Buying a bike here soon. This will be my third Harley, sold my first two for various reasons. They were both twin cam 1450cc softails. I do a lot of 2-up riding with my wife and also have aspirations of some long cross-country trips in the future. I have narrowed down my bike choices and my dilemma is with the motor. I love the sound of the evo (1340), but wonder if that motor poses issues for 2-up cross country riding? The twin-cam (1450) I know from experience is smooth with sufficient power, however, there is an older model (evo) I'm leaning toward since I've always loved it's look and the lower price is appealing. In short, will I regret the evo in terms of power (2-up) and comfort for the trips? Also, any opinions on the 6 vs. 5-speed twin cam should I decide to go that route?

 

I have a FLHX with the 96 and 6 speed and want more power for 2 up riding.

I have found that the power of the 96 with some adds, AC, exhaust and ECM, really make a big difference for 1 up riding.. I am trying to get the same power riding 2 up.

 

only have experience with the 1340 and a newer 96", no twin cam. Live both these models, but there is definitely a difference between them. Without knowing what you and your wife weigh together, it is hard to say which would be better between the two engines you have outlined. However, where I noticed the big difference was between the 5 and 6 speeds. The small lack of power I could deal with, but any long distance travel is a lot better with the extra gear. If you cannot get the newer 96", then I would try to get the 6 speed for sure.

 

Depends on how big you are... me and my OL 435 lbs before bags... my friend and his OL 270 lbs before bags. That said, at the time the EVO was fine... now the TC w/5 speed is fine. Depends a lot on how you tune the engine and how you ride it.

 

With a cam upgrade,like a Andrews EV27, the evo will have plenty of power for 2-up riding.

 

I have a '96 with the 80" Evo (sig pic) and its mostly bone stock. We have been on many many trouble free rides up and down the eastern US from Ohio to Florida. Have never never had any issues with comfort or performance. We even pull a trailer from time to time. Why spend the money if ya dont have to.

Just my thoughts.

 

to me it realy depends on wht you are looking for , if you want a drag bike it an't gonna work , if you want a good dependable bike to go from point a - b should be fine , did not notice what modle you were talking about but I had a 96 Ultra with the 1340 evo and had no problems

 

From what i have read here a lot of shops(dealers) wont touch older bikes.
So what happens if your 1000 miles from home and your bike goes ka-put and you dont know how to work on it?

I think i would get a newer model touring bike.JMO.

 

I dont belive this. I have been to alot of dealers here and there getting parts,advice and service and have not had any problems yet. Only thing is.. They may not have the needed part in stock all the time. If your broke down on the road, Any dealed or Indy will do what they gotta do to get ya going again. Had a flat in the Smokies a couple years ago and was towed to Pigeon Forge. HD, While changing the tires, they found a couple issues. They took me into the service area and showed me what they found. The issues werent pressing or safety related and could wait untill I got home to fix. I call that top quality service!

 

Guess I am trying to figure out why you would even consider using a dealership to have your evo fixed

Evos are probably the best buy for the money right now and with proper cam and gearing will do 2 up riding just fine for the average rider.