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I'm thinking about purchasing a '57 Panhead and am wondering if you could give opinions on the bike itself and what it may be worth (or how much you would pay for it)? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. Here is the description and some pictures.
1957 Panhead Hydraglide, Matching original numbers, completely rebuilt by HD master mechanic 750 miles ago, including frame off restoration. Frame was sandblasted and recoated. This bike has been owned by the same family since 1960 and very well maintained. Minimal new parts including the windshield, windshield bag, and Seat. True Duel Exhaust.. All original tins, Frame, Engine, Bags, etc.. Older repaint in Mid 70s.. 12v upgrade, runs and rides great, Original Vin Stamping with original clean matching title in hand.
Nice bike, a few liberties taken with extra chrome here and there, you could bring it closer to correct fairly easy. The 12 volt upgrade is nice too but that cycle electric generator Im not a fan of, pretty cheap bushing in the end cover that'll go from sounding good to sounding like a cement mixer full of hammers like mine did if you're unlucky. I like that its the last year of the hardtail and a pan is pretty cool. There's a bunch of details I could pick at but if you want a driver thats pretty honest looking then go for it.
Quite a few pieces are china add on - shame really - what is the asking price
well, the price is somewhat negotiable and i wanted to hold off on that and see what you guys think it's worth. What parts are chinese as the seller mentions all but a few are original?
Nice bike, a few liberties taken with extra chrome here and there, you could bring it closer to correct fairly easy. The 12 volt upgrade is nice too but that cycle electric generator Im not a fan of, pretty cheap bushing in the end cover that'll go from sounding good to sounding like a cement mixer full of hammers like mine did if you're unlucky. I like that its the last year of the hardtail and a pan is pretty cool. There's a bunch of details I could pick at but if you want a driver thats pretty honest looking then go for it.
please, feel free to pick and also include your thoughts on ballpark value. Thanks
Because there’s a premium to be paid for those bikes and if you are going to pay it, you want the documentation of what they did and who did it. Especially for when you ever sell it yourself.
Indicator lamps & visors
Floorboards and mats
Kicker arm assembly & starter cover
Cam case cover, engine cases, cylinders, D-rings (and allen screws), rocker arm covers, tappet blocks and screws
Carb air cleaner cover
Brake rod & pedal assembly
Oil lines
Mufflers & clamps
Spokes and nipples (which calls into question the originality of the rims as well)
Luggage rack
Front bumper
Frame stripped and recoated? As in powdercoat or paint because powdercoating is not correct
Lots of incorrect nuts and bolts
The term "restoration" is one of the most over-used words when it comes to bike builds. I would call the bike a "resto-mod". Someone took the bike apart and put it back together in a manner they thought fitting. If it was done correctly (even with aftermarket parts), it could be a very nice "daily rider".
It is a nice looking bike, but I would question the "originality" of the sum of the parts from looking at the pics.
RE: documentation & why it is important. Without tearing the bike apart to look at numbers and such you need to see what the owner states has been done to get the bike up to it current condition. That includes motor and tranny rebuild. Also ask to see if he has pics of the build.
Have you verifed that the VIN# is godd and matches the title? Have you checked to see that the belly numbers match?
And I too will ask the same question that johnjzjz has asked you...what is the seller's asking price?
As far as value, it's hard to say without a close up and personnel inspection and a look at the receipts, all of them. I would also ask about the HD mechanic that put it all together. Is he the mechanic he states to be?
I would suggest the seller probably had most of the work done by someone else which means the labor costs are thru the roof on his end and it his intent to get max value.
Ballpark, as it sits, on the west coast, probably around 12-15K.
Last edited by panz4ever; Aug 17, 2021 at 11:15 AM.
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1957 Panhead Thoughts
