'89 Softail
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: crystal lake
'89 Softail
I'm looking at a 89 softail, not custom. The bike has been sitting for 7 years and has a bent set of bars on it. It does run and has 22k miles on it. other then that it is so so condition. Most can be cleaned up but all the bar controls, exp. throttle levers and grips need to be replaced. I'm looking to see what you guys think it would be worth.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,220
Likes: 12,814
From: South Carolina
I`m with texashillcountry on this one, 4200 seems high for a 25 year old bike that has probably been wrecked and is in so so condition.
On a bike this old, with low mileage, it means that it probably has never had a belt replaced, or front pulley upgrade, lifters...and all these things will need to be replaced.
It originally came with a butterfly type carb, so before you spend a dime on performance upgrades a different carb will have to be installed.
But......don`t let me talk you out of buying this bike...
The `89 Softail is a great bike, I`ve been riding one since Feb of `89, and I wouldn`t trade it for anything.
On a bike this old, with low mileage, it means that it probably has never had a belt replaced, or front pulley upgrade, lifters...and all these things will need to be replaced.
It originally came with a butterfly type carb, so before you spend a dime on performance upgrades a different carb will have to be installed.
But......don`t let me talk you out of buying this bike...
The `89 Softail is a great bike, I`ve been riding one since Feb of `89, and I wouldn`t trade it for anything.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
From: newfoundland
I bought an '89 fxsts last summer and the first thing that impressed me was there was no signs of oil leaks under the bike,Want to know why? because oil was escaping thru the mains seal into the primary.Defective HD crankcases..was an issue in the late '80s evos...long story short, the silent recall was long gone and i had the choice of a rebuild or a new motor..If you can,take the bike somewhere and pop the primary cover off..if brownish fluid dumps out,RUN!! also,if there seems like too much tranny fluid,thats a sign of the same symptom..
that being said, I am quite happy with the S&S 96" i was "forced" to put into it
that being said, I am quite happy with the S&S 96" i was "forced" to put into it
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,220
Likes: 12,814
From: South Carolina
The absence of external oil leaks had nothing to do with the bad crankcases.
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
From: newfoundland
Fair enough..pressured oil did have an easier escape route rather than rocker seals,pushrods baseplates etc..either way, the douche i bought it from must have known about after having the bike for three years before me..live and learn i guess+ karma is gonna be a bitch for that guy..
