A buddy of mine is looking at a '98 Classic, FLHTCI (I believe this is right). From what he describes it's well taken care of, but has 35K miles...and the asking price is 8500. Is this reasonable? We've both been told this motor is basically a 50K motor, and some serious engine work will be required in in 5-10K miles. Is this correct? He's not a long range rider, just wants to putt around town with his wife. Maybe short day trips, but that's about it.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

 

Hi, Its not just the mileage(35k) thats important,but the way the bike has been ridden,maintained/not maintained etc. during its lifespan which contributes to the purchase being a good deal or not.. There are many, many more guys on this forum who can probably give better advice than me but my own experience with a 3 owner "well maintained" 91 Ultra (50k mls)has been an expensive lesson.
In the 2 years since I bought my Ultra I have spent approx. £1,200.($1,800.US) on my bike and I havent touched the engine other than the Clutch. I have had to replace the Alternator (twice), the Rectifier, Clutch parts, inc.new Cable,Swinging Arm Bushes, Drive Belt, Primary Chain & Tensioner,Front Fender, Battery, Tyres (rear twice.) and probably more that I can remember offhand. I have also wrenched it all myself which saved A LOT OF MONEY. There you have it....my input for what it is worth. I hope it is of some use to you. Bungo

 

Kelly's blue book has it at just over 9300. I try never to pay their asking price, these are tough times for most, maybe he'll come down in price and make the deal sweeter.

 

He needs to know if the cam bearing has been replaced.If not,it will need to be upgraded to a new Torrington.The crankcase is pretty much bullet proof unless the original cam bearing falls apart and ruins it.

 

Basically a 50K mile engine?? Do a search in this forum under "high mileage hog", and look at some of the miles racked up on these bikes. Mine just turned over 123,000 yesterday and still purring like a kitten. Trust me, 35,000 miles is not worn out on an Evo.

 

A Question. Since before you sun burned hot in space, I have awaited a Question...

35K not broke in yet. New cam bearing and maybe some lifters while your in there and it's good for A Long Time.

 

for what its worth.....I have 60,000 on my 96 heritage and have replaced the cam and bearing, not because it needed it, but because I wanted more power.

And I have drove it 80-90 mph from here to Sturgis (550 miles).

My opinion is the are awsome engines if you take care of them. Easily go 100,000 miles.

Just my 2 cents.

 

50 k is nothing for the evo engine as long as it was taken care of with regular lube changes. Check the oil dip stick if its clean its good someone would have to do a total flush on the motor , oil tank and all lines to try to hide a bikes black oil. Don't be surprised if the base gasket is leaking, this is no big deal if the wanna be evo owner is wrench comfortable. I think price is reasonable if it doean't need rubber and paint isn't all knicked up, a clean paint bike says alot about the bikes condition.

 

I would try to get him down, but doesn't sound like a BAD deal. I have a 1987 FLHTC. Just turned 84,000 I have replaced the Alt twice. First time was an upgrade. Second this summer over 18 years of service. Who told you its a 50k motor? You guys with twinkies need to look at some history. I would never give my EVO up.

 

New twinkie here (and proud of it) bud, I appreciate the info. The purchase isn't for me, but a buddy that wants a hog real bad, just can't afford a whole lot.

I haven't had that much experience with the Evo, other than keeping the fluids changed and riding the **** out of it, it just didn't have this much mileage. My other scoots have been twin cam bikes.

The bad advice...some was from a local indy that's a neighbor of his, the other from one of the local stealerships.

NADA books are one thing; I just wanted to hear from experienced riders. Thanks!