Custom Harley value questions...
 

I have been emailing the owner of this bike, and and trying to find out what it might be worth. It was on eBay, and did not sell for $15,800. He said his reserve was $25,000, but he is willing to enterain offers. Description:

KETCH - ME COPPER HELL BOUND STEEL CHASSIS (2003)
250 REAR TIRE
TP ENGINEERING 107 C.I. MOTOR W / CHROME CARB TP
MATCHING TRANSMISSION
SPYKE HEAVY DUTY STARTER PRO METER SPEEDO W / BILLET MOUNT
HIGH END GENUINE OSTRICH SEAT W / MATCHING PAD
D & M HI- FLO AIR CLEANER
RHINEHART EXHAUST
CRANE HI - 4 IGNITION
CRANE COILS W / BILLET MOUNT
LOTS OF BILLET (NO CAST)
200 MILES

I asked him about title and insurance and this is what he responded with:
The bike is titled as a reconstructed title just like a car. It is insured for $35,000; and it costs about $500 a year.

Can anyone give me some insight as to a proper value?
Who would work on this when it has issues? A local Harley Dealer? Speed/Custom shop?

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Re: Custom Harley value questions...
 

Realistically its probably worth 25, Sean just sold his texas chopper for 25 and a guy wanted to trade me one for my 311. The thing you need to find out is;

A. who built it
B. Is it a special construction
C. will it pass VA inspection (lots of "homemades" wont)
D. whats the reason for selling it.
Depending on where it is you should visually inspect it, it may be a pig in a prom dress. you have to look at the wiring, the connections. pop the seat and check battery mounts. It's amazing how electrical gremlins show there heads. check to see the tank mounts and if proper number of threads are showing on through bolts. Ive looked at many and built mine in 3 different configurations. look for the unfinished details...Rob

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Thank you Rob. The bike is in York, PA, so logistics aren't too bad. I keep finding a few bikes that really turn my head. This one is one of them. For about $25,000, I could have a new American Ironhorse, with warranty. I am looking at a few new job opportunities, which would involve commuting. I would be looking into this as a fun bike, as well as a way to commute in HOV lanes. I still may stick to a V-Rod as well.

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Brian - Have you looked at Victory? I understand they are a pretty decent motorcycle, at a reasonable price. I've seen a couple but haven't had the opportunity to talk to the owner(s). I think there's a dealer in Annapolis. If you check them out, let me know. I'm looking around too...but I have to confess, I don't know much about what to look for since I'm a "newbie" rider.

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I sold my 1998 Fatboy for 21K three years ago. I purchased a custom from Covington. 113 Patrick Motor, 250 tire, air suspension, high end paint job. Paid much more than 25K. I'd say the bike is worth it. Any local custom or Harley bike shop could work on it. I have my bike insured as a custom and I pay 1200/year.

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I'll sell you one for half that much.

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I'm selling this one for $23k. It's a factory built Bourget w/1100 miles. That is a good looking bike. Rebuild titles are hard to sell though.

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I think his $500/year insurance cost is BS on that value. Any local motorcycle shop will be able to work on it.

You should have a lot of haggle ability unless the guy doesn't want to sell it or owes a lot on it. Customs are hard to sell. You have to either find the right person or give it away. You definitely can't buy them as an investment...unless you steal it :D

Good luck. It looks great but I would personally stick with the Harley for resale...JMO though. Even the used Harley market isn't what it used to be.