How reliable is an 1986 FXWG in reasonable good condition and mostly stock?
I know a car that old would be shot.
I like the character of old bikes and the kick start too.
I'm considering getting one for short trips of less than 50 miles.
I don't want to be riding the thing&nbsp\\;if it falls apart.
What are the problem areas?
What is a good price for a bike like this?
Should I get something newer instead?

 

it is an evo, if u take care of it.......i would take it across country without a doubt. it is all about servicing it.

 

+ 1

 

Probably worth 7-10k depending on condition/mileage, etc.
They are relatively&nbsp\\;reliable if you have some minor mechanical aptitude...if you like to never touch your bike, stick with something newer because you will have minor issues on an older machine and HD mechanics won't touch stuff that old so it is good to know a knowledgeable independent mechanic too..Also, some older parts are getting difficult to find. If you are a true HD enthusiast, grab it if the price/condition is right.

 

The main issues with the early evos was the ignition, the carb and the cam bearings. Well, cam bearings on most Harleys...

If you'll pop on something like a Crane electronic ignition, maybe change out to a later rebuilt CV carb and replace the cam bearings with torringtons it might run forever and start every time. I'd add an EV27 cam while I was at it but...

Here's my 86 evo.

 

Wow.&nbsp\\; You must be young if you think anything as old as an '86 must be shot.
In any case, you have a rare item there, an Evo in a four-speed frame.&nbsp\\; Not too many of them were built.&nbsp\\; The inner cam bearing was a Torrington from the factory that year, the Ina is the bad one.&nbsp\\; You need to find out what has been done to the bike by previous owners.&nbsp\\; Take a test ride, too.&nbsp\\; It's a solid mount engine so it will be a vibrator, see if it's a level you can live with.&nbsp\\;
I doubt that you would pay $7K for that bike, it would have to be a low mileage beauty to cost that much, from the prices I see.

 

If you can get it go for it. The WG's were only made in 85 & 86 with the belt drive and kick starter. In excellent condition blue book is up around $10K

 

Wow.........How cool is that...............They only cost 8600 new

 

I paid $4500 for my 86 FXSTC that I bought a couple months ago. Bought it in May actually. Of course, it's not mint and needed a little work. Dented tank, leaking some gas from the petcock, needed a new front tire, no turn signals, brake light wasn't working, stiff clutch, worn forward controls, no mirrors.
&nbsp\\;
But on the positive side, billet wheels (21" in the front), 3 extra seats, extra rear wheel, drag bars and pipes, SS Super E carb, runs good.
&nbsp\\;
So far I fixed everything except the worn forward controls, turn signals, and the mirrors. Controls, I can live with. Signals and mirrors are pretty minor items. Just picking out what I want.

 

that is one outstanding bike - snap it up!!
&nbsp\\;
THE rarest Evo, only about 900 of those made.
&nbsp\\;
the very last four-speed Big Twin, the very last Big Twin with a kicker from the factory.
&nbsp\\;
And there is nothing wrong with them.&nbsp\\;Bulletproof cases on the earliest Evos.
&nbsp\\;
the cam bearing is not an issue on that bike, the only weaknesses might be considered to be original cylinder&nbsp\\;studs, original inner clutch hub. Both upgraded&nbsp\\; a few years later.
&nbsp\\;
but really, a great opportunity. But not if you are only gonna ride it no more than 50 miles. That's a waste.
&nbsp\\;
One warning though: You will be fielding a lot of questions when you stop for a beer. Very few people recall the four speed Evos.
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GREAT bikes.
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I have one myself - 1985 FXEF.
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If you buy it, ask me anything at dave85fxef@yahoo.com. Very happy to help. I have worked on mine for 15yrs. Love it.