twincam oil pump is an improvement over the EVO's pump, IMHO. If you don't set the idle too low on the EVO (the spec is 1,050 rpm, min.), the oil pump works ok(we all like that potato, potato sound) but as I said in the previous post, the crank doesn't get any oiling until about 1900 rpm on the Evo;100% of the oil pressure goes for the upper end. I'm really surprised to hear about the pressfit crank problems; i would think the twincam's high pressure oiling would help eliminate problems. Guess there's something to be said for the Evo's Timken crank bearing. My friend's 88ci Heritage Special just went back for a blown lower end due to oiling problems. Hope the youngster who took offense at my last post gets a thicker skin(hey, i'm retired, DILLIGF?) Harley bashers and rich AIG bankers just **** me off, for some reason... Do I need to be more specific?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
If the OP hasn't decided on TC or EVO yet. I'd say it's time to **** or get off the pot.
Can't go to wrong with either one if it's been well maintained. If your buying new then the decision is easy.
Or if your wanting a bike that matches your sig, then it is a TC.
Last edited by piasspj; Oct 18, 2010 at 12:34 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: Rockys
"The evo was the last high tech carb v-twin"
You do get Twin Cams that have a carb, not all were FI. Today, I believe that all new HD's are FI, but there were twin cams that came with a carb, and FI was extra. Such as a 2004 Roadking came with a carb, or FI.
You do get Twin Cams that have a carb, not all were FI. Today, I believe that all new HD's are FI, but there were twin cams that came with a carb, and FI was extra. Such as a 2004 Roadking came with a carb, or FI.
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: freeport, NY
i have a 97' Rk efi Evo and i love the single over the twin cam. my buddy has a stock 04' RK and i blow past him on the road. it seems like hes
standing still. granted i have a few upgrades like a power camander, V&H tru duals, stage 1airfilter and a andrewsEV-27 cam. but i like the Evo. its bullet proof im not a small guy eather 350lbs and she gets out of her own way. ive test road a new 2012 RK and it seems like it has nothing on my 97. gotta love the Evo......
standing still. granted i have a few upgrades like a power camander, V&H tru duals, stage 1airfilter and a andrewsEV-27 cam. but i like the Evo. its bullet proof im not a small guy eather 350lbs and she gets out of her own way. ive test road a new 2012 RK and it seems like it has nothing on my 97. gotta love the Evo......
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 7
From: MN
I have an '85 Evo FXR with carb. Fast, reliable, and no crap like "parade mode" that shuts down one jug when it gets too hot. Rubber mounted, 5 speeds and simple electrics.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: Kendallville, IN
I went from a '73 Shovel to an '06 Yamaha Roadstar (really great bike, but no shovel) to a '12 Softail Heritage. I've got no experience with an evo, I only know what I've read. They have a great reputation but I can tell you that the twin cam has REALLY impressed me. It won't be my last Harley, but I'll never part with it. My next WILL be a Panhead.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 641
Likes: 17
From: Daytona Beach
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley-Davidson
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/harley...on-engines.htm
http://www.hdhistory.com/most-popula...parison-chart/
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/harley...on-engines.htm
http://www.hdhistory.com/most-popula...parison-chart/
Last edited by Jeffs386; Jul 20, 2013 at 09:13 PM.