I am 83 years old, and started riding on a 1942 "45" flat head when I was 14, in 1955. My current ride is a 99 Softail Custom. The EVO has the simplicity of a none electronic fuel injection and water cooled engine. Air cooling and carburetors are simple and easy to work on. The EVO is something of a mystery. It gives a feeling that no other motor has ever done. It is basically a 2 cylinder radial engine which have their roots in radial aircraft like the Steerman biplane. Those of us who love the EVO know why but we cannot explain it very well. All I know is when riding the back roads around where I live, and am listening to the music of the drag pipes, (who needs a radio anyway,) and watching the sun reflect off the head light, the cadence of the EVO as I begin to pull a hill is unforgettable. Thats my story and I am sticking to it. LOL.
@@jimkraft9445 I bought a 99 softail that was in an accident last year for very cheap, and decided to fix it up and sell it. Well I did fix it up, but now I don't want to sell it. After riding it a little, I understand your comment
The evolution era 1984-1999 was Harleys golden era. Every single year during this time frame introduced something fun and exciting. It was either a new model, paint scheme, anniversary, or limited edition, etc. There was something to look forward to or get excited about at the end of every summer. It was fun going to the dealership. Harley’s production numbers climbed every year. Their stock value climbed every year too. Think of all the models that came out during this legendary time. The Softail, Heritage, Springer, Heritage Springer, RoadKing, Fatboy, Dyna, Sturgis, Daytona, Badboy, FXRD, Sportster line, FXR line, Candyglide, Liberty Editions, Mooglide on and on. And all built on a similar platform that was simple, effective, reliable and fun. Get your hands on an evo Harley if you can.
It was boom or bust when the Evo came out,Harley had all their money on the line.Thanks to John Favill and team they came up with a Quality product that ran 70 degrees cooler,was lighter,more reliable and had more power through the gears than the shovelhead that it replaced@@canadiansa1nt309
I have a 97 Fatboy with 36k miles- Still runs great, very reliable and doesn’t leak a drop of oil. I still Love to ride it after 27 years of life flying by…
I have got a Dyna Superglide from 1998 wit a EVO big 80, like they used to call them. Just rebuilt the carburettor and it runs great, not to mention the sound ! For me, the best Harley engine, ever.
And, we probably would have Lost HARLEYS for good! Those were bad times for The Motorcycle world unless you were all about Japanese bikes; which have a place too. Just saying
AMF designed not only the Evo, but the 5 speed transmission, new frames in the FLT and FXR, and their rubbermount system that carried over to the Dynas, disc brakes and electric start on all models, electronic ignition, upgraded suspension, increased displacement and converted both Big Twin and Sportsters to run on unleaded fuels while meeting tougher emissions and noise requirements. Not to mention streamlining the manufacturing process, cutting costs while increasing production. And lets not forget, building another factory. AMF doesn't get the credit it deserves.
I 100% agree that the evo is Harley’s best engine. My first bike was a 1989 FXSTC which I still have and ride. Just can’t beat that sound and feel of the evo. Also have the ‘21 RKS,sure it has more power but just doesn’t have the same sound. Great vid few things on the history I didn’t know.
I will also have to nominate myself as a fan of the Evo as first-choice pick; yeah, as stated, it ain't gonna even get out the starting gate by the time other bikes have hit the finish line, but the question arises as to whether being "first" is actually a priority. My question: Does it have real durability/reliability to it, and will it hit the speed limit? If yes, the rest is irrelevancy. Thank you very much, CS, for having gone into the mechanical details/differences on this, and every good wish going forward.
Thanks. It’s definitely a reliable engine when looked after. And it may not be the most powerful, but it’s got plenty of power to get you into trouble.
@canadiansa1nt3yeah these young kids want to go 100mph plus, done that on my kz1000, I'm 66 yrs young and doing 75 on my 94 dyna is fine with me. See ya at the next stop light.
I bought my first HD in 1984 which was a soft tail it came with the evolution heads and jugs the bottom is all shovel head I still have the bike this bike has the old 4 speed transmission with kick star chain drive this marks the 40th anniversary of the evolution engine.
Love the evo. Have 2 of them....a '93 FXSTS and a '93 FLHTCU. Basically, they are what I call a rock solid, low tech, "tractor" engine with loads of torque. Wouldn't trade either one for anything.
Great Vid... With regular maintenance, oil changes, and minimal down-time (sitting, gathering dust/rust) a big-twin Evo can easily go 100K miles, and then probably just need a top-end... currently ride a TC softail, nice bike, but the Evo is where its at, and I may trade back... my Evo went 110K miles when medical issues sidelined me for a few years, but I remember it fondly...
It's already been mentioned but AMF developed the Evo. I have a magazine from the day talking about all the modernization they were doing. AMF built the Pennsylvania plant.
Yes it was AMF Money and Development under AMF that upgraded to the Evolution engines. The York plant buildings are old and already existed for other purposes.
have a 87 eco Electraglide sport with 110 thousand original miles on it . still runs great , S&S carb With drag pipes , very reliable bike with great sound .
I have a 1996 FXSTC (Softail Custom) that I bought just as the '97s were coming out. I just LOVE the bike!! I will never sell it for all the reasons you mentioned in the video. The Softail was introduced in 1984, and Harley was building both Evos and Softails. I seem to remember seeing Softails with Shovelhead engines in them. Does anyone else?
I ordered and had to wait almost a year to get my 1998 FXSTC, Softail Custom. Got a plaque from Harley and was treated pretty good. I still have the bike, but I noticed through the years how poorly Harley treats its customers. Still love my bike. Excellent video.
I have three engines, Shovel, Evo, and Twin Cam. Each one has its own peculiarities and very different starting techniques. I understand Porsche helped in the design of the combustion chamber on the Evolution engine with a flat top piston compared to the dome pistons in the Shovelhead. Cheers from down under 🇦🇺 Stan.
@@canadiansa1nt309 A really good book to read is "Well made in America" by Peter C Reid. There is still the od copy floating around on ebay. Some fascinating information in that book.
I have a couple Harleys but, to me in my vision, I'm in love with the look of the old 60s triumph 650 motors. Something about that vertical twin motor that I just love. Classic sound too. "But I still love my hogs too". 😂
I've had Sportster, A Knucklehead,,a 77 AMF. Shovelhead . I bought it in 1993. In 94, we rode to Sturgis and back to Georgia. No problems. I did service it before we left. 🤞
Rode my shovelhead 100,000 miles (Motor built by SOS Ratsheit, every 3-4 years top end rebuilds) before getting 1st Evolution, an '89 Ultra Classic. Wrecked it, went back to the shovelhead couple years. Then '92 Ultra Classic for 13 years. Traded in for 2023 Street Glide Milwaukee 8. WOW on the power! Hopefully it lasts as long as the Evolution motor!
Eric Buell made many improvements to the Evo Platform. My 2008 Buell Ulysess has: A better flowing head, down draft fuel injection, Piston Oilers, Air Scoops for the rear cylinder. An Oil Cooler with an air scoop, Dual Rail Shift rails, Lighter crankshaft, Higher compression ration 10.5 to 1 103 Horsepower stock though I think in race Trim Buell was getting up to 150 HP for 1203's or 1250's . Also a thermostatically ECU controlled cooling fan.
Love my 94 FXDWG, EVO. I have 28k on the bike, with a Andrews ev27 cam python slip ons and air cleaner. Perfect set up for cruisin.Ride safe, Nice video.
I love my 1995 FLSTN EVO. I am also proud to have bought my 77 AMF XLH Ironhead Sportster I bought new and still have and use it. Nice video. Cheers. 🇮🇲🇮🇲
EVO’s are very buildable. The after market has made sure of this. I think 100-120” engine is all a guy needs on the road. Using a good street-able cam.
The Evo was in development in the 1970's with a lot of imput from Porsche. AMF funded that. I have two Shovels and two Evo's. I love them all, but if I gotta ride 1,000 miles tomorrow it's on a Evo. Edit: P.S. another thing that REALLY helped in 84 was the adoption of the 5-speed transmission. If HD had adopted the 5-speed 5/10 years sooner, behind the Shovel, it would have made a real difference in peoples preception of HD bikes. The 5th gear helps to gear a bike taller and slow the RPM's down on the highway and helps with engine vibration and longevity. That and a belt primary really helps to keep down vibration. There were things that HD should have done in the 60's or 70's that could have made the Shovel a more reliable bike.
If not mistaken the evo development had an engine designer who came from Norton. Anyway I have a 96 evo, 06 TC 88 and a 15 with 103 TC. That 103 can sure lay down the torque! Looking forward to doing some Evo work.
I have a 1998 FLHR Road king, the last year of the EVO Road Kings. Just a great bike to take out for a ride. No powerhouse but it gets the job done. I also had a 2003 XL1200S Sportster. That bike had amazing power. My younger son has it now. I have ridden the M8 equipped Road King and I really like the way it pulled up through the RPM range. Now I have my eye on the new Nightster Special 975 Revmax engine. I would not be surprised if the larger 1250 size used in the Pan America starts finding its way into the touring models.
Awesome review as always 💯 🤘🏻!! My girlfriend 1994 FXLR has the EVO and it's a workhorse!! I have wanted a Harley since I was 6 years old, and when I saw Terminator 2 , and saw the Fat Boy for the first time..I knew that was the bike I wanted to get. It does not matter to me if it's an EVO, Twin Cam, or M8..it's the best!! In my own opinion. Keep up the great work 👊🏻💯🤘🏻
I had an Evo engine Sportster. My first Harley, and absolutely loved the thing. Traded it for an 88TC Road king, because reasons. Swapped that for a TCB FatBoy, which works for me, and I'll probably ride the thing until I'm too old to ride anything anymore. But like you, if I had that cash, and the space to park it, I'd have another Evo Sporty in a minute.
You reckon it was the cam chain tensioners that caused that issue? I have an 07 Twin Cam with the hydraulic tensioners & it is about to hit 120,000 miles. I changed the cam shoe tensioners with Cyco Gasket shoes for $12 & installed new HD lifters. Only did that, because I had a rocker box leak. The shoes might of gone another 10 k. I also have a 93 evo & it runs alot cooler.
My first Harley that I ever bought was a 1994 Electra Glide Classic. I am the second owner. She came with a carbureted Evo engine. The bike is all original with 124,647 miles. I have 126,687 miles on her. She has really good compression. She makes good power. She does not leak nor consume oil. I shall ride her until I die.
With a little compression and headwork or screamin eagle or s&s heads.. a mild cam they can easily hit close to 100 horsepower. And be very reliable still. Will never get rid of my 98 heritage
Some interesting info that I didn't know. I have a 1998 Fatboy but it looks a lot like a Heritage with a nacelle headlight. I bought it with about 8650 miles and it had spoked wheels. Now it has almost 60,000 miles on it. it was supposed to be my last bike but life is funny. I hit a deer, lived and bought an Ultra Classic. Took two years to get the Boy back on the road and I could hear that beautiful sound. Two years later (last year) I hit a deer with the Ultra, and lived. Bought a Electra Glide Classic last fall and came to close to hitting a deer yesterday with it. The baggers are just bikes but the Fatboy isn't going any were. 98-99 was the best years for the EVO, it was as good as it was going to get before they ceased production. It had little things like the clutch that were up graded along the way but they all sound sweet. Sometimes I swear they sound like two separate engines running at the same time. Like one thumping and another running erratically, don't have to understand it to love it.
@@canadiansa1nt309 Thanks, as far as deer I am always looking but it is hard to out maneuver a speeding bullet. I talk to people all the time that have had near misses, hit one, two and three deer so I know I'm not being singled out. If nine lives was the cut off I wouldn't be hear tapping on the keyboard. All bikers have stories, some funny and some extremely sad ones. The lucky ones can still tell their stories. Ride safe, but sometimes that's not enough.
I love my Evo's I own a 91 heritage with a cam and board out going to put some Vance and hance pipes on it and a 99 ,883 Sporter, don't know what I'm going to do with that, looking at making it a hard tail or a 1200 or both, or nothing at all , but 1 is for sure never go to get rid of them I love them
The EVO was long in development before the buyback. For as bad as AMF was you can thank them for setting up the EVO program and Harley actually keeping up with EPA standards.
As long as you don’t waste time using HD gaskets and pig tails for your oil return from the jugs you’ll be a happier Evo owner. Easy to maintain, affordable to rebuild and sounds great.
I've owned six Evo Sporties and a dozen or so Evo Big Twins. The only "defect" (if you can call it that) is that you don't want to hop on a cold bike, fire it up and warm it for a minute, then go balls to the wall somewhere.... it needs to be warmed up a bit more gradually, otherwise it's prone to blow head and base gaskets. Pay heed and you'll have zero problems otherwise.
Harley maka a "Dyna" in 1985. Dynas were introduced 1991. I have an 85 FXEF Superglide, 4 speed, solid mounted engine. When someone calls it a dyna, I call them an idiot.
I raced a guy on a evo with my twin cam 88 . Both softails . I won but only by a bike length. Twin cam has bigger bore and shallower chambers for more complete burn . More epa stuff -
I am 83 years old, and started riding on a 1942 "45" flat head when I was 14, in 1955. My current ride is a 99 Softail Custom. The EVO has the simplicity of a none electronic fuel injection and water cooled engine. Air cooling and carburetors are simple and easy to work on. The EVO is something of a mystery. It gives a feeling that no other motor has ever done. It is basically a 2 cylinder radial engine which have their roots in radial aircraft like the Steerman biplane.
Those of us who love the EVO know why but we cannot explain it very well. All I know is when riding the back roads around where I live, and am listening to the music of the drag pipes, (who needs a radio anyway,) and watching the sun reflect off the head light, the cadence of the EVO as I begin to pull a hill is unforgettable. Thats my story and I am sticking to it. LOL.
That’s a pretty good story 👍
@@jimkraft9445 I bought a 99 softail that was in an accident last year for very cheap, and decided to fix it up and sell it. Well I did fix it up, but now I don't want to sell it. After riding it a little, I understand your comment
@@therecanbeonlyonechris5019 They do have that effect.
I have a 1989 FHLS Electra Guide with 87 Thousand miles and still kicking strong.❤
That's amazing!!😮
I inherited a one-owner 1996 Dyna Wide Glide with about 50,000 miles on it. Sounds and runs great!
The evolution era 1984-1999 was Harleys golden era. Every single year during this time frame introduced something fun and exciting. It was either a new model, paint scheme, anniversary, or limited edition, etc. There was something to look forward to or get excited about at the end of every summer. It was fun going to the dealership. Harley’s production numbers climbed every year. Their stock value climbed every year too. Think of all the models that came out during this legendary time. The Softail, Heritage, Springer, Heritage Springer, RoadKing, Fatboy, Dyna, Sturgis, Daytona, Badboy, FXRD, Sportster line, FXR line, Candyglide, Liberty Editions, Mooglide on and on. And all built on a similar platform that was simple, effective, reliable and fun. Get your hands on an evo Harley if you can.
I would agree. The company had some good years in the eighties through the nineties. Like you said, lot of iconic bikes came out of that era.
@BachelorHarley, you are spot on. You know your Harley history !
Hear no evo, see no evo, speak no evo....you don't want them...dude you're letting the cat out of the bag.
It was boom or bust when the Evo came out,Harley had all their money on the line.Thanks to John Favill and team they came up with a Quality product that ran 70 degrees cooler,was lighter,more reliable and had more power through the gears than the shovelhead that it replaced@@canadiansa1nt309
Enjoyed this. EVO's forever!
Thanks for watching 👍
I have a 97 Fatboy with 36k miles- Still runs great, very reliable and doesn’t leak a drop of oil. I still Love to ride it after 27 years of life flying by…
Love those evo Fatboys 👍
My 1995 FXSTSB Springer softail turns 30 next year and it still runs great and looks pretty good. It’s been a great bike.
I have got a Dyna Superglide from 1998 wit a EVO big 80, like they used to call them.
Just rebuilt the carburettor and it runs great, not to mention the sound !
For me, the best Harley engine, ever.
Agreed 👍
For those that hated the AMF days at Harley, just remember, AMF was responsible for bringing the EVO engine design to reality.
Exactly! if it hadn't been for AMF the Evo may never have been developed
And, we probably would have Lost HARLEYS for good! Those were bad times for The Motorcycle world unless you were all about Japanese bikes; which have a place too.
Just saying
@@neiluscook2283 it's much worse now
AMF designed not only the Evo, but the 5 speed transmission, new frames in the FLT and FXR, and their rubbermount system that carried over to the Dynas, disc brakes and electric start on all models, electronic ignition, upgraded suspension, increased displacement and converted both Big Twin and Sportsters to run on unleaded fuels while meeting tougher emissions and noise requirements.
Not to mention streamlining the manufacturing process, cutting costs while increasing production.
And lets not forget, building another factory.
AMF doesn't get the credit it deserves.
Excellent presentation! You can sure tell an evo, coming and going!
Thanks boss 👍
I 100% agree that the evo is Harley’s best engine. My first bike was a 1989 FXSTC which I still have and ride. Just can’t beat that sound and feel of the evo. Also have the ‘21 RKS,sure it has more power but just doesn’t have the same sound. Great vid few things on the history I didn’t know.
I wish I still had my evo Fatboy.
I will also have to nominate myself as a fan of the Evo as first-choice pick; yeah, as stated, it ain't gonna even get out the starting gate by the time other bikes have hit the finish line, but the question arises as to whether being "first" is actually a priority. My question: Does it have real durability/reliability to it, and will it hit the speed limit? If yes, the rest is irrelevancy. Thank you very much, CS, for having gone into the mechanical details/differences on this, and every good wish going forward.
Thanks. It’s definitely a reliable engine when looked after. And it may not be the most powerful, but it’s got plenty of power to get you into trouble.
@canadiansa1nt3yeah these young kids want to go 100mph plus, done that on my kz1000, I'm 66 yrs young and doing 75 on my 94 dyna is fine with me. See ya at the next stop light.
Nice video. I will never sell my 99 Fat Boy, it always puts a smile on my face when I am out on the road. Thanks for sharing. Cheers
No problem. Love those evo Fatboys
Hi Canadian Saint, I forgot to ask how do you like the M8 Fat Boy and have you had any problems ? Ride safe and take care. Cheers
I love my 1340 evo with edelbrock heads, andrews 52 cam, s&s SuperG and straight pipes 💪🏻
I bought my first HD in 1984 which was a soft tail it came with the evolution heads and jugs the bottom is all shovel head I still have the bike this bike has the old 4 speed transmission with kick star chain drive this marks the 40th anniversary of the evolution engine.
Sounds nice 👍
Love the evo. Have 2 of them....a '93 FXSTS and a '93 FLHTCU. Basically, they are what I call a rock solid, low tech, "tractor" engine with loads of torque. Wouldn't trade either one for anything.
👍
Great Vid... With regular maintenance, oil changes, and minimal down-time (sitting, gathering dust/rust) a big-twin Evo can easily go 100K miles, and then probably just need a top-end... currently ride a TC softail, nice bike, but the Evo is where its at, and I may trade back... my Evo went 110K miles when medical issues sidelined me for a few years, but I remember it fondly...
You’re right. Those evo’s could be almost bulletproof if they’re looked after.
Best motor ever !
Agreed 👍
Drove a super glide 98 for many many miles and years , never had to tuch a screw or anything beside regular service 😊👍👍
Enjoyed it . I had an evo plus a few others , I think the Evo is the smoothest and most relaxed ride I have .
Thanks 👍
It's already been mentioned but AMF developed the Evo. I have a magazine from the day talking about all the modernization they were doing. AMF built the Pennsylvania plant.
Yes it was AMF Money and Development under AMF that upgraded to the Evolution engines. The York plant buildings are old and already existed for other purposes.
have a 87 eco Electraglide sport with 110 thousand original miles on it . still runs great , S&S carb With drag pipes , very reliable bike with great sound .
Good ol’ evo’s 👍
I have a 1996 FXSTC (Softail Custom) that I bought just as the '97s were coming out. I just LOVE the bike!! I will never sell it for all the reasons you mentioned in the video.
The Softail was introduced in 1984, and Harley was building both Evos and Softails. I seem to remember seeing Softails with Shovelhead engines in them. Does anyone else?
I’m not sure I remember that.
The 4 individual cams design of the Sportster goes way back to the 1950s and the flathead K/KH models. It it works, don't F with it. 😃
👍
I ordered and had to wait almost a year to get my 1998 FXSTC, Softail Custom. Got a plaque from Harley and was treated pretty good. I still have the bike, but I noticed through the years how poorly Harley treats its customers. Still love my bike. Excellent video.
I have to admit service has gone downhill in most dealerships.
I have three engines, Shovel, Evo, and Twin Cam. Each one has its own peculiarities and very different starting techniques. I understand Porsche helped in the design of the combustion chamber on the Evolution engine with a flat top piston compared to the dome pistons in the Shovelhead. Cheers from down under 🇦🇺 Stan.
You’re one of very few who I ever heard mention the Porsche connection. 👍
@@canadiansa1nt309 A really good book to read is "Well made in America" by Peter C Reid. There is still the od copy floating around on ebay. Some fascinating information in that book.
I have a couple Harleys but, to me in my vision, I'm in love with the look of the old 60s triumph 650 motors. Something about that vertical twin motor that I just love. Classic sound too. "But I still love my hogs too". 😂
I've had Sportster, A Knucklehead,,a 77 AMF. Shovelhead . I bought it in 1993. In 94, we rode to Sturgis and back to Georgia. No problems. I did service it before we left. 🤞
👍
I owned an 1987 FXRS-SP with the big EVO. Was an awesome workhorse of a motor.
I still have the same since new.
Rock solid , I was at ami when they came out and we were doubtful😂
Wow! What cutting edge technology!
Rode my shovelhead 100,000 miles (Motor built by SOS Ratsheit, every 3-4 years top end rebuilds) before getting 1st Evolution, an '89 Ultra Classic. Wrecked it, went back to the shovelhead couple years. Then '92 Ultra Classic for 13 years. Traded in for 2023 Street Glide Milwaukee 8. WOW on the power! Hopefully it lasts as long as the Evolution motor!
👍
Eric Buell made many improvements to the Evo Platform. My 2008 Buell Ulysess has: A better flowing head, down draft fuel injection, Piston Oilers, Air Scoops for the rear cylinder. An Oil Cooler with an air scoop, Dual Rail Shift rails, Lighter crankshaft, Higher compression ration 10.5 to 1 103 Horsepower stock though I think in race Trim Buell was getting up to 150 HP for 1203's or 1250's .
Also a thermostatically ECU controlled cooling fan.
Sounds pretty nice 👍
Love my 94 FXDWG, EVO. I have 28k on the bike, with a Andrews ev27 cam python slip ons and air cleaner. Perfect set up for cruisin.Ride safe, Nice video.
Thanks boss 👍
Excellent and informative video! The foliage is looking beautiful up there bro!
Thanks boss. It may look nice here but I have to say I hate this time of year.
For my taste, Evo is peak Harley -- lots of old timey character, runs cool, can take high miles and go coast to coast without drama.
Agreed 👍
RIP HD Inc, 1903-1999.
I have a 1999 night train Evo love it
👍
I love my 1995 FLSTN EVO. I am also proud to have bought my 77 AMF XLH Ironhead Sportster I bought new and still have and use it. Nice video. Cheers. 🇮🇲🇮🇲
Thanks boss 👍
I have 94 flstn with around 52,000. Did head job on it when I blew head gasket about 1,000 miles ago but runs like a top but vibrates a bit.
Still running my 98 WideGlide, Love it !
👍
I own a 1989 police Electra glide with the evo engine. Wouldn’t trade it for anything else 👍
EVO’s are very buildable. The after market has made sure of this. I think 100-120” engine is all a guy needs on the road. Using a good street-able cam.
👍
I ride a 1988 Harley Soft.
Mail thanks for the great video
No problem. Thanks for watching 👍
I love mine. It just goes and goes. 1998.
👍
Evo, not only better than what it replaced, but better than what they replaced it with.
But the troublehead builds character and four letter vocabulary lol
AMF bikes built character and a strong 4 letter vocabulary.
The Evo was in development in the 1970's with a lot of imput from Porsche. AMF funded that. I have two Shovels and two Evo's. I love them all, but if I gotta ride 1,000 miles tomorrow it's on a Evo.
Edit: P.S. another thing that REALLY helped in 84 was the adoption of the 5-speed transmission. If HD had adopted the 5-speed 5/10 years sooner, behind the Shovel, it would have made a real difference in peoples preception of HD bikes. The 5th gear helps to gear a bike taller and slow the RPM's down on the highway and helps with engine vibration and longevity. That and a belt primary really helps to keep down vibration. There were things that HD should have done in the 60's or 70's that could have made the Shovel a more reliable bike.
Very interesting. I thought the Porsche connection was the V-Rod? I guess you learn something new everyday 👍
One of the very few people who ever mention the Porsche connection 👍
@@therecanbeonlyonechris5019 Porsche was involved in the V-Rod too. Being a air cooled car engine company gave them a real advantage in helping HD.
@@seththomas9105 yes, that definitely makes sense
I have a 1988 Softail and I'll always have this bike.
I wish I kept my ‘95
If not mistaken the evo development had an engine designer who came from Norton. Anyway I have a 96 evo, 06 TC 88 and a 15 with 103 TC. That 103 can sure lay down the torque! Looking forward to doing some Evo work.
👍
I have a 1998 FLHR Road king, the last year of the EVO Road Kings. Just a great bike to take out for a ride. No powerhouse but it gets the job done. I also had a 2003 XL1200S Sportster. That bike had amazing power. My younger son has it now. I have ridden the M8 equipped Road King and I really like the way it pulled up through the RPM range. Now I have my eye on the new Nightster Special 975 Revmax engine. I would not be surprised if the larger 1250 size used in the Pan America starts finding its way into the touring models.
👍
Love my 98 883 with 1200 top end.
1990 FLHS since new not fast but pulls and jugs like a steam locomotive
Still wish I had my ‘95 Fatty.
Awesome review as always 💯 🤘🏻!! My girlfriend 1994 FXLR has the EVO and it's a workhorse!! I have wanted a Harley since I was 6 years old, and when I saw Terminator 2 , and saw the Fat Boy for the first time..I knew that was the bike I wanted to get. It does not matter to me if it's an EVO, Twin Cam, or M8..it's the best!! In my own opinion. Keep up the great work 👊🏻💯🤘🏻
Thanks boss 👍
i love my 98 sporty 883 ,good vid mate...
Thanks boss
AWESOME ... THIS WAS EPIC THANK YOU ❤
No problem 👍
I love the twin cam. I own one. The EVO. Was a great motor too.
I have a 1987 sportster 883 but with the 1200 big bore kit, S&S carb and S&S intake with drag pipes! Holy loud Batman!
That would sound nice 👍
I got a 95 Fatboy and I just love it to death I don't think I'll ever sell it it just turned over 50,000 MI it still runs like it's brand new
Love the evo Fatboys 👍
I had an Evo engine Sportster. My first Harley, and absolutely loved the thing. Traded it for an 88TC Road king, because reasons. Swapped that for a TCB FatBoy, which works for me, and I'll probably ride the thing until I'm too old to ride anything anymore. But like you, if I had that cash, and the space to park it, I'd have another Evo Sporty in a minute.
👍
I currently have a 1974 Ironhead, all original with15K miles
I've got a 2014 XL1200X forty-eight and the EVO engine is awsome and is nearly bomb proof.
👍
Evo was 1st motor not to leak oil Harley became reliable long live the evo
👍
had 06 twin cam blow up at 60 thousand miles. inner cam bearing failure. bought 92 glide overhauled it, andrews 27 cam , run like a bandit.
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You reckon it was the cam chain tensioners that caused that issue? I have an 07 Twin Cam with the hydraulic tensioners & it is about to hit 120,000 miles. I changed the cam shoe tensioners with Cyco Gasket shoes for $12 & installed new HD lifters. Only did that, because I had a rocker box leak. The shoes might of gone another 10 k. I also have a 93 evo & it runs alot cooler.
My first Harley that I ever bought was a 1994 Electra Glide Classic. I am the second owner. She came with a carbureted Evo engine. The bike is all original with 124,647 miles. I have 126,687 miles on her. She has really good compression. She makes good power. She does not leak nor consume oil. I shall ride her until I die.
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With a little compression and headwork or screamin eagle or s&s heads.. a mild cam they can easily hit close to 100 horsepower. And be very reliable still. Will never get rid of my 98 heritage
Agreed 👍
Some interesting info that I didn't know.
I have a 1998 Fatboy but it looks a lot like a Heritage with a nacelle headlight. I bought it with about 8650 miles and it had spoked wheels. Now it has almost 60,000 miles on it. it was supposed to be my last bike but life is funny. I hit a deer, lived and bought an Ultra Classic. Took two years to get the Boy back on the road and I could hear that beautiful sound. Two years later (last year) I hit a deer with the Ultra, and lived. Bought a Electra Glide Classic last fall and came to close to hitting a deer yesterday with it. The baggers are just bikes but the Fatboy isn't going any were. 98-99 was the best years for the EVO, it was as good as it was going to get before they ceased production. It had little things like the clutch that were up graded along the way but they all sound sweet. Sometimes I swear they sound like two separate engines running at the same time. Like one thumping and another running erratically, don't have to understand it to love it.
Love the evo Fatboys. But watch out for those deer 🦌
@@canadiansa1nt309 Thanks, as far as deer I am always looking but it is hard to out maneuver a speeding bullet. I talk to people all the time that have had near misses, hit one, two and three deer so I know I'm not being singled out. If nine lives was the cut off I wouldn't be hear tapping on the keyboard. All bikers have stories, some funny and some extremely sad ones. The lucky ones can still tell their stories. Ride safe, but sometimes that's not enough.
The best moter they ever made .
Just got into the evo I just got a 94 Electra glide that’s all original paint pin striping, still has the original am/fm cassette
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Wow I want it.😂
Evo 100,000 miles plus engines
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My current Harley is a 1999 Evolution Night train, i had a twin cam when they first came out and wished i had bought an Evo instead.
Nothing like an evo 👍
Very interesting video.
Thanks boss 👍
I love my Evo's I own a 91 heritage with a cam and board out going to put some Vance and hance pipes on it and a 99 ,883 Sporter, don't know what I'm going to do with that, looking at making it a hard tail or a 1200 or both, or nothing at all , but 1 is for sure never go to get rid of them I love them
Love my Sporty.
My black mistress is a
98 super glide ❤
5:45 they came out with the 1100 before the 1200
I wouldn’t give up a well built 80” for nada …FXR 4 EVER…🇺🇸🇺🇸
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I like the m8 it hits 4 valves per cylinder..i have 65,000 miles on my lowrider 107 no issues.😊
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1989 FXR Super Glide and a 1991 XLH 883. I fit perfectly in this Video.
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What is the difference from the original sportster evolution to the 2013?
Not a ton except only the Sportsters had them after ‘99/00
Rubber mounts, efi and computer systems.
The EVO was long in development before the buyback. For as bad as AMF was you can thank them for setting up the EVO program and Harley actually keeping up with EPA standards.
Yes people hated AMF. But where do you think Harley got the money to develop the Evolution?
Interesting point
Great summary!
Thanks boss 👍
@canadiansa1nt309 hope you're enjoying the Fatty again....I'm out for a nice ride today in Niagara.
So the Sportster had a 4 Cam configuration in both the 883 and 1200? How can you visually tell the difference?
All sportsters are 4 cam
Unless you pull the cam chest you won’t see it. But yes, all the Sportsters are 4 cam.
@@canadiansa1nt309 Thanks for the reply!
@@Gordies-World you can tell by the way the tappet blocks are spread out in a straight line
@@damonpulliam6211 I did notice that. They don't have the "overlapping" appearance that a single cam or twin cam has. Thank you!
Loved my 96 883H but not quite as much as my 02 883R. TWD
At 4:14 Tatro Machine?
As long as you don’t waste time using HD gaskets and pig tails for your oil return from the jugs you’ll be a happier Evo owner.
Easy to maintain, affordable to rebuild and sounds great.
Agreed 👍
Blockheads were a good engine
Agreed 👍
I have a o3 Indian with a s&s motor in it was told it's the Evo clone 😮
The Gilmore Indians were the best ever.
What bike are you riding in this video?
2024 Fatboy
The evo was still produced until 2020?
2022 actually. But only in the Sportsters.
Love my 1991 FXRS. I’ll never sell it.
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Harley-Davidson Evolution V-Twin Motorcycles - HISTORY OF THE BIG TWIN by Kevin Cameron (August 21, 2016)
I've owned six Evo Sporties and a dozen or so Evo Big Twins. The only "defect" (if you can call it that) is that you don't want to hop on a cold bike, fire it up and warm it for a minute, then go balls to the wall somewhere.... it needs to be warmed up a bit more gradually, otherwise it's prone to blow head and base gaskets. Pay heed and you'll have zero problems otherwise.
Exactly. That's what the owner and chief mechanic at the local HD dealership told me decades ago.
most hated time ? bit like now.................
You’ve got a point there..
The era after 2017 is worse than AMF.
AMF part 2. Harley-Davidson needs to remember who they are.
Yes and no the m8 is a great engine but the overall bike design these days suck
Jochen Zeitz appears to be trying to run Harley into the ground.
Lol, I troll lots of comment sections on videos of Twin Cam + M8 problems by simply commenting "And you thought AMF was bad?"
I like all the engines evo up.
The older have more soul.
The new m8 and sportster s are much more powerful.
Agreed 👍
The last good engine...
I have an 85 EVO dyna and an 06 88” twin cam softail. Both are mildly modded, that Evo will outrun that TC
Harley maka a "Dyna" in 1985.
Dynas were introduced 1991.
I have an 85 FXEF Superglide, 4 speed, solid mounted engine.
When someone calls it a dyna, I call them an idiot.
I raced a guy on a evo with my twin cam 88 . Both softails . I won but only by a bike length. Twin cam has bigger bore and shallower chambers for more complete burn . More epa stuff -
You don,t buy a harley for speed you buy it because it has american soul and that is everything a mechanical version of a human
Agreed 👍
I just love the evil
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Shovelhead!! 8:49
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