Looking at a 1991 FLHS with 60k miles. Owner has had it for 5 1/2 years. He said it uses 1/2 a quart of oil every 16-20 hours of riding. He said a local shop told him to just add oil and ride it. He’s been riding it that way for 5 years with no issues according to him. He’s asking $4200.

Also found a 1989 FLHS with 96k on it. Looks and runs great but the base gaskets are damp. He’s stuck on $5000 for it.

Thoughts? Any reason why the 91 would use oil like that? Or is it just normal?

 

All I dear to say is that my '91 did not use any oil.

But then I'm known to be a slow rider.

 

I’d pass on both of those bikes, at the prices they’re asking.

Here in Virginia, prices move with the season. Buy over the winter, sell in the spring.

I picked up an ‘01 Road King w/ 16k on the clock for $6000 in December. It came with a lot of extra stuff that I didn’t want… I’ve sold $850 of take off stuff, and spent $500 on needed maintenance and stuff to make it fit me. I still have a brand new Mustang seat & backrest and a tour pack to sell.

I found several RK’s with similar asking prices before finding the one I bought. I scan FB market place & CL on the regular, I don’t see many good deals presently, but they will be there come November!

 

Both bikes will need a top end job.. Right around $2k.. of you could get the 91 for 3k, it's do it.. I'mI would skip on the 89.. Again unless you get it cheap enough to do the top end but 96k on it it's gonna need other stuff depending on what was and want done to the bike already..

 

The 91 falls into the weak case issue of the time if I'm not mistaken. Possibly the 89 as well.


Griz

 

Both of those years had engine case problems. I know 2 people who had to replace engine cases on their '89 models. I think that it was '94 or '95 before HD finally got the engine case issues straightened out.

 

Oil consumption on the 91 would make me think worn valve guides or seals. I’d be willing to bet a local shop gave him a quote to do a top end on it and when he asked if he NEEDED to do it they shrugged and said you could just ride it and just keep topping it off. He’s probably going to be willing to deal because in the back of his head he KNOWS it needs a repair and how much it will cost. He’s probably figuring someone desperate for a bike who doesn’t know any better will think ‘Harleys just eat oil’ and buy it.

Offer him a grand less than asking if you are willing to roll the dice that it’s an easy fix or are willing to do the fix yourself, but be aware that this is obviously a bike that going to have a ton of other delayed maintenance as well with this kind of owner.

The 89 sounds less appealing because it’s probably also consuming oil but the owner isn’t telling you or isn’t aware. With that many miles you’d hope to have a list of repairs and receipts and no issues, or a flexible price. Obvious issue like leaking gaskets doesn’t equal firm price to me so I wouldn’t waste the time talking to him anymore.

Personally I’d wait till the season slows down and prices get more normal. Seems like what you’ve got is a few guys trying to catch the summer fever, but everyone with money already has a bike and bought the nicer ones. But that’s just my 2c.

 

Can't remember the exact years but the 89 and 91 both had them.
If they were left stock it would be a plus in my mind.
Bikes are bring stupid money around here but I'd be backing on those 2.


WP