I'm looking to pick up a project bike to spend the next year working on. I want to swap out the tank for a Peanut or Mustang, swing arm mounted rear fender, no turn signals/horn. Just a fun stripped down bobber style bike.

Should I start with a Evolution (85-99) or an early carbed 88TC? I like the Evo because they run a little cheaper, plus they fit the look I'm gong for a little better. But I hear the vibrate a lot more then the counterbalanced twin cams.

I do plan on keeping my Road King, so that will remain my daily driver. Opinions from those who have experience on both are appreciated.

Thanks

 

If someone gave me an Evo motor for a project, Id sell it and buy a Twin cam!

 

Because of the performance, vibration or just the engine in general?

 

The Evo is a actually a better motor.
An Evo Softail will vibrate more than twin cam
Softail.
Tensioners, flywheels, all issues. Early evo's had their
​​​​​​​problems too. All fixed by mid-late 80s.

 

my vote is evo also. no cam chain issues to deal with and will run forever. lots of power available with the right cam, and easy to work on. cheaper too.
theres really no more vibration with an evo than an A motor twin cam, like the touring bikes have.

 

It's hard to go wrong with a carbureted Evo.

 

Don't the Evo's run cooler then a TC also?

 

There are some good early TC's out there. But I would probably go with an Evo. Gonna be easier and less expensive, and sound better too.

 

Ha, NOT EVEN CLOSE! Dollar for dollar and cubic inch for cubic inch a Twin Cam will make a ton more torque, live 3 to 4 times as long and leave your fillings where the dentist put them!

 

I would go EVO. That being said, if you do go early twin cam, go with one from '00-'02. They had forged cranks and Timken crank bearings and were the last 'bulletproof' bottom ends HD built. In '03 the cranks were made offshore and not forged anymore, away went the Timken bearing too...