Need some advice on value.

Franz · #1 08-07-2007, 03:05 PM

Heres the deal. My friend has this bike that he wants to trade me for a hot rod that I built. I value my hot rod at about$20,000. I don't know much about Harley Davidson's, or for that matter the value of old bikes. I want to make sure that the bike is worth close to the same amout as the car I'm trading him.

The bike is a 1945flathead. I'm told that its an old war bike that has been mildly customized. It has HD logos andpart numbers all over it.

Let me know what you think. Is it a fair trade? Is his bike worth more or less than my car? How much would a bike like this sell for?

Thanks, Franz

JamieCarr · #2 08-07-2007, 03:09 PM

yikes ,..I don't know,...but I probably wouldn't trade my hotrod in for it. You can buy a brand new HD for 20k,...and you know what ya got. Now if your big into collecting(which I'm guissing you aren't since you don't know the value) mabey its for you.

JamieCarr · #3 08-07-2007, 03:15 PM

oh btw,.....I'll give ya $2K for the bike like it is right now,...provided its running,....and has clear title.
lol,...thats all it'd be worth to me personally,....but wtf do I know right.

Welcome to the forums from Louisiana

panz4ever · #4 08-07-2007, 05:14 PM

Franz...couple of thoughts. Looking at the first of your photos I do not see a vin number. Might be the light or angle tho. If you look at the photo you will see a large bolt above the innner primary. That is the timing hole. Almost directly above that is a flat space on the cases. There should be a set of numbers and alphas.

If it is a 1945 model it should read something like 45WL1234. 45 stands for the year, WL for the model (45 flathead motor), and 1234 stands for the production number. The production number is an example only, not sure what number they started the WL model at for 45. I looked at a couple of books and only show the WL in the 45 cu in model; the rest were larger, higher compression motors (U, E, F models).

That being said, 1945 was overall a very low production year for HDs (11,978). That may seem like a lot but compare that to today's tweenkiesand that is very low.

What is defintely not stock is the paint and, maybe the tanks. At the very least the tanks are missing some strips that go on either side of the emblem. Also noticed the seat is not stock and from first look the coil.
Another non-stock thing are the tires and probably the spokes and rims. Also missing part of the front brake assembly.

I would suggest that as it sits it is not a 20K bike; if the numbers are matching it might be worth half that.
Not sure where you live but I would not think about it if it doesn't have a clear title to go with it.

Looks pretty dusty. When was the last time it was started? Does the motor turn over? Any history on the bike?

One last thought..got a close friend who can check it out closely for you that is into old bikes and can examine it with a careful eye?. Was a time in the 60s and 70s when no one would even look at a flattie cuz everyone figured (me included) that they were a dime a dozen. As 40 years have passed there are fewer and fewer on the road. They will definitely increase in value if rebuilt/restored properly (15K and up to gastronomical)

TDWZ28 · #5 08-09-2007, 08:37 AM

I see a couple more things not correct. The handlebars and risers are not stock. They will be exspensive to replace with factory parts. The generator and regulator mount are not correct. The bike is not worth 20,000. Check the Hemmings or Walnecks books. You can find original or correct restorations for a lot less.

wbogley · #6 08-09-2007, 09:18 AM

I am not a huge fan of "trailer queen" bikes. If you cant take them out and put 100 miles on them without a problem, I wouldnt want it. However, there are a ton of collectors out there. I have seen piles of rust with a HD logo on it sell for a good amount...$20K I think is too much.

Oldtimer of NM · #7 09-10-2007, 06:02 PM

If it really is a military bike, unless it is a civilian version made for the MP's, the engine number should start with 45WLA. It could be, because lots of them were sold surplus for $25 - $150 in the late 40's and most were converted to civilian trim. If you intend to put it back to the military look, you are going to spend a lot. I haven't priced them in the last 5 years, but I doubt a 45 solo whether WL or WLA would fetch more than $15K unless it was all original and in showroom condition.