1985 Electra Glide Classic...Would you?
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Athens, Al
1985 Electra Glide Classic...Would you?
Hey guys/girls. My local dealer recently got in a 1985 Electra Glide Classic, only has 22,000 miles on it. Clean *** bike, im just worried that looking around on the net, '85 seems to be a bad year to find parts for. Im worried about getting this bike, and if something happens not being able to find parts for it. Im currently on a Iron 883, and planned on a new Glide in a couple years, im just thinking this would be good to scoot around on for a couple years till i can afford a NEW one. Would you trade your Iron for a older Electra Glide? I dont know much about them 80ci EVO engine, are they reliable? Or is thing ready for a rebuild? Any info you can give me to help my decision in greatly appreciated....
Thanks,
Keith
Thanks,
Keith
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
you didn't mention price FYI I sold my 1995 FLHTC in perfect shape for 6500 last year- it had 80000 miles. ( and my 88 FXRP has over 80k as well)
22,000 miles is not much, the worry would be if the bike has been sitting the last few years, all the seals are drying out.
the evo motor shares a lot of parts and technology with the earlier shovel, pan and even knuckles--- the big difference shovel to evo was the pistons and heads, early bikes were hemis, evos are flat tops.
the only motor concern is alot of guys look to swap the cam bearing and lifters, usually when putting in a performance cam--- some have complained of lifter trouble at 40k miles and up--- not me though, mine have been fine.
lots of parts and info available.
if the price is right ( less than $5k) and it runs well, buy it.
the frame is not dissimilar to the pre 2009 frame, the suspension is about the same...couple of things here and there, but if the price is right.
only thing I'd look to swap is for the 90+ keihin CV carb, you'll need the $6 mikuni spigot adapter and cables, the carbs are about $50 at swaps. the keihin butterfly carb on there is ok, but the CV is really great carb.
mike
22,000 miles is not much, the worry would be if the bike has been sitting the last few years, all the seals are drying out.
the evo motor shares a lot of parts and technology with the earlier shovel, pan and even knuckles--- the big difference shovel to evo was the pistons and heads, early bikes were hemis, evos are flat tops.
the only motor concern is alot of guys look to swap the cam bearing and lifters, usually when putting in a performance cam--- some have complained of lifter trouble at 40k miles and up--- not me though, mine have been fine.
lots of parts and info available.
if the price is right ( less than $5k) and it runs well, buy it.
the frame is not dissimilar to the pre 2009 frame, the suspension is about the same...couple of things here and there, but if the price is right.
only thing I'd look to swap is for the 90+ keihin CV carb, you'll need the $6 mikuni spigot adapter and cables, the carbs are about $50 at swaps. the keihin butterfly carb on there is ok, but the CV is really great carb.
mike
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From: Chicago area
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Athens, Al
Well, they just called me, it had a "small" oil leak, turns out, its not the filter, like they told me it is. Its leaking from either the rear main, split in the casing maybe....Is this one of the years known to crack casings? Im still considering it, if i can get it cheap enough.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 473
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From: Largo Fl
Parts are very readily available its the aftermarket chrome doodads and toys that are hard to come by. I recently bought a 1990 tour glide ultra classic with 32k for seven thousand. Its very clean but there are some things I didnt consider. If it only has 22k for real then a lot of the bolts will never have been off. Case in point...
That is one of my two rear caliper bolts. I went last week to change what I believe to be the original brake pads. That is 7 hrs, 14 drill bits, 3 easy outs not he cheap ones either, 1 electric drill and 1 cordless drill battery, several fits and a broken vacuum(dont ask). Oh yeah and 1 case of chest pains. You will also find on here a thread discussing how some dealers on a case by case basis may opt not to work on bikes over 10 years old for just this reason.
But now the up side, and its a biggie, you own it! No payments! You could put a brand new hopped up motor and 6 speed transmission, maybe get it painted and still wont be at half of what a new one costs. Evos are great motors in my opinion. If ya take care of it you can go a long way before it needs anything. I would heed the advice about the seals drying out since it has a as of yet unverified leak. Just my two cents from someone who just did what you are thinking about doing. Good luck!!
That is one of my two rear caliper bolts. I went last week to change what I believe to be the original brake pads. That is 7 hrs, 14 drill bits, 3 easy outs not he cheap ones either, 1 electric drill and 1 cordless drill battery, several fits and a broken vacuum(dont ask). Oh yeah and 1 case of chest pains. You will also find on here a thread discussing how some dealers on a case by case basis may opt not to work on bikes over 10 years old for just this reason.
But now the up side, and its a biggie, you own it! No payments! You could put a brand new hopped up motor and 6 speed transmission, maybe get it painted and still wont be at half of what a new one costs. Evos are great motors in my opinion. If ya take care of it you can go a long way before it needs anything. I would heed the advice about the seals drying out since it has a as of yet unverified leak. Just my two cents from someone who just did what you are thinking about doing. Good luck!!
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From: TEXAS
"22,000 miles is not much, the worry would be if the bike has been sitting the last few years, all the seals are drying out."
mike[/quote]
This quote is exactly what to worry about! Also are the tires original (25 yrs old)? $3,500
mike[/quote]
This quote is exactly what to worry about! Also are the tires original (25 yrs old)? $3,500
Last edited by JIMSFBL; Aug 31, 2011 at 06:45 PM.
The evos are great bikes I had 2 of em, My buddy has an 86 FLH that has 50,000 on it and it still runs solid. Now this isn't to say you won't have to put a wrench to it now and again. What I would recommend is checking for the "nose bleed" on those bikes, if they sit for awhile oil settles in the case and it will puke out a few ounces upon start up. This is the type of bike that will need to be started once a week if it isn't stored. Also if you purchase make sure you get 15 micron oil filters for it, as they recently retrofitted all evos and twin cams to a smaller 5 micron oil filter, which creates more pressure in the system and makes the aforementioned nose bleed worse. If you are comfortable DOING YOUR OWN WORK on the bike I say go for it they are great bikes. If not I would stay away because alot of the Harley techs weren't born before that bike was made, and many dealerships won't touch them (the ten year rule). But there is a reason almost every chopper is based off of an evo motor, hell S&S still builds there entire line based off of this block, because that's a great engine and a great bike.