[kochise]

friend is building me a bike, looking for some feedback on which motor to go with.
4 speed swingarm frame
4 speed baker trans
tech cycle primary and starter
I planned all along to go with 80 HD evo, as reliability is most imp't here. however, we can get a new S&S twin cam rebuilt by a reliable, trusted friend for same 3k as evo. they were saying twin cam is better motor, especially if we're going with a 4 speed. (he knows frame will be modified to fit either one)
comments?

 

[gasketscraper]

The Evo will bolt right in, if the frame has been clearanced at upper seat post ( if aftermarket frame, most likely done already). If the Twin Cam has the 4 bolt mounting flange it will require an adapter to Bolt in. Unless the T-C has gear drive cams, I'd go with the Evo. There are tons of parts available for not much $$ for both engines. The T-C will vibrate in a solid mount frame, more than an Evo, unless it has been balanced much better than standard factory issue.

 

[panhead_pete]

If I recall correctly you wont be able to kick the TC as it needs to spin twice to fire. Is my memory correct lads?

 

[kochise]

The Evo will bolt right in, if the frame has been clearanced at upper seat post ( if aftermarket frame, most likely done already). If the Twin Cam has the 4 bolt mounting flange it will require an adapter to Bolt in. Unless the T-C has gear drive cams, I'd go with the Evo. There are tons of parts available for not much $$ for both engines. The T-C will vibrate in a solid mount frame, more than an Evo, unless it has been balanced much better than standard factory issue.

our builder friend recently built a similar bike for himself (4 speed s/a frame, baker 4 speed, etc) with a twin cam, so I'm confident we'll get either motor to fit with a some modification to frame. twin cam will have gear driven S&S cams. as I mentioned, they said twincam is better especially with a 4 speed, anyone know why that would be?

 

[vtwinmotors]

Well cool my opinion only again. If I was doing that on a budget. I would go to the local dealer and order the new evo motor. The $3,000.00 deal is hard to beat. But if money is no big deal myself the panhead is the most popular motor by far. So that is my two cents worth. Good luck get those pictures posted so we can see.

 

[FOSC]

I agree the best motor in the long run is dropping the money on a new EVO at the dealer!

 

[gasketscraper]

our builder friend recently built a similar bike for himself (4 speed s/a frame, baker 4 speed, etc) with a twin cam, so I'm confident we'll get either motor to fit with a some modification to frame. twin cam will have gear driven S&S cams. as I mentioned, they said twincam is better especially with a 4 speed, anyone know why that would be?

I think it works best with a 4 speed, because he has one for sale! The igniton set up for an Evo is SIMPLE, you can run points even. Not So with a T-C, you'll have to go with an expensive Stand Alone ignition, or buy the Nice but expensive Vulcan Engineering set-up. I'm going thru this right now with a T-C trike I'm putting together. Its been an Expensive learning experience. And I am a fan of the T-C, its a well built stout engine, but bang for the Buck an Evo kicks its ass! The stock T-C is a 4 inch stroke, where as the Evo is a 4-1/4" stroke, which equates to more bottom end torque also. Plus looks wise I think most will agree the Evo is a better looking engine. I mean its not a SHOVEL ( my fav, ), but hey you asked.

 

[HD48FL]

I agree the best motor in the long run is dropping the money on a new EVO at the dealer!

Evo!

 

[ckunsman89]

evo will be cheaper in the long run.

 

[kochise]

I think it works best with a 4 speed, because he has one for sale! The igniton set up for an Evo is SIMPLE, you can run points even. Not So with a T-C, you'll have to go with an expensive Stand Alone ignition, or buy the Nice but expensive Vulcan Engineering set-up. I'm going thru this right now with a T-C trike I'm putting together. Its been an Expensive learning experience. And I am a fan of the T-C, its a well built stout engine, but bang for the Buck an Evo kicks its ass! The stock T-C is a 4 inch stroke, where as the Evo is a 4-1/4" stroke, which equates to more bottom end torque also. Plus looks wise I think most will agree the Evo is a better looking engine. I mean its not a SHOVEL ( my fav, ), but hey you asked.

I hear u on the ignition. they suggested I go with a magneto if I go the TC route, but not sure I can afford that.
by the way, he's not trying to sell me on anything. he said as a favor he'd build me a similar engine to what he has for same price as evo , whereas he would normally charge b/w 4-5k. I trust the guy, otherwise I would not even have asked about the TC, but looks like most you guys suggest the evo anyway.
thx for the help and keep it coming...