New Guy that could use some help :)

[Zedder]

I've been a member for about a year now, but this is my first post. I've wanted a nice Panhead for the past 15 years and have finally decided that I will pull the trigger on the next nice one that comes along. I am focussing on '65's due to the electic start and my bad hip and have been watching this one on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123

I won't buy it without an inspection, but wondered of any of you more knowledgeable members might share your thoughts based on the pics and description.

Although I would prefer a nicely restored bike, any good honest Pan with most of its original parts will do the trick. Thanks in advance, Mark

[Rooster]

I am new here on this forum, and my expertise is more in the early-50s wishbone frame panheads, but without picking any nits, I will say that my initial impression is that the bike is beautiful! From what you say you are looking for, this seems to fit nicely!
Most of the bikes I've seen from this era have less than perfect finishes, especially the aluminum, and so it's just a little puzzling to see such dazzlingly polished parts next to the slight rust visible arouns the axle nut. But that doesn't detract much from it's overall 'look'. I wonder what the 'Reserve' is??

[T. Cotten]

Very pretty,
but knock thousand$ off of its ultimate value for the polished camchest, kicker, and primary covers.

....Cotten

[Zedder]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments. Wow, I knew the polished parts would detract some, but didn't realize the huge impact that they have. Can anyone give me some idea of what they think the bike is worth? I am not an expert by any means and was thinking about $15K????

What would a fully (and properly) restored '65 be worth today? Thanks again, Mark

[Chris Haynes]

Unfortunately there is no price guide for old bikes. They will sell for whatever price someone will pay for them. Checking completed eBay sales and motorcycle auction results may be helpful in finding the market.

http://www.midamericaauctions.com/sh...ion.asp?ID=104

http://www.jwoodandcompany.com/lots_2005.htm

http://completed.shop.ebay.com/items...Q_sopZ3QQ_scZ1

[c.o.]

Mark.......Chris has a good point on bike values. I see decent Pans sell from 15 to 25 thousand. Some guys expect more than that, but they usually don't meet reserve. I'm going to guess the reserve on this machine is at least 20. If you don't scoop this one, be patient one will show up when you least expect it!

[Zedder]

Thanks guys. I've been checking ebay, but not the completed auction results....so thanks for the links. They were definitely helpful. I'd like to find the best bike possible as I am sure it's always more expensive to restore or correct problems after the original purchase versus buying the right bike upfront.

[Magic]

Very good choice

The 1965 is a good choice for the Panhead and I maybe I'm biased too. This one looks good with all the pics. It's what it is .... It's hard to find an unrestored original and you almost have to jump on one like this if it's reasonable enough. The 65 is a one year transitional motorcycle with many one year items. Good luck. Merlin in Pa.

[Chris Haynes]

It was NOT the first electric start Harley-Davidson as the old wives tales say. But it was the first Big Twin with electric start.

[T. Cotten]

Mark!

It's not just the devaluation of the parts that have been polished, its the red flag that the molestation probably extends deep into the supposedly pristine machine.

Its the sort of thing that makes the difference between a $15G machine and a $25G machine.

....Cotten

[Zedder]

I hear what you are saying Cotton. I'm going to watch the auction and see where it goes. I spoke with the owner today and he seems like a decent guy. He didn't want to put a price on the bike and I didn't make any offers at this point. My guess is he's thinking high teens to $20K, but I'd like to be closer to $15K. I'm in no rush, so we'll see what transpires Thanks again for everyone's help. Mark

[DaveSwanson]

Originality still brings the money even in today's economy. This rusty, crusty, but very original 55FLH just sold for $28.1K on Ebay a couple of weeks ago. It's reported to be original paint with an owner added accent on the tank, and dash.

[INLINE4NUT]

OK it is a nice MC no doubt but PAPS has brought up most of the real problems with this MC or should I say things that count nother item is the Battery box cover it should be a flat cover not a ripple one thats from late 66,I also believe the exhust pipe is after market,where are the saddlebags?? Those if found will cost a LARGE FORTUNE!!! Other small things I see could also be hard to find but not impossible !!! 1965 has always been my honey year! Years ago I had one that was purchased by now deceased Glenn Hartsel of Indian Reservation fame(being an Indian fan I got to purchase and meet the original owner) It had less than 1200 thats right 1,200 miles on it and was an early production model,It had not been touched at all,many of my friends and others came by to see what was wrong about a 65 they were looking at or had,unfortunately it was lost in a dealership fire !!I would think in todays depressedmarket that the 12500 (which hasnt met reserve ) would be a fair price but I sure would want to feel and touch it before I coughed!!!! Good Luck on your quest I one Ive learned usually if you reach for something ......you loose !!! If you have waited this long maybe wait a little longer,go to meets ask questions and before you know it you will find your BABY !! Again GOOD LUCK!!!!

[INLINE4NUT]

Sorry for the second post but being a little white haired I forgot about the 1955 @28.1 I believe there is a saying for that, there is one born every day!!! Just joking it is a nice MC but lets get real !!! And on Flee-Bay one does not know if it really was sold for that price or not stranger things have happened !!!!

[Zedder]

Thanks guys. Does anyone have a pic of the correct battery box if that one is wrong? I have been collecting unrestored '65 pan pics and they all have a ribbed battery box like that???

Has anyone taken a look at this bike that was on ebay a couple of times now? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motor...1%7C240%3A1308