All,

Looking at my first Harley and need opinion. I've been riding for many years now, mostly Yamaha but always wanted a Harley, just didn't like the cost. So I ran into a "deal that is too good to be true", 96 Heritage Softail Classic for 8k.

I went and looked at it tonight and although there are a few chips in the paint and it needs a good buffing everywhere the part I can't deal with is the oil leaks. Both cylinders to the block are blowing bubbles, the head/valve cover leaks pretty good and even though the engine at quick glance looks mostly clean, there is proof looking deeper that it may have been leaking for a while and just cleaned up a little.

So I'm thinking pull the engine and replace almost every seal and gasket at minimum. It started right up and ran good, so I think it's sound, but what's it going to set me back to have the engine gone over? Is it worth it?

I was told it had a cam put in, new pipes, but he wasn't sure what else...

Thought....

Thanks,

Delorian

 

Pass! There are plenty out there to choose from.

 

If I was you I would pass on it. Unless your getting a really,really great deal, that would allow you to have engine wrk done to it.

 

Definitely pass you can find something in your price range that doesn't need work already

 

Don't do it..... 96 for 8k isnt that good a deal

 

I agree with the others here...a 96 Evo for 8K without any engine issues can be found all day long. My mechanic once said that the best sign that your 80" Evo will run for 100thousand miles is if it does not leak at the base of the cylinders (right where you said this one was 'bubbling' oil?).
Look for a superclean, one or two owner bike in the same price range, there are lots out there...enjoy.

Attached are 2 pics of my second bike, a 96 Heritage Softtail Special (not unlike what you looked at), it's in great shape, doesnt leak a drop, and is 100% problem-free...and I doubt it's worth much more than what your seller is asking.

 

Pass... My 95 Special with 20k miles was $7,300. I got a good deal on it, but you can do better for $8k.

 

That is pricey. I think closer to $7k with the owner having all top end gaskets replaced is a good deal for both. I like to look at the 'sold' auctions on eBay as far as determining value, at least comparables.

 

It's probably a 6500 dollar bike if well maintained. Even if you got it for 5000 and dumped 2000 into it you're already upside down. Better to listen to what has been posted and look for something you don't need to screw with. If the seller let it get to the shape you describe what else has been neglected. Keep looking for a clean one.

 

I bought my 2000 Heritage for around $8,500 with 11,000 on it from a dealer, no leakes or problems whatsoever so far(I bought the bike in july 2012) pass............