First softail- EVO vs. Twin Cam?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
When I did the work on my 01 the cam's came out fairly easy (did not use a "PRESS").
I was going to build a tool but a buddy stopped by (he had done the same job 6 months before, with no press).
If you have some one else do the job for you (IMHO) bend over (for the work that is actually done).
As for EVO or Twin Cam....
They both have pro's N con's, list them out and see what works best for you.
I can say with no uncertainty I miss my EVO (big time).
Is it better for long hour/mile trips probably not.
For local riding and weekend trips there is nothing wrong with the EVO.
I have to say I miss the shake that my rubber mounted tour bikes and my EVO had.
Would it get old after 10-12 hours
you decide.If I run across the right deal, I will have another EVO...
Last edited by GRWHD; Apr 12, 2018 at 07:09 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 546
Likes: 54
From: Toronto
I appreciate the replies guys! I love old school- to me a Harley needs to shake, to be simple and mean. I love carbs- to me they are simple and something I can work with and understand. I like muscle, and the evos seem to be that to me. That said, the TC engines seem to be great engines also, and fuel injection is nice too.
The evo bikes I am looking at are 92-95 bikes with between 40-50,000 miles. I have been doing some searching and it seems like early 90's evos are more prone to case issues? That said, how common are these issues- for me an exhaust and air filter are more then enough for performance. Just wondering if there are years of evo I should stay away from. The TC bikes in my price range are all 2000-2005 bikes, all well maintained also.
wont lie, I am leaning towards the evo for the old school factor and price but I also don't want something I have to work on more then ride.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 12,499
Likes: 7,511
From: Edmond, OK
After having a twin cam 103, then a M8 114, and also a VROD I have to say EVO would be my pick. The motor just seems better to me. It's not as powerful by a long shot, but it sounds better, doesn't make a bunch of weird top end noise, the throttle response with the carb is crisper, and the bike just feels like it has more soul.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 620
From: Pittsburgh suburb
I had A Brand new Evo - Good bike but there were issues, Contrary to many the twin cam is a solid bike, the problem is - it was hyped up as the greatest HD ever......Now where have we heard that statement? the TC`s had problems early on but they were correctible, its just that the MOCO passed the buck & angered people - pretty much what is going to happen on this new platform, give it time & we will see if they get the bugs worked out at their expense or the customers???? time will tell
IMO the 02 TC is the best motor you could have of that era, re-do the cam shoes & you are good for a long time or........ jump up to the 103 - theres a glut of used garage queens for cheap to be had so good luck on your choice, really both are good but Honestly I prefer the Twin Cam - just as some got burnt by the TC I got burnt by the Evo.
IMO the 02 TC is the best motor you could have of that era, re-do the cam shoes & you are good for a long time or........ jump up to the 103 - theres a glut of used garage queens for cheap to be had so good luck on your choice, really both are good but Honestly I prefer the Twin Cam - just as some got burnt by the TC I got burnt by the Evo.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 25,202
Likes: 30,162
If you ever plan on riding long distances at high speeds, do not get the Evo. They vibrate, a lot; it starts to get to you after a couple of hours. The twin cam has better brakes, sealed wheel bearings, a better rear shock, a speedometer that doesn't break, a more powerful engine, and generally feels bigger. No matter what the haters say, the twin cam is the better bike. If you do proper maintenance, they will both be very reliable, however if something does go out, chances are you won't find the parts at your local HD dealership if your an Evo rider. You didn't mention your budget, but I would go 2008 and up if you can. They had all the minor issues worked out by then, and they are really a great, reliable motorcycle.
I love my 2008 Softail and have no plans to get rid of it. It has been super reliable, plenty of power, and comfortable for riding all day. I'd like a second bike for bopping around town and that one will likely be an EVO or older just to have something different. I'm not that mechanically inclined so my main bike needs to be as reliable as possible. Personally, I've only started started working on my bike as I have always been intimidated by it all. But, I like it and it helps me understand the bike a lot more as I conquer each task. If I had an older second bike I would try to do all of the work on it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
To answer the question - you cant go wrong either way BUT if your going with that many miles, on an early TC, make sure the shoes are changed. Me, for not much more bread, you can pick up a low mile Evo for under 6k.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 474
From: Location location.
The Evo that's why it was so good ,you could ride at 60, 70 80 miles an hour all day FFS, that's the reason why I went from a Shovel to an Evo because I couldn't keep up with them on my Shovels. Seriously WTF ?
Parts are cheap and it's a classic seriously no contest.
Parts are cheap and it's a classic seriously no contest.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,227
Likes: 7,801
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
My most unreliable Harley was a 2006 Twinkie. (twin cam)
My Shovelhead was more reliable.
My Evo has been incredible for reliability.
I don't get the "can't stand the warmup of carbs" line many people spit out. 99% of Harley owners typically start their bikes up and let them warm up regardless of carb'd or FI. I've never had a group of twinkie owners have to sit around and wait for me.
To me, the allure of Harleys is much like my love for 60's musclecars. Simple, low tech. Easy to work on.
My Shovelhead was more reliable.
My Evo has been incredible for reliability.
I don't get the "can't stand the warmup of carbs" line many people spit out. 99% of Harley owners typically start their bikes up and let them warm up regardless of carb'd or FI. I've never had a group of twinkie owners have to sit around and wait for me.
To me, the allure of Harleys is much like my love for 60's musclecars. Simple, low tech. Easy to work on.