How high should I go?

[Moon Wolf]

I'm doing well on my 61XLH project. I now have about 85% of the parts I need for a complete restoration. I may have even located both of the main pieces to a toolbox/spark coil cover as well as a few other "hens teeth."

My biggest problem now is a year-appropriate frame. In part because of all the help from forum members, I know exactly what I need and how to identify it. What I don't know is how much I should pay.

So here's my totally subjective question. I may have located am unmolested XLH frame (waiting for confirmation on exact year), but they want almost eight-hundred for it, including shipping. Is this too much to pay? Chime in with your opinions, informed or not. I'd like to know what you think.

[thefrenchowl]

Hi, Moon Wolf,

Seems a bit high to me... Sportster frames usually go for less than $ 500.00

Patrick

[Goshawk]

Way too much.

[Moon Wolf]

Yeah, I know. My problem is I need the correct model and year and it has to be unmolested, and there weren't that many made in the first place. As far as I know, they don't divide the figures for those early years between H and CH, but I'm guess there were less than 2000 made.

So, I guess my real question goes something like this: If this DOES turn out to be the right year and I pass on it, how likely do you think I am to find another one?

[flathead45]

then again how bad do you need it?

make an offer and see, might cost more in the long run trying to find one cheaper

mines a 72 and they only made about 2000 also but theres 4 in town here (running)

[joestuff]

It depends on what you want from your restoration. If you want a nice old sportster, then its a bit much. If you want to show your bike and get high points from the AMCA, then it's not too much. Consider it in relation to the rest of your project. If it's the last part you need for a concorse restoration, then go for it. If like me, your case numbers don't match so you will never make it to the concorse, then it's to much.
That's my two cents...

[Moon Wolf]

Yeah, it's a slippery slope. In the beginning, I was just trying to put it back in original form, but I've had enough luck finding the little bells and whistles that I've started to think why not make it perfect? The danger in that, of course, is making it too nice to ride, which seems a little silly I suppose.

A number of years ago I almost bought an Mercedes 380SL. The reason I finally decided against it was that I didn't want to have a car I had to worry about (where to park it and so on). Why buy something that's just going to add another hassle to your life?

But, hell, I have a gadzillion dollars in this Sporty project already, what's another $800? Why in the heck do my kids need to go to college anyhow?

[racerwill]

if its the correct, unmolested legal frame then $800 would be okay...... you could probably find one cheaper but how long is that gonna take? how much is your time worth? how soon do ya wanna be riding it?

Ww

[Moon Wolf]

Thanks, Racerwill, that's the kind of response I like to hear.

[fdny37]

In the grand scheme of things I think if your going for a total restoration $800 is not very much at all. Hey, a date coded correct alternator for my 1969 Z/28 Camaro is $2,000. As long as the frame is what they claim it is then $800 is not too much at all.