Budget has shrunk. For around $11-12K Canadian there's electraglide ultraclassics from 1990 through to 2005. There isn't much under $10k at all that doesn't need some work. That's pretty much bottom dollar. So if there's a 1995 and a 2005 both with around the same mileage, both asking same money, what's a better buy for a basic reliable bike? Are the Evos that good or the older twin cams not reliable? I was always thinking the newer the better, now I'm not so sure.

 

The only thing wrong with the older twin cam motor, is the cam chain tensioners are kinda like a time bomb , if you are at around 20k miles , you HAVE to at least check them. I figure if you have to check them, upgrade them, S&S has a new cam plate, and oil pump set up that is what I am going to do. The 05 twin cam had valve seal issues, but if the bike has many miles on it , I would expect that to be addressed already.
EVO's had cam bearing issues, but other than that they are pretty good too.

 

probably newer- but the evo cam bearing was never a problem with stock cams- only when a higher lift cam was used did the cam bearing need upgraded.

a newer chassis will have less wear on the chassis- rubber bushings and stuff

mike

 

If you're looking between a 95-05, then get a 2002.

 

Early fuel injection units were MM, often problematic and not much support for them. 05's have the better units still in use today.

 

Newer is best. Like was mentioned, stay far away from MM EFI bikes.

 

If I had a choice between a Carburetor Evo and a early Twin Cam, I would take the Carburetor Evo. Taken care of, they were bulletproof. They were easy to maintain. The downside is that the older bike you get, the fewer bells and whistles there are, and the ones you have are not replaceable. (ie cruise control, stereos and such) 92 and earlier Touring models are really hard to get parts for, whereas 93 and later can exchange thru 2006.
I just sold a sweet 93 Evo FLHS, basic bike, but excellent road machine. Take your time, pick the right bike for your budget. Don't get caught up in pretty paint and stage kits. If you can find one in completely stock condition, you will be miles ahead. You don't want someone's hotrod.

 

Just traded my 2005 Ultra for another bike. Bought the 05 with 4400 miles and traded at 50K. Replace cam tensioners at 17K and 47K. No problems other than that.

 

02 was last year of forged crack shaft and timken lefty bearings,first year of delphi injection, also 02 got an larger swing arm,pre 02 had some swing arms break and the 02 is a little easier to get a 150 tire into. i wouldn't look at pre 02 unless it was a hell of a deal.

 

96 and up will get the newer wiring harness with better connectors, relays and modern hand controls. 97 and up will give you the biggest availability for parts. ie: seats, backrest, etc. the tanks and a lot of touring parts are 97-08. something to consider. 2000 and up will be better brakes. dual piston instead of single.

can't go wrong with a carb evo. but there's nothing wrong with an early twin cam. just check the cam chain tensioners as mentioned. it's also easy to convert the early M&M fuel injection to carb. pingel makes an adapter for the tank.

mike