Modern Touring vs 90s Touring
#11
08-09-2024, 07:25 PM
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aharleyrider (08-09-2024)
#12
08-09-2024, 07:36 PM
Grand HDF Member
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#13
08-09-2024, 08:02 PM
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#14
08-09-2024, 08:11 PM
Grand HDF Member
Having owned an Evo a TC and an M8 I'd say nada.
You didn't say what model or engine size you '23 is.
I have a '19 Electra Standard with the 107 and heat hasn't been an issue even when riding in the desert SW.
All that said if you must maybe a carbed early Twincam with either a cam chain system upgrade or gear drive cams as I did in my 2000.
Even with a high compression 103" build with ported heads and S&S 575 gear drive cams there was never a heat issue.
I never used the lower fairings on any of my bikes so I'm sure that helped.
I put 200,000 miles on my 2000 over 20 years and she always made it home from many a long trip.
The 1989 I had with the 80" Evo always felt underpowered but I never had a build done it was stock.
You didn't say what model or engine size you '23 is.
I have a '19 Electra Standard with the 107 and heat hasn't been an issue even when riding in the desert SW.
All that said if you must maybe a carbed early Twincam with either a cam chain system upgrade or gear drive cams as I did in my 2000.
Even with a high compression 103" build with ported heads and S&S 575 gear drive cams there was never a heat issue.
I never used the lower fairings on any of my bikes so I'm sure that helped.
I put 200,000 miles on my 2000 over 20 years and she always made it home from many a long trip.
The 1989 I had with the 80" Evo always felt underpowered but I never had a build done it was stock.
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aharleyrider (08-09-2024)
#15
08-09-2024, 09:04 PM
Thank you, I appreciate everyone's feedback. From what I'm gathering, it sounds like a bad idea unless I really enjoy old things or I want it as a secondary bike. This is what I figured. I know that I could do road trips on the Evo, I've certainly done long trips on far smaller and less comfortable bikes. I was primarily wondering if I'd regret the switch, missing the niceties of a modern bike (better brakes, larger tank, 6th gear).
I have the FLTRX, so 107 with a stage 2 cam, intake, and catless exhaust. I road through TX/NM/AZ on a 2015 Fat Boy in early May and ran into some highway traffic... the heat coming off that 103 was brutal. I didn't have the heat shields, though.
Having owned an Evo a TC and an M8 I'd say nada.
You didn't say what model or engine size you '23 is.
I have a '19 Electra Standard with the 107 and heat hasn't been an issue even when riding in the desert SW.
All that said if you must maybe a carbed early Twincam with either a cam chain system upgrade or gear drive cams as I did in my 2000.
Even with a high compression 103" build with ported heads and S&S 575 gear drive cams there was never a heat issue.
I never used the lower fairings on any of my bikes so I'm sure that helped.
I put 200,000 miles on my 2000 over 20 years and she always made it home from many a long trip.
The 1989 I had with the 80" Evo always felt underpowered but I never had a build done it was stock.
You didn't say what model or engine size you '23 is.
I have a '19 Electra Standard with the 107 and heat hasn't been an issue even when riding in the desert SW.
All that said if you must maybe a carbed early Twincam with either a cam chain system upgrade or gear drive cams as I did in my 2000.
Even with a high compression 103" build with ported heads and S&S 575 gear drive cams there was never a heat issue.
I never used the lower fairings on any of my bikes so I'm sure that helped.
I put 200,000 miles on my 2000 over 20 years and she always made it home from many a long trip.
The 1989 I had with the 80" Evo always felt underpowered but I never had a build done it was stock.
Last edited by aharleyrider; 08-09-2024 at 10:49 PM.
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koga (08-13-2024)
#16
08-10-2024, 08:14 AM
Road Warrior
Recently, I find myself considering a mid-to-late 90s Evo touring bike. In terms of capability and comfort, would selling my 23 touring bike and purchasing a 97 touring bike be a mistake?
My primary concerns are:
1. 5 speed vs 6 speed - the difference in comfort/RPMs, the difference in fuel efficiency
2. 5 gallon tank vs 6 gallon tank - nobody wants to get stuck in the middle of nowhere WY
3. Carb efficiency when I'm passing through 12,000+ ft mountain ranges in the Rockies
Most of my riding is long distance riding, sometimes for several weeks at a time. I don't care much about speed, as I like to take my time and enjoy the cruise. I do care about comfort and fatigue. Since I'm in TX, an 80ci that generates less heat would be incredible.
As someone who does most of my own wrenching, the simplicity of the Evos intrigues me. I find comfort in knowing that you can fix most Evo issues on the side of the road, with a good toolkit.
I've done a lot of reading on the topic and I realize that there's no straightforward answer; each bike has its pros and cons. I'm looking for some guidance or insight that can help me come to a decision.
For the record, I'm a one bike kind of guy, so I won't bother getting a second bike.
Any advice/input is appreciated.
My primary concerns are:
1. 5 speed vs 6 speed - the difference in comfort/RPMs, the difference in fuel efficiency
2. 5 gallon tank vs 6 gallon tank - nobody wants to get stuck in the middle of nowhere WY
3. Carb efficiency when I'm passing through 12,000+ ft mountain ranges in the Rockies
Most of my riding is long distance riding, sometimes for several weeks at a time. I don't care much about speed, as I like to take my time and enjoy the cruise. I do care about comfort and fatigue. Since I'm in TX, an 80ci that generates less heat would be incredible.
As someone who does most of my own wrenching, the simplicity of the Evos intrigues me. I find comfort in knowing that you can fix most Evo issues on the side of the road, with a good toolkit.
I've done a lot of reading on the topic and I realize that there's no straightforward answer; each bike has its pros and cons. I'm looking for some guidance or insight that can help me come to a decision.
For the record, I'm a one bike kind of guy, so I won't bother getting a second bike.
Any advice/input is appreciated.
1- I love these hypothetical/dreamer type questions/scenario’s that never materialize buy sub-5 post members
2- You answered all your own questions
3- You watch WAY too much Scooter Tramp Scotty so stop
#17
08-10-2024, 10:04 AM
Stellar HDF Member
My vote - I would not do this "trade"
I would not want to go from a bagger w/ fuel injection, GPS, larger fuel capacity, lower highway gear rpms, and perhaps better wind protection to another bagger.
If you said you wanted to go from a bagger to a Sportster and "relive the past", well, that would be another subject.
I would not want to go from a bagger w/ fuel injection, GPS, larger fuel capacity, lower highway gear rpms, and perhaps better wind protection to another bagger.
If you said you wanted to go from a bagger to a Sportster and "relive the past", well, that would be another subject.
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#18
08-10-2024, 05:29 PM
Road Master
I can appreciate the OP's comment about the heat. I moved to Houston Texas in 1996. Had a 1990 FXRT with performance cam & Python exhaust. It was noisy and very hot to ride in Texas. Eventually bought a new 1997 Gold Wing. Quiet and water-cooled engine. Oh, and very hot to ride in Texas. Caveat Emptor.
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#19
08-10-2024, 05:52 PM
Road Captain
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#20
08-12-2024, 06:13 AM
I bought my first Harley in 1994. It was a 1989 UltraClassic. Ride it for 150,000+ miles. Did do a top end rebuild at 120k because of bad carb.
Rode alot two up. Towed a TimeOut camper, two up, stock engine, Blue Ridge mountains and all over SE USA.
The speed limits then were lower in many places still. But my EVO would run 90 all day just fine. Usually ran 70 where I could. Did several 1000 mile days, and many 1500 mile straight runs.
Today those bike are 30+ years old. How were they maintained over the years will determine reliability now. Carb'd EVOs are selling for more than TC bikes. I am looking for one, just have not found the right deal yet.
Rode alot two up. Towed a TimeOut camper, two up, stock engine, Blue Ridge mountains and all over SE USA.
The speed limits then were lower in many places still. But my EVO would run 90 all day just fine. Usually ran 70 where I could. Did several 1000 mile days, and many 1500 mile straight runs.
Today those bike are 30+ years old. How were they maintained over the years will determine reliability now. Carb'd EVOs are selling for more than TC bikes. I am looking for one, just have not found the right deal yet.
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aharleyrider (08-12-2024)