Hi there-

I have recently run across a 1974 Superglide that a guy I work with is planning to sell. Have not had a chance to ask him many questions about the bike, but I knew I wanted to come here to ask the pros some thoughts and solicit some insights.......below is the info I have for now and I plan to ask more questions before I pursue any further based on comments received here.

1) been trying to figure out what this motor is built to.......88"? 93"? Less?
2) he is asking $7300........seems a bit high to me but see below and see if it seems fair......bike is supposed to be in good shape and he has had it quite a long time.
3) what are the watch outs I should be asking about? With this motor built like it is, how likely is it to be reliable and have a good service life? What am I getting into if I buy this bike? I'm not afraid to wrench a bit but not a mechanic either.


From the seller:
I have the receipts from ~1996 when I spend over $12K on the ground-up rebuild. The only thing I know it needs is new tires, since they are now 19 years old.

It's a stroker motor with 30 over pistons and a 4-3/4 inch stroke. It's a strong, fast ride but not an interstate bike. Also, a great 4-speed transmission with Andrews close ratio gears.

GMA brakes, collector headers, straight pipes available but not attached. Kick or electric start. Requires a high amp battery to turn over the stroker kit. Just 7500 miles on the odometer since the 1996 rebuild.




Thanks for your time.

 

That motor is a 93"or 96" I forget which as a stock 74 has 3 7/16" bore x 4" stroke and an 80" has a 3 1/2" bore x 4 1/4" stroke. She won't be a long lived one I'm afraid , while a long stroke like that is a bundle of fun as a stop light bike the pistons tend to go away around 25 to 30,000 miles and the valve train really take a beating in them. If you don't have good mechanical skills and have some back ground with these old machines I would suggest that one isn't a good choice for you as stroker motors take a lot of care & attention and there isn't that many places around who have a clue anymore on how to deal with one.

You can try S&S or Truett & Osborne websites and do some reading on their stroker kits, should be able to match the 4 3/4" flywheels to the CI size that way.

 

if its a 3 1/2 bore the cylinders are done at .030 no pistons are available after that size - pistons are over 300 a set plus the cylinders and S&S is the only ones you want as shrapnel from china jugs will change your life forever if you dont get killed on it when not if it blows up

 

Sorry guys for the tardy reply.

Thanks very much for the feedback and info.

I failed to mention that this wouldn't be a primary bike for me but rather just something that cought my interest and sounded fun. I like older bikes but don't have any experience with them and thought this might be a fun addition to the stable. A 40 year old hot rod shovel isn't something you run across very often, at least not around here.

Really not sure about a fair price for this bike either. I'm thinking its a bit high but can understand the sellers thoughts considering the $$ he has in it. Any thoughts on price? Fair?

Still in the "maybe" stage, but leaning toward "no"

Thanks!

 

Price is high for your area but guys with those types of sled always shoot for the stars . What the condition of the rest of the bike ? Nice & clean or a bit tired looking ? Priced to sell doesn't matter what he's spent , you build like that you know you can't recover that money. Haunt Craigs List and ebay for some pricing on shovels around you say a couple hundred miles out.

 

Thanks TZ.......I think I'll stick with what I have for now. Got an Evo that need some attention. Thanks again for the insight.