1990 Softail Standard questions
1990 Softail Standard questions
Hi guys,
I am looking at getting a bike again after not having one for three years now, anyway I found a sweet Softail Standard that has been overhauled and customized to look like a Heritage Softail without bags. He wants $6600 for it, but KBB has it at $5800 on the high end, so I would have to talk him down some. Is there anything to really worry about with an older bike like this? I have a '69 Olds Cutlass, so old engines and vehicles don't really bother me. By the way I had an '08 Road King Classic that I traded in on a '10 Ultra then I had to get rid of the Ultra.
Thanks for your input,
Jon
I am looking at getting a bike again after not having one for three years now, anyway I found a sweet Softail Standard that has been overhauled and customized to look like a Heritage Softail without bags. He wants $6600 for it, but KBB has it at $5800 on the high end, so I would have to talk him down some. Is there anything to really worry about with an older bike like this? I have a '69 Olds Cutlass, so old engines and vehicles don't really bother me. By the way I had an '08 Road King Classic that I traded in on a '10 Ultra then I had to get rid of the Ultra.
Thanks for your input,
Jon
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
what do you mean by "overhauled"? if you find a bike you like that has been "customized" you can always swap it back or make it what you want....if internal work was done find out who did it, fixing bad work is what I worry about most when buying a used bike.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Hi guys,
I am looking at getting a bike again after not having one for three years now, anyway I found a sweet Softail Standard that has been overhauled and customized to look like a Heritage Softail without bags. He wants $6600 for it, but KBB has it at $5800 on the high end, so I would have to talk him down some. Is there anything to really worry about with an older bike like this? I have a '69 Olds Cutlass, so old engines and vehicles don't really bother me. By the way I had an '08 Road King Classic that I traded in on a '10 Ultra then I had to get rid of the Ultra.
Thanks for your input,
Jon
I am looking at getting a bike again after not having one for three years now, anyway I found a sweet Softail Standard that has been overhauled and customized to look like a Heritage Softail without bags. He wants $6600 for it, but KBB has it at $5800 on the high end, so I would have to talk him down some. Is there anything to really worry about with an older bike like this? I have a '69 Olds Cutlass, so old engines and vehicles don't really bother me. By the way I had an '08 Road King Classic that I traded in on a '10 Ultra then I had to get rid of the Ultra.
Thanks for your input,
Jon
As for the price, yeah that's a bit high.
As far as overhauled, I'm not really sure, the guy I bought it from, is at least one owner removed from the owner who did the engine work, all I know is it sounds great, starts easy and pulls pretty hard and has a 5 speed transmission. I actually like most of the customization, there are a few things I wouldn't mind changing like it has a engine crash bar that some what interferes with getting your feet on the controls easily, so either take it completely off or put on one for a Heritage, maybe different bars, it has like mini apes and they may be a bit tall, unsure as of yet, it has a FatBoy solid rear wheel and a spoked Heritage style wheel on the front. Maybe a different exhaust as it sounds as it has straight pipes and not sure I want it that loud.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
As far as overhauled, I'm not really sure, the guy I bought it from, is at least one owner removed from the owner who did the engine work, all I know is it sounds great, starts easy and pulls pretty hard and has a 5 speed transmission. I actually like most of the customization, there are a few things I wouldn't mind changing like it has a engine crash bar that some what interferes with getting your feet on the controls easily, so either take it completely off or put on one for a Heritage, maybe different bars, it has like mini apes and they may be a bit tall, unsure as of yet, it has a FatBoy solid rear wheel and a spoked Heritage style wheel on the front. Maybe a different exhaust as it sounds as it has straight pipes and not sure I want it that loud.
Time to talk the seller out of the clouds!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 17
From: Rosamond, Cali
I've got a '91 softail. This era (early 90's) had a potential for 'bad' cases, e.g., some were porous and leaked. There's a few other potential problems with the early 90's engines, too. Someone with more EVO knowledge can run them down for you, and hopefully will. These inherent issues are in addition to any particular problems it could have due to wear-and-tear, modifications, etc.
As for the money, if the bike is pristine I wouldn't be averse personally to overshooting high book. I don't think KBB and the other guides are absolute. More like averages for a given broadly stated condition. I'm no expert. But this bike could be worth 800 bucks over blue book, if it's right. ('Right' is for you to define). If it's got the components you'd choose for yourself, then it starts to be more compelling (as you'll save some money by not having to 'customize'). Dealers don't pay for accessories presumably because they're out to turn a profit, it's 'business'. But being a private buyer, maybe you do pay for added features if, in the long-run, you save yourself money.
My two cents is all.
Alan
As for the money, if the bike is pristine I wouldn't be averse personally to overshooting high book. I don't think KBB and the other guides are absolute. More like averages for a given broadly stated condition. I'm no expert. But this bike could be worth 800 bucks over blue book, if it's right. ('Right' is for you to define). If it's got the components you'd choose for yourself, then it starts to be more compelling (as you'll save some money by not having to 'customize'). Dealers don't pay for accessories presumably because they're out to turn a profit, it's 'business'. But being a private buyer, maybe you do pay for added features if, in the long-run, you save yourself money.
My two cents is all.
Alan
Last edited by AlanStansbery; Sep 7, 2016 at 09:07 PM.
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