The newer the better. Just ride.
Harley Road King
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
Some good arguments on both sides. If you list how much $ you could get each for, you might get more accurate feedback.
Some real gearhead customizer types would really want the carbed '97 Evo. You sound kinda like that type. I guess self-assessment is part of the decision.
FWIW, I have a 2000 RK with a carb. I like having the carb, but it has low miles and looks good to me, so I also like not having to do a lot to it because I am not a true gearhead/customizer type.
Some real gearhead customizer types would really want the carbed '97 Evo. You sound kinda like that type. I guess self-assessment is part of the decision.
FWIW, I have a 2000 RK with a carb. I like having the carb, but it has low miles and looks good to me, so I also like not having to do a lot to it because I am not a true gearhead/customizer type.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo
If you do not like the color of the 2010 I would look for a different one. It cannot be too hard to find the colore you want.
The 03 shouldn't be bad, I have never rode one personaly but the idea of being able to modify it more heavily is a plus. It depends on how much you want to modify. I have ridden a 09 and like it very much. Also ABS is a good thing IMO
Find a newer one in the color you want, they are out there, you just gotta find it.
The 03 shouldn't be bad, I have never rode one personaly but the idea of being able to modify it more heavily is a plus. It depends on how much you want to modify. I have ridden a 09 and like it very much. Also ABS is a good thing IMO
Find a newer one in the color you want, they are out there, you just gotta find it.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 545
Likes: 5
From: California
If you only rode for fun I would go for the old school bike. Tear it down. Take your time and play with the build. In 6 months to a year have built your custom rod as you like it. Paint and all.
But, as a commute vehicle? I would think reliability is a key. I rode a bike for commutting at one point. And, just like driving a cager, the last thing you want is to be standing on the side of the road, in the rain, trying to figure out what is wrong w/ your ride. Having to tell the boss that your ride let you down again. And that you, therefore, were not upholding your end of the employment bargain.
If it is a toy....well that is one thing. A commuter.... that is something else.
A 15 year old cager or bike is a 15 year old machine.
I have a '11 RKC. The TBW is just like having cables. The same response. The same feel. EFI is, and will only become more reliable as technology improves.
IMHO, Go for the '10.
But, as a commute vehicle? I would think reliability is a key. I rode a bike for commutting at one point. And, just like driving a cager, the last thing you want is to be standing on the side of the road, in the rain, trying to figure out what is wrong w/ your ride. Having to tell the boss that your ride let you down again. And that you, therefore, were not upholding your end of the employment bargain.
If it is a toy....well that is one thing. A commuter.... that is something else.
A 15 year old cager or bike is a 15 year old machine.
I have a '11 RKC. The TBW is just like having cables. The same response. The same feel. EFI is, and will only become more reliable as technology improves.
IMHO, Go for the '10.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Road King
Thanks guys...its great to be able to get all the opinions here. Seems like most people favor the newer models. Just wondering if there is anyone here who have rebuilt a Evo model and uses it to commute? Im not from the US; the rough cost of rebuilding the 97 Evo is comes up to about 2/3 the price of the 2010 model. For that price, i get rebuilt engine, new carbs, cables, paint job, new wheels, luggage...to name a few.
Yes the Evo will be in old age in a couple of years. The 2010 model is still new and good. But as the mileage starts to build up, its seems much pricier n difficult to repair (from what i heard) compared to the Evo. Im waiting n in no rush to make a decision yet. So just eager to hear more opinions before i make a decision.
Appreciate all your feedback here!
Yes the Evo will be in old age in a couple of years. The 2010 model is still new and good. But as the mileage starts to build up, its seems much pricier n difficult to repair (from what i heard) compared to the Evo. Im waiting n in no rush to make a decision yet. So just eager to hear more opinions before i make a decision.
Appreciate all your feedback here!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 545
Likes: 5
From: California
Thanks guys...its great to be able to get all the opinions here. Seems like most people favor the newer models. Just wondering if there is anyone here who have rebuilt a Evo model and uses it to commute? Im not from the US; the rough cost of rebuilding the 97 Evo is comes up to about 2/3 the price of the 2010 model. For that price, i get rebuilt engine, new carbs, cables, paint job, new wheels, luggage...to name a few.
Yes the Evo will be in old age in a couple of years. The 2010 model is still new and good. But as the mileage starts to build up, its seems much pricier n difficult to repair (from what i heard) compared to the Evo. Im waiting n in no rush to make a decision yet. So just eager to hear more opinions before i make a decision.
Appreciate all your feedback here!
Yes the Evo will be in old age in a couple of years. The 2010 model is still new and good. But as the mileage starts to build up, its seems much pricier n difficult to repair (from what i heard) compared to the Evo. Im waiting n in no rush to make a decision yet. So just eager to hear more opinions before i make a decision.
Appreciate all your feedback here!
Parts you buy, work you have others do... all of it. So when you go to sell you can prove what was done. And the mileage when you did things. I have an aunt w/ a 94(?) Heritage for sale. The man she got it from made some claims as to what was done. But for her to try to sell it, now, w/out proof of the work she might as well just not mention it. Everyone wants to know specifically what was done. When it was done (Date and mileage). Who did the work. And more. And they want some sort of proof. Before and after photos are good, too.
And, there will come times when you will want to know specifics that will slip from memory.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
If it was my choice- 2010. New frame improvements over the 2007. I think gearing was revamped. -
Enjoy whatever you decide on.
Note: I had experienced the throttle lag prior to my dyno tune at 1000 miles. After the tune, no more throttle lag at all. Runs really
well.
Enjoy whatever you decide on.
Note: I had experienced the throttle lag prior to my dyno tune at 1000 miles. After the tune, no more throttle lag at all. Runs really
well.
Last edited by mgmmgm; Feb 2, 2012 at 11:29 AM. Reason: added throttle lag note
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
Above all else, I like 6 gallons of gas, regardless of use, commuting, touring or just riding.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
The 2010 is a great bike but I wouldn't trade my 2002 on one just because of all the 'new' stuff on it. Mine has the Delphi FI and has been as dependable as any bike I've ever owned. If the '03 doesn't have a lot of miles on it and the price is right...nothing saying you won't get a super bike! PS: Be sure the cam chain tensioners have been checked/replaced as part of the deal.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Harley Road King
Thanks guys...
Seems like opinion is split right in the middle depending on which crowd u speak to. Over here, most people favour the new models. Hv spoken to mechanics, read other forums, talked to the dealer n former owners n opinions are varied. Not going to rush this n will take my time to find out to find a match between expectations n budget. Appreciate all your replies! Cheers..
Seems like opinion is split right in the middle depending on which crowd u speak to. Over here, most people favour the new models. Hv spoken to mechanics, read other forums, talked to the dealer n former owners n opinions are varied. Not going to rush this n will take my time to find out to find a match between expectations n budget. Appreciate all your replies! Cheers..