Why the Harley-Davidson Evo Engine is Perfect for DIY Mechanics

The Harley-Davidson Evo engine is the one you want if you want to work on your motorcycle in your garage without needing a plethora of special service tools. The Evo engine requires only basic hand tools and a good service manual to do pretty much anything you want to the motor. Want more power? Upgrade the camshaft on your own and it's not that hard to do, you'll need to tune it, I bet you can turn a screw driver and jet a carb. There's not need for expensive tuners and dyno runs when it comes to the Evolution engine. You won't need a to buy a bunch of special tools and equipment to upgrade and maintain an Evo Harley, this is one of the last true do it yourself Harley-Davidson engines.
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[@GixxerFoo]

What Harley-Davidson engine do you feel is the best engine to work on yourself?

[@PincheBuzo]

Bought my 98 flhp in 09. It was rough but in my budget. Had a factory HD rebuilt put in it six months later thanks to the lack of maintenance by the previous owner. Been running problem free ever since. Doubled my investment that I will never recoup, but live and learn. No regrets.

[@freyatilly]

Prob the Evo. But it has Evolved over the years. I have one of the last Carburettor Evos made; '03 custom sporty. Though also an '09 fuel injected Sporty. But my fav is always the carb'ed bike.

[@jimfischione2743]

Shovelhead

[@jamesmillikan2485]

I love my evo and working on my evo bike to be honest twin cam bike might be classics as time goes on

[@victorauletta7699]

I think the shovelhead is the easiest engine to work on. I’ve been riding for 50 years and still own 2 shovels. Plus, it’s better looking than the EVO.

[@williammoore3790]

Have had a pan,shovel , evo and a Twinkie. Evo was the best of the bunch.

[@tobinlakeguideservices]

The EVO is already a classic in my opinion. Some guys are seeking them out.

[@GixxerFoo]

Price is only gonna go up and they are gonna get harder to find!

[@tobinlakeguideservices]

I read that H.D. Between 1984-1999 produced 1 million evolution motors

[@fmagalhaes1521]

I am thankful that I have an Evo. (Gixerfoo is probably getting tired of my saying this on all his evo videos.) Lol

[@eazy_e.7153]

I for sure did as my first bike. Got a 2021 iron and I’m so happy with it. Reliable and simple.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Today's motorcycles are a collection of government regulations on 2 wheels.

[@jimfischione2743]

Correct. It can't be helped. It'll only get worse.

[@charlessexton4267]

EVO 👍👍👍

[@GixxerFoo]

That's correct! A lot of the reason the prices are so high too!!

[@freyatilly]

Well said. Nightmare really. Particularly as the global warming thing isn't the problem as it is made out to be. Energy and Textile Industries are the massive poluters, not the general public on bikes.

[@ckthompson7928]

Amen , that's exactly what they are

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

The CV carburetor on my Sportster was just cleaned for the first time in 25 years. Great carburetor.

[@Frankfoot986]

When tuned right it runs as smooth as EFI!

[@bradduffield9603]

Had an Evo in my 1984 fxrdg. The best engine Harley ever made.

[@lastmanstanding1767]

I've got a 97 fatboy, a 98 heritage Springer, and about to buy a 97 wide glide. I know all the evo inside out, and not upside down. They are the best Harley ever made.

[@grahammanton6888]

Gaday from Australia 🇦🇺. I have a early 87fxst had from new 440,000ks on her from 36years of riding and still going strong with no motor work done to date. As I write this I will be taking her off the road for a full restoration.Like your chanel. I watch them all.Cheers👍🍻

[@GixxerFoo]

That's awesome!! I love to hear these bikes are still rolling and about to get some love and be made new again!! Keep up the strong work!!

[@jimkraft9445]

I love my 99 Softail Custom. It has all the power I need in stock form. Only thing I have changed are the carb jets, to match the drag pipes, the inner cam bearing BEFORE it went bad, and the air cleaner to a K&N. I only have 66,000 miles on it though. Of course, I am 83 years old. Started on a 42 "45' flat head when I was 14 back in 1955. The EVO is simplicity itself. Just the bare essentials of an air cooled 2 cylinder radial engine. They have that feeling that they will always get you home. Reliability that may or may not come on other models. I have always done my own work. Not much work to do on an EVO. The EVO is what I call a happy motor. It is not finicky at all.

[@blues3824]

@ 71 years old I'm chasing you. Just got a brand-new S&S Evo engine on my '86 FXR. Hoping that will get me to 83 as well. No Geezer Glides for us, huh?

[@jimkraft9445]

@@blues3824 Fantastic. Those older FXR's were superb machines. And S&S are the cream of the crop. My son built his own bike from the ground up. It has an S&S EVO.

[@Bigfhoot]

The evo is the miracle motor.

[@truthbetold-jq8iw]

Keep it simple is the best way to go. I have a '98 Heritage owned since '04. The only time it's been in a shop is for tires, voltage regulator and front cylinder rocker gaskets. I bought a shop manual and do the rest myself.

[@6BTGriddy]

Sad to say that the older generation that pioneered engine design prior to the Twin Cam and Milwaukee are starting to die off including the knowledge they carry with them. Kickstart ignition on the first shot and jetting a carb by ear are skills I love watching the "old-timers" make look so easy.

[@GixxerFoo]

You're not wrong at all there, a lot of that knowledge is being lost every day. We didn't need dyno's with those guys, even if you did run it on a dyno I guarantee it would be too close to mess with.

[@martincvitkovich724]

I my day , I was the tuner. I have no idea what a tuner is today. Same goes for the wiring. What a gigantic mess

[@fmagalhaes1521]

@GixerFoo. This and your other Evo engine videos steered me to getting a 1994 Electra Glide classic… with a carburetor of course.

[@planefloat]

My Evo Heritage Softail was a great looking bike but it vibrated so bad at highway speeds, it was unrideable. Maybe someone in the know could have fixed it, but I was way up in northern New England. I had to let it go for short money. Queasyrider

[@planefloat]

Hey Gixxer, enjoy your channel. You might try moving your studio lights further apart at an angle.You get a strong reflection on your glasses

[@davidyager8817]

I have to agree with you about the Evo engine. Easy to work and very reliable and it is a classic.

[@lachlanmaccormack5427]

Still love my 98 Evo Wide Glide, so simple to maintain.

[@user-sl6ix4dm2x]

Being easy to work on is one of the reasons that i keep my shovel and evo . 10:37

[@JIMBOBALOU]

I love my Evo 1998 XL1200S! I plan to leave it to my son some day when I have the money to get an Evo FXR.

[@davidpasquale8498]

Never a problem with the carburetor on my 1991flhs or anything else w/70,000+miles. Put new clutch pack n cable last summer n final drive belt 2 summers ago, did all work myself, all parts from ebay and or Amazon. I'm retired, gave me something to do and I enjoyed it, like I enjoy my flhs , its been a good machine 😊

[@peterrestaino7047]

I have a 90 FLHS original belt, trans, engine. pipes, carb, clutch 50,000 miles and still ride her gently .

[@davidpasquale8498]

My belt I replaced @ 63,000 too be on the safe side along with bearing and seals in the chain case . Clutch went out on the road, bummer, but got a tow and started working on it the next day. Used a Barnett clutch pack seems to be a grabber compared to the stock original, very pleased

[@sdmain]

Evo is the one 💪

[@bobtoner9820]

85 Evo FLHTC. I've been stocking up on backup parts this winter. Keeping it stock. Plenty of power for my riding style

[@GJM866]

Have a 1998 carb evo FLH and a 1997 FI evo RK Both are excellent. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another carbureted bike.

[@metalted6128]

This winter’s upgrades on my evolution, isEV27 cam, lifters, push rods. And new exhaust. It’s a 1984 soft tail, 1 st yr. Evolution,

[@landho1]

I love my evo 97 Fatboy, has an S&S carb on it and runs great. Is it as fast as a TC or M8? No, but I don't ride to go fast just enjoy the ride!

[@proud56]

Evo, and thank you for your weekly video.

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you for taking the time to catch the video and comment!

[@donkeddy1453]

Agree totally. Started with an EVO in 1988, then a TC 88, then a 96in, then a 103 and sold it last year to go back to an all original (even the tires) 1994 Heritage and I’ll never sell it. Love the EVO’s. Great video, keep it up

[@fmagalhaes1521]

Same here. My first Harley is a 1994 Electra Glide Classic. It took me awhile to get it. It runs great and doesn’t leak. I will probably never sell the bike. Also, the bike is carbureted. :):)

[@rickvia8435]

The EVO engine is the best engineered plant that Harley has ever put out - Bar none.

[@d1mennis]

My 86 FXR with a CV carb runs so good that I have a Mikuni for it but I just don't feel like replacing the CV and having to dial in the Mikuni! The only thing I don't like is in the winter time when it's cold it's a pain to start! I enjoy the fact that I can work on it with basic tools unlike my other 2 twin cams!

[@fearsomename4517]

I own a last year evolution '99 Heritage Springer motor is bulletproof. She's stock and rides like a dream.

[@bruce1816]

I believe the Evo was just as the name implies, " Evolution." Outside of early issues like cylinder studs, cases cracking, etc. Every new design always has its misgivings. The top end was a needed change. Efficiency was definitely improved as far as performance. I don't think the engineers expected the customers to put such a beating(testing)on this new engine. At present, I run a fuel injected twin cam just to check out the fuel injection. My curiosity couldn't help me !!! Now, I'm contemplating moving back to a carbureted Evo. I am computer savvy but i want the tuning back in my hands.

[@joehathaway1982]

I got my fist Harley last year. I've had several people comment that it's nice to see A old Evo running around.

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, Foo , I used to have an FXR 1340 , And done most the work on it myself, Apart from when I first brought it, it’s been sitting for quite awhile, had an oil leak in the inner part of the Gearbox, And the guy I brought it off of said that he would pay for it, he didn’t, scumbag, Then in 1999/2 I brought a soft tail deuce, For the first five or six years, I’ve done the work on it, myself mainly just servicing, changing carburettor, changing ignition changing exhaust, then I found out that I needed some extra tools, to change my cams and bits and pieces, that is when I finally took it back to HD, So overall, the 1340 Evo is a better bike, and the way things are going, I’m hopefully buying another one in a few months time, as per usual great territorial, look forward to next Friday, stay safe, Phil from My Moulin, now ,

[@GixxerFoo]

That's awesome!! I love the Evolution engines, there's just so much you can do with them and the parts aren't stupid expensive either.

[@fredcarter7003]

I’m an honest believer in what you are saying about evolution engines

[@eddiegerlach7121]

Got a Twinkie 88 and an Evo Sportster...both carbed...lots to like about both of them! ❤

[@GixxerFoo]

You can do anything you want with those and not have to worry about a bunch of high dollar electronic tools to tune them either!

[@chassisresearchkid]

Wow. Same here.

[@geraldscott4302]

The Twin Cam is difficult to work on beyond a certain point, but they can be made reliable. It's not cheap, but it might be worth it if you are not worried about resale value. It would require a complete rebuild, replacing the crank with an aftermarket one, installing the Timken bearing setup, installing and aftermarket oil pump, and geared cam drive. Thousands of $$$. But then it should be able to run for decades without needing to be worked on. ALL Twin Cams can be converted to a carburetor. Installing a carburetor was always fairly easy, the problem was H-D used the same ECU for the ignition. You can now get a stand alone ignition that will work with a carburetor.

[@jackdowell5805]

I have a twin cam ,but gears compared to chain I'll take the gear any day. Like a Cummings diesel gear driven.

[@markbarnhill6300]

Got rid of all my newer bikes, kept the old 99 heritage classic. Evo’s are just a good engine. Plain and simple.

[@lukewilson4824]

I bought an Evo sporty as my first bike. She leaks a bit of oil, but she ALWAYS get me to work and home.

[@svdoinitright7519]

I put a Zippers 80-80 kit in my '91 FXRT in 2011. On the dyno, it went from 34HP from the factory, to 79HP with the kit. I was able to do all the work myself, but did have a really high end shop set up the carb on the dyno. That was an awesome bike, but after 30 years on her, I moved up to my '21 Ultra. I do still have a stock '97 Heritage Softail that I bought for my wife and she didn't ride, with only 1200 miles on it. That's going to be my retirement project, to build a daily play bike that isn't a dresser.

[@evelynwilson7586]

I’ve done 90% of the work on my 1985 FXRS, 180,000 on it now and a long list of repairs over the years , it’s up on the lift now doing a drive side rebuild and starter repair. All done with basic hand tools and a couple borrowed special Harley tools. I’ll keep it running . I enjoy your channel.

[@danbergmann7461]

My first Harley was a 1984 Wideglide shovel that I rode until selling her in 1998. Then in 2021 my wife wanted to cruise again so we found a 1995 Heritage Nostalgia with only 2000 miles on it. Love the carbureted Evo that I can work on and there's nothing like the sound!!

[@bensatterwhite5694]

My first Harley was an AMF 80” low rider. Loved the sound of the shovelhead. But the most unreliable bike I ever owned. During the EVO years I was raising a family and motorcycles were not in budget. I’ve owned 4 twin cam Harleys and my favorite was the 103. I had a 96 twin cam on a Roadking and was the only motorcyel I’ve owned that had a complete engine failure at just 9000 Miles. Now I ride clean used metric cruisers. If I were to buy another Harley I would be looking for an EVO.

[@TheRoadGlideRider]

I loved my EVO. 💕 I’m thinking of finding one from 1997-98 for a Knock Around Bike. 🏍💨🏍💨

[@philtyler22]

I've got a 1999 XLH1200 Evo Sportster,gear driven cams,single carb,25 years old,still going strong and easy to work on-what's not to like!

[@ramonwoodworth2778]

Rode my '94 Ultra with CV carb to the top of Pikes Peak. No problem.

[@phishin81]

I just bought a 93 fat boy. I could have had a twin cam for just a few bucks more but I had to have an Evo for the simplicity and classic nostalgia.

[@knowbody9679]

Me too bro. 97 fatboy. I could have bought brand new if I wanted. I did t want lol. These evo fatboys are holy grail in my opinion.

[@hedonisticpunkvatos]

I got a '94 XLH883HUG carby evo and it being my first bike 10 years ago, I've rebuilt the carby and a ton of stuff myself and it runs great!

[@markwhitney9175]

Bought my 90 FXSTS new. Put a mild Cran cam, Mikuni and a set of Pythons. It’s not a fast bike but runs bitchen and makes me feel good. I’ve even ridden to Srurgis from So Cal 4 times. There’s nothing like being on an open road cruising at 80 to 100mph and hearing that EVO sing.

[@toddaltan8306]

I’m building a evo right now for my Fxr nothing. Some 10:1 compression pistons port polished heads ex38 cam and a mikuni

[@entiatmule3820]

'21 Roadking for traveling, a '96 Wideglide to sooth my soul!

[@GixxerFoo]

There you go! That's the best of both worlds right there!

[@GixxerFoo]

But what if you had to pick one and only one 😬?

[@Charger1908]

Why no mention of the S&S carb. I really liked that carb it was even better when they added an accelerator pump.

[@andresinnett4319]

Im always surprised that people keep trying to hop up harley motor so much , mine pretty much a pretty much stock evo and its gets to 100 fast enough , if and when i decide life is not worth liviing , i get a hyabussa 😂😂😂😂

[@xlr8r3VA]

I love my '95 Evo Electra Glide Classic!

[@fatbackcrowe2448]

I have an 02 TC carb and its cam chest has been upgraded and I have owned an evo I had modified extensively and used a S&S case and stroked! You still get better power out of the TC. My TC does have the tapered bearing and better crank than later TC .

[@scottarmstrong1172]

I'm running a carburated 2000 TC88 with the Timken bottom end. Sure, I had to deal with the tensioner issue, but it's pretty solid and easy to work on. I agree with you on the Evo's, though. And if you could steal one with a bad engine, you could afford to buy a good set of cases and build it however you want.

[@jimfischione2743]

Loved my carbureted TC 88 but I agree with you on the Evo.. Still, outside of the tensioner issue, which I took care of, there isn't much you have to do to them anyway.

[@raymondsadowski6080]

Love my 1996 fxds, like you said easy to maintain and repair when needed.

[@bradleyyounger8499]

My evo has more than enough power for me. Screamin eagle heads and pistons. Woods cam and a mikuni and a 6 speed.. about to get rid of the mikuni though.. bike is a beast

[@okiemale1589]

😎👍 Big thumbs up for the channel...

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@charliejones7574]

Baught my 09 Sporty cheap. I DO LIKE it

[@angelsierra1988]

Love the EVOs !!!

[@yfnvh]

I have a 98 RK with magneti marreli injection has 44000 KM on it an has no problems, so far. still looking for a external breather kit tho

[@jeffreyness9741]

Great perspective on Evo engines. I'll probably keep my 2007 1200 Sportster forever.....

[@peterjeff6949]

Bought my XL new in '91 for $8k ride-it-away. Still ride it it'll join me in the ground when that time comes

[@bobwhitfield3691]

Evos rock....and will continue to rock for acceptable performance, reliability, harley exhaust note and ease of maintenance!!!! I love mine....especially mounted in a vintage fxrs.

[@gregstocky5092]

Dear I say it ....Evo all day long ...I have a twin cam 88 wish I still had my Evo..!! I fitted a 127in ulitma in to a 89 fxr a few years ago best bike ever.

[@GixxerFoo]

Those Ultima engines are pretty sweet, and they do make some unholy power!

[@jukeboxheros7021]

as much as I love the shovelhead sound, I'm sticking with my evo's. their sound isn't nothing to sneeze at😂

[@GixxerFoo]

Evo fortunately is pretty much an aluminum shovel head, they share a lot in common!

[@user-so2vs2bh2f]

I've said this before. How many cubic inches do you need for a motorcycle? What I don't understand is how Harley has just kept upping the cubes on displacement rather than in making the heads more free flowing, compression higher, and more aggressive cams. 80 cubic inches is enough displacement. I will say that a factory 50 horsepower feels a little underpowered but you can build a 90 horsepower 80 inch Evo that's still very streetable and reliable. Andrews cam, JE forged pistons, port and polish the heads, free flowing exhaust, high flow air cleaner, and a good jet kit (tune) on the more modern CV carb. Or yeah on the early evos, a Mikuni smoothbore, or S & S Super E carb. 90 hp is plenty, that's more than a stock 114 inch M8.

[@EdDavis-gh4uq]

While I’m working on twin cam bikes I’m riding my 92springer softail

[@GixxerFoo]

Well I am not surprised the Evo is always ready to ride, those things will outlive us all.

[@benodie02760]

Just because of what’s on the road now, twin cam all the way. It’s amazing how many M8 you see already but the reality is all the other motors you just don’t see as often.

[@adamhill2788]

Damn, every vid of yours i watch and say I LOVE MY 09' FXD CLUB STYLE Harley...but i think its the best motor/model HD made for sport touring🤘🛵

[@daveshack298]

EVO is my choice (probably because I've owned one for 36 years) but I wouldn't hesitate to by a Shovelhead, if the right deal came along! A guy I work with has a built FXR, carb'd Twin Cam that will hold it's own against most crotch-rockets - but somebody else built and tuned it for him, and it cost him a LOT of money! I prefer something I can fix WITHOUT a pile of specialty tools. I won't split the cases, or monkey around with the flywheels, but just about everything else I can do on my own...on the side of the road, or in my garage!

[@Rif_Leman]

20th Century Harley Davidson is the only Harley Davidson for me. Carburetors, points, kick start, and chain drive.

[@dennyclosser8456]

Had an 88 evo flh…moved from Michigan to 8000 feet in Colorado, put a 2 into 1 Vance and Hines, re jetted, and it ran fine no matter where I was at. That bike took me all one the country multiple times. In my first top end, I ended up doing it a friends garage with the tools they came with the scooter. Just had to cut down one Allen key to squeeze in underneath the frame for the one bolt on the heads. Great bike great engine. Thinking about getting another one just to have it to put around and work on. You can pick them up for a dime a dozen now

[@aaronbrooks7106]

One thing on the evo is they don’t make as much powe, but a lot of them don’t weigh as much. Fxr dyna from the evo era weighs a lot less

[@IAMAMMAFAN]

Had a Shovel and EVO the EVO had plenty of power and was super reliable.

[@GixxerFoo]

Evo's are solid bikes and with a cam, exhaust and some good tuning they make decent power. They are no rocket ship but they are fun to ride and will do anything you ask them to.

[@davidfaria6194]

Just bought a 97 FXDWG looking forward to it and the simplicity of the Evo motor

[@GixxerFoo]

That Evo will give you years of enjoyment and they are easy to work on for whatever you need to do!

[@deweydodo6691]

Learned on a shovel, now learning in a 96 twin cam. But the shovel never left.

[@fmagalhaes1521]

@Gixxerfoo. The Evo will become a classic if it is not already.

[@user-so2vs2bh2f]

The Evo has some real strong points it's just that it needs more power as it comes from the factory. You have to know not to get too ambitious with your hp number hopes on these motors. 100 hp is possible out of an 80 inch but you'll need a 2 into 1 and around 11:1 compression pistons, extensive headwork and Woods cam, but the more realistic goal is the upper 80s. I still say that a Harley is about cruising rather than in being a speed demon so you don't need a ton of hp.

[@rickymonk6169]

Recently found you channel and just bought my first harley 97 dyna superglide thankyou for the awsome content!

[@raymondwilliams5661]

Super clied 1993 f.x.r I will never sell it. Top bike. 🤪

[@davidharrell8890]

The Tribute 145, is that an Evo ? Thank You GixxerFoo. 💯👍👍

[@metalted6128]

Because of your videos, I’ve chosen Andrews ev27 cam for my evolution. Thank you gixxerfoo

[@GixxerFoo]

You'll love that cam in your Evo!!

[@paullesho2693]

I have a 2005 Sportster 1200 XL CV carb and it does all I need and more all OEM With the great exception of Amsoil. Most diffidently made an improvement. Run the 10-40 Amsoil High zinc Jasco MA,ISO-L-EMA wet clutch rated in the winter Much more responsive acceleration.and quicker starts! Then I just bought an 1995 Dyna wide glide 1340 Evo, And use the CV carburetor and oil as well. The high engine heat just is not there anymore.

[@jongray9342]

Solid content....Carry on..

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you!

[@jamesdumas6602]

Yea, I loved my Evo Heritage at the time (1990's) But, I did not like it's loosey brakes, the skinny 130 rear tires would lock up so easily, and with it's 5 speed tranny, my left foot kept up shifting looking for another gear. When HD finally put in a 6th gear, with ABS brakes, a 180 rear tire, and Cruise Control (around 2009) I bought my current ride, a 2010 FLHTK with ABS brakes, with a nice wide 180 rear tire, cruise control, and a 4 speaker stereo, with intercom.

[@ramonwoodworth2778]

Maybe shoulda covered how improper (from cold) warmup can cause base basket failure.

[@GixxerFoo]

That's a really great idea!! There's so much debate about warming up a bike no matter what motor but you can't deny gasket failures.

[@AaaaandAction]

Not just Harley, I have two 1970’s Triumph 750 and they need a handful of special tools to take those apart.

[@budgreene8142]

Maybe the Twin cam? It has awesome parts support & whether you like carbs or FI, I have 2 bikes, one of each, carb is evo, FI is a twin cam but I really like that FI & I was trying to avoid it. The Fuel Commander wasn't cheap but after proper Dyno tuning, it's awesome & ready to rip quicker & zero issues with a nice power curve. I can't afford to have my evo Dyno tuned but I experiment with jets & needles etc & eventually got it where I like it but still, longer warm-up time because the carb needs some heat before it's functioning at it's best. I would love to get a carbed bike properly, professionally tuned because then I'd be certain to have the correct mixture

[@bennoury8509]

I have three Evo’s and I just bought a 95 Electra glide because I’m going to sell my 2013 ultra classic. I travel a lot and I feel that my Evo’s are just as reliable if not more than everything that is coming out from Milwaukee. and it sounds like a Harley. I’m really worried about what’s gonna come out after the M8, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be something water cooled in the same family as the pan America, and it will be the main motor for everything… I’ve done quite a bit of test driving and it’s all starting to be like they’re all gold wings…. If that makes any sense….

[@raymondwilliams5661]

Test rideing.😊

[@geraldscott4302]

I don't even consider the M8 a Harley engine. Yes, it is made by, or at least sold by H-D. But it lacks the two things that define a Harley engine more than anything else. Sound and feel. Those two things are why I ride Harleys. No other reason. I am not a H-D fanboy. In fact I have some serious problems with H-D. From the way they treated their customers and potential customers back in the '90s, to what they have done to their bikes in the 2000s. I am a fan of the bikes H-D USED to make. And that is mostly because of the EVO engine. I have three of them. A 1989 FXRS, a 2006 Sportster 1200, and a 2001 Sportster 883. I bought the FXRS way back in 2003, and have had no real issues with it. It is 100% stock engine wise. It does have an aftermarket exhaust and a retuned carburetor. Not for more power, just to make it sound like a Harley. I use that bike for long distance highway rides. Mostly in the right lane at 65 mph. I don't need more power. I ride to relax. Back in 2015 I bought the 2006 Sportster 1200. It was an impulse buy. Beautiful low mileage bike that hadn't been chopped up, and the price was right. I ride it pretty much the same as the FXRS, but usually for shorter distances. I can spread the miles out over 2 bikes and make them both last longer. I bought the 2001 Sportster 883 in 2022, because H-D was discontinuing the Sportster. I sold one of my Japanese dual sport bikes to have a place to keep it. So far I rarely put more than 20-25 miles a week on it. I have taken a couple of 200+ mile trips on it, on rural 2 lane roads. I bought it just to make sure I always had a Sportster. I also like the idea of having a solid mount Sportster, which doesn't vibrate nearly as much as many people claim. Both the Sportsters are also stock engine wise, except for exhaust and retuned carburetors. All three of these bikes have been almost 100% reliable. I did have to replace the starter, pulleys, and belt on the FXRS. They are available online from many different places. I was planning on eventually replacing or rebuilding the engine on the FXRS, but since I got the Sportster 1200, I've slowed down racking up miles on it, so I may never need to. But I will if necessary. I am not interested in any H-D made after the EVO.

[@warrenjuengel6886]

Pinion runout on my 2001 fxstd is .0007. Gear drive on the way.

[@GixxerFoo]

.007 or .0007?

[@jb-bu4vl]

My experience with my stock 1999 Heritage EVO wasn't a good one. My 1981 FXB while going up Afton Mountain with the wife on the back, you could grab a handful of throttle and climb in speed until you could lose your license! Try that with the EVO, no way no acceleration at all. EVO long warm up times and have fun trying to keep the rocker box gaskets from letting oil leak all down your leg on a ride. I bought a 2003 FXDL loved the new power and cleanliness. Yes, the EVO is no doubt a simpler and easier to work on engine. Knowing what I know I just bought a 2003 carbureted Twin Cam 88b Heritage with 10,900 miles on it. Checked the cam shoes immediately. They are in good shape, and I will do the necessary cam chain work when necessary.

[@georgeveneziano2754]

I feel the EVO is here to stay.

[@GixxerFoo]

Best thing that ever happened in the motorcycle world is Evo clones where they went in and engineered out all the factory weak points.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Stock my 2008 1203 cc Thunderstorm engine is supposed to make 103 HP Redline 7,000 RPM.. I never revved it over 6,000 RPM simply no need it shakes a lot and falls on it's face with stock cam after 6,000 .. Stronger cases.. Fuel Injection . Higher compression ration. Air Scoops for rear cylinder cooling .. Air Scoop for the oil cooper and a fan to draw air across the engine when hot or and sitting in traffic . Eric Buell made many improvements on the EVO .. just needs to be a 6 speed.

[@wvbiker746]

Thats why I went with the Ultima engine.

[@GixxerFoo]

Ultima really took the Evo and reverse engineered it making a ton of solid improvements everywhere.

[@davidetchellsetchells4692]

As an engineer, i can fix anything as long as i have the patience for it. That being said, i prefer the older pre evo and evolution engines, shovels are caveman easy and damn strong, same all the way back to 1903 singles, as every old school biker i love the knuckle and flatheads, shovels and evos, i dont like the head bleeder in the pan but they are very stout and astecically pleasing especially the right side of the engine, its just a work of art! I can work on the new stuff too, but i dont want to invest in dealership proprietory software to plug in the ecu and talk to it, just not my thing

[@GixxerFoo]

I love those older more mechanical engines you don't need special tools for, you can anything to them with just a basic tool box.

[@larry68hd11]

Thanks 😮😮

[@jameslatoff2037]

Any thoughts on all the fuel-injected Evo Sportsters out there?

[@GixxerFoo]

Nothing wrong at all with the 2007 and newer FI sportsters, they are all Delphi systems. They are honestly the most powerful and probably the best iteration of the Sportster ever engine wise. I own a 2016 myself and it's been pretty awesome.

[@mississippidrifter5960]

You should mention that 84-88 evos were slightly different.

[@mattmeazy9988]

Twin Cam was my first. All I know about the evolution, great bullit proof engine. But.... like you said, the carburetor issue. Seen many bikes in corner of garages on stand bye waiting on a specialist. 😂

[@GixxerFoo]

Carbs work very well, there's nothing wrong with fuel injection but it's hard to fix on the side of the road.

[@jeremyneufeld6541]

I've asked before but I would love to see a video on the 883/1202 "evo" quad cam in the sportsters. How it compares to the 80 Evo and what it's quirks may be.

[@GixxerFoo]

That's not a bad idea, there's a lot about the sportster over the years. 883 and 1200 are exactly the same in every way with the exception of the heads, cylinder bore and the late 883's they changed the primary drive sprocket ratio. There's a lot more than that over the years though.

[@nomadih2252]

The evo has been a modern classic since harley killed the carb. My 08 Xbones is a fantastic ride, but my 92 Fat Boy has a completely different riding experience.

[@michaelking7499]

1996 wide glide Evo , Easy to service & fast enough for me 😊

[@toto_jojo2291]

Agreee carb is the simple way to ride , even my 2003 toring i swap with evo 98