I have chance to buy a 1985 Softtail FXST. The bike is in great looking condition and has 5,000 miles on it. My questions are: is this year of Harley a good, reliable bike? Any problems with this year and model? It starts, runs and rides great, is it worth buying or should I look at a newer one. Thanks for your help.

 

Wow.. almost one of the first softails.
Problems.. nah, not if the price is right... That's the key. PRICE is the biggie. There are too many newer ones out there to pay anything even remotely close to the price of a newer bike.

Not that this bike couldn't give you good service, but with that kind of age.. you should expect some level of work to maintain it.. but it gives you quite a canvas for customizing also.. if it's almost stock.. I'd keep it stock just to preserve a nice example of an older evo.

 

I recently purchased a 1987 fxstc . It does give you a great canvas to work with . I have had some issues with ignition , oil leaks and some wiring , but I tell ya it is nice not to have a 15,000 into a bike and then want to customize . I have put air ride onto mine and paitned it . I think it is a good choice if you have some mechaical know how and a good manual . Good luck and have fun .

 

The 85 is the second year of the EVO motor and there shouldn't be any bugs. The EVO is a good motor, and I would guess that the bike would be okay if you don't pay too much for it.

Be mindful that these rigid mounted bikes viberate pretty good, so if you are sensitive to such things you might not be real happy with that.

Good luck in your decision.

Regards,

Bill

 

I went and looked at it, and ended up buying it. It runs, sounds and looks good. Put quite a few miles on it yesterday. Really enjoyed riding it. It does have some vibration at 70 plus MPH, but under that it is smooth. Thanks for all of the advise.