Hey people.
Sold my roadstar chopper today and now I'm looking at an 85 softail. Question is, lot of parts I'm seeing are for 86 and up. Whats the difference between 85 and 86?

 

If it is an early 85 it will still have a 4 speed chain drive, with a kick start..so most softail exhaust will not fit it. The frame is different and no air shocks will fit, and regular shocks are getting hard to find. Although the catalogs say virtually nothing fits...most of the drivetrain is late shovelhead stuff. Late 85-early 89 are actually worse...the drivetrain is all bastard stuff, that neither Harley or the aftermarket supports...try to find an inner primary or trans for one. most people will be happier with a 91 up...they have all the improvements and nothing really changed till the twinkies came out.

 

It has chain drive but an ultima 6 speed. I know everything about yamaha's but not much about HD's. Is this something to stay away from? I only have $6,500 to spend on a bike so my choices are very limited.

 

I would think you could find one for less $6500. There is nothing wrong with them...been riding an 84 for 15 years. If you are going to have to pay some one else to wrench it...you would be much better off with a 91 up...much better parts availability... which you still should be able to find within your budget.

 

I do all my own work. I'm also looking at an 89 softail springer.

 

Based on what I see your a guy whose heavily into customizing your motorcycle. If your all about hand making one off parts, then buy the thing. If your looking for a motorcycle that you can get off the shelf aftermarket parts for.... this is a bad choice.


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If I was you, I'd take my time and look around a bit. It's a buyers market out there and today $6.5k can afford you a real nice Evo. Like Tom84 says, 1991 & up is a great choice. You can mile the hell out of those engines! A Softail Springer is even a better choice IMO.

Just take your time and look around with cash in hand. And be ready to move quick on the right bike. The case is 1/2 the fun

 

i got my 96 softail custom for $6000 and it has makuni carb ,thunderheaders,air ride,billet rims,braided lines,i just kept looking til it popped up on cl one day,im new to riding and bikes but i think i got a steal for what i got,good luck and would love to see the new bike once you get it

 

whats the differences between the 1990 vs 91?

 

I got a 99 Springer Softail with 9600 miles for $6,700. It had Short Shots, was rejetted and had a hypercharger. It needed a front tire, rockerbox gaskets and a starter clutch, or about $300 worth of stuff DIY. Didn't take much to find it either.

So the deals are out there.