Best Harley Engine Ever Made (Arguably)
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- Опубліковано 26 тра 2022
- The best Harley engine ever made is something we continue to take new engines and convert parts back to the way things used to be. A new Harley-Davidson motorcycle has some high up front cost and then we take that new Harley engine and start converting everything back to what the Evolution engine already had from the factory. The Harley Evolution engine is rock solid and reliable. It's no wonder we take the newer Harley engines and convert them backwards to be more like the good old Evolution engine. Fuel injection fails, convert back to the carburetor. Cams are chain driven, we install gear drives. New Harley engines have roller bearing bottom ends, we install Timken bearing conversions. It's hard to argue the Evolution engine wasn't the best Harley engine ever made.
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You're right and here's why. The Evo was basically the 1936 Knucklehead engine incrementally improved over time through generations of the Panhead and Shovehead engines. There were no radical changes made and the basic platform remained exactly the same. They merely updated and improved what they already had, or "stuck to their knitting" as Willie G.'s old man once said.
The irony of the Evo is that it was only meant to be a stopgap model until the water-cooled NOVA was ready. But the Evo turned out to be so good that it went on to fame and glory, while the Nova was deep-sixed. When they got to the Twin Cam the engineers thought they could do better than old Bill Harley. They were wrong. That's why the future of Harley-Davidson in the hands of these new-age, woke thinkers looks so bleak.
I honestly don't know what to say. You've put it better than l or anyone else has, l've felt that for a long time. Government is running the air cooled twin out. They tried to get ahead of it but took riding that pony till it was beating a dead horse. Can't blame them, but buy these "dinosaurs" while you can!
The 'Trouble head' was never an improvement...it was an absolute disaster that almost killed the company...I had one once, NEVER will I ever have another one, unless I need a boat anchor...I actually like my twin cam, even with the stupid chain tensioners, which I will eventually get rid of when I can afford to upgrade to a gear setup...best sounding engine they've ever made in my opinion...
@@Road_Rash
Were your problems with the "Troublehead" (Shovelhead) due to the engine design or poor AMF quality control? Early AMF/HD had a reputation for turning out junk. The Shovelhead valve covers tended to leak less than the Panhead and the top end ran somewhat cooler too. The big improvement in the Shovelhead was dropping the generator for the alternator and eliminating all those crankcase gears. I would argue that was an improvement. However, I never liked the big heavy cast aluminum primary cover that came with it. The older tin primary looked a lot better.
The Evo wasn't developed until after the Nova project was scrapped, it was nixed when AMF got a new CEO in 79 and saw in the books that large checks were being written to Porsche, when he found out what it was about he put an end to it, the only work that went on with it afterwards was what they had that was already paid for but as of 79 it was never going to be produced.
The EVO basically came from the ashes of the Nova project.
@@browngreen933
That's right, every step after the Knucklehead was an improvement, the Shovel is no exception to that, after 34 years of working on Harley's primarily building engines I can tell you that most people's opinions on the different engines are based on what comes off of barstools and not from actual experience with them.
Among the improvements that came with the Shovel was a much better intake tract and valves, in a Pan the intake and exhaust valve's are the same size, that's ridiculous to anyone who knows the mathematics and physics of engines, and the improvements that AMF made to the Shovel is switching from a 30 to 40% balance factor in the bottom end and greatly improving the timing of the breather system, in 1972 Harley, under AMF's management, took great steps to accurately locate the window in the bottom end casting for the rotary breather valve, they also made it a square shape to match the square window in the rotary valve, prior to that it was an oval shape that floated all over the place from one casting to the next.
Also one of the greatest improvements to any pre Evo engine was done during the late Shovel era where once again under AMF's management the R&D work was done to fit valve stem seals to Shovel engine's in mid 81, this did more to add life to the engine's than any single thing done to the big twin before that, it not only took the valve's and guides from having to be replaced every 16,000 to 20,000 miles to 50,000 to 60,000 miles but it also kept contamination from the exhaust port from getting past the valve stem and guide and into the rocker boxes resulting in oil turning black in 500 miles, not only do the seals naturally seal that area and prevent that from happening but also because contamination can't get in between the valve and stem in the first place causing a valve to hang up the minimum clearance was dropped in half starting in mid 81 when seals were installed, the minimum clearance for the pre valve stem seal engine's is already half way worn out compared to the minimum clearance for the engine's with seals, look at a big twin service manual for 78 to 84 and you'll see what I mean, in mid 81 for the Shovel the spec for the minimum clearance is half of what early 81 and earlier is, that resulted in valve's and guides that lasted a tremendous amount longer and engine oil that took 3 times as long to turn black.
Just as Shovels have an undeserved reputation for being junk Evo's have an undeserved reputation for being bullet proof, I can honestly say I've seen more case failures on stock Evo motors than I have on Shovels, the 2 big issues with them being the 88 to 92 castings, whether it was the foundry that Harley farmed their casting work to in those days or the supplier that the foundry got their aluminum from but it was substandard, one of them screwed Harley, 88 to 92 bottom end castings were notorious for pulling the cylinder stud threads out of the castings and Heli coils wouldn't fix it, they'd just rip out to, too many times I had to call the owners of bikes and break the bad news to them that they needed to buy new engine cases.
Another notoriously bad thing on early Evo's was 84 to 87 cases that split between the 90° angle where the vertical and horizontal machined surfaces for the rear motor mount meet and one of the holes for the case through bolt right by it, if you disassemble a set of those cases and look there's a thin area between the machine work for the motor mount and the nearby through bolt hole where the case halves mate, from 84 to 87 Harley cut that machined surface with a sharp 90° angle right there and they liked to split to that hole, in 88 they started cutting it with a slight 45° bevel where the vertical and horizontal surfaces meet eliminating the sharp corner there and solving the problem, like the 88 to 92 issue I've had to call too many 84 to 87 owners and break the bad news to them that they need new cases.
Both of those situations had owners looking at me and saying "I thought these Evo's were supposed to be bullet proof", the mid 92 and up Evo's with the improved oiling system and after the engine case issues were sorted out are the best one's, before that it's a crap shoot.
Twin Cam cases were designed to address all the shortcomings of the Evo, along with them being MUCH stronger than Evo's they sorted out problems like the top end oil draining into the flywheel cavity.
Evo cases especially the 84 to 92 cases are nothing more than alternator case Shovel cases with the cylinder stud holes drilled in a slightly different location, aside from that they're exactly the same as Shovels and therefore no better despite what you'll hear coming from a bar stool.
Everyone thinks that the aluminum cylinder of the Evo is what makes their top ends last so much longer, it does help but the biggest improvement in the Evo top end was the valve guides being made much longer, there's more bearing surface between the valve stem and the guide resulting in them lasting much longer, the shorter valve guides of the previous big twin motors were their true weak link.
I'm keeping my 1998 electra glide for ever. 93000 miles and going strong 🏍
Amen bro. Keeping my 96’ till they’re shoveling dirt over me.
I still say those mid to late 90's Evo bikes were just about perfect, you get an INA cam bearing in there and you're set!
1987 FXR mine ma b 200,000 n still going strong unbelieverable.
I just bought one but feel like I made the right choice. My first ever Harley and it has 35,000 miles
Went to an estate sale last year, found 3 harleys in the garage. 2 were Dyna and one was a Heritage softail. All were later 90s. I like spokes and bags so I purchased the heritage softail. Loaded it up and drove home. Started cleaning the dirt and cigarette smoke off of it. While wiping it down I started to be suspicious of something being wrong. The cycle looked way to clean to be a 1998. The leather bags looked new, the frame didn't have a scratch, the chrome was show room mirror condition. I looked under the fenders and the paint was factory fresh, the build date stickers were still stuck under fenders and gas tanks. I really was getting excited about my first Harley. Been collecting British and Japanese for years but couldn't afford a Harley. Went out and got a battery to see if it would turn on. When I turned the switch on the led display told me there was only 187 miles on it. I was blown away and excited as heck. I cleaned the gas tanks changed all oils and after that it started right up like it was on a showroom floor. Changed the idle and main jetting so it wasn't so lean and have put 800 break-in miles on it so far. Never in my life have I come across such a good deal. The old man that owned and stored it was leading me to his house the day I bought it. I thank him and the man up stairs for giving me the opportunity make sure the cycle stay stock and intact for the rest of my life. Visit my channel and see the bike idle. I will post better videos as soon as I get it out.
That's incredible, it's just amazing to find something like that! That's like the odds of hitting the lottery to find a bike like that!
@@GixxerFoo I love that thing! My Hondas,Triumph, BSA have been getting a break from weekend rides.
Wow. That bike will last 3 lifetimes if taken care of. I bought my 94 H Softail and still love that bike. We've been everywhere. Enjoy.
So what year is it? A 98?
@@headreddedstepchild6177 yep!
The only channel that is honest and talk real facts.
I've owned 2 Shovels and 2 Evo's. Love em all but if I had to pick one to get me somewhere, or as the last bike I could ever own, it would be the Evo. They are reliable as a 292 "Stovebolt" I-6 Chevrolet. A mildly tuned Evo with a few aftermarket goodies from S&S, JIMS, ANDREWS, etc and some shop love all winter long gives you a 75-80 HP engine that will run thousands of trouble free miles for years.
Cheers.
That's exactly what I love about the Evo, you can't let the torque and horsepower numbers fool you either. The Evo just has a way of putting that power to the ground that you'd have to ride one to understand.
I have a 1994 ultra classic and I love doing the winter work on her (helps keep sane and out of trouble). Obviously she will never be a rocket bike and I don't want it to be. All I have done is install an EV-27 cam, new lifters and adjustable push rods, a new breather gear (metal) , rebuilt the oil pump, and installed a baker 6 speed kit. Other than that nothing major. All done with limited tools I have. Best bike I ever owned!! Thanks for the video.
Couldn’t agree with you more! The 350 small block of Harley Davidson
That's a good way to put it! Those Evos are virtually indestructable!
Your right, not as good as any of the others, and leaks oil like a sive. Honda 1300VTX dominates this train wreck with basically a bullet proof engine
@@williamdawson3792 welll, I'll have to say there ain't none of um that's as great as the original Valkyrie. Now that's a real winner. Waaay better than the 2 twin cam's I've owned. Oh well. Just try to have fun with what ya got and steer clear of the crazy distracted insane angry cagers. Live to ride and absolutely ride to live. Be safe, have fun, and ride it like you stole it.
I'm pushing 100K on my '98 FLHT standard that I bought new, I had the heads ported and shaved and a upgraded ignition and mild cam at 40K. Still have the original CV carb and it runs and runs and runs.......
It has never let me down and 49mpg all day long.
That's awesome! It really doesn't take much to get a nice bump on the Evo and still keep it reliable!
I have ridden Harleys since I was 14 and bought a 1942 "45" flat head in 1955. Most people do not buy Harleys to be a rocket ship. I am 81 years old and ride a 99 Softail Custom. It has all the zip I need even with drag pipes. Of course, it only takes about 10 minutes to change carb jets when you change exhaust. You do not even have to remove the carburetor.
My evo is completely stock except for the intake K&N air filter and the open drag pipes. Oh yeah, I did replace the cheapo inner cam shaft bearing at about 23,000, just for peace of mind. Otherwise, no problems. Did that in a day on my garage floor.
I rode an Iron head Sportster before the EVO, for 23 years. When the ignition module quit, I changed it to points and condenser. Replaced the censor with the breaker plate, changed the coil, and plugs. Then I could fix it.
Electronic stuff is great when it is working, but the only way to fix what does not work is to replace the whole thing.
The EVO is just basic Harley engine with no frills. But it runs great and is reliable as a the aircraft radials which it is a 2 cylinder radial in effect. Simplicity of the EVO is its strong point.
Of course, all of this is just my opinion. Everyone has one.
Shovel was easier to work on than the EVO. I’ve replaced head gasket in hotel parking lot using just tools I had in the Saddlebags. 🏍💨🏍💨
The shovels are truly Jewels, but the Owner/Rider should be a good wrench and appreciate it!
That was the best part of the Shovel head, they looser tolerances which made them a breeze to work on. That was truly an engine you rebuild on cardboard in a barn with a dirt floor. Those engines just didn't care as long as you put everything back where it goes lol.
A few wrenches and a hammer
First thing I did to my twin cam was to convert it over to gear drive EVO all day every day ✌️
Gear drive makes a huge difference in nailing the timing down too!
but im wondering how much damaged can the gear drive do to the surrounding components over time considering, it puts pressure to other parts that im not sure about, unlike chain drive which puts the pressure on the tensioner. or would gear drive last as long if i dont ride it hard or stunt?
@@Cheaps928 not only that but you need to convert to a welded crank and tighten up the bottom end to get a gear drive to live on a twin cam. Or
You can leave it chain drive and get 60,000 miles with no issues before replacing tensioner pads
@@johnbrowning1232 yea i think a smart way is to run chain drive until your motor needs to be rebuilt, then i'd go gear drive
Last weekend I went to Germany's Mosel area and chased BMW GS's 4 days all day long with my 1996 carburated Roadking. I didn't spare the engine to keep up with them, also ran 80 mph for hours on the autobahn to get the there. I had it for just a year, and serviced it myself, so it therefore was exiting and at the same time also a good test. Went through some heavy rain showers. Had no problems, it held perfectly. Gas usage: 20,3 km with one liter on the autobahn, and 17,8 km during twisty's/hairpins/villages. Very happy with that.
That had to be a once in a lifetime experience to run an Evo down the Autobahn!
The Evo is the reason that Sportster sounds better than your TC or M8. Not a Sportster guy, but definitely get a little envious when I hear a healthy Sportster ride by. I can't be the only one who notices this.
I had a '98 Springer Softail as my first Harley. I wished I kept it. Oh, by the way. The Evolution motor and the Softail chassis SAVED Harley-Davidson.
Those springers are awesome bikes, Crossbones was the last one they made. No doubt the Evo and Softail save the MoCo!
For sure, the Evo!!!
Just funny we always convert the new bikes back to what the Evo came with originally.
This past Nov. I found a 1997 Dyna Superglide with only 9700 miles completely stock. All I have done is put a S&S carb on it because I had one, otherwise I would of left it alone. I love it. I also have a 1987 Electra Glide. That I have had for over 30 years.
Very nice! You found a gem right there with only 9700 miles! They are out there, you just gotta get lucky to find them! That's the best part of a owning a Harley is they are easy to keep for 30 years and you can still get parts!
I had an 84 1/2 evo FXRT that I bought new. I made 2 trips to California from Ohio and 1 trip to Colorado. The only issue I had was the stator crapped out when I was in Texas. It took out the starter and battery. HD of Dallas got me in and fixed the same day. Cost me nothing. I put over 100,000 miles on it and no problem other than that stator. I did have some oil seepage where you mentioned but was only enough to discolor the top of the case. S100 took that off. You’re correct, evo motor was the best.
That's what I love to hear about those Evos, you could go coast to coast on them without any worries. Getting a good dealer to help you out like that by dropping everything and taking care of you is awesome! That's getting harder to find these days.
Hey James Smith. Please contact me at 9494hundred6884. Thanks, Jimmy
The Evo was Harley's best engine in that people could work on it without any fancy expensive software. S&S made the Evo engine better by redesigning it and fixing its flaws: that engine is called the V-Series or Sidewinder or Super Sidewinder Engine. It's a beautiful engine. My S&S 100" V-series engine out accelerates a lot of twin cams, and it's simpler. No ECM, no injectors, no fuel pump... You can get a 124 CI V-Series engine or a 111 CI or even a 80 CI. These engines outperform and outlast Harley's Evo engines.
S&S did an awesome job with the Evo engines they built, I've heard a mixed bag on the luck people have had with them. But overall what I've seen has been pretty good with S&S.
@@GixxerFoo S&S know their stuff. Sure they build rad motors but they warn you, "hey this won't last long..." and I mean who is going to buy a non-rad custom motor..? Best thing is to order for your actual riding style not your dream riding style 😉
You don't need "expensive" software to work with a Power Commander or any one of another FI upgrade systems, it comes free with it, and something like a Power Commander not only costs about the same as a performance carb but the tuning is far more precise than any carburetor, most of those systems make 1,200 corrections a second, how many does your carburetor make?
And as far as software being "fancy" I just don't get that, what exactly is it that's supposed to be so much more difficult about plugging a laptop into something and pushing some buttons than dropping a fuel bowl on a hot engine, changing jets around, that's if you have the jets you need and don't have to drive somewhere and get them, and struggling with setting the timing through that little hole in the engine case that's on the opposite side of the engine from the timing plate you have to turn to move the timing?
I've been professionally working on Harley's since way before they had EFI systems on them and I'm here to tell you that EFI is much easier to master than carbs, and as far as performance goes EFI is a tuners dream, I can make the timing and the air/fuel mixture do anything I want it to do and far more precisely than can be done with a carb, I can make them do things that are impossible with a carb and a timing plate whether it has points or a electronic ignition on that plate, and without oil flying all over the place trying to set the timing or dealing with a clear plug that makes it hard to see the marks on the flywheel and getting gas all over the place changing jets, you just plug in an electrical cable, and push some buttons, I can be back from a test ride before someone else can even get their timing plug back in and their fuel bowl back on and clean up the mess they made doing it, better yet I can take that laptop with me and tune on the road instead of having to return to a shop every time I want the timing and air/fuel mixture changed, I just pull over somewhere, plug in the cable, push some buttons, jump right back on and keep test riding.
For the life of me I don't understand why people that can master a carburetor and the way the timing has to be worked with on the older setup think that learning how to work with an EFI system is so complex, they're easier, there really is less to have to learn.
Then you've got something like the Thundermax system that can do all that and you can do other things like recalibrate your speedometer after changing pully's or sprockets, just plug in the cable and push a few buttons and Presto!!! Your speedometer is correct again.
That's why more and more you find Harley mechanics that won't touch anything with a carburetor on it, once they learn EFI systems and how easy they are to work with they don't want to mess with the older stuff.
@@dukecraig2402 well done man!! You just inspired me to go EFI next time around. Really good article thank you so much. 👍🙏✌️
@@dukecraig2402 everything you said makes absolute sense.
I'm new to wrenching on Harleys but have been building V8 hotrods for 30yrs and have experienced the same shift in carb to EFI and the fear that it invokes. I think a lot of guys are intimidated by anything that involves an actual laptop/PC. They can navigate smartphones but that is the extent of a lot of people's internet/computer comfort zone.
They need to be brave and jump in feet 1st. It's not as hard as they have worked it up in their heads to be.
I ride a 1999 Evo that I love. I would have a new bike if my $ was unlimited but I choose to put my $ in other things because my 1999 FLSTC does what I need it to do and the new Harleys IMO don't do anything that earth shatteing to justify me getting rid of this old gal. I have decided to swap 6spd gears in the tranny, which will update the performance enough for my purposes.
My '96 Heritage will be my last bike as far as I'm concerned. She's all stock other than an S&S carb and the pipes. She still runs like a champ after all these years.♥🏆
How many miles do you have on her?
@@austinsmith7579 almost 100k
@@harleybill1306 wow that's great! Mine only has 21,000. I was contemplating a cam but worried doing it will shorten my Engine life.
Love my 96’ Heritage too. My best mechanical friend...lol I’m 62 and have owned 3 twin cams over the years, will always have my 96’ Evo.
@@austinsmith7579 at that low mileage, I wouldn't be afraid to put a mild cam in it. Besides, it'll give you a reason to take a look at things.
Yup. I agree 💯! Still have mine. Bought it new 30yrs ago. Never any problems.
My first Evo was in 1985 never any issues. Now I have my 2003 Electra glide classic anniversary. My first twin came so I had concerns so as you mentioned mine got the S&S gears adjustable push rods etc never any issues and more power 100% reliable
That's awesome, there's a lot of bad stories about Twin Cams out there but it's not every bike. For the most part Twin Cams are very reliable, you get one horror story and it spreads like wild fire.
the EVO era was when Harley was all about making the rider happy, now its all about making the bean counters happy.
As a former master technician from the 90's I agree ! 100% the EVO is a solid , reliable motor..I have always rode EVO's even to this day..
I've always said watch what the guys in service ride and that will tell you what you should get!
I just bought a 100% original ,94 Heritage Classic. 3,120 original miles. Changed the tires, the fluids, rejetted the carb and have put 1,500 miles on it the past 5 weeks. Runs like a charm. I had a 1998, same bike loved it bough spent a ton of money on that engine, had it 7 years, it got stolen. Bonus on this one, 1 of 178 paint job from the first year Harley Custom shop. Original owner didn’t know about this. I’ll never sell this one. And I’m not touching it, kind of cool to have one this old that is 100% like it came off the showroom floor. I agree with you on these engines. Sold a full custom 2009 FLHX to buy this one so that tells you something. Great videos by the way, making my way through all of them.
Without a doubt the evo was the BEST engine all aroumd!!!
There's nothing else that feels or puts the power down like an Evo!
Ive owned a Sportster, '65 XLCH, '67 Shovel, '51 Pan, '86 EVO and 4 TC's ,88" to 103" My Pan was my fav with the EVO a very close second!!
When I bought my 98 Evo, I traveled 1100 miles to get it. The next day I was at the DMV getting tags and a deputy asked me if I wanted to sell it with just 22 miles on it. He said his Dad had one and swore it was Harleys best motor ever made. He offered me $500 more than what I paid but I politely declined. I saw him again at a toy run in 2020 on a 97 Fat Boy. He bought it about a month after I bought mine. We ride all over the Northwest with our friends and all of us ride our Evo's proudly...
I love my 96 roadking Evo I bought from my friend last year. I recently updated it from the magneti marelli to carburetion and Altima ignition. I never owned an Evo. I've always been a panhead guy. Still am, but I'm loving this Evo.
Very nice! Getting the MM FI out was a good call! Evo's just take the feel of the Shovel and refine it with more reliability.
Just detailed and subsequently rode a friends early TC Roadking that had been converted back to a standard 40mm CV. I had ridden it previously before the conversion and it was a pig. Man what a difference from the useless FI.. Whoever decided on that needed sacking. Can't beat a well sorted CV Carb. Love the power of the TC on the Carb but I'll stick to my 93 FXDL.
@@GixxerFoo turns a pigs ear into a silk purse. Enjoyed the video mate.
Love my 95 springer! Stock 5700+ .only thing. Sweating by the oil pump . Not leaking ? Not sure how to fix it. Running like a champ. As far as the Evo goes The fuel injection can be fixed perfectly by a dealer that knows what they're doing I've seen it done. It's a pain so most places don't wanna deal with it. You can't charge a customer the time it takes. Some dealers really stand behind the customers but they're few and far in between.
It's really hard to find parts or even anyone that knows anything about the mag system these days. Most dealers won't touch those systems anymore.
Really enjoy your content man,you have a gift for communicating what can be very difficult info to sort out.
I appreciate that!
In all honesty Harley makes a motor the aftermarket makes it run reliably. It's a symbiotic relationship that seems to always have existed. Without the huge aftermarket support I think the brand would be in history books
You can get an aftermarket frame and tins, yeah pretty much anything aftermarket. You can build a Harley clone without one official Harley-Davidson part.
You can say the same regarding ANY domestic American car manufacturer. 🙄
Bought my first evo n 1988 from Molenar hd in Hammond Indiana.still rollin down the road.
That's awesome! Evo's are really a long term ownership bike for many reasons, they don't give you a lot of reasons to sell them!
I love my 96” TC Dyna but I can admit that the Evo is king… I miss my 99 softail custom and regret selling it every single day.
80ci & 80HP Pretty much the Reasonable performance & reliability limit for genuine HD EVO. And that’s enough for most folks. If you want more the aftermarket Evo can deliver 100+HP and reliably. So I generally agree.
Also I suppose if you need major work on your M8. It probably takes some specialty tools from Jim’s. My own experience was a full warranty stage 3 out the gate all genuine HD that made 116 HP. Good power without pushing anything too hard. So far 30k miles on my Sport Glide zero issues. No repairs whatsoever to date. For me the right aftermarket EVO could be really cool but it’s definitely easier to find an M8 that is also a powerful reliable and relatively simple engine.
You get a M8 done up like you've got and they are one hell of a motor, I think sometimes they get pushed pretty hard with what they are capable of. Evo always had a way of putting that power down that made it feel faster than what it really was.
I like the new Harley’s but I will keep my 01 fatboy and 03 roadking. I did the cam plate upgrade,509 cams,adjustable pushrods,lifters,2 into 1 exhaust,high flow air cleaner and tuners. Now I know what I have and don’t want to start all over with a new bike,I’m getting older and seem to ride less and less every year.
I like the new bikes myself but I just can't see spending that kind of money only to convert most of it back over to the old school designs. You've got your Twin Cams all setup right so I wouldn't be in a hurry to get on a M8 either!
I own three bikes. a 1988 FLHS, a 1989 FXSTS, and a 2021 FLHX. The Evos have soul, and I would never part with them. If I had to sell one, you know which one would go first. Thank you for this video..
You said it right there! Evo has a soul and personality, I like the new bikes but they just don't have the same feel.
Another great video buddy. Always great info. Enjoy the weekend
Thanks! You too! Be safe out there this weekend!
I have a couple of 02 gear driven wide glides and love them to death. S&S 509 and 570 cams, whole lot more goodies of course. You are 200% correct on the roller bearing set up that Harley switched to in 2003. Last year of the timkin bearing set up from Harley was 02 and I feel that they have gone down hill ever since. Only thing I would like is to be able to do is set my idle like an Evo, but I just don't trust the oiling system. A cammed Evo at 650 rpm just sounds bad ass.
That gear drive whine is one sweet sound but for sure on the FI twin cams you don't want your idle below 900. Sucks you can't idle them down like the good old days.
@@GixxerFoo I've actually taken the first one in because of that "whine" and got a "yup, that's what they do, sounds good"...lol. I can adjust the idle down because they are carbed but I have seen the oil light flicker around 800 rpm, sucks because it sounds great
I have an 02 Road King that I bought maybe 7 years ago , runs amazing, never a hiccup , my friend is an experienced Harley rider he told me bike has timkin bearings that’s the better engine …I had no idea I only rode metrics but I have a few bikes and the Road King has never let me down , runs perfect I just change the oil and filter ..
Well another great vid, thanks for posting it!
Thank you, I appreciate the support!
solid vid again, i have a buddy of mine who has a 98 dyna that had a evo in it but the cam bearings walked on it and replaced it with a revtech 100 ci which just happens to be a big evo... 180 km (112 thousand miles ) on it and its still running strong as ever... old Harleys never die.. they just go faster
That Revtech 100 has to be a blast to ride, those engines put down a lot of power! Those INA bearings that came stock were known for doing just exactly what happened.
98 flhr here evos rule about to change lifters she now has 37k but never had a problem love the bike keep preaching brother
Will do! Good time to get those changed before you start having an issue with the lifters, not a bad idea to get that cam bearing while you're in there too!
Thanks that was changed when ev27 was put in by previous owner
Great video, Years ago I had a similar problem with my 2001 Road Glide. I installed a progressive suspension touring link and solved the problem. Now I own a 2010 Road Glide and installed a alloy art frame stabilizer after putting 21 inch front rimand tire and solved the wobble.
Pretty new to Harley...love hearing about their older stuff!...great video!...thanks for sharing!...stay safe out there!!😎👍🤙👍🤙🇨🇦
Thanks, you too! The older bikes require a little work at first but they are super reliable after that, just keep up on the maintenance and good to go.
Great video, please keep em coming,,
Always enjoy the knowledge you share, with us!
Hope your weekend is going well! Long live the Evo!
I purchased and Evo Heritage new in 1994. I knocked out the plugs inside that stock slip-ons. It still gave it some back pressure but a great sound and better airflow. I added an S&S E carb and a 490 Crane cam. When I sold it for my 2010 Heritage twin cam upgrade, the 94 had 65, 000 miles on it. That engine NEVER gave me any problems. I am with you. The Evo engine is the best Harley-Davidson ever made. I now ride a 2021 Tri Glide.
I was working at an H-D dealership in Albuquerque and one of the mechanics convinced me of the superiority of the EVO
That's what a lot of mechanics ride, honestly best way to see what to ride or drive is look at what the guys in service roll.
And he I believe rightfully convinced me not to go above a 96 inch twin cam and honestly I'm very very happy with it
My sportster came out of the box with 70HP and it was a 1200. Love that bike for its pure simplicity and the advantage over my Victory is the carburetor adjustment and timing I can adjust for maximum performance with just a screwdriver and a timing light. The modern bike takes a Dino and a computer with any kind of upgrade and I can't do the adjustment with simple tools. Even the Harley guys made compliments when I took the bike in for tires and it was all stock and the tech was rolling the throttle and saying how smooth the engine sounded.
Sportster Evo is about the closest to perfect design ever put into a Harley, they are solid and dependable motors!
@@GixxerFoo I have a 2017 sportster 1200 and that comment you made about the fuel injection made me a bit nervous. Is there something problematic that I should be looking for in particular?
Not counting collector bikes that I would just ride on Sunny weekends, my favorite everyday riding Harley engine of all time is the Evo. Specifically the Sportster Evo. I would trust this over any other Harley engine to ride daily. My twin cam is nice but I'll be adding an Evo Sportster to the garage when I get a chance. I really miss my old 883 for everyday riding. My 883 could run on 87 octane, it got excellent miles per gallon when I toured it( yes I toured 27 states with it), the drive belt was easy to change, push rods were straight up and down, no wobbly cranks, came stock with gear-driven cams, oil pump is easily accessible, less places to leak from the primary, easily accessible transmission gears on the Pre-04, simpler oil change than the big twin. I find it ironic that the best made Harley of all time is also the least respected.
Nicely said. Once the traditional Sportster is canceled for the new China engine, watch it suddenly become a very sought after model.
@@browngreen933 I'm hoping to grab one before it does.
@@jamessouthworth1699
Now you've got me wanting one too!
Bought myself a 98 Sportster S.... I just love it. Complete peace of mind in the engine department ✌️
I am huge Evo Sportster fan, that is a bullet proof motor and honestly it's about as close to perfect as you can get. I wish Harley would of used that same design and built a big inch version. S&S had that 100inch motor for a while but it was very expensive, didn't really put out the horsepower I would expected at around 100 but the torque was up over 100 which is a huge win on a Sportster.
Good presentation, and happy to see the growth of your channel.
Thank you! I appreciate the support!
180k on my 85 FXRS. DW
That's impressive mileage! Evo will for sure do it with ease if they are taken care of.
A friend bought a then-new '98 RK. And after doing the cam bearing with a mild cam and Jim's Powerglide lifter & block set, he put over 110K miles on the otherwise stock EVO with no part failure.
That's what is absolutely awesome about the Evo, he did everything you'd want to do to one and sounds like he took care of it to get to 110K!
There was an old Harley dealer in the Train club up in New York and he used to say that he sold Harley's when you couldn't give the bastards away.
94 RK love her just did a freshen up on her it runs like a top.....
That's awesome to hear!
I'll second that..my son and I both own Evo's..I have n 89 Ultra Classic Electra Glide n he Rides n 92 FLHS..easy to work on n a very solid mill!! Ride Safe 😊
Those bikes are solid and you basically add anything you want to do with them to update them!
The only thing different with the Evo and a "80cid" shovelhead is the heads they're both great motors
So true regarding EVO lifters had one go bad at 52K miles only 1,700miles after I bought it. Currently replacing starter at 71K. Good Video as always.
The Sportster Evo is the best Harley engine ever made. They're the only Harley engine you'll find en masse running around with over 100k on the engine with no rebuild or work of any kind. Also, it's just an updated and modernized Iron Head from 1957. They've had a LONG time to make it perfect.
The real Evo's in biger bikes are for sure the best big twin Harley has ever made. But I'll say it until the day I fucking die; if Harley just takes the Sportster Evo and makes it bigger so they can reasonably make it a 110+ci engine, and sell it in their big bikes, it'll be the best big twin ever built.
Edit: It also should be said that the Sporty Evo's have way more power potential than anything Harley has ever made. After all... how many dudes make 150-200hp Sportster's? A hell of a lot, because they handle it well and the architecture of the engine is perfect for power production.
I've had my 80in 22 years I love it 👌
I have the FI on my 1998 and its been working well.. with a PowerCommanderV.
93 FLHTP I just converted it to a Tour Glide fairing over the winter I love it it looks like a RG. Mines got an EV27 ..S&S lifters…S&S steel breather gear…S&S carb…changed out the bearing…Andrews push rods ….3 angle valve job and Thunderheader and for an 80” it pulls really well and in my opinion…it sounds better than my 83 Shovel
That's awesome! That's what I love about the Evo's is you can make them anything you want and getting a hot motor is way less expensive than the new bikes!
Love my '94 Wide Glide with the EVO. Really enjoyed the video...thanks!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Hang onto that Evo!
Another great vid Gixxerfoo, thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
had a 2006 gsxr liter bike, miss it, but too old now...love my harley
My evolution is the best one I’ve ever had! She’s the last one you can actually work on, as a garage mechanic. The new ones are dealership babies and you better be good, or bring it in for mechanics to work on. That means a lot more money!
The Evo is the last one you can use basic hand tools on, you get into the Twin Cam and M8 you'll need some specialty tools. There's not a rental program on those so you're stuck buying them which sucks if it's a one time job.
Have one twin cam one iron head sportster and two 1986 Evo's that I'll NEVER sell. One has 100,000 miles on it. Been the best mechanical friend I've ever had
That's awesome! You've got the garage with the best of everything in it!
It's only taken 40 plus years lol
I have a panhead in my garage, I've owned 3 evos, one twin cam, and now two m8s. The m8 is by far the best motor they have built.
That's awesome you own a panhead! Those are getting harder to find these days. M8 is a great motor, they put a lot of work into that engine. Like any new motor it's had its own set of issues but looks like they have it worked out now with the new oil pump.
@@GixxerFoo the panhead is definitely one of my favorite bikes just because of its history and old-school cool factor. It's currently in pieces waiting for me to find the time to put it back together. The M8 has become my daily rider and looks like the twin cam will be getting sold now. Love your videos keep up the good content!
I dont know boys I have a 1981 FXWG with S&S bottom end and 30 over shovel head barrels and mild cam and it is reliable and easy to maintain sounds amazing and looks great i bought an early evo but i don't know why but that shovel fills my heart.
Thanks, I got one. Never got rid of it!
I would hang onto that one for sure!
I was one of the very first buyers of the EVO MOTOR... It was a great move for HD reliability... BUT ... BUT ... The Electronics Ignition FRIED 3 times.. I put points in it! The CLUTCH FELL OUT OF the SLOTS ""TWICE"" The Valves always knocked and I just rolled with it! The Shovels and PANS were pure SHIT! I had 4 of them and they all were NIGHTMARES... The EVO was a dream Engine for me... I put 22,000 miles on it in the first years and a half.. It was in the shop but. .All and All a great motor
They had issues the first few years but like any Harley moto when they had if perfected they switched to new set of problem with the Twin Cam. Lol they had the Twin Cam 103HO about perfect and moved to the M8 with the oil sumping issues.
Love my Evo bike. I also recently sold. RK TC88 to buy a 2015 ultra limited with the 103 high output with liquid cooled heads. Essentially, what I've realised about Harley engine's, is that if you get the last varient its usually solid. TC88 had the better bearings originally but the tensioner issue etc by the time the 103 was finishing it's life, it was nearly perfect. M8 came out with transfer issues and sumping, with that oil pump issue, by the time we get to the last push of the M8 that will be an incredible motor too. Their incremental improvements over the years always add up.
That's very true, same goes with the Shovel and the Evo! I've said for a while now that late model 103 was just about perfect, now the 110 still had it's issues lifters with the 255 cam.
Made me feel good about my 2010 XL 1200 C - I think I will look into a carb conversion and a chain drive. - Love that Knuckle Head Garage sign - lol.
Thank you! Fuel injection on the Sportster is very reliable, that Delphi system is solid!
I owned a 1948 Panhead for about twenty years, an Evo Heritage, a Twin cam 88 Roadking, and my current ride a 2010 Electra Glide Limited with the 103. I liked the kick-starting, the sound and the feel of the Panhead. I really like the cruise control, stereo, 6-gallon gas tank, and the ABS brakes on the Electra Glide. What I didn't like about the Evo and the twin cam 88 was the 5-speed tranny, (they needed a sixth gear) and the loosey single piston brakes.
Appreciate your honesty
Just picked up a 97 FLH standard, EVO number 4 in my garage.
That's awesome! Sounds like you've got the dream garage! I'd rather have several Evo bikes over one brand new CVO.
I bought a 97 softail with just under 12k miles on it, screamin eagle slip ons an ev27 big sucker air cleaner. Now just a hair under 20k miles on year 2 and it’s never left me stranded, have had a few leaks but with it being 25 years old with probably factory gaskets I can’t really complain
I've got a twin cam A touring bike motor in a chopper,first thing I did was get rid of the computer,put a thunderheart stand alone ignition,new intake,making carb,runs like a dream,I had a sporty ,1994,1200,those sportys sound mean with straight pipes,I miss it but can't afford two bikes, I wish.
Very nice! Sounds like you've done everything right on there! Sportsters do sound damn good!
I have a 96 flstn and a 98 fxwdg . I just bought a 2016 flhtp . Runs good @5700 miles . We'll see how it goes.
Love me some Evo.
great vid buddy still up on 2 90 flhtc im 64 this is my newest bike ever started on a spotry in 82 got a 48 pan in 83
Thank you! Nothing wrong with them good old Evos!
U r so Right. Love them engines. 👍👍👍
There's a lot to love on Evo, those motors just run forever!
He knows what he’s talking about!
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Still riding my 83 Low Rider. Bought the granddaughter a brand new 2020 Evo Sporty. She rode it a few times and decided riding is not for her. So, I decided to keep it. Shovel/Evo all the way.
That's awesome! You don't see a lot of those around these days! Funny thing is you see a shovel head and they way they designed the new bikes you have look twice. They look like the new bikes unless you know what you're looking at.
I'd like to see you put out a list of all that's needed to upgrade my cams in a 103. This way I'll have more to go on as far as pricing and knowing what to look up. Other than that, I'm totally addicted to your channel. Lol
You're almost too informative on your topics. Haha taking notes and all that Jazz!
Shh! 2001/2006 Twin Cam Engines,Look at the “Complete Fueling Kit “ ( stay with the 1 pc push rods , yer gonna get new ug rocker box breathers w/kit, just block up the fuel tank..) Gear drive, Cam, Plate,Oil pump, and an S&S Headers with open flow cans, matched Cold air intake and Autotune Fuel mgmt system…. the cold idled settings can be tweakd to your preferences when completed. Damn near bulletproof< $3000.00 quality stuff ! Now then I would argue that the Balanced twin cam 103 ,,circa 2014 stock engine is close to this from Harley out of the crate , rev limiter sux, just kinda kept quiet… truly balanced and a dependable tc Hot Rod ! just a stg 1 ug intake/ exhaust an tuner yer done wit it…
Fuelmoto has some super high quality stuff, it ain't cheap but it's worth the money. Lol as you mentioned that price is with you doing the labor included.
I can do a video of some complete kits out there, you can go the kit route or there are some options to put these together with different brands.
I agree on the 80" EVO. Our 1990 Electra Glide was reliable and a great bike. Ironically, we didn't modify it at all. Just followed the service intervals per the owners manual. We bought it to just enjoy, and we did.
I still have a EVO pin I bought in 1992!
Right on! That is awesome!
Without the Evo, Harley would be gone and half-forgotten. I ride Japanese, Kawasaki and Suzuki mostly, but I've ridden a few Evo Harleys and was impressed. Love them for what they are, don't hate them for what they are not. Got my eye on a neighbor's Superglide(?) that doesn't seem to get ridden. Make a nice project bike, a mildly built touring machine.
@@flyingmerkel6 good way to look at things mate. All the best 👍.
Last Nov I bought my 1st Harley, its a 1995 Ultra Classic with 45k
That's awesome! You got a good reliable motor there, that kind of mileage is nothing on a Evo!
Thanks for the great video. I love your content and it’s making me think that I need an upgrade from my sportster to a bagger.
One piece is advice I have is to upgrade that mic. Looks like you have to almost shout to make your point lol. This is hard to understand even with nice headphones.
Thank you, I appreciate the tip! Sportsters are a lot of fun but baggers are hard to get off of with the bigger frame and the suspension travel.
I’m an M8 guy so I gotta disagree. I think whatever Harley engine you own is the best I would think:-)
Blockhead far as a big twin goes and the other Evo in Sportsters
Yes! Evo is really ever called by it's given name!
Best engine they ever made. As long as you don't mind bad castings and cracking cases, pulled cylinder base studs, base gasket leaks, unserviceable fuel injection, 40,000 mile lifter replacement and top end rebuilds, etc. Sorry, no sale. My vote goes to the Twin Cam. I've now put a combined 200,000 + miles on two examples, with the only issue having been the infamous rear cam bearing on my 2000 Road King. Replaced at about 40,000 miles, I put over 120,000 on that bike with nothing more than oil changes, brake pads, and tires. Its replacement, my 2013 Road King, is fast approaching that and has required nothing beyond the same routine maintenance.
I've owned and ridden a number of Harleys since 1976, including Shovels and Evos. I still own a 1976 XLCH I bought in 1979, which now has over 200,000 miles on it. Believe me, I'm no stranger to wrenching on these things, so I have to say, the ones that have required the least of that activity have been the Twinkies. Don't get me wrong, I loved (still love) Evo's, but for us high mileage riders, nothing beats the Twin Cam. The complexity of the Milwaukee Eight does scare do it yourselfers like me, so I will likely never go there, but the Twinkie is, to me, that magical "Goldilocks" machine. Just right... Modern longevity, easy enough to work on. Assuming I ever need to do that.
great content sir. thank you and I’m more than happy with my 05 R/K !!! Be safe. Later.
I appreciate the support! The Twin Cam got a lot of flak but honestly it's not a bad motor at all.
Best bike I ever had 1995 electra glide , sadly sold it a couple of years ago as I’m getting old and couldn’t move it around in my garage. I do regret getting rid of it though
Have a 91 flhs 63,000 miles bone stock, never a problem, plenty of power especially for a 63 old man , pretty much do my own maintenance n I agree best motor ever made by h-d its my lady n never would sell 😀 love watching ur videos.
Thank you, I appreciate it! Those Evos are a life time motor!
My 1990 FLT's had a lifter go bad at approx 54K miles. Don't wait too long like I did. :-)
Love mine. Plenty of power for how I ride. Easy to repair and maintain..no computer to take-over like maximum overdrive
I've often wondered if some day we'll be in a maximum overdrive situation lol. There's nothing like still being able to work on your own bike with basic tools!
@@GixxerFoo 1 good hacker is all it would take.. self driving cars and autonomous everything
Wow. The Evolution engine gets credit for the Tumken sprocket shaft bearing. I was under the impression that the technology " evolved" from 1955. Thanks for the lesson.
In all fairness it was updated quite a bit, the Evo did benefit from better machining practices and tighter tolerances.
The Timken bearing is the same part number back to 1970. The Timken was a production change in 1955. Yes, much better metallurgy, no doubt.
Naturally aspirated Evo Sportster is the best in my humble opinion for many reasons. The 1200s with dual spark plug heads, single fire ignition and 10:1 compression ratio being the King of Evo Sportster. But to each their own.
Thank you! 🙂
Any time!
My 96 Softail Custom Evo goes awesome. I've put an Ev27 cam with bigger jets in the carb, K n N air filter and after market slip-on pipes and it can sit on 80 MPH all day long, plenty fast enough for me. No bass gasket leaks because I always warm it up properly, but did have to replace the plastic breather gear because it broke a few teeth.
Warming those Evo's up goes a long way! EV27 is an awesome cam, that was one of the best Evo cams out there.
I just put the EV27 cam in my 98 RK.. ..
@@mrwilson2225 What do you think of it?
I like it, it was definitely a good investment.
All I’ve ever known is a carbureted TC88B. Dreaming about one day owning a M8 bike.
Those M8's have a lot of power, just glad they are starting to get that oil pump situation figured out.
As a 25 year Harley tech, I’ve seen those chain tensioners go in as little as 1000 miles
I think I may have told you before I had my TC88 fitted with the timkens bearing and gear timing.
You need very little run out to do the gear timing I think it’s about 2 thou max. My run out was about 5 thou but my local independent managed to true it using a press. Also at the same time he changed the exhaust cams which makes the bike run a bit cooler.
Yeah you can't be over .002, maybe .003 but that's pushing it. That's pretty impressive he was able to get that trued up with a press, I love a good shop like that!
took my 05, tc bored stroked it. balanced S&S flywheel. timken bearings. geared cams, ported. valve springs. valves. s&s adjustment pushrods. se cam plate. se oil pump. 51mm throttle body. 543 reaper cams
Karl a different profile cam was selected which keeps the exhaust open a bit longer. The bike runs a bit cooler.