A question for builders?

[LB]

I want to start to take my time and build/rebuild a bike. It will take me some time etc, little here...little there. Don't have a big budget to fork out up front. I want a softail....any ideas on a good platform to start out with. I'm a mechanic by trade, but will ask questions, ideas, opinions from time to time.

[RogerMason]

Im doing the same thing... I built my trike, now I have a 1979 HD FXS, I am slowly, and I mean slowly working on... I dont remember what year the first softail came out maybe you could pick up an older one and strip it down and go from there..

Roger

[LB]

Originally Posted by RogerMason

Im doing the same thing... I built my trike, now I have a 1979 HD FXS, I am slowly, and I mean slowly working on... I dont remember what year the first softail came out maybe you could pick up an older one and strip it down and go from there..

Roger

Yeah something along that line is what I'm looking into doing.

[BadgerOctane]

Definitely keep an eye out for basket case and abandoned projects. Some people start building and for whatever their individual reasons decide not to, or simply can't, continue/finish their projects and often unload them at reasonable costs.

I usually browse CraigsList.com on occasion for just such possibilities. Also look for wrecked bikes. Granted, much more work is often required on these, but with decent wrech skills, and a bit of patience the saying becomes true... one man's trash is another's treasure.

Keep us posted, and I'll keep a lookout on this end for ya.


Badger

[Raven]

Here is an 86 Softail I had. ( sold it couple years ago).
I think that was the first year. They are easy enough to wrench on but not my favorite handling bike. Of course mine was 15 years old when I got it but the shocks in the rear had almost no travel and the front forks were marginal even after I re-built them.
They are low and bottom heavy which makes for a solid feel until your in the twisties.
I agree with BadgerOctane that CraigsList is a good place to watch. I also like to go to swaps and events and keep an eye out in the parking lot for bikes that are riden. People are usually ready to sell and they're in running/riding condition.
When I had mine I was wanting a 93-newer but couldn't find one. I can't remember why now, (I know the rear shocks are different) but you may ask around more on the differences. Good luck and enjoy!

[LB]

Some geat info/tips guys...thanks

[jerseymutt]

Fortunately (depending on your point of view) the prices are dropping. I am not a big softail fan so if I were looking for another project I would keep an eye out for a nice Shovel. You can get them cheap and parts are still very available. And the engine has more personality (if that makes any sense).

It's also alot easier to start with a whole bike then to pick up peices and try to put the mess together.

Mutt

PS I also am not a real builder - just a tinkerer.