Once aboard the new FXDL, the first thing you notice is how subdued the twin cam engine is. The new engine has a larger bore than the old, but a shorter stroke, and it is better behaved, but not by that much. Personally, I like it. There is something undeniably dramatic about a stroked and hopped up Evo or Shovelhead, but give me an engine that s powerful and reliable every time. There is also a much deeper well of power at your fingertips.
Power comes on cleanly, with no bumps or flat spots.
Because it revs to 5500 rpm and develops about 62 hp at the rear wheel, the Fathead is particularly potent at high rpms, and, once it gets up a head of steam, will leave all stock Evos in the dust. It also has a slightly quieter exhaust note at least with stock pipes. Apparently, pending noise laws in the U.S. dictated that the Twin Cam be a quieter engine, and it definitely is. As far as the rest of the FXDL is concerned, the gearbox is essentially the same as that of the Evo, although it is mounted to the engine differently. Gear spacing, clutch action, and transmission feel are all about the same, as is riding position.