J&P Community

I have a lead on a '57 Sporty (in boxes) that was running just a couple years ago.  And there's a title with it, too.  Haven't seen the parts yet, but let's assume that they are in decent shape.  What would be a reasonable offering price for soemthing like that?  I always liked the simple look of the early ones and I need a project!  Bored.

I guess it would start with why it was torn apart in the first place - what was wrong.  Then it depends how it was stored (high humidity = rusted steel sleeves, races, etc.)

Heads, jugs, rocker boxes, cams, lifters, lifter blocks, oil pumps - you see a lot of them for sale on Ebay.  You also see some trannies & primaries.  One of the big things to look at is the condition of the cases, including the races which are pressed into the case (tranny, crank).  These aren't cheap and are not always easy to replace.

bottom price = how badly he wants it out the door

top price = how badly you want it

hope this helps 

pb,

 I wouldn't pay more than 500 for it. You can't be sure if it's all there, and you could easily put another 2-3 k into it making it road worthy, if you can find parts for it.  You might be able to get your money back parting it out on eBay, if it's too far gone....................

Thanks.  Like I say, I don't know Sporty's and wasn't sure if this was a rare find worth 5 grand, or a just an average fixer-upper.  To me, it'd be worth a year of casual effort and some cash to have a cool vintage small dispacement bike.

pb,

 I'm not sure if the KHK went to '57. If it is a KHK, it may be worth 5-6 grand fully restored. You can research that from the serial number. Also, before you buy it, make sure the numbers on the engine match the numbers on the frame, and of course the registration.........If not, pass it bye.....................

'57 - shouldn't have any serial # on the frame - a K model was a flat head - the ironhead first appeared in '57 - check out sportster.org if you are really interested in one of these as a project 

 57 was the first year of the ironhead, you would be suprised what this would be worth if it was all together and in near stock condition. You will want to see if the frame has been cut up ( seat tabs, racked, or what not) this is critical to the value of the bike. Stock bars and front end are a plus, most were changed out. Being that this is a basket case and if everything is there and is somewhat original, I would be willing to pay 1500-2000 for it the way it is. Nicely restored this would bring 8000 plus.

pbabadoo 

If you can get some good pic of what is there i will be able to tell you  if there is hard to find stuff not there.

The 57 sportster in the photos area is my bike

 Thnaks Jmanjeff.  The seller is now giving me the "well .. maybe I'll hang onto it after all"  attitude.  If I can get in there to see the bike and take a few pictures, I'll get back in touch.  Really appreciate all the info.  - PB

 I have a '60 XLCH. Bought it in '90 in boxes for $2000 Canadian... needed some parts, paint, TLC.  Chopped it, raked it, wideglide FE, airbrushed, Apes, hardtail...my own barebones 'easyrider'. For under 5 grand it is unique and rare. No regrets.  Love every minute on it...riding and wrenching...it is simple and fun.  I have all the matching numbers and the extras are all from swap-meets and are period correct.  How much is it worth....I'd have a really hard time giving you a number...my blood is in the chain case...its oil in my veins.

I'm workin on a 64FL for my wife...she needs the 'comforts'

 It really comes down too, I buy junk and sell antiques. It has got to be rare to pay 5k for a basket case. 1. It needs to be verified that all parts are there. 2. All parts are in good condition and restorabe/repairable. Then it might be worth 1k at the most.