That looks like a 1987 Heritage that was modded to look like a Classic.
The clutch release cover isn't a 1986, (1987 they changed to the style in the picture). The Classic didn't come out as a 1986 model and had a black and chromed engine.

 

Go for it..All that chrome aftermarket stuff is made in Japan so it should be easy to come by ? Was this stored next to the ocean or around a bunch of chemicals ?

 

When I ran the vin it came up as an 86? I'll get a pic of that up tomorrow. I have 2 more years out here so I think it would be a good project.

 

That is not a "cheap" bike, unless you just plan on riding her as is. From experiance on bikes like this there is way more than cosmetic. There will be rotten wires, dried seals and gaskets, bad cables, the tires will be cracked, etc, etc. Unless you are looking for something to keep you busy, this is not a deal, even if free.

 

I'm guessing, first, that bike has spent a lot of time near the ocean, maybe Guam. Secondly, I'm guessing it was never registered in Japan. The owner brought it in but couldn't get the paperwork together or get it to pass JCI inspection and gave up. If you just want to work on something it might be cool. You could bring it back to the states and register it.

If you want to ride in Japan, I'd pass. Since AAFES doesn't sell Harley's for local delivery in Japan since 2008, and the yen rate is crazy off base, there is quite a demand for US spec Harleys on all the bases. If that bike could be registered here, I can't believe somebody hasn't done it. Good Luck!

 

looks like it would take a **** ton of cash to dump into that mess,, i'd pass

 

Dude stay away from it. to many problems not - to mention the issues your going to have when you try to get a title and registration.....

There are a lot better "projects" out there that you can pick up on the cheap.
Cosmetics are one thing but as mentioned earlier it is going to have a lot of mechanical problems..
Even if the guy gave it to you - you would have a couple of grand in the chrome alone, before you even think of wires, seals, motor etc etc...

 

There's potential there. Restoration would be a ton of work, but it can be done. It would be a great project for somebody with more time than money. Or for somebody that wants to learn a lot about HD's, occupy their time, and later reap the satisfaction of the finished results.

Lot's of sand blasting, sanding and Black Denim paint can make the majority of the parts serviceable again.

Hopefully the current owner is aware of how low its actual value is. If you can get it "real cheap", I'd say have at it! The satisfaction of building or ground-up re-building your own bike is unbelievably gratifying.

Best wishes on that

 

first thing you should do is look into what it's going to take to bring it back to the US , because there's no way you have enough spare time to fix that up in the 2 years you have over there !
good luck and keep us posted

 

Your plan is a black hole for money. The bike is "cancerous", what you can see is bad enough but what you can't see is worse.