New Guy that could use some help :)

[T. Cotten]

I think the '65 battery side cover may have only been a Wisco sticker.

....Cotten

[koanes]

I have to disagree with Tom, a few polished parts won't make a ten thousand dollar difference. The polishing was commonly done to spiff up a bike in this time period. What is important is that it is a mostly original 65 with low mileage. I wouldn't want to scare you off from a chance to own this fine machine, but you should be aware that 65's will often need lower end work at less than 50,000 miles because of soft crankpins depending on how they were ridden. I had two 65's, very nice low mileage originals that failed at less than 30,000 miles and the one I have now was purchased at 35,000 with the bottom of the cases blown out. I think too much thought is given to the investment aspect of a motorcycle. A 65 Pan is a very enjoyable, practical, and reliable motorcycle to ride. I've had my current 65 for 18yrs and over 100,000 miles and you couldn't buy it for any amount of money.

[Zedder]

Thanks for your thoughts Kyle. I've sent you a pm. I am not buying a Pan as an investment...I'm buying one because I like them. I'll ride it a few times a summer and keep her tuned and polished, making improvements as I can. Everytime I go out to the garage and see it sitting there it will be my reward for spending my hard earned dollars on an old piece of machinery. That being said, I'm not made of money, so I want to buy wisely. If I overspend by a thousand or two, no big deal, but I don't want to be completely upside down either. I know some people only appreciate the hard-ass ride 20,000 miles a summer owners, but that's what I did 15 years ago and it doesn't fit with my current lifestyle So an old Pan is what I'd like to own.

I have 2 short videos of the red bike and would appreciate it if anyone that really knows '65's well would take a look and comment on it. If you are interested, PM me your email address and I'll forward them. Thanks again everyone.

[Carl Olsen]

Buy the blue one, it is just about brand new in every way and unmolested. It is a no brainer.
Carl

[Chris Haynes]

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

There was no side cover on the battery in 1965. Just a big black battery hanging out.

[Zedder]

Thanks Chris, That's a great pic!

[Magic]

They aren't making anymore of them LOL

The Blue 65 on ebay outta CA was sweet and didn't sell for 17K... I would think not too. The 65 may of had flaws in some ways as do many motorcycles however was one of the coolest Big Twins ever made. Nuff said Ask most any H-D enthuisist... It's not my favorite but I have one. And yes I agree with your mindset of going out to the garage/barn and sitting there looking at it and once in awhile taking it for a ride :-) That's my life. Merlin in Pa.

[Zedder]

Here's an update for those following along...I was high bidder on the red bike at $13,100, but the owner doesn't want to sell at anywhere near that price. I also attempted to contact the owner of the blue unrestored bike, but he isn't responding, so I assume that it must have sold???? Thans again to all those who offered opinions/info. The hunt continues

[gpetty]

It's a nice looking bike, lots of original items and owner sounds honest in his description.
I would say it's worth 17-20k to me.