I agree with earlier posts on staying away from the '96. You sould ride the other 2 and really decide what fits you best. If it were me I'd hope that anniversary edition RK fit. Love those tins.

 

RKC, if the tensioners have been replaced.

 

The 96 is gone. Owner put it on consignment at a dealer so they'll probably try to sell it for $19,000.

 

Personally I think you should make this your primary focus and determining factor. If you want to be able to do a great deal of your own work, the EVO's are as simple & basic as an old Panhead, just more refined and perfected. A very basic, simplistic & extremely dependable bike that the average layman can mostly maintain for themselves.

The Twin Cams are a great bike, but much more complex (especially fuel & electrical systems) and would require me to see the service department much more frequent than I need to with an EVO. Other than HD's warranty service, my bike has only been to a shop twice in 15 years.

You'll just have to decide which is best for you. Good luck with your decision. And don't worry about missing out on that EVO, there's many more fantastic deals out there waiting to be had.

 

Being able to work on it is definately weighing heavily on what bike I get. I made my living as an auto mechanic (my first few years in the Air Force and before I came in) for a good number of years so I'm not afraid of the work. Bikes are going computer controlled/EFI/EPA just like cars did years ago. My first car was a 66 El Camino that I rebuilt the engine in when I was 16. In a new car you have to take 3 layers of wires and duct work off before you can even see the block.
If I had access to the correct scanners and computer tools it wouldn't be a big deal. I may still wind up with a newer one though. They have some nice features.

 

Like I said buy what you like. I searched for my evo for the same reason of wanting simplicity and no FI or stuff that would hinder my own maintenance, and they just sound better. But evos come up for sale just be patient and keep your eyes open if that's what you want. Even if you have to go a ways to find it. Ship it or better yet go get it and have an unforgettable first ride getting it home. Those aren't the only 3 bikes on the market right now.

 

I vote evo, same reasons listed above...why I got one.

Now I do like a rk but I'd have to go pretty new for the new frame and then the $2000 drop seat kit

 

Understand. I'm trying to stay local. My wife is going through treatment for breast cancer right now so a road trip isn't in the cards. I could get one shipped in I guess. I'm nervous about buying a bike I haven't actually seen though.

 

Ask forum members for whatever area to check it out, that are local. Honestly I think if not local just look (harley's website let's you search used bikes at all dealers and some are very fairly priced and can ship for you (I hear Chicago HD has cheap used bikes and shipping)). Or if you find one on classifieds here, CL, cycletrader, etc that really interests you call and talk to the owner get all the details, close up pics emailed/text. If thru that it's really what you want then ask them to take to an Indy or dealership local to them. Call where they will be looking it over and let them know you just want a run thru that your buying out of town and want an independent 3rd party assessment. It'll cost ya a few bucks but should give you peace of mind. Also they can arrange shipping. You can talk most down to cover what you spend on inspection and shipping from private sellers, they're usually selling cause they have too and ask way more than they need knowing people are gonna haggle. Otherwise no trouble in waiting for something local. A couple hundred miles is nothing if serious about buying when you get there if everything is as discussed. Think of it as a day at work. Anyway best wishes in your hunt and thoughts and prayers to you and your wife as she goes thru treatment.

 

FWIW, I looked local for several weeks at both the Heritage Classic and the Road King Classic and wasn't finding the right deal for me although I did find a lot of good deals. I ended up expanding my search a bit and finally did find the right deal 213 miles away for my 93 Heritage. It was an interesting trip but well worth it in my opinion. Haven't had it very long but so far I have been very happy with it. Right now it has about as many miles as the RK above and I put a nice chunk of those on myself. Starts every time, doesn't leak a drop, and has plenty of power to take me, a passenger, and a bunch of camping gear anywhere I want to go. Oh, I'm getting between 45 and 48 MPG too which seems pretty good to me. I actually have to think up reasons to wrench on it. All should be good bikes but based on what you have said I would keep looking for another EVO. (Been watching the market myself for another one to get my wife after she takes the safety class)