I have been looking for a classic HD for quite some time now, but really am lost on how to value this one. Hoping for some feedback!

It's a 1958 Sportster XLH, 7,600mi on odo. Garage dust has me guessing at least a couple of decades since it's been used.

I'm told that it was customized in 1969 and looks like it's been unchanged since. A "period customization" with mild rake and pretty wild sissy bar, along with some custom chrome bits and pieces.

Title is 1970. There is a foil sticker on front fork that says "Manufactured by HD in 12/69". The heads are stamped '57 and the frame is stamped '58.

Motor is free to turn, but bike does not start (no surprise)

Any ideas on what kind of offer would be fair on a bike such as this?

 

I'm 95% sure that harley didnt stamp their frames in 58. Pretty sure they didn't start stamping any frames unil 1970. I proabably wouldnt cough up more than a couple hundred bucks for something with that many different year stamps on everything (could be hard to title/register). Plus if it's been sitting that long you will have to completely tear it down and rebuild which could easily end up costing more than a decnt running bike. I would like to get a shovel or ironhead to tinker with and restore but I would like to get one in running condition to start with.

 

Yeah,sounds like a "swap meet special" Not worth more than $300-$500.[IMO]
The only experience I have with one that old was watching a guy I knew try to kick start it for about an hour-never did hear it run.

 

Got any pictures? Seeing your in Cali I would check on regulations to register it. Here in Ga. you only need a bill of sale for stuff that old.I can't recall any numbers on frames that early,only on the cases.

 

Agree with the guys above... If you can steal it, like projects and will work through the potential registration hassles, go for it... If you just want a classic Harley to ride around, IMO take the time to find one that's mostly complete at a fair price. Virtually every project I've ever bought ended up costing me more (time, money, hassles) than if I had just bought a finished bike in the first place. But if you like a challenge, or the bike just tugs at you for some reason, do it. Value on something like that is whatever you're willing to pay for it. I wouldn't pay much since it's not original and there's no telling what it will cost you to get it on the road. Don't let your heart over-rule your brain...easier said than done sometimes...I'm guilty! Good luck with it!

 

Hope it was "non-op'd" with DMV or you will be paying 43 years of late fees.

 

Get it. The engine is rareish.don't pay a lot though. Could be a fun project...

 

Whether it is fun or not, it WILL be a project ....

 

Could be a fun project, or a real PITA but keep your checkbook pretty close by! You'll need it. $750 tops.