I have an opportunity to purchase a, one owner, unmolested, 1986 Heritage Softail Classic. It's always been garaged, got good sheet metal, never been down...but wasn't routinely maintained. It's been sitting, unstarted, for going on 4yrs. I live in the greater Puget Sound region, so moisture is a concern. I know what Kelly Blue Book and NADA say it's worth. But I am hoping someone might have an idea what would be a reasonable value, so both parties aren't getting screwed.
Thanks

 

Not being run in the past 4 years is a huge red flag IMO, even more so in a humid climate. That alone makes it impossible for me to put a value on. But you give us no idea on it's current mileage making it even more difficult. One thing I can offer is that if you have an interest in this bike, do a compression test. Actually I'd do 2 test. Start it and warn it up then do the test. As a second test, I'd run it around for a good 4 hours and test it again to see if the compression goes up or down.

That's about all I can offer.

 

Keep in mind you are going to have to replace the battery, tires, possibly brake lines and all other things rubber. Clean the carburator, fuel tank/petcock, change all the fluids, check the brakes to make sure the pistons haven't rusted in the caliper, check all earth points for rust, check front forks to make sure seals haven't deteriorated etc. And for all you know 4 years in a damp humid climate might have rusted out the pipes from the inside out.

Also in those 4 years all the oil will most probably have migrated to the crank case. Can you find out if the bike was parked up with clean oil or not?

Figure out how much that will set you back and deduct from price or ask current owner to do all the work prior to you buying.

 

If it is untouched, he can get 4-5k if the motor is not locked up. I would not worry about compression tests...you just need to go in with the knowledge that that bike needs to come completely apart...at minimum. If you are not wanting to do a frame up restoration..walk away. 86's have several problems that need to addressed, cases, crank, starter,and the primary and transmission are impossible to get parts for. You could probably pick up a mid 90's up bike for the same price, and they are more desirable mechanically...in other words, unless the price is REALLY good, you don' want it.