When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I have a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to purchase a 1999 Fatboy with 22000 kilometers from an acquaintance I trust. The bike has a solid history of care and has very tasteful mods. It's virtually in showroom condition. It's being offered at about 35% less than anything equivalent in my area. Albeit a steal, I can only afford to run, store and maintain 1 bike. I'd put about 2000 kolometers of light pleasure riding per year. My concern is really around reliability and longevity due to its age. How much of a gamble is this? Would this be acquiring a money pit or a hassle free performer with many years left of light riding?
Many years left if maintained as well as you say. That's low miles for a Harley. Evos are mostly bulletproof to begin with. If you like it, it's a sound motorcycle choice.
Last edited by Thingfish; Aug 11, 2018 at 07:57 PM.
As said Evos are pretty much Bullit proof engines, I'd first find out the availability of spares for it, and if your not into working on bikes yourself make sure there's an indie in your area, cos' Harley dealerships won't be interested in maintaining it as its to old.
I would jump on it … parts are still available and the Evo is an easy model to work on … mileage is just getting broke in … I have two 1996 Evo's one with 152k miles the other with 110k … take care of them and they last …
My '86 is still running strong. I rode it yesterday and had a great ride right up until in poured down. It was still better than no ride at all. Evo's are great engines and yeah, probably the best so far. I would not hesitate. If I were building a bike from the ground up I would use an Evo engine.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.