1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Evolution Buyers Guide

Рет қаралды 70,751

Жыл бұрын

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You see the ads - Evo Harleys for Sale
There are a million Evo Harleys for Sale. You are intrigued and think you can find a deal. You can and we produced this Evo Buyers guide to help you sort through the hundreds of Evo Harleys for Sale ads.
AMF carried Harley Davidson through some very difficult times before Willie G and company bought back Harley Davidson in 1981. After three years of hard work and planning, Harley Davidson introduced the Evolution motor in 1984.
While the bottom end of this new motor was very similar to its Shovelhead predecessor, the top end of the Evo was designed with aluminum cylinders and heads. The new Evolution power plants were also supported with 5 speed transmissions.
Mike has the 1988 Heritage Softail on his lift and takes a moment to give us an overview of Evolution motorcycle changes and upgrades over the years. We will preform a 35 point service on this Harley to get it back on the road. Make sure to watch the video series.
1984 - 1989
• Clutch assembly: Clutch feel is not great. Also, it can be noisy.
• Start System: “Too much going on.” System is like a Shovelhead. Has an independent starter solenoid located on the inner primary. There is also a starter bendix gear at the end of the starter shaft.
• A lot of parts and a lot of areas to allow for voltage loss.
• Bottom Breathing: Evolution motors were bottom breathing from 84-89
1990
• CV Carburetor: The CV Carburetor replaces the Bendix Carburetor. A much better and more versatile Carburetor all around. Very easy to rebuild and tune.
• Starter: New and improved starter and overall start system. Works much better with the added compression of the Evo.
• Clutch: Clutch is upgraded. Unfortunately, it has an absorber spring assembly in the center of the clutch pack that is prone to failure.
1992
• Top Breathing: The motors were upgraded to top breathing. No more dealing with oil sumping into the air box or down onto the garage floor after long periods of storage.
1994
• Front pulley: The front drive pulley is updated to have more splined surface area over the main drive gear.
1995
• Fuel Injection: Touring models receive fuel injection. These Magnetti Marelli fuel injection systems were nothing amazing. However, they initially worked very well. Many years later, and these assemblies can be very troublesome. Not to mention, obsolete.
1996
• Controls: New handlebar controls along with a completely new wiring harness, plugs, connections. Also, a much better front brake master cylinder.
1998
• Clutch: The clutch assembly is updated to its best design yet. This is now the same assembly that will be used in the Twin Cams.
’98 is the last year of the Evolution motor for Touring.
1999
• Last year of Evo for Softail.
• Touring & Dyna are issued with the Twin Cam motor.
• However, it is still possible to also find 2000 Dynas with an Evolution motor.
Important info when considering an Evolution Harley Davidson and all the Evo Halreys for Sale ads:
• Motorcycle History
• Look for original crankcase & verify that Vin #s are correct.
• Cylinder studs can pull
• Has the cam bearing been updated?
• Have lifters been updated?
• Inspect for inner primary leak.
• Inspect for base gasket leak.
• Inspect shocks and shock bushings.
• Inspect belt and pulleys
• Inspect spokes
• Inspect tires
• Inspect cables
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Пікірлер: 110

@jims812 Жыл бұрын

First thing you should buy after getting a older Harley is a service manual and parts manual.

@CarlosOrtega-hn1qq 11 ай бұрын

First thing you should not buy it waste of time and $$$$$$

@williammoore3790 10 ай бұрын

True. If you are going to do your own work both books are a necessity.

@AJC-jo3ds 9 ай бұрын

well the problem is harley discontinued many parts on these older bikes...many of those parts are regular wear parts...the dealer guides you right to Drag or CCI...they have no interest in helping you with your old bike parts..Now if you need to buy a new overpriced bike! they will crawl out of the woodwork to help you...

@ClovisPoint 9 ай бұрын

@@AJC-jo3ds thats right ,its annoying how some parts ''No longer available '' my speedo on 98 FXD ,failed and couldnt be fixed or replaced so had to buy a Dakota digital ,theres no way i would buy a new bike ,HD used to have the parts lists and available prices online in Aust ,but now they have taken it down and want you to email them for specific parts which is annoying

@IRONTOSS Ай бұрын

Yes, I just got a 94' heritage softail, I need to find a service manual?

@aaroncoleman3895 2 ай бұрын

I have a 91 Dyna Glide, 93 Electroglide and 91 Sportster 1200. I love the Evo motor. You get home on an Evo.

@ramonwoodworth2778 8 ай бұрын

Have 94 Ultra with 120,000 miles. 80,000 on top end rebuild Andrews 27 and 30 over bore job. Still runs good.

@SuperOperator4 Жыл бұрын

Funny this comes out today. I JUST came back from a 25 mi, shakedown ride on my 86FXWG. Last 4 sp, last kicker. First time this thing has been on the road in 26 years. Got it for 1200 2 years ago, bad shape. Been through everything. Many upgrades now, ran beautifully, with NO leaks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@pastorbobncc365 Жыл бұрын

My first new Harley was a 1985 FXWG, loved that bike.

@michaelcrowley1172 4 ай бұрын

@@pastorbobncc365same here,bastard year Wide Glide, loved it more than my 03 road king,miss the kicker the most,GODBLESS.

@metalted6128 8 ай бұрын

I’m still riding my 84 soft tail evo!! My dad bought it in 1986, I got it after he passed in 2020. Still in the family! And still running great!!! Great video! Great info!!

@grahammanton6888 5 ай бұрын

I like your Page. But disagree with you on the early evo.I have a early 87fxst with 440,000ks on her from 36years of riding and still going strong with no motor work done to date.

@fearsomename4517 7 ай бұрын

It was ten years ago today I bought my '99 Heritage Springer. She's all stock and runs great. Got it from the original owner with paperwork. Pretty low milage just under ten thousand miles back on 11/12/13. Today is 11/12/23. She runs and rides like a dream.

@neilhedley6080 5 ай бұрын

96 Roadking , 34,000 miles, stock. Holiday in Germany 3000 miles in 14 days never missed a beat

@brianschirmer785 8 ай бұрын

Love my Evo

@frankfurther3828 Жыл бұрын

Carb'd EVO is HD's last good engine. HD Inc chose to abandon it by obsoleting everything we need. RIP HD Inc 1903-1999. EVO's forever. '98 Original owner here, and a 45 flathead.

@coreycallahan7443 Жыл бұрын

The reason that HD went to fuel injection was due to tougher EPA requirements. Same reason they started putting catalytic converters in the exhaust headers starting in 2010 and the reason the newer bikes were coming from the factory with a very lean tune which causes excessive heat but cuts down on emissions. I can’t blame Harley for government interference.

@frankfurther3828 Жыл бұрын

@@coreycallahan7443 I can't blame the gov for HD turning their back on their once-loyal niche. Trying to build V2 GW's. Fail.

@kennethwise7108 Жыл бұрын

Same here, that's all I own. I wouldn't trade any of my Evo's in an even exchange for anything new even if it was a top of the line CVO. My carbureted Evo's consistently get 55-60 mpg. How many EFI bikes are capable of doing that? NONE....

@kennethwise7108 Жыл бұрын

@EricReality I have fuel receipts to back that up too. I haven't ever seen lower than 55 mpg unless I'm going in excess of 80mph but I rarely do that. I try to keep my speeds in the 60-70 mph range. Stock jetting and stock mufflers produces top notch fuel economy. Original factory cam helps also

@dennytuma 11 ай бұрын

@@EricReality agree

@michaelbradshaw9032 3 ай бұрын

Thank you man, I have had my 1985 Evo.FLHTC since 1990. I had all the things up,graded you mentioned. You were so right on what would need extra care. .I love that bike !!

@joeguzman3558 Ай бұрын

My first bike was a 94 sporster, and the clutch was a little hard . My next bike was a 96 heritage that was very light, but after an hour, i couldn't feel my fingers too much vibrating but the bike looked great

@MrBluto99 3 ай бұрын

This was very helpful and convinced me to wait until a 96+ Evo Dyna appeared, got lucky and bought a '98 Super Glide. As was said among other things in '98 the clutch was improved and the spring plate went away and was replaced with a judder spring. Finding parts has not been too tough so far between my local dealer and independent HD shop

@FixMyHogfreechannel 2 ай бұрын

Glad it helped!

@miketouchstone8301 3 ай бұрын

I wished you'd have covered the "INA vs. Torrington cam bearings" opinion.

@BrewCityRider 3 ай бұрын

Nice job on this Evo info. I'm the original owner of a 1988 Softail Custom and it has been an awesome bike for me. I do all my own work including tires. Still running original clutch. Upgraded carb, cam, rear shocks, petcock, voltage regulator, ignition switch, and several other things over the years.

@imz7240 8 ай бұрын

I have two evo HD (FLHTP 1993 and FLHTCU 1994), I had in the past FLSTF 1992. I recomend EVO with carb to everybody.

@JCcanU Жыл бұрын

I have owned 3 EVO 1 Pan I love the EVO They are Bullet proof long lasting engine .

@cowboy7x 2 ай бұрын

I just bought a 96 FLHR with only 17000 miles on it. I was SO glad (and relieved) to hear you say 96 or above. Seems like all I may need to do is go through the carb and maybe change the petcock. It set for quite some time without being ridden. Runs fantastic, but I got a little gas leak when stopping at the DMV, but it stopped on the way to the gas station. It's not happened since. (stuck needle valve or float I'm thinking. (???)

@bikerboot888 4 ай бұрын

Great video. Not many on evo big twins. I have a few videos on my channel for my 89 softail. Ill be filming a clutch install video soon.

@jayjackson1280 Жыл бұрын

Great video🙋

@darrell3368 8 ай бұрын

The shovel head was the best sounding engine made and build heavy duty

@fredericktressler9289 9 ай бұрын

I experienced every one of these issues on the '89 FXSTC that I parted with when it had 93,000 miles. EVOs of that era, '87 to '91 I believe, were also prone to the drive-side main bearing steel case insert coming loose and pulling engine oil into the primary. Mine experienced the problem at around 50,000 miles, at ten-years old-outside of the goodwill warranty Harley offered. After a less-than-satisfactory attempt with an after-market short block, I ordered a set of serial numbered replacement cases from Harley. They were the'96-99 versions, that eliminated the steel insert, along with other changes. I was told they were the best EVO cases. As I had no further problems, I agree. Good video, it brought back a lot of wrenching memories.

@FixMyHogfreechannel 9 ай бұрын

Hello, I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership. Thanks! Great question! We have a lot of technical answers on our website. www.fixmyhog.com/harley-tips-a-z-index Please check through this section first. Thanks!

@tammyallen590 9 ай бұрын

@kohlmjj 11 ай бұрын

On top of basic fluids and adjustments In my experience things you should budget for: base gaskets, lifters, shifter pawl and centering spring, rotor and stator, clutch.

@kennethwise7108 11 ай бұрын

VERY TRUE!!👍🏻

@DevilDog59 Жыл бұрын

Dam, I have the exact same bike a 1988 heritage Softail Classic. It was even the same color. Root Beer and cream colors. I am the second owner of the bike and purchased it in 2001.Luckily I own a motorcycle repair shop so my labor is not an issue. I have rebuilt the transmission, engine,primary and installed a new wiring harness. I love riding this bike. I use my 2015 streetglide for the long rides around the country, but I do love my heritage. You are spot on with your opinions about getting involved with the labor requirements, but if you are mechanically inclined you will build a bond with the bike that can never be matched. Love the honest review of what potential owners will be up against. It becomes a labor of love.

@FixMyHogfreechannel Жыл бұрын

Awesome! We did a maintenance series: www.fixmyhog.com/videos/evolution-1984-1999/ and a top end / cam series: www.fixmyhog.com/videos/evo-top-end-and-cam/

@user-uz3vs6ty9u 7 ай бұрын

87 for was the finest harley I've ever ridden.

@richardcrouse9074 6 ай бұрын

I love my 1985 FXRS. The only thing I’m going to update is the newer splined main shaft and starter assembly.

@franksaxton3583 Жыл бұрын

I have a 1997 FXDW that I bought new. It's been a really good bike and currently serves as a bar hopper. I have a 2010 FXSTC that is my daily driver so the Evo has spent a few years just sitting in the garage. I'm riding it again and it does need some work so I'm chipping away at it. Still a reliable bike though. Great video with a lot of good info.

@FixMyHogfreechannel Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Stop by our site for hours of Evo How-to videos and Twin Cam www.fixmyhog.com/videos/evolution-1984-1999/ www.fixmyhog.com/videos/evo-top-end-and-cam/

@erneumann3136 Жыл бұрын

I bought 2 new Harleys in the early eighties to help Harley stay afloat.

@hwalter5432 8 ай бұрын

Have a stock, unaltered 1984 FXRDG- Disc Glide- and will have until I die! Great machine, great ride, most beautiful of all Willie G's ideas

@bmp72 5 ай бұрын

Me with my 83 FXDG disagrees 😊

@hwalter5432 5 ай бұрын

Nah, close but nope, the 84 FXRDG was the most dolled up, chromed out, and best looking, best riding machine Harley has made-That's why they only made a few-they used up the entire year's supply of chrome and gold paint!!!! HAH! @@bmp72

@jameshall5946 6 ай бұрын

Dam good advice

@theodavies8754 23 күн бұрын

My '99 TC 88 FXDL is better than the '95 FXDL I had before. It's going to be a project whether you buy new or old. First thing to do is take off all the junk people stick on, it's a free upgrade.

@apaulothegreat1581 9 ай бұрын

How do you know if the mileage is correct. How do you know if someone change out the speedometer? Thanks Great Info.Just located you and subscribed.

@FXR038 11 ай бұрын

The FXR started the “evolution” of the company with the shovel head from 82-84. But the Evo definitely save that company!

@kennethwise7108 11 ай бұрын

Close but the Tour Glide was the biggest thing that had significant improvements over the other models

@Gerk8 2 күн бұрын

Would like to see a video like this for the XL Evolution.

@davex247 8 ай бұрын

Ive bought a 94 softail with 13k on the clock, what's the first thing i should be looking for and when?

@markgarrett8814 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for a very informative video! I have a 98 RK with the efi Evo and I don't have any problems with it but I have always wanted to convert it to a carburetor but don't feel comfortable doing it myself so would it be possible to ship you my bike and you guys convert it over for me and if so please let me know and we can get together on this? Thanks

@tomjeff1743 8 ай бұрын

I have a 1987 FLHTC (Electraglide Classic). If I want to upgrade the clutch, will stock Evo components from mid 90s fit and work OK or should i go with an aftermarket clutch from drag spec?.

@tomjeff1743 8 ай бұрын

Can a 1987 be upgraded 1995 parts where needed or is it throwing good money after bad?

@abigail_mcleod Жыл бұрын

i had 87"electra glide special last year , bought for 4.5k and always problem with it and spent 3.5k to fix here and there till finaly sold it cuz feedup just a few months later ,very dissapointed investment indeed. now i have 96inch twin cam ( 07 softail night train) and am happy with it beside one thing which is Very Hot engine but i heard its normal with twin cam engine .

@FixMyHogfreechannel Жыл бұрын

Stop by and check out our videos: www.fixmyhog.com/videos/softail-dyna-maintenance/

@nico8587d 10 ай бұрын

I have a 1987 FLHTC I bought new and it currently has 103,000 miles on it. Never touched the motor and replaced a bearing in the transmission. Still have the original mufflers. Told my sons that they get the bike and give it to the future generations. Never sale the bike, keep it in the family. It’s the first one in the family. I’ll look for another evo Harley. This video is pretty good as what to look for. Fully synthetic oils are used.

@skyhill4279 8 ай бұрын

Hello from the Isle of Man. Thanks for a very informative video. I own a low mileage 1995 FLSTN. When did HD start using the INA cam bearing? Many thanks. 🇮🇲🇮🇲

@FixMyHogfreechannel 8 ай бұрын

Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hundreds of hours of Premium content. To get started, please send me the email address associated with your paid membership.

@jamesstrauss1196 3 ай бұрын

They used the caged INA bearing in 1992, I was there, bought new 1994 FLHTC after 1 year I put after market cam in it , Crane cam after 1 more year and 10,000 miles I heard noise, took it apart and the cam & bearing was bad INA caged

@AJC-jo3ds Жыл бұрын

Is there any way to know if the speedo has been changed to a lower mile speedo? Seems easy to do…..

@FixMyHogfreechannel Жыл бұрын

Easy to swap out speedo, harder to know if done, things to consider year of mc vs mileage, records kept, ownership tracking. www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-digital-speedo-removal-011403/

@ANonymous-nd4et 6 ай бұрын

So that extra plate in the clutch would explain why the primary on my 96 is bigger than on my 98? Is it a different basket too? I havent done anything to the 96 yet i just bought it.

@FixMyHogfreechannel 6 ай бұрын

Hello, The 'Ask an Expert’ section for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send us the email associated with your paid membership. Thanks! FYI- We also have a lot of technical answers on our website. www.fixmyhog.com/harley-tips-a-z-index Thank you!

@ronertromano7897 3 ай бұрын

Why is it that they never mention the 85 chain drive 4 speed? Exactly the same as a Shovel except for the motor. 100 thousand miles on mine great bike don’t need any thing else.

@shoominati23 Жыл бұрын

Even the Sidevalve and knuck freaks tell me that the Evo was the best engine that Harley ever made

@mschillerm Жыл бұрын

I have a 91 ultra. Do you have to clean the belly breather tube?

@FixMyHogfreechannel Жыл бұрын

More info here: www.fixmyhog.com/video/evolution-oil-and-transmission-fluids-031270/ and full Evo Service www.fixmyhog.com/videos/evolution-1984-1999/

@kujansu Ай бұрын

I Got on a trade a 85 FXRS that has lots of FXRD parts

@thebikegeekandmore2448 9 ай бұрын

Sir, I am thinking of buying a road King 98 evo. If it is need's a engine rebuild, how much many are we talking about that I need to spend? It is advertised for 8000 euro.

@FixMyHogfreechannel 9 ай бұрын

@joeabbott7839 5 ай бұрын

I don't know what I have it has a block with last 2 numbers 73 an top all evo could be a evo shovel

@aleksandrnestrato 9 ай бұрын

It all sounds like if you do want an Evo Harley-go buy everything aftermarket and assemble it. 😂 Yes, it’s gonna be expensive and time, consuming, but you’ll get yourself a brand new old Harley!

@owenbruce4120 Жыл бұрын

Would have loved the V4...95 Dyna is great though...this dispels the belief Evo is a high mile trouble free motor...seems as problematic as certain later models

@alexursulajohnson8622 Ай бұрын

1400cc bored out evo with 3 speed transmission I want to buy this bike what do you think?

@alexursulajohnson8622 Ай бұрын

1990

@CarlosOrtega-hn1qq Жыл бұрын

DOES A 1999 SPROCKET PULLEY IS GOING TO FEET ON THE 5TH MAIN GEAR OF THE 1992 GEAR BOX?

@FixMyHogfreechannel Жыл бұрын

A 1999 front pulley will fit over the splines of the 1992 main drive gear. However, it has a different offset. Both year pulleys are 32 tooth. www.fixmyhog.com/videos/evolution-1984-1999/

@kennethwise7108 11 ай бұрын

The change in the offset was in late 1994 bikes (Softails) Can't speak for the others.

@VR-mm4ys 4 ай бұрын

? 98 fxdl Torrington bearing or not, my bike love it 46k ty anyone

@frankmarkovcijr5459 11 ай бұрын

AMF develop the evolution motor to counteract the problems with the shovelhead motor that was being pushed fast design limits as well as being throttled with pollution controls and for quality gasoline. AMF spent 6to 7 years developing the evolution motor. They got high on the hog and figured that they're s*** doesn't stink and they could do no wrong. They went after the aftermarket shops, went after mom-and-pop Harley dealership , came out with the Bean counter twin-cam with turned around and put them in the ass for warranty claims, killed the Buell line of Harley sport bikes well the while their prices got higher and their quality got lower. It is so bad people wish AMF was still in charge.

@kennethwise7108 11 ай бұрын

That's absolutely incorrect. AMF had no involvement with the Evo. ZERO!!

@frankmarkovcijr5459 11 ай бұрын

@@kennethwise7108 of course AMF shaved Harley-Davidson because Bangor put you would have demolished the plant and we would have Harley t-shirts mugs and stuff but no motorcycles. They spent six to seven years developing the evolution motor all the development work was done during the AMF years. It is you who is absolutely incorrect. You should do more research before you say something that isn't true.

@kennethwise7108 11 ай бұрын

@frankmarkovcijr5459 Share one article about that and I'll eat my words. NONE EXIST

@tinman7130 8 ай бұрын

If you think HD got a new motor together in two years post AMF I got a bridge you would probably like. I worked for HD in service. The gates rubber company was up the road and we saw their engineers all the time. In 1981 I saw the drawing on their desk of the evo motor as they were working on new belt final drives for the Sportster and FLH models. . You believe what you want. The development of the EVO took half a decade @@kennethwise7108

@TheWolfsnack 8 ай бұрын

@@kennethwise7108 The evo was developed by AMF...and produced by HD....too bad it is not a family run business' any more.