Another new one,
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Stage II
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Another new one,
I'm Joel, from Oklahoma and have dreamed of owning on of these fabulous machines since i was old enough to slobber on myself. Which i did, and still do quite frequently and profusely if the right bike, or woman comes strolling down the street. However I am in a bit of a bind, i'm kinda strapped for cash, but my Dad just so happens to have a bike in his garage he is storing for a friend. It's in pretty decent shape cosmetically, however, It doesn't run, doesnt try to turn over, if you try to kick start it, it sprays oil all over the ground. it's an '80 model Harley, and not a sportster. It may be almost blasphemous but that's really all the information i have. My question is this. How much should i pay for the bike it's self. How much should i expect in costs to repair it. Would it be cheaper to buy a running one?
about the oil thing, i'm thinking a cracked pan or a plug missing somewhere? anyone have any ideas?
All replies are appreciated
about the oil thing, i'm thinking a cracked pan or a plug missing somewhere? anyone have any ideas?
All replies are appreciated
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Another new one,
Got any pics of it? You're asking some pretty tough questions, and don't have much information to go on. How about a VIN? You could give an insurance company a call and find out what the bike truly is. You might consider hauling it down to a repair shop and letting them take a look at it...
Hope this helps,
Mac
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Another new one,
Howdy Joel and welcome. Can you take a pic of it? Someone on the list would prob. be able to identify the model for you.
The main question to me on this would be, How much of a wrench are you or how much of a wrench do you want to be? What's your free time situation? Can you build a local network that can help you out?
The good news is that you are in Oklahoma and a "basket case" or "project bike" might not go for as much as it would in one of the Sunshine states. Somehere on the Forum, they were talking recently about EVO motors selling rebuilt and/or new for just under 3 grand.
Since you listed yourself as a 3rd generation Superman, I will do the impossible here and from the scant info you have given, I will answer your question. I would guesstimate that you would be looknig at anywhere from 1 - 5 grand and 3 months to 1 year to get it up and running.
Another thing that you could do would be to search EBay and search for the words "project bike" or "basket case" under in description and see what some people are asking and also check completed auctions to see what they really got.
The bad part about living in the middle of America without huge cities around is that if you get into this and can't or don't get it finished. then you may have more trouble getting rid of it.
Anyway, you need more info (and so do we) to make any informed judgements. My personal rule of thumb is to expect the worst and then double it in terms of cost and labor required. Keep us informed. Art
The main question to me on this would be, How much of a wrench are you or how much of a wrench do you want to be? What's your free time situation? Can you build a local network that can help you out?
The good news is that you are in Oklahoma and a "basket case" or "project bike" might not go for as much as it would in one of the Sunshine states. Somehere on the Forum, they were talking recently about EVO motors selling rebuilt and/or new for just under 3 grand.
Since you listed yourself as a 3rd generation Superman, I will do the impossible here and from the scant info you have given, I will answer your question. I would guesstimate that you would be looknig at anywhere from 1 - 5 grand and 3 months to 1 year to get it up and running.
Another thing that you could do would be to search EBay and search for the words "project bike" or "basket case" under in description and see what some people are asking and also check completed auctions to see what they really got.
The bad part about living in the middle of America without huge cities around is that if you get into this and can't or don't get it finished. then you may have more trouble getting rid of it.
Anyway, you need more info (and so do we) to make any informed judgements. My personal rule of thumb is to expect the worst and then double it in terms of cost and labor required. Keep us informed. Art
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 10
From:
RE: Another new one,
Glad you decided to join!!
I agree with the responses above. Get a picture posted, then we'll be able to determine the "basic value" of your bike. This would help you decide about the engine...
Ryan
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
RE: Another new one,
I tend to agree with all the other coments, did the bike run when it was parked? If so, I doubt anything serious went bad, posibly a seal or cracked hose. Good luck!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,954
Likes: 9
From: jacksonville, nc
RE: Another new one,
welcome, the oil deal may not be as serious as you think IF your lucky, must my -02 mind you but it sounds like since the bike has set so long the oil has drained from the tank into the engine, id first change the oil plugs and tyr another battery and go from there. fixing up an older bike is very cool but could end up costing more than a fairly late model sportster. what ever you do good luck and keep us posted of your progress!!
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Banned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,100
Likes: 5
From: Boerne, Texas (Gods Country)
RE: Another new one,
Welcome
I would think about this a while and do some good research.Like Mike said you can pickup a 883 for 5 or 6 grand and tho it might not be what you want it's a start and it's a Harley.If you can get into tis for little or no money it's worth checking out.If you do'nt mind wrenching it may be the bike for you.I understand you're straped for $$ but I'd try to see what you can get into with what you got.
If you can catch PococJ around here he's sharp on these older bikes and maybe he can help you out.you might try to P.M. Him.
Goodluck Brother
Craig
I would think about this a while and do some good research.Like Mike said you can pickup a 883 for 5 or 6 grand and tho it might not be what you want it's a start and it's a Harley.If you can get into tis for little or no money it's worth checking out.If you do'nt mind wrenching it may be the bike for you.I understand you're straped for $$ but I'd try to see what you can get into with what you got.
If you can catch PococJ around here he's sharp on these older bikes and maybe he can help you out.you might try to P.M. Him.
Goodluck Brother
Craig