first bike, advice
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
first bike, advice
Hey, title says it all. My friends dad is selling his 1987 soft tail custom with less than 20k miles on it for $5k. Its been owned since almost new, and appears to be in immaculate condition, always garaged. My understanding is the evos are great engines.
If this deal didnt come along I was looking for an early 2000s dyna in the $6-7k range with 10k or under on it.
Good deal or stay away, assuming my description on the condition is accurate. Also, things to look for when checking it out.
Thanks
Mike
If this deal didnt come along I was looking for an early 2000s dyna in the $6-7k range with 10k or under on it.
Good deal or stay away, assuming my description on the condition is accurate. Also, things to look for when checking it out.
Thanks
Mike
That is certainly low mileage for a bike of that age, and the Evo is a solid platform for mods and hard riding. Without a pic or more infor on the bike, all I can say is check book value. If it is a friend who is selling it he shouldn't be looking to "take you for a ride" on the purchase.
http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycle...ILSOLID/Values
Just something to think about. Obviously mods and things of that nature speak volumes about what an older ride like that is worth, as would be a rebuild or any motor work, and book usually estimates around 2k miles per each year old.
http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycle...ILSOLID/Values
Just something to think about. Obviously mods and things of that nature speak volumes about what an older ride like that is worth, as would be a rebuild or any motor work, and book usually estimates around 2k miles per each year old.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
I know it has loud pipes and forward controls, I'm not sure of what else if anything has been done. Ill be sure to ask when I go to look at it.
I've known my friend for 4 or 5 years, his father upgraded to a newer bike last year. I was told he only took the bike out for rides ocasionally and washed it after every ride. I think the mileage reflects that.
Mike
I've known my friend for 4 or 5 years, his father upgraded to a newer bike last year. I was told he only took the bike out for rides ocasionally and washed it after every ride. I think the mileage reflects that.
Mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 149
From: FL
The softail sounds like a good deal if it's mechanically sound and in as good a shape as you say.
Here is the NADA link for a solid color if you haven't looked it up already:
http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycle...ILSOLID/Values
Here is the NADA link for a solid color if you haven't looked it up already:
http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycle...ILSOLID/Values
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 8
From: Powder Springs, GA
I would say that is a pretty good deal. It is hard to find a big twin for that cheap unless it has really been rode hard. Even then it is hard to find one like that under 6 grand. It would be cool to see some pics of it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,716
Likes: 103
From:
BUY IT! It's a screaming good deal! A 1987 softail is worth $5000 parted out.
Engine = $1500
Frame & title = $1500
Front End = $500
Trans & Primary = $500
Tins = $500
Everything else = $500
Engine = $1500
Frame & title = $1500
Front End = $500
Trans & Primary = $500
Tins = $500
Everything else = $500
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
I've been told its solid black and chrome. Again, my friend insists its in immaculate condition, but we'll see. It seems to be a good deal, so I'll bring my checkbook tonight and if it looks pretty and nothing is leaking, I'll probably buy it.
I am all too familiar with working on cars, but I am completely new to bikes. In my last second research I've tried to learn a bit about the Evo engines, and they seem to be pretty solid. Anything you guys recommend looking for problem wise?
I honestly don't intend to do anything crazy modification wise, its a first bike and I prefer something I'm not going to constantly be working on. I have to say I like the simplicity of the Evo over the Twin cam based off what I have read. I'm not bashing the newer engines, but I tend to like to do my own work if necessary, and the idea of a good old fashioned carb and no crazy ignition/injection ECU system is attractive to me.
Mike
I am all too familiar with working on cars, but I am completely new to bikes. In my last second research I've tried to learn a bit about the Evo engines, and they seem to be pretty solid. Anything you guys recommend looking for problem wise?
I honestly don't intend to do anything crazy modification wise, its a first bike and I prefer something I'm not going to constantly be working on. I have to say I like the simplicity of the Evo over the Twin cam based off what I have read. I'm not bashing the newer engines, but I tend to like to do my own work if necessary, and the idea of a good old fashioned carb and no crazy ignition/injection ECU system is attractive to me.
Mike
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Check the maintenance records if any and check the fluids and the tires. Look for signs of problems but if it is a good friend and you trust him maybe his Dad is just giving you a really good deal and you should go for it. I know you said it was your first bike but have you ever ridden and if not you should take someone with you to ride it and check it all out. Preferably somone who has ridden alot and can "feel" a bike out and be impartial and critical if needed.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,716
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From:
My advice: don't crack her open until it has an issue, a good evo will make it to 100k easy. Check your rubber parts, fire it up let it run a bit, she'll be cool blooded. Take it for a spin if they'll let you, make sure it seems balanced.
Good luck!