1998 Fatboy

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Nov 14, 2018 | 02:35 AM

Etienne Keyser

Thread Starter

Stage III

Joined: Nov 2018

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

From: South Africa

1998 Fatboy

So yes, I want to brag a bit. I took ownership of this beauty 9 years ago. It's 1998 Fatboy and I just love this bike to bits, and unlike a spouse, it hasn't aged a bit in my opinion ;-). Like the previous owner I have been looking after it quite meticulously. Personally polishing the chrome and glazing the paintwork at least twice a year. Needless to say she is in showroom condition. Took her in at 2,000km (1,242 miles) on the clock and today she only has 5,000km (3,100 miles) on the clock. Why so little? Well just haven't had a lot of time plus I have been riding my wife's 1200 sportster (yes, I did buy it for the wife ;-)) and left the fatboy to enjoy for a quick Sunday run or special occasions. I had the leather seat custom made with the same logo as on the tank imprinted on the leather. I also have the original black seat, and best of all, it is brand new and never been used.

So my question is, how many of these are around in this condition? I believe that the EVO motor is highly sought after as the last of the original Harley motors for its authenticity and reliability. With the bike being 20 years old, but virtually brand new with the low mileage and showroom condition, do I purchase another bike for riding and continue to accumulate low millage on this one? By doing this, will I have a valuable collectors piece in years to come?

Nov 14, 2018 | 05:20 AM

RANGER73

Club Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 15,450

Likes: 7,136

From: Beyond Fucital

Not riding your bike to keep it like new and to keep the resale value up is like not having sex with your wife to keep her tight for the next guy.

Nov 14, 2018 | 07:18 AM

86glider

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 1,529

Likes: 933

From: Long Island

I agree with Ranger, ride and enjoy it,these motors will last a good long time especially at your rate.As far as collectability ? Again, enjoy it.

Nov 14, 2018 | 07:26 AM

texashillcountry

Dirt don't hurt

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 21,066

Likes: 4,568

From: Haslet Texas

Due to the high number of them made I'm gonna guess that in another 30 years that bike ought to be worth real money.

Nov 14, 2018 | 07:27 AM

01dyna

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 2,565

Likes: 2,015

From: Missouri

I have to agree with ranger. Put it on the market and see if someone is willing to give you a chunk of money for it. If someone does, sell it and buy a bike ypu feel comfortable riding. If not, take that evo out and get it in the wind.

Nov 14, 2018 | 09:24 AM

LQQK_OUT

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5,897

Likes: 1,912

From: East Coast, USA

Ride it and enjoy it while you can. Life goes by rather quickly. Let's say for the sake of the argument in 25 years you can get 3 times the price you paid for it. Is that really going to change things in your life 25 years from now? Think about the memories missed.......
You're better off investing some disposable income in the stock market over that period of time.

Nov 14, 2018 | 11:35 AM

daven9113

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 942

Likes: 323

From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ

You have a great Evo. Ride it and enjoy it, but your call. It's not going to appreciate in value as a stock Panhead would, because of the quantity made. I think Harley's glory days is declining with each generation.