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Question for the Harley Owners

NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
edited July 2002 in General Discussion
Ive been thinking of buying a Hog,the only thing that really stopped me was the closest shop is about 100 miles from where I live.We now have a Harley Dealer in town.I want a 1969 sportster.A friend called and told me where one is in mint condition.We went and looked at it and rode it about 10 Miles I love it and gave him $500.00 to hold it until Monday,tomorrow.What is a fair price for this bike.Ive checked everywhere and its not like a car and have a book value.Its got a custom gas tank with flames paintedon it,I cant think of the guys name that made the tank,he is known Nationwide.I would like a ball park estimate any help will be greatly appreciated.Ive even searched the internet no luck.And I went through our log book at work thinking one may have been confiscated from a drug bust or something,and auctioned off,no luck.Thanks in advance!!

Rugster
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Comments

  • LowriderLowrider Member Posts: 6,587
    edited November -1
    If it's in good mechanical shape it's probably worth 3 or 4 thousand.

    Why so hell-bent on a '69 Sportster? Those old ironhead Sporties were notorious for engine problems. They ran so damn hot and had such piss-poor oiling systems that they were known to seize-up if ridden in real hot climates or if ridden at higher speeds for any length of time.

    They make a great bar hopper but certainly NOT an open road machine.

    Lord Lowrider the LoquaciousMember:Secret Select Society of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets She was only a fisherman's daughter,But when she saw my rod she reeled.
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  • RugerNinerRugerNiner Member Posts: 12,636 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You should also run a cooler plug in the front rear cylinder.
    Also learn how to adjust a Sportster Clutch. You will be doing it every week.

    Also you will have to wear baggy pants from now on because your right leg will be twice as big as your left leg from trying to kick start it. Push start it that way you will be building up both of your leg muscles at th same time.

    Remember...Terrorist are attacking Civilians; Not the Government. Protect Yourself!

    RugerNiner with the One-Kick Pan.



    Edited by - RugerNiner on 07/07/2002 15:52:16
    Keep your Powder dry and your Musket well oiled.
    NRA Lifetime Benefactor Member.
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  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for that information I didnt know about the oil or heating problems.I did notice the Bike ran a little rougher after five or six miles,but I thought that was part of it.I always liked the looks of the 69 sportster,but Im not a mechanic so the clutch adjustments is out for me.I sure cant afford a new one,and I heard a rumor that their was a waiting list on a new Hog.Can you suggest something else in the 5 grand neighborhood? Thanks Im disapointed but you probably saved me some heartache.

    Rugster
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  • LowriderLowrider Member Posts: 6,587
    edited November -1
    You really won't find much of a Harley Davidson for 5 grand. There are probably a lot of newer evo-engined Sportsters in that price range, and if you really want a Sportster that's what you should look at. I have a pretty low opinion of Sportsters in general, but lots of folks ride 'em and like 'em.

    There are several Japanese cruiser-type bikes on the market that are good motorcycles. A guy can pick up a good, low mileage used one for pretty cheap. Kawasaki Vulcans, Yamaha Road Stars and V-Stars, Suzuki Intruders, Honda Shadows, all good bikes and can be picked up used for very good prices.

    If I had 5 grand and really wanted a Harley, I'd put it down on a new or low-mileage used Big Twin. You'll be glad you did. Any of the Dyna-framed (FXD) Harleys are great bikes. If you can find a low-mileage FXR-framed bike, that's better yet.

    Lord Lowrider the LoquaciousMember:Secret Select Society of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets She was only a fisherman's daughter,But when she saw my rod she reeled.
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  • Smoky14Smoky14 Member Posts: 531 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Let it go away. The whole bike was never right. Electrics, and all the stuff LR stated. I made a living working on those old hogs.

    smoky the wrench
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  • mudgemudge Member Posts: 4,225 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rugster...my man...Please don't get fixated on one bike. (Particularly a "shovelhead" or a Sportster.) All due respect to you "Shovelhead" guys, but....you couldn't GIVE me one. I went to Sturgis in '96 with a guy on a '72 "Shovel". My Aluminum '95 Evo cruised at 70-75 all day without a hiccup. His "Milwaukee Iron" didn't run 500 miles without something breaking. I mean something "big time" breaking. Both jugs, the tripletree, electrics, chain, you name it. Ruined my trip. Not to mention the $700+ I poured into getting it fixed that he never offered to re-pay. I'll have to post the story about that trip sometime. 6 years later, it's kinda' funny. Especially the part about finding a chain on a Sunday afternoon in Vivian, SD.
    I'm getting off on a tangent here...shop around. This isn't a very good time to buy a bike anyway. This time of year is a "sellers" market. Get the biggest bike you can afford. I started out, in '95, looking for a "basket" H-D to build for about $5,000. A week later I had a $17,000 '95 Road Toad. That's another funny story.

    Mudge the experienced

    I can't come to work today. The voices said, STAY HOME AND CLEAN THE GUNS!

    Edited by - mudge on 07/07/2002 15:56:08
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  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You will have to share the other story sometime mudge.Thanks for the advice Im undecided,so I belieive I will take your adviceand hang loose.


    Thanks

    Rugster
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  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
    edited November -1
    Try this site, it lists the prices of used motorcyles and for 5 grand
    you should be able to purchase a 90 to 93, 94 HD 1200 Sportster with the EVO motor.

    http://www2.nadaguides.com/Values/

    "A wise man is a man that realizes just how little he knows"
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  • 96harley96harley Member Posts: 3,992 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rugster,
    Shop around sometimes you can buy a brand new one for what some are asking for their older models. In central Indiana it's a buyer's market for used HD's. Be patient you'll find one.

    I don't know your physical size weight etc. but why not go for the bigger V-twin engined bikes? I almost went for the sporty but am glad I didn't. That's not to say you wouldn't be happy with a sportster. Got a fellow officer who rode his 1200 sportster clear out to Vail and back three years ago. He weiths 340 and is 6'3". Looked like a rhino on a skate but he made it.
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  • martzkj@msn.commartzkj@msn.com Member Posts: 582 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you go with an evo sporty, get one with a 5 speed and belt drive.
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  • RugerNinerRugerNiner Member Posts: 12,636 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Obviously you are looking for your first Harley. Get a decent Shovel and Repair Manual. Older Harleys aren't that hard to work on. I can wire my bike to run in twenty minutes (twenty-five with lights). There are only seven main wires to my 56 Panhead.

    Pay it off and then get what you want. I wouldn't put a lot of Money in fancy aftermarket items. Remember this CHROME DON"T GET YOU HOME!

    Remember...Terrorist are attacking Civilians; Not the Government. Protect Yourself!
    Keep your Powder dry and your Musket well oiled.
    NRA Lifetime Benefactor Member.
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  • soopsoop Member Posts: 4,633
    edited November -1
    I had a 69 Sportster years ago and loved it.Kelly blue book or nada (I can`t remember which)will tell you what the bike is worth in your area.Look under antique bikes.69 Sportster in my area has a book value of about $10,000 in exellent condition.
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  • E.WilliamsE.Williams Member Posts: 1,101 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Get a YAMAHA V-MAX.No wait and will still have money.Mine has never let me down.Runs like hell but still respectable on gas.If your dead set on a Harly I wouldnt get on that is before atleast 1975.I was looking at a 1978 Sportster but decided to gwith a 1992 V-MAX and I have not regretted it yet.Aand by runs like hell I dont meen crappy I meen hold on tight.

    Eric S. Williams
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  • EVILDR235EVILDR235 Member Posts: 4,398 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    One of the guys at work went out two weeks ago and picked up a low mileage 1998 Sportster.1200 engine,5spd(I think)belt drive.Clean,stock,except seat.$6,000 cash.He said guy was asking $8,000--got lucky i guess.About 15 years ago had a friend trade his Knucklehead chopper for down payment on his house.Had another friend in 1972 sell his 62 Panhead(old CHP bike)for $600 to buy food,and pay rent.Same thing he paid for it at Dudly Perkins in SF.
    Dr.Evil
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  • hdwrenchhdwrench Member Posts: 954 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    rugster , i own a hd aftermarket shop in wny . i'm going to give you my honest opinion on ironhead sportys . first i like them ,they were an early race type bike .can be very fast and sporty . second if purchased previously abused , they can be a:money pit and b:maintenance whores . you may never finish fixing it. so be very careful in choosing your first bike . do not purchase with your heart . ask to see maintenance records ,repair records ask all of the dumb questions .i'm not saying you can't find a good one ,BUT most of the sporty's that go through my doors are whooped.i did just do a minor restore on a barn fresh 74 sporty with 3100 miles that was wonderful .it was a step back in time . orignal everything .it is rated around 85% now .runs and rides like a new 74 .i suggest you find something on this level . pay more if you have to . but pick the best you can find . choppers are just that ,chopped .to many people have worked on them in there long life .if it was the wrong people they can be trouble . an average price for simple clean up of a whooped sporty can easyly reach 3-4000 dollars fast .trannys and clutchs can be tempermental . look carefully at the engine case for welding repairs . if found it means that it's been granaded at one time .be very cautious and do lots of research .treet it like a 10,000 dollar gun purchase you no little about and can't afford.i don't know your reasons for picking a 69 , i'm sure there good . maybe a newer bike would be more enjoyable with less maintenance .you could always give it a 69 look , with modern brakes , charging and a starter thats is much improved over the 69 technology .jmho.
    if you have any questions or if i can help in anyway -hdwrenchski@aol.com .
    p.s. to answer your question which i realize i never did , a 69 can vary in price do to it's condition and investment of the owner .low condition is 1800 . maxed out(professinal show bike ) it could bring
    near 10,000 . an average good looking and running 69 , 3800-5200.
    for 5000 you can also find one in the mid 1990's .
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