1996 Bad Boy Springer - Custom Paint or Not?
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 19
From: Atlanta, GA
RE: custom paint
4Jays, I had a very similar situation and experience. I had a 96 Badboy with custom paint applied by the original owner. It was gloss black with a red/purple flames paint job. this color combo was on all three pieces, replacing all of the stock "scallops", it also deleted the nice tank badges that you have. I bought it in 2007 with 9,000 miles on it for $10,000. I sold it in 2008 for $11,500 with 12,800 miles and got a Cross Bones. I obviously love the Springers, but these Badboys will not be going up in value, and in tough times will come down in value like the rest of the Harley line. Additionally, the further we get away from the Evos (Harley has moved 2 'generations' beyond them as of 2010) the less 'sought after' they will become. I feel I got top-dollar for the non-stock Badboy I had AND that it would not have been much more valuable if the paint was stock. Since 2008, prices for used Big Twin Softails have dipped below $10,000 for years 1992-2002, a first since the hey-days of the mid 90's. That is not likely to change unless new Hogs start costing $25K plus...not likely in a tough economy with Harley making big business cuts. Already nearly-new Harleys that sold for $20-$22,000 in 06/07/08 are being sold for $14-$15,000 (like my 08 Cross Bones). It would have been tough for me to get $13-$14,000 for my 96 Badboy today if I still had it. I think the Badboy you have rocks and looks great, if you need to spend less vs more when you change your paint, I say repaint what you've got and enjoy the result. you won't be changing the value of your bike that much or at all. If you can, incorporate the stock tank badges with the new design, I readded a $40 set to my tanks and they looked great. Everyone still knew it was a Badboy even with the custom flames. Sorry I don't have a pic of it. maybe later. Good luck, great bike.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: NEPA
I guess I could always get it painted back to original if that would make a difference in selling it. I searched a national classified website for Bad Boys and saw 2 for sale. One , highly custom for about 13K , one not so custom with more miles for 11.5K. So it seems they are holding value, not going up.
Of course the bike has paid me back already. I only paid 8.5K.Not counting my mods, which I really don't expect to recoup.
I'm just going to get my brain going on the paint design,do some searching for ideas.
Thanks for the opinions.
Of course the bike has paid me back already. I only paid 8.5K.Not counting my mods, which I really don't expect to recoup.
I'm just going to get my brain going on the paint design,do some searching for ideas.
Thanks for the opinions.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 52
From: So-Cal
To me it's not about resale value. It's about having a Bad Boy. I do custom paint work and I've avoided painting my Bad Boy for pretty much the same reason. Once you repaint, you can't go back to original. (You can duplicate it but it won't be original) To be honest, I don't really think it would have that much negative affect on the resale value if the custom paint is tastefully done. As far as proving it's a Bad Boy, you have the "FXSTSB" code on your title. But IMO, the Bad Boy paint scheme is very distinctive and is what sets it apart. If you have any doubt on this, I'd say get tins.
Last edited by 97FXSTSB; Oct 19, 2009 at 02:32 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 10,058
Likes: 8
From: MEXICO
There was a time in which I thought I had a special bike because it is a limited edition paint "Silver Edition" ('99 Softails) custom factory logo, etc. Only 1/3 out of 700 anniversary bikes were Fat Boys and mine is the only one in America, the bikes were sent to Germany.
Nowdays I realize that my bike is special only because it is mine and I've put all my effort (work n' cash) to make it look like it does, the way I like it. Paint is that, only paint.
Mimo.
Nowdays I realize that my bike is special only because it is mine and I've put all my effort (work n' cash) to make it look like it does, the way I like it. Paint is that, only paint.
Mimo.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
From: Daytona USA
Don't paint - detail. Power coat some bits, clean it up or get new. The bike is badazz. There are 2 of em running around Daytona and they always stand out. Nice owners who don't ride em every much. I always tell I like it over their big baggers. I think the look is perfect.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
take'em off and save them
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 93
From: Andrews, NC
I wouldn't repaint, I would buy new tins. I bought it new and I have took care of
mine. People can't believe it has over 120,000 miles on it and is over 14 years old.
Yes, it has a ding, (I dropped the key), one scratch, (don't know where it came from,) but no other scuffs.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 52
From: So-Cal
Sugarbear, be sure to post up in the Bad Boy pic thread.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...ml#post5711329
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...ml#post5711329