I have a1985 flhtc that i bought used in 1992. I bought it with 27k miles. It now has 98k on the odometer but i have gone thru quite a few miles with broken speedo cables. Bottom end is original. Top end has been redone once and cam replaced twice. Old carb upgraded to cv carb but i still have the orig carb and ham can air cleaner.

 

I disagree
First off....you are comparing a softail to a touring bike....the diff you feel is more due to two different platforms.

I have a 95 softail custom AND an 85 FXR, The FXR rides much nicer due to the diff frame and set up.

Just recently I had an Harley mech who has been turning wrenches 40 years, test ride my bike and when he came back he said it rides better than most the new bikes.

Sure there is a grain of truth that newer bikes have some nicer features, but for a true apples to apples comparison, you should use the same model line.

 

took some newer pics.

 

85 flt modified, relocated battery under seat, seat recovered, 96 tank and dash, 96 side covers, newer style bags with side latches, two tone paint, 61 62 gunsite tank badges, owned about 2 years always had clutch problems, motor is strong

 

Thats a Sweet ride... How did you relocate the battery and did it include moving the oil bag?

 

Man, this is an old thread. Best to start one of your own, and check in with our Mr. Brown. He's done that mod (and many more).

 

I apologize I never looked at the date...

 

No sweat.......

 

My 1984 had 103k before taking it to HD for the remanufactured engine program. Mid 90's engine came back. The original was still going good.