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Suspect that the front brake problem is the master cylinder is seized. Just a guess obviously without inspection. But I will say - That is a really nice-looking bike. I would lose the white walls and get floorboards if I was to buy it. ------ Nice looking bike.
Without being able to ride it I would certainly go in low and not get hung up in the auction competition. I have never really been good with auctions. It always seems to me that people pay too much when all is said and done on something they know next to zero about, until it's there's.
Thanks for the info. Current bid is $6700 so tack 15% on and I’d be at $7700 already. Anytime I’ve risen this model it just simply fits me and is comfortable. That said this would be my first purchase. I’ve rented in the past. I could end up being in this bike for $9k or so with repair on the brake, tax/tag. Plus I wonder how long the tires have been on it and when the last service was. No docs on it according to the auction guy I connected with.
Any advice or guidance you can offer me on I should look for in my first bike, I’d be grateful.
Because the history is totally unknown, immediately after purchase I would do a major inspection/service:
New engine oil & filter
New trans oil
New primary oil. I would also pull the outer primary cover to inspect comp, clutch, primary chain tensioner, and primary chain...
I would do a complete flush of front and back brake systems (of course, after fixing the front brake system).
I would measure both front and back brake rotor thickness to make sure they're within spec, along with the brake pads. I would also look closely at the calipers to try and see if they have a lot of build up on the caliper pistons.
I would check the date codes on the tires, and if they are within 7 years old, inspect them well for any signs of sidewall or tread cracking, splitting, or damage... I would also check the wheel bearings.
I would look closely at the undercarriage of the bike for signs of damage and/or accident.
I would check the rear drive belt for wear and adjustment.
I would check the front end (head bearing) for adjustment and do a fallaway test if anything seems amiss.
I would look over the engine carefully, for signs of leaks, chafed wires, and anything out of the ordinary..
I probably forgot a few,but you can't be too thorough...
I have the tools and the space to do my own maintenance. Here are a couple pics, the day after I bought my 2016 Ultra Classic used, at one year old..
I found a small exhaust leak....
Suspect that the front brake problem is the master cylinder is seized. Just a guess obviously without inspection. But I will say - That is a really nice-looking bike. I would lose the white walls and get floorboards if I was to buy it. ------ Nice looking bike.
Without being able to ride it I would certainly go in low and not get hung up in the auction competition. I have never really been good with auctions. It always seems to me that people pay too much when all is said and done on something they know next to zero about, until it's there's.
Let us know how it goes.
Funny thing the estate guy said- The bids have come in high, and almost no one comes to see it. I did one with the same company a few months ago, and only me and another guy came by. As of Wednesday this week, only me and one other, with one more due later in the day.
Sounds like this one would be worth about retail once it’s bought, checked out and fixed, so long as there’s no hidden issues. Tires could be the breaker.
Update- I ended up with the Softail (and a Honda Rebel they had, but that’s another story). Figure I’ll make them safe and nice and find them new homes. Something for a retired phart to do in his spare time.
GOOD for you. I really wanted to increase my bid, but with the 15% I knew it would place me out of reach since it needed some work. Been looking every day since. Im over in the Davenport area. Man that thing is a beauty! I know youll have some fun with it.
I forgot to add last night when responding, that I had set a timer to go back ad bid closer to the end, so as not to run up the bid on whoever would finally win, be it me or someone else. But when I logged in I could see it was already just past my peak so I didnt bid. I was really interested to see, since I had seen your original post when I was looking for answers regarding the bike myself (which you had already asked), if you had gone forward and continued to bid and win or not. Will ne interested to know what you find on the front brake issue. Hopefully not expensive at all.
I forgot to add last night when responding, that I had set a timer to go back ad bid closer to the end, so as not to run up the bid on whoever would finally win, be it me or someone else. But when I logged in I could see it was already just past my peak so I didn’t bid. I was really interested to see, since I had seen your original post when I was looking for answers regarding the bike myself (which you had already asked), if you had gone forward and continued to bid and win or not. Will ne interested to know what you find on the front brake issue. Hopefully not expensive at all.
Funny story behind it all- I got cold feet after I bid, and was somewhat relieved when I got beat out. I only raised the bid on the Rebel $50 early in the afternoon and got it. About 5 minutes after I made payment arrangements for it, the company called and said the winning bidder backed out on the Softail, and was I still interested? I took a deep breath and figured I was good with it once, I would go ahead. And did.
I hope the fix is simple too, but am prepared for the bill. Am planning on doing it up nice, not cutting corners, but watching the budget. As long as I don’t lose, I’ll be ok, and it will be a learning experience.
Great story! Well sounds like it will be nice when done. Id love to hear how it works out. Feel free to PM if need be. I was inches from increasing the bid $100 but didnt do it. Glad you have budget to work on it. It looks amazing.
Well, Im finally back, and the Softail Deluxe is done. Didnt put a big rush on it, and was overseeing another bike too.
Front brake issue ended up getting a Master Cylinder rebuild. All fluids changed, complete 10k mile check done, belt checked, brakes checked (at about 50%), and acquired and mounted up floorboards, shifters, and brake lever. It came with a new battery and a tender mounted, so that was good. I cleaned it up some today and mounted a backrest pad I picked up. Dressed the leather seats and tank strap, and took pics to get it listed. Came it right about budget and it will make someone a nice machine.
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