97 vs 03
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I'll second what Ultra89Rider said, but I wouldn't discount the '97 Evo too much. The Evo is a nearly bullet-proof engine with an equally solid transmission, and with good maintenance you should be able to go another 100k or more on the bike without major work on the drivetrain, except clutch disks and maybe a seal or two. Evos had one weakness and that was base gaskets. If this bike doesn't leak around the base gaskets and you warm the bike up carefully each time you ride it, the gaskets may last forever. On my '96 the originals were on the bike at 120k miles and they never leaked. The CV carb is also bullet-proof, at least the two I've owned were.
All that said, unless money is a huge factor I would look into an '07 or later touring bike, preferably an '09 or newer with the new frame. I had a '96 RK and loved it more than any vehicle I've owned before it, but this '07 SG is a better bike, the engine has a much more usable power range, and it is more pleasurable to ride. I wouldn't go back.
All that said, unless money is a huge factor I would look into an '07 or later touring bike, preferably an '09 or newer with the new frame. I had a '96 RK and loved it more than any vehicle I've owned before it, but this '07 SG is a better bike, the engine has a much more usable power range, and it is more pleasurable to ride. I wouldn't go back.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
Lemme get this straight. You sometimes had to tell your dealers mechanic how to work on another customers EVO because he couldn't figure it out himself? And you were refused service at another dealership because your bike was an EVO? Really?? That is some lousy service.
They knew that I had rebuilt EVO motors. I had taken assemblies in to the dealer because they had the tools to perform the service. They had the Technician that was experienced in older motors leave and they had not found one to replace him. I was asked for advice on a problem they had that I had had and repaired.
As for Dealers that will not work on EVOs or any older model, there are others here in this thread that have experienced this too.
I had three EVO models. There is nothing wrong with the EVO. It is just that it is no longer in production (except for after market) by the OEM for use in any currently sold model. A new rider that is not experienced in the maintenance of the motor should not start with an EVO or Shovel motor. In my own opinion, the last years of the Shovelhead motor is a better motor than the EVO. The are basically the same motor. Just the top end is different and easier to work on.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Thanks for all of the good advice. I was away for a bit and this thread really took off. I have been riding any and every bike I can. Not only Harleys, but the whole gamut of touring style bikes. I like to think that I am mechanically inclined. I have a passion for rebuilding and chopping 70's Honda 750's so carbs dont scare me. I am still up in the air. My plan at this point is to keep riding my WG until I fall in love with something else. I wrench on everything I own, so maybe an older bike would be better for me. Thanks for all of the advice and listing the upgrades through the years.
Sweet ride, still wish I had it.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
I build and rode a hardtail cb750 back in the late 70's. Rode that bike all over Wa, Id, Mt and Or. 12-over springer front, no windshield, no front brakes, and a very primitive 4-2 exhaust. Almost always had a pretty girl perched on the back, too.
Sweet ride, still wish I had it.
Sweet ride, still wish I had it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
Honestly speaking I own both a 02 Wide Glide and an 89 flhtp and they are two totally differnt animals, the EVO stands alone. You can't beat an EVO.
By the way forget about the honda's , you'll always regret it.
By the way forget about the honda's , you'll always regret it.
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