Okay my blogger friends... here is the scoop. I have a chance to buy a bike from a dear friend/Viet Nam Vet who has retired and is now going to spend retirement in his motor home checking out the U.S. This bike is special, as it is a part of my memory life back in the late 70's when I first started riding around Orange County... albeit on the hineee seat. I set my feet at Cooks Corners in 1978 with him and two other men who gave me my very best girlsfriends, Pammeramps and Wild Val. Here's the info. I need help in pricing and help in finding out what its going to take. This is a copy of the e-mail with some info on it:
Its a 1967 FLH. They only made that model for 4 years. It has sat for a long time. The tranny and lower end are good. Pistons need some attention. Master brake cylinder needs to be rebuilt...battery probably tires, chain. He raced it against the best back when and the speedo pegged at 120 mph and never came back. Still sets on 120. He was never beat. Engine guts are S&S, He had an old school guy who did all the balancing on Edelbraks raceing engines balance it. All the engine parts are balaced to 36th 100th of a gram stroked 84 inches, Andrews B grind cam S&S super carb. He has all the stuff I would need to put an electric start.
There it is so far as far as information. Keep in mind I am not a wrencher. Give it to me.
KaTy Did
12 comments:
Wow...here is just my humble take on this thing.
It was raced so it has been through some crap. Mod engines really don't factor too much as far a price. After market stuff actually might make the bike worth less. Racing is really hard on anything.
It needs work and unless you have a friend, who is willing to put the time in to restore, or get it running, is going to cost you a small fortune. Not many HD shops will know what the hell to do with it honestly.
I looked at pricing. Bikes in "good" condition are going for around $8000 to $13,000 for that year. I dunno, I might fork over as much as $5000 and fix it myself.
Send "BigD" or "Electra Glide in Blue" an email. Those guys appear to be your best bet for this info.
You are going to spend some money though. I dunno...maybe SOMEONE, would take it on as a project for little money. (Hint, hint...I would help him if he took it on...for free.)
In the end how much is it worth to you? That is what really sets the price on anything. Another stupid question...what do you want to do with it?
Dave is actually spot on with most of his comments..5 grand seems about right.
It will need another geussimate of about 1500 to get it up and road ready. Plus labor.
Or just ship it to me and I'll get it going as cheaply as possible.
I don't charge a rate..you decide after the work is done what seems fair.
I don't know about the prices, but any custom/mod stuff can be a liability long term. Not because it was done wrong, but because the bike is already old and it will be hard to find a good mechanic (hard = expensive) It's harder (usually) to find custom replacement parts.
So, I totally agree with these guys, if you can get a good price, expect to pay more and maybe have trouble finding someone who will/can do the work. If it means that much to you, go for it, but be ready.
Brady
Behind Bars - Motorcycles and Life
http://www.behindbarsmotorcycle.com/
I don't really have an answer to your question, but I could point you in a direction that will maybe help. When I first started working on my '55 I gathered a lot of information over on the 'Classic American Iron forum'. It's a spin off from the American Iron mag only for old bikes. Might have some of the guys there give you some input, but first thing they'll ask you is to see pictures :) - Hope that helps! FYI - no link so it doesn't seem spammy or anything, I'm sure it will be first Google hit though
I have nothing to offer as far as help, but I really hope it works out, sounds like a wonderful memory to be able to hold onto.
What’s the time frame of when you need to make a decision? From what you said, the area of around 5 sounds correct. But I would need at least a few pictures. I’m not that far away, so a trip could be arranged. Sounds like mostly minor repairs to make it a reliable ride.
Wow! This is a great start everyone. This is what I am going to do. I'm going to show him the responses here. I'm going to get the pics like Willy D says to do and just see what I may be into. He would know too, but he's very much into retirement now and just cutting loose in the motorhome with his wife, but I know he will tell me anything. When it gets to that point, YES! I will need a helping hand. I guess the reason why is, that I have always wanted to build a bike, this bike is a memory of sorts, and its a nostaligic thing for me. Plus I am getting old and if I don't do it now, I never will. No time frame, except that he can sell it to someone else who is interested. He is in Oregon now and I will be in touch with him when they get back. Oh... and I want to ride it and show it...unless it gets all chopped out....
This all sounds fast. Now $5000 must be southwest pricing. As for the build Big D can fill you in on all the seals rubbers cork tires and so on. Pistons, more than likely rings. I'm sure it will all work out. This sounds like the bike to have givin it's past and all. Good luck it will all come out just fine.
And has anyone heard from Jeff Electra Glide In Blue.
Just read over at Grits that Jeff Electra Glide in Blue lost his battle with cancer. Prayers to his loved ones.
I don't know How KT but your blog link is missing from my list on my blog. I can't figure that out.
About the bike, me, I'd get it and let it sit for a few weeks and get familiar with her. Let the initial excitement wear down so I could think clearly and see how to proceed being you have a ride so theres no hurry. It's a piece of history that's disappearing fast so you need to decide how to go.
hello..stumbled upon this...
I hope you have some good luck getting this, and if the memories are right, the pricing should be right?
don't know where you live..but in my area..economy is still bad.
2 1/2 years ago, I sold my fully restored 68 shovel for 12k...lost about 4!..but...you do what you have to.
I know a 66 sitting I can get, but..
it needs as much work as the one you are interested in, and we haven't come to terms on $$$$$
I know what it cost me to restore the 68, and what I"ve got into my 69 too...so?
sorry for rambling on, best of luck, love your photography,
best wishes and stay safe! :)
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