iron head vs EVO
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 297
Likes: 19
From: Central CA
iron head vs EVO
Planning on building a custom XL for my grandson.
Either a 1980 1000cc iron head or 1994-1999 EVO.
Discovered the 1000cc IH engine weight is 7 lbs > EVO 1200.
, if that makes any difference.
The trans shifter mechanism on the 5 speed EVO appears to be superior to the compression spring loaded IH 4 speed.
What are the pros & cons between the two configurations?
Cycle trader shows only a hand full of IH in the entire country, while sixty five, 94-99 , 883/1200 in the entire county
This question must have been ask many times in the past.
Either a 1980 1000cc iron head or 1994-1999 EVO.
Discovered the 1000cc IH engine weight is 7 lbs > EVO 1200.
, if that makes any difference.
The trans shifter mechanism on the 5 speed EVO appears to be superior to the compression spring loaded IH 4 speed.
What are the pros & cons between the two configurations?
Cycle trader shows only a hand full of IH in the entire country, while sixty five, 94-99 , 883/1200 in the entire county
This question must have been ask many times in the past.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 4
From: Ohio
I don't know much about iron heads. I've seen several people cut off the transmissions, and use the motor like you would a big twin. google shortster chopper for more info on that. I think it would be difficult to get some parts for Iron heads, as the MOCO is not supporting anything over ten years old. I'm not sure about the wiring or ignitions, it might be possible to ditch the battery on an iron head entirely. EVO sportsters are a great platform. wiring is minimal, electronic ignitions, Trans are solid and you can convert them to chain drive fairly easily. Parts are plentiful, although again through after market or old new stock as the MOCO will not support them either. You could google power outputs but I'll bet they are fairly close to the same with either configuration. I personally would stick with an EVO. not sure that helps.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Ironheads are a lot more work all the way through. If your grandson is not a mechanic, and you don't want to be his, I'd opt for the Evo any day.
It's also much easier and cheaper to find an Evo that is good to go. It's a rare day to find an ironhead that's not expensive that you can just hop on and ride. They've all been beat to **** by handfuls of owners.
Evo is a nicer daily driver.
Ironhead has more character.
Parts availability is about the same, although finding a mechanic versed in Ironhead is a lot harder. Dealerships will still work on an Evo because it's still in production.
It's also much easier and cheaper to find an Evo that is good to go. It's a rare day to find an ironhead that's not expensive that you can just hop on and ride. They've all been beat to **** by handfuls of owners.
Evo is a nicer daily driver.
Ironhead has more character.
Parts availability is about the same, although finding a mechanic versed in Ironhead is a lot harder. Dealerships will still work on an Evo because it's still in production.
Last edited by Scuba10jdl; Apr 5, 2017 at 11:59 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,576
Likes: 7,953
From: Long Island, New York
Does he want to be as cool as possible, Ironhead all the way.
Does he want to ride the wheels off the bike, Evo it is.
IH's are getting expensive and they are finicky, even when they were new. Others will tell you how great they can be, but I can relate to you my experiences, they can be a real b**ches, even after you throw money at them and do all the right things. Very challenging bikes, again my experience and sorry to all the IH lovers.
Now an Evo Sportster is the ultimate beat the heck out of it, put it away wet, abuse it like you stole it and she still will never let you down. You find one that was reasonably well taken care of for under $3k, and the thing will go for another 50k miles. Very well engineered machine that is very hard to kill, I have been trying to kill mine since I bought it new in 1991, still going strong, motor has never been apart, ever. The MoCo did good with those bikes. Look for one 1991 and newer, gets you a 5 speed and pony up for a 1200. 883 will leave you wanting for a 1200.
Good luck with your decision.
Does he want to ride the wheels off the bike, Evo it is.
IH's are getting expensive and they are finicky, even when they were new. Others will tell you how great they can be, but I can relate to you my experiences, they can be a real b**ches, even after you throw money at them and do all the right things. Very challenging bikes, again my experience and sorry to all the IH lovers.
Now an Evo Sportster is the ultimate beat the heck out of it, put it away wet, abuse it like you stole it and she still will never let you down. You find one that was reasonably well taken care of for under $3k, and the thing will go for another 50k miles. Very well engineered machine that is very hard to kill, I have been trying to kill mine since I bought it new in 1991, still going strong, motor has never been apart, ever. The MoCo did good with those bikes. Look for one 1991 and newer, gets you a 5 speed and pony up for a 1200. 883 will leave you wanting for a 1200.
Good luck with your decision.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 297
Likes: 19
From: Central CA
Thanks for all the responses.
The Evo appears to be the more economical choice compared to the iron head.
Grandson probably does not have any association with vintage iron head XLs
prefer the 93/99 era because of 5 speed and rebuildable crankshaft/flywheel assembly compared to 2000XL & up
1980 IH located(basket case)only has frame w/o rear fork, matching engine case with sound rod clearance & only main trans shaft and trap door plate, no counter shaft or shifter assembly, no primary, no gear cover, no primary cover
have a 71-76 IH gear cover but does not fit 80 case
already have most of the other parts
The Evo appears to be the more economical choice compared to the iron head.
Grandson probably does not have any association with vintage iron head XLs
prefer the 93/99 era because of 5 speed and rebuildable crankshaft/flywheel assembly compared to 2000XL & up
1980 IH located(basket case)only has frame w/o rear fork, matching engine case with sound rod clearance & only main trans shaft and trap door plate, no counter shaft or shifter assembly, no primary, no gear cover, no primary cover
have a 71-76 IH gear cover but does not fit 80 case
already have most of the other parts
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 791
From: Heart of Dixie
As a long-time Ironhead rider, I'd advise prospective owners to only buy one that is largely stock, running and rideable, and appears to have been taken care of. That said, the EVO would probably be the better overall choice anyway, but comparing it to part of an Ironhead in boxes, it's the clear winner...ha ha
The '79-'81 Ironheads would be my last choice, anyway (unless I was building a tracker or cafe racer). They lack the good looks of the '78 and earlier models, and lack the early EVO body parts interchangeability of the '82-'85 models.
The '79-'81 Ironheads would be my last choice, anyway (unless I was building a tracker or cafe racer). They lack the good looks of the '78 and earlier models, and lack the early EVO body parts interchangeability of the '82-'85 models.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 300
Likes: 180
From: Sacramento, CA
I have had my 1962 Ironhead for 17 years. I love it, but I know how to work on it and it's not my primary daily rider.
When it came time for my daughter to get her bike, I steered her away from the Ironheads, not because I don't love them, but I knew that she needed a daily rider as her ONLY transportation.
She has 1998 Sporty. She loves it. She can, and does, work on it herself, but it's no where near as much work as it takes to keep Old Iron running.
I see from your last post that you are leaning away from the 80 Ironhead, I would as well. There doesn't seem to be enough of it there unless your grandson loves to wrench.
When it came time for my daughter to get her bike, I steered her away from the Ironheads, not because I don't love them, but I knew that she needed a daily rider as her ONLY transportation.
She has 1998 Sporty. She loves it. She can, and does, work on it herself, but it's no where near as much work as it takes to keep Old Iron running.
I see from your last post that you are leaning away from the 80 Ironhead, I would as well. There doesn't seem to be enough of it there unless your grandson loves to wrench.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 439
From: va
I've always said --there's no head like a Ironhead . but the 883 has proof of being one of the best H-D has ever made
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
