1987 flstc
I just bought a 92 FLHTC for 4K about a month ago completely original (painfully so) with 50K on the odometer spent two weeks tracing down wiring issues, on an advertised "MINT CONDITION" bike. Still for 4k I'd do it again. But for even $100 more I'd walk away. That being said it's not what NADA values your bike at, it's what you value it at. If you plan to to sink some major cash into it and make it a masterpiece like Tom84 is doing a grand or two either way isn't gonna make too much of a difference. Just my two cents.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 5
From: Florida
Speaking from experience, "super low mileage" is not neccesarily a good thing. I bought a 96 dyna w/ 14k and had to rebuild the motor after riding it 200 miles. When a bike sits for extended periods, especially if stored improperly, internal parts begin to corrode, rust, dry rot, etc.
If I were looking for a bike again it would be one with moderately low mileage w/ a complete service history. They need to be ridden.
If I were looking for a bike again it would be one with moderately low mileage w/ a complete service history. They need to be ridden.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
That bike does not have the modern starter system (it has the old Shovelhead setup, with the solenoid mounted to the inner primary cover).
It has the old tapered mainshaft and clutch hub configuration, the low output alternator, and butterfly type carb.
It has the old trouble plagued front pulley configuration, and a 28 year old drive belt.
It has the old tapered mainshaft and clutch hub configuration, the low output alternator, and butterfly type carb.
It has the old trouble plagued front pulley configuration, and a 28 year old drive belt.
For these reasons I would look at 1990+ bikes anyway...85-88ish evos also had flywheel problems
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 628
Likes: 14
From: Sweden via Bisbee, Az.
5k is my magic number for any '94+ BigTwin that has some "it" factor. The great thing about old bikes, they pretty much tell you their story if you look and you don't need to be an excellent wrench to see it. The older Evo's need some extra going through for the above mentioned and more reasons if it has low miles, but i have found that most 80s Evos have been set right by now if they had any regular riding time.
Enjoy the hunt and don't get fixated on any one scooter.
Enjoy the hunt and don't get fixated on any one scooter.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
I had a 1991 FLSTC and LOVED it. I did have to replace the rear shocks. I bought some cheap chrome ones on ebay and had to run them as tight as they would go. But, they rode a heck of a lot better than the worn out stock ones. My bike had cams, S&S Super E, V&H big shots, SE ignition, mag wheels, turn signals removed, a Corbin seat, Fat Boy rear fender, hot coil, etc.. It was a pain to ride really slow, like in a parade or funeral but, to get out and ride hard it was reakin awesome!!
I had to redo my base gaskets which took me two full 8 hour days to do but, was straight forward and easy. And, the engine was solid mounted to the frame with no counter ballance like on the later twin cams. So, it buzzed and vibrated out on the interstate. Carry some tools and blue locktite.
I miss that bike. Not nearly as good as my FLHTC for all day riding with the wife but, for riding alone it was lots of fun.
I had to redo my base gaskets which took me two full 8 hour days to do but, was straight forward and easy. And, the engine was solid mounted to the frame with no counter ballance like on the later twin cams. So, it buzzed and vibrated out on the interstate. Carry some tools and blue locktite.
I miss that bike. Not nearly as good as my FLHTC for all day riding with the wife but, for riding alone it was lots of fun.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,716
Likes: 103
From:
I have put a few miles on a `80s era Softail.
The bike is not a collectors item, and it is way overpriced.
Don`t get too wrapped up about the low mileage, it is no cause for concern as long as the bike wasn`t stored outdoors; besides, there is not way to prove the actual mileage on the bike. My `89 has gone through 3 speedometers...
That bike does not have the modern starter system (it has the old Shovelhead setup, with the solenoid mounted to the inner primary cover).
It has the old tapered mainshaft and clutch hub configuration, the low output alternator, and butterfly type carb.
It has the old trouble plagued front pulley configuration, and a 28 year old drive belt.
The bike is going to need new shocks (500 bucks easy)
Fork Springs.
Master Cylinders and Calipers will probably need to be rebuilt.
Unless the price is about 4 grand, I would look for a `94 or newer.
The bike is not a collectors item, and it is way overpriced.
Don`t get too wrapped up about the low mileage, it is no cause for concern as long as the bike wasn`t stored outdoors; besides, there is not way to prove the actual mileage on the bike. My `89 has gone through 3 speedometers...
That bike does not have the modern starter system (it has the old Shovelhead setup, with the solenoid mounted to the inner primary cover).
It has the old tapered mainshaft and clutch hub configuration, the low output alternator, and butterfly type carb.
It has the old trouble plagued front pulley configuration, and a 28 year old drive belt.
The bike is going to need new shocks (500 bucks easy)
Fork Springs.
Master Cylinders and Calipers will probably need to be rebuilt.
Unless the price is about 4 grand, I would look for a `94 or newer.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: VA
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