Say I wanted a Harley for some reason....

[shady]

What years should I stay away from?
and
What year did the better upgraded motor come into play on the big bikes?


I already know about the 2004-5ish upgrades to sporties. So we dont need to include sportsters. I'm mainly into the big bikes. Dynas n softtails pretty much.

 

[76zimmer]

Evo's were a big step up from the Shovels.
Twin Cams had their issues the first couple years...those are the twin cam A's 1999-2001, The B's are pretty good engines so far. In 2007 they took out the bushings/bearings in the cam support plate (yep cam running on an aluminum plate with 300# of spring pressure) Some say this will be a item that will wear out prematurely, requiring new parts and machining.
Transmissions had their issues even in the Evo era...up to 95 I think there were some issues with shifting mechanism or something similar...Evo's had 5 speeds, and Shovels were 4 speeds.
If your looking for a FI bike, stay away from the Magnetti/Marelli system...it was troublesome and crude compared to the Delphi system.
If I was shopping in the Evo era bikes, I would go for a 96-98...
In the TC era, I would go for 2002-2006.

 

[shady]

Thats already a tremendous help thanks. I found some mid 80's stuff for like 5k. thats why I was wondering. I was told to go 93+ for sure by a guy. but I dont know what he knows. I wish I could find something cheap enough. It'd be nice to have another bike. I will go with a ricer for a year or 2 if it comes down to it but REALLY want a hog. If I find something in a decent price that fits the OK to buy category I'll be jumping on it

 

[76zimmer]

Rick, the Iron heads/ or Shovels require a bit of maintenance/upkeep...etc. Like an older K5/Sub would...they are cool engines, but in my experience were not long haul worthy without issue. The engineering that went into the Evo and TC's are light years ahead of the SHovels for reliability and leakage...pretty much like comparing a 1st gen SBC to an LS style engine.

Shovelbill still has a shovel I believe, and Ray used to also....

 

[Big Ray]

79...absolutely horrid. I've seen sportsters whose oil holes in the cylinders did not line up with the holes in the case...


If you want a good, reliable bike, get an evo (83-98). They respond greatly to mild upgrades, are relatively inexpensive and plentiful.

I had an 86 Heritage Softtail, it was a great bike. I regret letting that one go, just a bit.

plus a big +1 to what Dave said...although I would consider an Evo back to 87.

Shovels have a great "Cool" factor, but you have to be ready to fix it all the time. Hi maintenance...

Me, I prefer carb'ed bikes over fuelies, but that's just me.

 

[shady]

its looking like i'm gonna stay 90 or newer. should be fine that way by the sound of things

 

[Big Ray]

its looking like i'm gonna stay 90 or newer. should be fine that way by the sound of things

good choice

 

[80 Chevy K20 4x4]

There's a picture of my 09 Dyna Street Bob. It has a 103" motor now, with Woods 44 Magnum cams, V & H short shot pipes, SE heavy breather air cleaner, Power Commander 5 with auto tune, Harley external oil cooler, led turn signals, etc.

If you want a relatively maintenance free bike, I'd stick with the 2006 and newer model Dynas or Softails, or a 2003 or newer bagger for the fuel injection aspect of hitting the start button and ride.

 

[76zimmer]

a hot 103 with short shots...dam that has to sound bad as hell!

 

[79rustyk10]

79...absolutely horrid. I've seen sportsters whose oil holes in the cylinders did not line up with the holes in the case...


If you want a good, reliable bike, get an evo (83-98). They respond greatly to mild upgrades, are relatively inexpensive and plentiful.

I had an 86 Heritage Softtail, it was a great bike. I regret letting that one go, just a bit.

plus a big +1 to what Dave said...although I would consider an Evo back to 87.

Shovels have a great "Cool" factor, but you have to be ready to fix it all the time. Hi maintenance...

Me, I prefer carb'ed bikes over fuelies, but that's just me.

I'm far from as knowegable as you guys, but QFT. Id love to find an early 90's Evo.

 

[shady]

I've seen a few 95-98's that I like for pretty good prices. But untill I sell the CC and pay a few other things down I'm stuck without one