1955 FLH - What Is It Worth - Harley Forum

Too Many Motorcycles · #1 03-26-2008, 04:54 PM

I have come across a 1955 FLH that will be auctioned at an estate sale in a couple of weeks. It is claimed to be a former police bike. The pictures in the sale bill confirm it is a panhead with tank shift. It has a blue buddy seat and chrome fishtail tail pipes which I know would not be original to the bike. It also has white fiberglass bubble saddle bags which are probably not orignal. I don't know about the mechanical condition or whether it runs. My guess is that it hasn't been ridden in many years.

My question is....If I go to the sale and bid on this bike, what would be it's fair market value. I don't want to pay too much for it, but I don't want to short change the estate either.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your advice in advance.

Daytripper · #2 03-26-2008, 05:59 PM

theres a 1955 flh for sale in the hd trader for $18,900

myt evo · #3 03-26-2008, 08:36 PM

Whats it worth to you? Isn't that what really matters! Buy it because you want it not because of what it might be worth in the future!

BaggerDad · #4 03-26-2008, 08:57 PM

Doesn't Buzz have a 1955 Panhead - his "birthday bike."

He might have a decent idea of the market value.

Buzz Kanter · #5 03-27-2008, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Too Many Motorcycles

I have come across a 1955 FLH that will be auctioned at an estate sale in a couple of weeks. It is claimed to be a former police bike. The pictures in the sale bill confirm it is a panhead with tank shift. It has a blue buddy seat and chrome fishtail tail pipes which I know would not be original to the bike. It also has white fiberglass bubble saddle bags which are probably not orignal. I don't know about the mechanical condition or whether it runs. My guess is that it hasn't been ridden in many years.

My question is....If I go to the sale and bid on this bike, what would be it's fair market value. I don't want to pay too much for it, but I don't want to short change the estate either.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your advice in advance.

I have and enjoy riding my 1955 "Birthday" Panhead - a great machine. Your description isn't much to go on.

If it is as described but not running try to kick the trans through and listen for weird sounds. If frozen it might be worth $5,000. If free but not running about $8,500 or a bit more.

If it is basically correct, all there, and in fair running condition, I'd say it would be worth at least $12,000. In very good shape $17,000 or more.

I've been offered $25,000 for mine but it's not for sale.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

Too Many Motorcycles · #6 03-28-2008, 10:46 AM

Buzz

Thanks for your response and information. It is just what I needed. This bike appears to be a true 'barn find'. The sale also includes antique farm machinery, trucks and autos. Hopefully the bike is as complete in person as it is in the photos and I'll be the only one interested in it.

Buzz Kanter · #7 03-28-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Too Many Motorcycles

Buzz

Thanks for your response and information. It is just what I needed. This bike appears to be a true 'barn find'. The sale also includes antique farm machinery, trucks and autos. Hopefully the bike is as complete in person as it is in the photos and I'll be the only one interested in it.

If you can post a photo of two I might be able to give you a better idea of what I see in it.

This is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping this bulletin board could do to help each other. Cool deal!

Good luck.

94flhtcu · #8 03-28-2008, 11:15 AM

Four years ago, I was pursuing a '57 fl. Engine was rebuilt in the '70s, perhaps ridden a few times, and parked in the barn. There was some rust and dirt, but not bad. Had also been painted red when engine was done. Mostly original, and all there. Even the original saddlebags.

6500 bucks wasn't enuff for this fella, and I felt I had gone too far with the offer. I guess we both were happy with the non deal. Couldn't tell ya what happened next, but it left his yard.

47knuck · #9 03-29-2008, 10:32 AM

I've been riding and trading bikes for a long, long time and sometimes I am stunned by what some people think their bikes are worth.

I guess they read of an original paint belt drive teens Harley selling for $100,000 so they figure their rusty, chopped Ironehead Sportster must be worth at least $35,000 - yeah right!

But then again you sometimes hear of a honest to goodness deal on a cool old bike. That's what I'm looking for - a cool deal on a great old bike.

Too Many Motorcycles · #10 03-30-2008, 08:36 PM

Buzz,

I tried to post the two photos of the '55 Panhead from the sale bill, but they are too large to be uploaded to the forum. I tried to resize them, but couldn't find a way.

Could you send me a private message with an email address to send the pics to so you can take a look? If you can't, I understand.