You can do whatever you'd like to make your '97 a nice '97... But "bringing it up to date" is a losing proposition. There have been so many improvements over the years that if you tried to incorporate many or all of them it would cost you more than a brand new bike.

 

I would ride the thing and upgrade what don’t work and/or ya can’t stand. I sure wouldn’t be throwing much extra money at it...folks rode them things forever in them days.

 

Basically, imI saving cash I can save about $1500-2k/mo. I want to pay cash in full and can't imagine going even 1 month without a bike, much less 4-6. So if i can upgrade as i go, thatd be cool since so can ride in the meantime. First harley was an 07 fxdwg I bought in 2013. 2nd was a 14 flhr a year ago. I will have neither soon.

 

I've owned my Glide from new in 1990. It has Ohlins front and rear, Brembos all round, S&S engine, DD6 trans, 6 gallon tank, LEDs all round - I could go on! Is it up to date? Sort of - certainly far improved from when new! Is it worth the investment of cash and effort? Why ask?!

 

First thing you need to do is start hanging out in the Evo Forum. Lots of great knowledge over there. Read lots of post and do lots of searches. Second is buy a FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL. Here are some upgrades I have did to my 97 ultra with the help mentioned above.

Changed the fork lowers to 2000 or newer so you can run either 2000-2007 4 piston calipers or Bremo's . I chose 4 piston and kept original wheel and rotors that I had already upgraded. Lots of different routes you can go with the front wheel and brakes.

Installed progressive fork cartridges in the front forks.

Swapped swingarm to a 2001 to 2007 (I used 2007) using CCE's kit. This replaces the rubber swingarm bushings with bearings. and also eliminates the week spot on the old swingarm at the axle bolt. Mine cracked like a lot of others have. Will need to use a newer wheel as well. Again I used a 2007 rear wheel as well as 2007 sproket, rotor and brake caliper. This also will allow you to run an narrower belt and 150 rear tire.

Harley Hand Adjustable rear shocks. Lots of options here too. All depends on your budget. I went with these because I go from solo to 2 up quite often and these are easy to adjust and great ride for the price.

Motor wise I have just freshened up the old mule with a top end rebuild and installed and EV13 cam. Mine is FI so I have changed all of the sensors out and added a power commander 5. If as you say you can't imagine being without a bike for more than a week then create motor would be your best bet if you NEED and rebuild.

I enjoy working on my bike over the winter and is the reason I have probably never bought a newer bike. If you not into that, then I would suggest you be patient and buy a newer bike. These old bikes can be built into sweet rides but it does take time and money.

As for the bike. If the title is clean and it runs. Jump on it or call me so I can.

 

I'm in Hippie's camp. Ride the thing and only fix what breaks. Despite what some people say, an old Harley ain't much different than a new one; they all have one leg compared to everything else.

 

 

Bringing a 1997 Touring "up-to-date" to me would buying it for the $2K and then trading it in for a new bike...

Not that a late 90's era bike is all that bad, but you're going to pretty much strip the bike and add a ****-ton of ca$h to make it anywhere close to modern era bikes.

Like others, if it were me, get it, clean it up, service & ride...

 

What does it need? A stock 1997 Evo powered Electra Glide is a nice bike if everything is working the way it should. With my Evo powered Heritage the brakes were not the best, compared to bikes now days, but they did stop the bike. Sure a six speed gearbox would have been nice, but the five speed will get you down the road. Just fix what needs fixing and ride it. If the motor runs and the tanny shifts it's well worth $2K.

 

This is what I was thinking...if you can ride it it’s a start...for $2000 at that.