Question on Evo reliability
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock Ga
Question on Evo reliability
Hello all,
Looking to purchase an 87 Electra Glide Touring bike. The bike has 34,000 and seems to be in good shape. I do not hear any odd valve noise or anything weird from the trans. All of the electronics seem to work fine. How long do these motors usually last until needing a top end? Had a Gold Wing for the last 6 years and the last Harley I owned was a 78 shovel. I have built bikes and hot rods for years but would like something that i do not have to tinker with every other weekend. At least if something needs to be fixed on the Evo I can do it myself. Do not like the TC88 motors but that is just a personal preference not bashing the TC88.
Thanks in advance.
Looking to purchase an 87 Electra Glide Touring bike. The bike has 34,000 and seems to be in good shape. I do not hear any odd valve noise or anything weird from the trans. All of the electronics seem to work fine. How long do these motors usually last until needing a top end? Had a Gold Wing for the last 6 years and the last Harley I owned was a 78 shovel. I have built bikes and hot rods for years but would like something that i do not have to tinker with every other weekend. At least if something needs to be fixed on the Evo I can do it myself. Do not like the TC88 motors but that is just a personal preference not bashing the TC88.
Thanks in advance.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 463
From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
What he said. At 34,000 she is just broken in. Of course with that few miles I would go over her with a fine tooth comb, Tires, fluids, grease fittings. Usually need lifters replaced at 50,000 with an upgraded model that will last forever.. Base gaskets will tend to weep if you don't give her time to warm up, same deal hear as the lifters, upgrade is a big improvement on stock. Rocker box gaskets may need a change out over time. All fairly simple stuff on a simple motor. Stop in at the EVO forum if you want to know more. Lots of knowledge, and a good group of people.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,115
Likes: 51,405
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
While they are more reliable than the old shovels the 80's evo's had some quirks too and they still used some shovel parts like the clutchs , starters and few other odd's & ends . Nothing to really worry about but be aware the parts aren't alway interchangeable with other evo's .
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
At about 55,000,we took my top end apart to replace a leaking base gasket.
That was the only problem on the bike,but I put a S&S cam in it,and had some headwork done while it was apart.[This was on a 93 Classic]
That was the only problem on the bike,but I put a S&S cam in it,and had some headwork done while it was apart.[This was on a 93 Classic]
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Its not that Evo Engine that will give you fits, its the rest of that motorcycle. The Evo motors, even the early bottom breathers like the one you are looking at are (as stated), bulletproof. But things like your inner primary, the electronics, switches and various other odds and ends were very short run parts. In MANY case, just two years. So while your motor will run forever, the rest of that bike is still a 25 year old proposition. If you ever want to see a million mile cluster or wiring nightmares, pull that fairing apart one day.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
I have a 98 Evo. I love that engine. The only worries I see are side case weakness and cam/lifter skid. I fully expect a long rebuildable life out of it. I worry less about it than my Twin cam which has several weaknesses.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Improvements were made between my '86, and the 87 your looking at.
And when changing the lifters at 50K you may want to slip a better running EV 27 cam back in. The stock cams are all very restrictive to meet EPA regs.
I'm curious to know what the going price is for the one your considering?
And when changing the lifters at 50K you may want to slip a better running EV 27 cam back in. The stock cams are all very restrictive to meet EPA regs.
I'm curious to know what the going price is for the one your considering?