I also posted this identical message under "shovelheads"

I have a chance to acquire a red 1984 FLH dresser in totally factory-original condition with 22,000 miles on it. $10 - 12K. I would be third owner. Never dropped. All records. One tiny rock chip in front fender, otherwise perfect. New battery, rubber, brakes,new S&S Super E is the only non-stock part on the bike (theorig carb and all parts & hardware that were removed go with the bike)& newly installed swingarm bearings. All Harley parts. Meticulously maintained - 3000 mi. or 12 mo. oil changes etc. Fresh fork oil installed. No engine oil consumption. Tranny seal leaks a little (I can do the seals, I've done them on every shovel I've ever owned).

Need all opinions ASAP.

Many thanks in advance,

John

John, That price seems high to me. 84 shovel dresser in a flat marketIMHO 7-9K although it is all about perceived value. It is worth what you or someone else will pay.

I paid $8,500 for my 88" FLHS-25k Orig. Miles-From the Orig. Owner.

I'm happy with the buy for an older PRIMO EVO 1340. I've had 5-6 Harley's...Bought and Sold them usually cash deals whereas I paid a certain price to get it and then sold itfor a ceratin price to the new owner-never lost any $ selling.

I say if you like the bike and want it buy it and simply negotiate with the guy as best you can...goodluck.

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Is it one of the special edition FLHX models? Believe they came in two choices...white w/ gold and red pinstripes and black w/ red and gold pinstripes. Both had an eagle decal on the front fairing.

Re: price. It is worth what you are willing to spend. I spent 10.2 for my Bi-Centennial 76 FLH and never looked back. 3rd owner, a tad over 5K original miles, all stock parts taken off came with sale, never dropped, all records of maintenance, all Harley parts.

IMHO, what you have before you is an opportunity to ride and own the last of the "real" Harleys.

Hey panz4ever,

It was a regular FLH, not an FLHX. I let it go but it's still available I think.

Now I'm looking at a black, dead-stock, one-owner '84 FLHS in the same price range. First one I've ever seen that's unmolested. 23,000 mi. I think I'm gonna get it.

I totally agree with your opinion about the "last of the real Harleys"!

Ride safe, live well,

John

John, Just before Sam Arena closed in San Jose they had a new black FLHS on the showroom floor. I came so close to getting it. However, at the timeI was single parent and it would have meant giving up one of my pans. Man the things we coulda, shoulda, woulda done....

Good luck...and be sure to post pics when you finally get your bike.

Dave

Hey panz,

Yeah, I know just what you mean. I've had a lotta those moments too.

I'll post pics if I end up getting it.

Keep the rubber down,

John

John,

At this time, I believe the listed price is too high. Is it worth that much? Maybe to you it is and to the current owner. I think 6-8K is more reasonable here. Your choice and good luck.

daven9113,

I ended up passing on the FLH. I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much. I think it's still available.

Thank you very much for the input!

John

this is too expensive,take your time, there's a lot of good deals out there,have you checked ebay? i bought a 1991 flhs with thunderheaders duals,lots of chrome and upgraded parts for $5500 i paid $800 to have it delivered,the best deal i ever got,the bike is fantastic nothing to do except a front tire,again be patient,the best deals usually come up during winter.

What is said may be true...but comparing prices of evos against shovels is like comparing shovels to pans, pans to knuckles...and so on. And what he been looking at are what he descibes as unmolested or damn near so. An older unmolested bike will eventually bring in more mean green because there are fewer of them out there, and as time goes on some of us look back and think about what we once had (or wish we had). The owner asks for a couple of bucks more (or several) because he knows what he has. But again, that does not apply to all or many but maybe just a few.

I have nothing against customizing and modification, hell, my 50 is a straight-up old school chopper. Guys de-rake necks, re-add tabs and such to get components back to stock condition, but a bike can only be original once. And once parts start flying off for custom modifications, and they are not maintained by the owner (as frequently happens), originality goes flyintg out at the same time.

Certain models will always command a higher price...i.e. first pan, last knuckle (the list is each riders wish list of cool); some models will always be available (what did they make, a gazillion 100th Anniversay models?). And while I do not think that MoCo coming out with a birthday model every five years will add to that list, I could easily be proven wrong.

Bottom line, that is why we post, to discuss, hash things out and ask for advise from others. The last thing you want is to get "buyers remorse" after having made the purchase, or finding out that what appeared to be the FLH of your dreams actually began life as moped (but if it what you want, it may not matter anyway).