Looking for opinions. I have a 1984 FXRDG that is in boxes and going to build. Is the bike more valuable as completely original look (like it came from factory) or is it close to the same value if I powder coat black all the parts that are rough and need to be rechromed or polished.

 

FXR Disc Glides are being offered for $7-10K today. They have collector value. The MoCo built only 853.

That being said, it's basically an Evo FXR, the only real "thing" about the motor is the disc rear wheel.

Don't think I would customize it. There are better platforms to work with that don't sacrifice a collector motor.

Build it, sell it and get another motor to customize. Or ride it knowing what it is and it's YOURS.

ETA Does the engine have "Four Star" cases?

 

Keep as near stock as possible, those are going up in value every day.

 

I totally agree with Sierra977.

When you add any accessories to a stock H-D you are doing it for yourself and you'll never get much (if any) financial return on your "donation" other than perhaps someone who likes the mods that you have made.

Drastic customization (paint, leather, framework, etc.) marginalizes your bike to potential buyers who may (or may not) find YOUR bike appealing for purchase. It's very like that you may end up with a small fortune invested in a "White Elephant".

 

Agree. It's a relatively rare bike. And it's sharp looking. Preserve all you can as original stock.

 

An unmolested bike is always worth more than a molested bike. Same goes for cars & trucks...

 

Yes the cases have the 4 stars on them. The rockers & tappet blocks were painted orange and the side covers and such are pitted and in need of chroming. The rear wheel is mint, only thing missing is a front fender, gauges, headlight bucket and original front fender and dash. I also have an 85 & 86 FXR.


I can have all the rough parts powder coated for free by a friend an wondered if the value would be effected that much, Will be restoring next to original, but if the value difference is on a few grand it will cost me that much to get the componets rechromed

 

If you are planning on keeping it forever, make it what YOU want and ride the crap out of it.

If you are building it for a return on your money, stock is the way to go. Good luck.

 

One sold on EBay last year around 13k if I remember right. The most important things for that bike are the seat (2-tone), the rear wheel (solid centerline), and the paint. You didn't mention if the tank is original paint or not, but the colors are the big deal. Hopefully you don't have to redo the tank, as I don't know if the decals are available or not. From my research, HD was sorting out some things at that point in history, one being the prime time paint jobs they are now known for, and the other being mass produced chrome plated aluminum. (You'll notice by about 1986, they had both figured out with the new FXSTC). Those 2 things are very important and unique to this special edition, and I would not alter them. (Don't powder coat)

I wouldn't worry about re-chroming stuff, that won't detract from value if the rest of the bike is nice. If this was a knuckle or panhead, that would be a different issue. Luckily, there aren't any one off emblems or nicknacks or decals on this bike, so you have that going for you.

The only bikes fetching big bucks are oringinal or almost original. My advice is to keep it (or return it to as much as possible) stock.

 

Build it to look just like this: