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.

 

Back in the 90s with way less fuel islands it really wasn’t a concern, just enjoy the Evo

 

Type of riding long distance would be a deciding factor for me. I still tour on my 2005 Road Glide, twin cam but 5 speed and 5 gallon tank. Years ago we would Interstate everywhere going 75-80 MPH. But the last 3-4 years we have been embracing the back roads, so still riding all the way to Sturgis but taking more days doing less miles per day. Same saddle time per day, but mostly 45-55 MPH two lane black tops. Due to this change in our approach to get around, I find no need to upgrade my current touring bike as she is more than capable for that kind of riding and extremely reliable.

I would think an Evo could do the same all day long, but 80 MPH on the super slab, stay with the modern bike. Stay away from the MM fuel injection, a carbed model would be the way to go. Only you can answer what kind of riding you want to do.

 

5 speed vs 6 speed is not that big deal. You wont see much difference in riding. 6th is useless when riding less than 60.
5 gallon tank vs 6 gallon tank. Bigger is better here.
Carb efficency vs FI and mountain riding. Carb will do its job no problem mountains or flatland. You wont see any noticeable difference besides cold starts when FI is winner.
Riding EVO vs newer bike is great experience.

 

My 1992 FLHTCU EVO served me well for many years ... I replaced it with a 2009 FLHTCU Twin Cam ( Non California Emission - No Catalyst ) Significant up grade in many areas ... Brakes, fuel capicity, 6th gear, Higher GVW, and major chassis improvements ... Did I enjoy my 1992 EVO ... Yep and now I enjoy the 2009 even more ... Good Luck with your decision

 

I own both a 1997 EVO I purchased new AND I own a new 2023 Street Glide.
I turn my on wrenches and my evo has never let me down but my new bike is for the long trips!

If i'm on the road on a new bike and I have an issue a Harley dealer can help and will most likely have the parts needed in stock and is under warranty! An EVO I would need to perhaps order parts and find a independent shop.
I look at it like this... I love a 69 Mustang but I'm not going to take off across Country in it. Yes I could do that but i'm not, even with me turning my own wrench, i'm a AAA kind of guy when it comes to working on anything on the side of a highway! I don't even want to change a tire on the side of the interstate.

IMO, lots to be said for being a 2 bike kind of guy as my old EVO was paid for many years ago, taxes are $45 a year and insurance is less than $100 a year and I have a garage big enough to hold it so it cost me little to keep my old girl but its not one or the other as to me a Classic is a classic and I kinda treat her now as such.

But I can take off on a trip and know if I have a problem on the modern bike hopefully a Harley shop can keep me on my way!

All this said, if you are the kind of biker that can deal with the risk and know the risk going in on long trips with a old bike, my hat is off to you!
I do believe many benefits are in that EVO engine simple design but I do love the 6 speed of a new bike!

 

bad idea

 

What he said.
I just sold my '94 FLHTCU after years of ownership. I liked the bike, and it was fun, but it couldn't compare to my '03 Electra Glide or my '12 Road King.
IMO, the 6 speed vs. 5 speed is a huge deal. On the evo, you're really crankin' out the rpm's at freeway speeds. Even after an upgrade, the brakes just weren't very good. When riding in the mountains, I could really feel a difference with the carb. It sometimes gave me the urge to get off and help.
I rebuilt the engine a couple of years ago, and it did run well and quite smoothly, but it still behaved like a 30 year old bike. It was a good bike to have around for fun, but I was really spoiled by the features of the newer tourer, including anti-lock brakes.

 

 

I currently tour on a 19 Street Glide that I bought new, and it's substantially the same as a 23 Touring bike. It currently has 80k miles.

My last touring use was a 2000 Electra Glide, which is very similar to a 97 Touring bike. Comparatively speaking, it sucks.

Mistake for you to switch? Only for you to decide, but I would rather drill a hole in my head than make that move.