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Sometimes it does not come down to dollars and cents for something. At least to me this is one of those times.
Your uncle is losing his independence. As a person "getting up there" too I understand and sympathize his situation. He may not verbalize it but it may mean a lot more to him you keeping that bike. More than you may ever know.
Whatever way you go, ultimately it is your decision.
My 78-1/2 FXE cost me an initial investment of $2500. I have put an equal amount into it
And I believe that I would at least break even on a sale
I spent $6K on my 84 FLH. Have another $2.5K invested over the last 10 years (top end at 68K, new lifters at 75K, Cycle Electrics 32 amp electrical system, tires and "routine" maintenance).
"Value" and "worth" are relative terms when it comes to old iron. Shovelhead platforms are sloiwly becoming the "Panhead-era" desireable bikes with the closer to stock the better. Bottom line it is only worth what the seller is willing to let it go for and what the buyer is willing to pay.
To the OP, I would do my best to keep the bike in the family. Whether to attempt a complete restoration or not is a decisiohn only you can make (won't be cheap by any means).
You get the bike running and "ride it" you will know why old iron is desireable
Last edited by panz4ever; Nov 25, 2020 at 02:01 AM.
The bike has history and your uncle made it his own. The few thousand you make selling it won't change your life, but keeping the bike will be something you, your uncle, and your son will cherish forever. I'd fix the minor things and ride it as is for a while, maybe take your uncle for a ride next spring/summer (who cares what strangers think when they see you). It's a great looking bike the way is sits.
3500-4000 is a good value..... but fixing and passing it on to a family member is priceless.
If it was mine to buy, would get it and repair what's needed. I'll bet it runs just fine with a little effort. I'd chip away the JB weld or whatever is there to determine the extent of the crack. It may be easier to fix than you think.
I have an original '72 FLH and it is the favorite in my collection. The nostalgia and comfort is a perfect match for my 68 year old perspective on these bikes. You may not have the same love for them as I do. Lots of good advice here on this forum to get you through the questions you may have.
Good luck with your decision.
My mom has decided to purchase it came to an agreement today where I ran down the bike with him and all of its issues. She's helping him get back on his feet so this makes sense. I'll eventually pass this on to my kid.
Curious on the side cases where the jb weld is though. How are those usually repaired?
First thing I need to get after is the gas tank there's rust on the inside.
19559024[/url]]My 78-1/2 FXE cost me an initial investment of $2500. I have put an equal amount into it
And I believe that I would at least break even on a sale
I spent $6K on my 84 FLH. Have another $2.5K invested over the last 10 years (top end at 68K, new lifters at 75K, Cycle Electrics 32 amp electrical system, tires and "routine" maintenance).
"Value" and "worth" are relative terms when it comes to old iron. Shovelhead platforms are sloiwly becoming the "Panhead-era" desireable bikes with the closer to stock the better. Bottom line it is only worth what the seller is willing to let it go for and what the buyer is willing to pay.
To the OP, I would do my best to keep the bike in the family. Whether to attempt a complete restoration or not is a decisiohn only you can make (won't be cheap by any means).
You get the bike running and "ride it" you will know why old iron is desireable
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