While this is technically a Running When Parked offering, it is not consistent with the rust buckets, parts bins or multi-year project bikes that so often grace our pages. No, this 1959 Harley-Davidson FLF was not parked because the owner had surrendered to the task of getting the bike running. I’m guessing that the owner experienced health or personal issues that required the bike to be parked and stored. Although the majority of RWP’ed ads claim a new battery and a carb cleaning is all the bike needs, this is the rare Running When Parked where that choice of treatment is accurate.
The $21,500 asking price is not out of the ballpark (and it is not the highest RWP’s asking price we’ve seen). A Harley expert (like Bator International) can tell you how authentic the restoration is if this is an investment, but I’ve never been worried about if a bike’s shock mount hardware, air filter cover or floor board is the proper vintage. I want a bike that gets my heart beating even before I get it started. This Harley does that easily.
WHAT IS A VINTAGE BIKE WORTH?
While researching this bike’s value, it became clear that valuing an old motorcycle is not an exacting science. The NADA Guide pegged a concours ’59 FLF at $26,675 while Hargerty would only go to $20,000. That’s a 30% difference! They get closer for the bike in “Very Good” or “Good” condition but I’m reminded of what Jeff Archer, who traded in vintage bicycles, told me about the worth of anything vintage. He said, “It’s only worth what somebody will pay you for it.”
