Used Electra Glide Purchase
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 3
From: Hudson Valley- NY
Used Electra Glide Purchase
I have a chance at purchasing a 1984 Electra Glide which will be used as a commuter bike for the next year or two. Obviously it is an EVO, but for a 24 year old bike, it has less than 35,000 miles on it. Price is reasonable at about $6,300.00 and the bike is in good shape. What I'm interested in is if there are any things I need to look for when I check the bike out, problems with the older Evo's I should be aware of, etc.
Any help here would be appreciated as this will be my first bagger, let alone my first Evo-powered Harley. From what I've read, the Evo motors are pretty trouble free, I'm just a little concerned over the age of the bike and the low mileage. It is a dealership bike and I think has been serviced at the dealer.
Thanks.
Gary
Any help here would be appreciated as this will be my first bagger, let alone my first Evo-powered Harley. From what I've read, the Evo motors are pretty trouble free, I'm just a little concerned over the age of the bike and the low mileage. It is a dealership bike and I think has been serviced at the dealer.
Thanks.
Gary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 12
From: NJ
RE: Used Electra Glide Purchase
My 85 has 4 times that mileage, The base gaskets are starting to leak a little. That bike has a lot of miles left on it, good luck with it if you buy it [8D]
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 3
From: Hudson Valley- NY
RE: Used Electra Glide Purchase
T150, I have to say I don't know until I actually see the bike. It never occurred to me that the 84 model year was the change over. I'll know more tomorrow and let you know. I'd prefer a belt drive over a chain, but who knows, I'm taking a good look tomorrow afternoon.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
RE: Used Electra Glide Purchase
Does this bike still have a chain drive?
Is it an FLH,FLHT or an FLT?
1984 was a transition year,some were Shovelheads and some Evos.
Some were solid mount 4 speeds some were rubber mount 5 speeds.
Some were enclosed oil bath chain drives,some were traditional chaindrives and some were belt drive.
Some early model Evos had the Shovelhead style dry clutch in '84 and later '84's had a wet clutch.
I know of one issue with the early 5 speeds,the trans sprocket was prone to coming loose.
They changed the sprockets and added a lock screw to keep that from happening and if it hasn't been retrofitted it should be.
The early Evo charging systems were were wimpy and so were the starters but work well enough if not overloaded with extra lighting and other accesories.
There are upgrades available for both stator and starter.
The enclosed chain workes pretty well but is a real PITA when it's time for a tire change.
Base gasket leaks and rocker box leaks are common with Evo motors that have sat around more than being ridden,only putting on some miles will tell if that will happen or not but don't be surprised if it does.
Overall the '84's were great bikes in their time and it looks like you're getting a lot of bike for the money.
I did 100,000 miles on my '84 FXR before freshening up the top end,it was ridden daily and still running fairly well at that point.
Is it an FLH,FLHT or an FLT?
1984 was a transition year,some were Shovelheads and some Evos.
Some were solid mount 4 speeds some were rubber mount 5 speeds.
Some were enclosed oil bath chain drives,some were traditional chaindrives and some were belt drive.
Some early model Evos had the Shovelhead style dry clutch in '84 and later '84's had a wet clutch.
I know of one issue with the early 5 speeds,the trans sprocket was prone to coming loose.
They changed the sprockets and added a lock screw to keep that from happening and if it hasn't been retrofitted it should be.
The early Evo charging systems were were wimpy and so were the starters but work well enough if not overloaded with extra lighting and other accesories.
There are upgrades available for both stator and starter.
The enclosed chain workes pretty well but is a real PITA when it's time for a tire change.
Base gasket leaks and rocker box leaks are common with Evo motors that have sat around more than being ridden,only putting on some miles will tell if that will happen or not but don't be surprised if it does.
Overall the '84's were great bikes in their time and it looks like you're getting a lot of bike for the money.
I did 100,000 miles on my '84 FXR before freshening up the top end,it was ridden daily and still running fairly well at that point.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 7
From: Southern MD
RE: Used Electra Glide Purchase
If the bike doesn't spin over quickly when you start it ask them to but a fresh battery in it. If it still struggles have them fix the starting system.
When it's running make sure the battery is charging no less than 13 volts at idle to about 15 when reved.
Look at all the wiring and have them replace connectors that are rusty, corroded or loose.
Check for leaks at the bottom of the primary. If it leaks it will need a new gasket, so when they replace the gasket have them check the clutch plate thickness and see if the key has sheared on the main shaft. (it was sheared on my 85). If it is leaking from the primary main shaft seal now would be the best time to replace it. (god mine was a PITA). If you reach your fingers between the main drive sprocket and the inner primary and the primary is wet with oil, that is a clue. Put red tranny fluid in the primary (only if it is a sealed non-circulating primary) to see if the leak is red. If it's not red it's motor or trany fluid.
Have them do a 35000 mile service and make sure the fluids and grease are fresh.
I spent about 1000 bucks on parts for the the starting system and clutch when I bought my 85 wideglide. Paid 7000 for the bike on Ebay.
When it's running make sure the battery is charging no less than 13 volts at idle to about 15 when reved.
Look at all the wiring and have them replace connectors that are rusty, corroded or loose.
Check for leaks at the bottom of the primary. If it leaks it will need a new gasket, so when they replace the gasket have them check the clutch plate thickness and see if the key has sheared on the main shaft. (it was sheared on my 85). If it is leaking from the primary main shaft seal now would be the best time to replace it. (god mine was a PITA). If you reach your fingers between the main drive sprocket and the inner primary and the primary is wet with oil, that is a clue. Put red tranny fluid in the primary (only if it is a sealed non-circulating primary) to see if the leak is red. If it's not red it's motor or trany fluid.
Have them do a 35000 mile service and make sure the fluids and grease are fresh.
I spent about 1000 bucks on parts for the the starting system and clutch when I bought my 85 wideglide. Paid 7000 for the bike on Ebay.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 535
Likes: 14
From: Highspire Pa
RE: Used Electra Glide Purchase
If there is something about the bike that catches your eye and makes you want have it - then buy it; but for practical purposes you will be better off getting something newer. Old bikes are great but not as cheap to take care of as you might think, and replacing obsoleted parts will be an ongoing job.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 6
From: Huntersville, NC
RE: Used Electra Glide Purchase
Great find.My '84 FLTC was a commuter mule for 17 years. Mine didn't start with the nitpicking problems til about 70k miles.
Then it wasn't anything major. Make sure you have good battery cables and ground strap. All the rest of the suggestions
sound appropriate. Good luck, post pics.
Then it wasn't anything major. Make sure you have good battery cables and ground strap. All the rest of the suggestions
sound appropriate. Good luck, post pics.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
RE: Used Electra Glide Purchase
I have had my 1990 bike from new and agree with the previous remarks. Over the first few years Ireplaced the alternator stator, starter clutch, cylinder base gaskets, gearbox oil seal, ignition sender and gear-lever return spring, but all before the mileage 'your' bike has got on it. So it is likely any weaknesses have already been sorted. The oil seal and spring are the most awkward things to replace, taking many hours to fit parts that don't cost much.
Show us a photo when you get it home!
Show us a photo when you get it home!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
RE: Used Electra Glide Purchase
ORIGINAL: pajoe
Old bikes are great but not as cheap to take care of as you might think, and replacing obsoleted parts will be an ongoing job.
Old bikes are great but not as cheap to take care of as you might think, and replacing obsoleted parts will be an ongoing job.