im finaly looking at getting back on a bike and want somthing i can put on club rego so i have found an 1986 fxst ive been told they have issus with starter motors and gearboxes, is this correct ? anyone got any tips or things to look out for on this modle, i have found one asking for 12k farly stock just lowerd and a set of pipes but clean.   

At 29 years old bikes tend to require a little mainenance and care, so expect a few issues will pop up from time to time, but overall the evo is a fantastic motor, parts are readily available, and it lends itself well to a dew modificatios should you with to increase the power output.

Id suggest if you are seeking a classic with a bit of character and are prepared to put a few dollars into an older bike, then its a great choice.

Its not up to the standard of the new twin cams, but its class and style for those of us who are a little more old school.....enjoy it for what it is!

Oh, check breather hoses for oil being spat out, and give it a compression test as if it hasnt been done expect a top end rebuild to give it a new lease on life.....around $2000 at any bike shop if you are not confident to do it yourself

hi Ranger,

                i woud love to by a newer harley but at the same time i dont want another full rego and i like old school but dont want a kick start shovel so i decided on one between 86 - 89 i can club reg, i enjoy working on them and probably will pull it apart and go over everything anyway, i got told they have common starter problems and is the first of the 5 speed gear box and told they are not the best ?  so just not sure on what to look out for. this one does have some minor oil leaks so i would need to fix them first thing. 

 

can you fit later modle gearbox and starter setups on the 86 mdl frame?     

 

I ride an 87. No starter problems and no real gearbox issues apart from the fact that it can be a little difficult to find neutral on a cold motor. I ride for a kilometre or two and change gears a coupla times then all is well as it seems it just needs a few minutes to warm up.

Personally I think you're worrying about nothing. Take the thing for a ride, give it a compression test, press all the buttons, and if its been cared for and serviced regularly you should be away. Price seems on the money too.

Another thing to keep in mind is that following all the quality control issues of the shovel, in the early 80s the HD company was bought back from AMF, the company was turned around, quality control became a reality, and the new exo motor was born which was arguably the saviour for HD...without it there may not even be a HD today.

What you are looking at purchasing is actually something with a bit of history to it. The 5 speed box is far better than the 4 speed it replaced.The evo was a damn fine motor following the leaky shovels which were being returned under warranty. And the softail is the classic HD Lines....win, win, win.

Personally I chose the FXR over the softail as that was a newly designed frame also which was stiffer in the backbone and arguably one of the finest handling bikes HD had produced....I've never had reason to consider changing gearbox, and have had no starter issues.

thanks ranger i apreciate the feedback 

 

there is a few out there at the moment anyware from 9k to 15k 90% are import ones but that makes no difference to me anyway, 

what would be a good compression be on these evo engines

The book says anything over 90 is ok....albeit that sounds really low to me. I would have expected about 130-150, and even higher in the sportys

The important thing is that both cylinders are fairly close to each other in compression...within 10%

Welcome get that ride

the bike i liked sold before i could get out there to buy it , i have found another 86 5spd but has only been ridden 5 times in the last 3 years and recently starting to leak some oil, is this likely going to start leaking every ware if i start putting some miles on this. he is asking 1k more than the first one i seen but has new spoke wheels and tyres and a rebuilt gearbox.

Is the oil coming from a breather hose or a gasket?

Gaskets can be replaced.

Oil also tends to leak into the bottom of the motor past a ball type stop in the oil gallery, past the oil pump to congregate and be spat out the breaher on bikes that are left sitting....chances are if this is the problem, regular use may actually stop the problem.

This type of leak can also be caused by a blocked wire mesh filter near the oil pump.

Oil will sometimes leak from the aircleaner on some models, as it's common for a line being run into the filter to return excess oil to the combustion chamber, and this can soak the filter then leak down the right hand side of the motor or the riders leg.

I suggest an independant mechanical inspection prior to any purchase, to identify any potential issues...again that compression test will be performed during the inspection.

he said in his add its leaking from crank case filter (is this common) but i haven't seen it yet he is only free on Thursday so i ave to wait and have a look i guess, thanks once again Ranger i will let you know how i go.

im now the owner of a 86 FXST1340 5 speed. WOO HOO. went for a ride today awesome feeling getting back on a bike bloody hell have i missed it. i will post some more picks soon 

Welcome buddy to the site from Dallas TX

 

 

 

congarts jg looks like a nice ride,evos rule

Nice ride go the evo's.