I have a 1984 Softail standard with 6000 miles on it I was able to purchase at a very reasonable price and am considering finishing it off cosmetically to replicate a vintage motorcycle complete with handshift.

I've owned a 39 and 48 Chief as well as a 48 UL and love the old handshift bikes, but any highway driving for any distance, constant maintanance and cost makes owning a fine example of a pre-war harley or Indian inpractible.

This Softail is a kickstart, has low miles and has had engine updrades to 95HP with cam swap and head work.

I will be purchasing a leafspring front end, hydraulic pogo bar for a solo seat, reproduction knuck front fender, 18" black wheels and overall black finish on everything besides the motor. I will be innstalling a handshift and foot clutch assembly as well.

I'm going back and forth on detailing however as to whether I should finish it out as a 41 Chief, or 38 Knucklehead paintschemes. A skirted front fender and 39 Worlds fair paint scheme may be something as well.

While I'll be under $10K on this bike, I don't want to build something that will be impossible to resell and wouldn't mind building a few of these specifically for resale as well. I think there may be a market for something like this. Especially if they can be built under $10K and sold for around $13K.

Any opinions on the final cosmetics on this bike for maximum wow factor?

I'm concerned that if I finish it out with Indian detailing, that the Indian fans would wrinkle there noses at the Evo motor. Even void of the HD monicor.

Also concerned with putting a leafspring on a HD detailed bike but think it'll be a one of a kind showstopper.

I think this bike will definately be original and dynamic myself, but for the purpose of potential re-sale, what would be the overall best bet cosmetically?

I think The Indian route may limit interest, and while the leafspring front clashes with the Knucklehead detailing, think this would be my best bet.

Curious about opinions on current plan as well as any other ideas to make this build dynamic.

A few photos of the rolling chassis, the front end with high mount headlight, 38 Art Deco HD paintscheme and a 40/41 skirted chief.

All opinions, pro or con welcome

 

A skirted 40 Indian and a 39 Chief I built with a Worlds Fair paint scheme.

A skirted fender with this paint scheme would be pretty dynamic as well. Tough choices.

 

I'd stick with a Harley Knuck theme, and not the Indian for the reasons you gave... It's and HD, not an Indian

 

With today's bike market...if you put 10k in an 84...plan to lose 3k or more when you sell it. Custom bikes are selling for pennies on the dollar. If resale is your plan, put some really nice paint on stock sheetmetal and hang a "For Sale " sign on it. If you deck it out like an Indian or Knuck..I hope you like it...because you will never sell it.

 

Believe me, that's in the back of my mind as well, but If you like vintage bikes and are on a budget, would you spend $14K on a heritage Springer with 12,000 miles, or $12K on a Art Deco paint schemed, hand shift, pogo seat leafspring bike with a fresh frame off, engine mods and low miles.

I think I may have a limited buying pool, but I'd be shocked if I couldn't get 12K out of it.

I see Heritages selling for $12K with 30K miles on them.

I see your point, but am hard pressed to think I'd take a loss on it.

We'll see. I'll build it to keep it and toss it up on Ebay and see what it does.

$12K doesn't buy you much on a full framed/fendered bike. Not to mention the uniqueness of this one.

Case in point.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AWARD...item2eb47b0d7b

Not my style, but it all boils down to how nice a bike you can build.

just like Old cars, book value no longer applies, its value is determined on cosmetic build quality and curb appeal.

There will definately be some "Wow factor" on this one.

 

Shoot... I want the car in your garage!!!

 

That'll be on E-bay in a few weeks if you really want it.

 

Diggin the 32 in the garage,you need a Hemi to go with the zoomies.(lol)You my man have a very good taste in bikes and cars.I think your scoot should be all Harley with no Indian influence.I love art Deco and never see enough on bikes.Maybe something like a 30's Airflow.Keep the progress pics coming please.Wouldnt mind more of the 32 either.

 

Be real careful when dumping money into used bikes with the expectation of ever getting it back. I see the one you mentioned was re listed for non payment. And thats a guy with 30K into his bike while your planning on investing well under half that. I love guys who customize their bikes, its really what this whole community is all about, but now a days, rarely if ever does anyone recoup his investment. Evo's are currently on the bottom of the list in term or resale (IMHO), and I'm saying that as a guy who happens to really like Evo's. I look all the time at used bikes in case a super bargain yells out at me, and the only used Evo's I see at the 12K and up mark are usually the 30K and up customs, and they can barely scrape that 12K, and often times still go for much less. People with money to burn want twinkies now a days. Go figure.

 

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Not much to show on the Duece as I'm finishing up the body work but I'll give you a few progress shots so you get the general Idea.

This has an original 32 Cowl vent grafted in and an original kickout 32 Windshield. It will also have a rear and side power windows. Machine turned stainless on the firewall and cowl and a 5" wide white on the bias plies.

It will be finished in Satin Black with Candy Flames. Candy Apple Block and all Chrome in the Engine bay. Should be neat