The Block head (Evolution) motor. As good as they say?
Hey guys, so I'm a new member, not only to the forums, but also to owning a HD. I bought my first Harley a few days ago, a 96' XL1200 with 15k on her. (As you can see, someone went crazy with the chrome factor)
I'm pretty stoked about it, and have enjoyed learning about its heritage. I've been reading a lot about how people say these blockheads are fantastic engines and, if properly maintained, can go hundreds of thousands of miles. I'm curious if there is Alotta truth to that? Obviously it is largely a matter of how well you maintain the equipment, but 100k+? I'm used to riding the old metric engines that are lucky to see 80k, so I'm intrigued at the idea of these bikes being "heirloom" motorcycles. I can read opinions and articles all day long, but id like to hear from people with actual experience with these engines.
How many miles are on your Evo? Been pretty reliable? Any big or known issues to look out for? Look forward to hearing about your engines. As they say, Evo Forever Forever Evo haha
Evolution Sportster, without beating the s**t out of it, will serve you well for many, many years. Follow the Factory Service Manual for all service intervals and you will be all good. I am the original owner of a 1991 1200, I can go start her up right now and go for a ride. Great bikes for sure. Good luck, and yeh that is one shiny bike!!
Evolution Sportster, without beating the s**t out of it, will serve you well for many, many years. Follow the Factory Service Manual for all service intervals and you will be all good. I am the original owner of a 1991 1200, I can go start her up right now and go for a ride. Great bikes for sure. Good luck, and yeh that is one shiny bike!!
Well that's good to hear! I intend to treat it good, so it sounds like we'll have a long happy life together. Thanks for the input.
I'm the original owner of a 1991 as well. She starts and runs like new after almost 28 years.
Man, that's an incredible chrome job. Looks a lot better that I would have expected. I wonder what the guys other vehicles look like?
I can't think of any known issues. The clutch spring plate (part of clutch pack) can have issues, but it seems to affect the later (2004 up) rubbe mounted engine models more than ours. Yours should be good for many happy miles. Enjoy. Get some dark sunglasses, I can only imagine what a blast of sun off that tank could do to your vision at the wrong time.
John
Last edited by John Harper; 02-27-2018 at 08:25 PM.
Blockhead? Good grief, you've been reading some old stuff! There were a few who called the Evos that when they first came out, but it never really caught on.
Blockhead? Good grief, you've been reading some old stuff! There were a few who called the Evos that when they first came out, but it never really caught on.
Lets try and make it stick! I think "Blockhead" is pretty cool.
Blockhead? Good grief, you've been reading some old stuff! There were a few who called the Evos that when they first came out, but it never really caught on.
haha yeah, I know I sound like I'm stuck in the 80's. The other v-twins had cool names (pan head, knucklehead, etc), I wish block head had stuck around
02-27-2018 | 03:54 PM
The Block head (Evolution) motor. As good as they say?
