Hello, I recently bought what I thought at the time was a 98 Harley Softail for $3,750.00. It was advertised as a 1998 Custom Softail. When I went to purchase it and saw the title I found out it was a 98 CMC motorcycle built on a Softail frame. My question is how do I tell what model it is. I have searched the Internet for the model it could be but have had no luck narrowing it down exactly. If I look up the vin number will that tell me exactly what model I have or do I need to do something else. Thanks and any help you all can give me will be greatly appreciated.

 

I have no idea on how to answer your question, but you got a great deal. Cool bike.

 

That vin won't tell you anything that a stock Harley vin will tell you. It's not a Harley it's a custom bike.

 

CMC = California Motorcycle Company.
Might be the WANDERER
Google California Motorcycle Company images, then click image that looks like yours, then click visit page.
A service book from Harley for a 1998 softail should help with maintenance.
1998 was the height of Harley and several builders opened and later closed.
Some makers used some Harley parts and aftermarket parts that fit Harley's.
More of assembly from a catalog and less of creating parts for some of the companies.
The Vin number will give the same information as your title.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I'll go back and look through some pictures online to try and figure out what model it may be. I will also pick up a 98 Softail manual. It looks to be built with good stuff. It has a S&S carburetor and S&S 88" motor. I have heard that this was a good motor. Has anybody got any information good or bad about it. What type plugs would be best for this motor. It also has Vance & Hines pipes. They don't have mufflers and don't have the baffles in but the guy did give the baffles to me. Would you put them back in or not and does this hurt my performance or not. Finally one last question concerning oil, what would be best for this motor. I have contacted S&S about suggested oil and plugs but haven't heard back yet. Thanks again guys for all your help.

 

CMC was the company that Indian bought out and based their beginning bikes on the last time around. Hit up S&S website for tech specs on that motor the 88" was a very solid motor, any decent motorcycle grade 20-50 for oil and I suggest dino not syn in that engine.

 

I believe it is a Rocket 88. I would almost say it has been repainted...those bikes usually had pretty trick paint jobs, or a CMC on the tank.

I would not say it is a screaming deal...if is was a Harley it would only be worth 5k in my neck of the woods...if it was in great condition.

Neither KBB or NADA list a value...which will make it hard to insure or sell.

On the plus side...didn't cost much...looks great...and it has an S&S opposed to the Revtech's that a lot of custom bikes at the time had ...enjoy your new ride.

 

Nice ride. Looks like it has a HD 5 speed and oil tank and with that S&S 88"er should be real reliable with decent power. I've read that it put out 85 hp... Here's link to what you have. It's called a CMC WideRider Softail.

 

Maybe it's an "indian." For a while there CMC had rented out the name "Indian," re-badged all the current stock they had as indian motorcycles and some folks actually bought them. In any case, if it's not too late don't buy it. They were nothing but trouble.

Oh damn. Sucked in by a Lazarus thread.

 

hi my bike looks simlar to yours cmc factory chop did you get any more info on yours or on ray sotelo