Late ’60’s Harleys are boss! This one is no exception. The solo saddle, speedo on the tank, floorboard footpeds, bull-horn handlebar, additional driving lights, triple-clamp aluminum casing and fish-tail pipes all add up to one sweet boulevard cruiser. Still, this guy will require hours and hours of attention unless you plan to take the rat-bike path. Even then, it is a “running when parked” so who knows what evil lurks inside the fuel tank, engine cases and battery cover? All this and the owner is asking $13,000 for a bike that is valued at $12,000 by Kelly Blue Book (for a pristine-condition runner).
Unless you are going to do the work on it yourself, pencil in an additional $5000 to the selling price just to get it road worthy. Heck, even if you are doing the work yourself, you better have a couple of grand set aside. I know the guy would be shocked, but I’d show up with $8,000 in my pocket with the intention of not paying a nickel more. I’ll bet the seller wouldn’t take it.
The phrase “running when parked” (RWP) is code for a once treasured possession that has been neglected in the corner of the garage or tool shed for far too long. Lacking the energy, time or resources to bring the little beauty back to life, the owner lists it for sale in hopes that a new owner will massage it back to health. Our collection of RWP bikes fall into two distinct categories; treasure or trash. And you are the only one who can properly judge which category the bike belongs in.