Getting Hooked on the Idea
Last Thursday night I was scrolling motorcycle forums when this dude’s photo of a 1983 Harley FXRS popped up. Man, that shovelhead engine with the eagle paint job just grabbed me – suddenly I had to find one of these old beasts. But everyone says 80s Harleys are either rust buckets or crazy expensive now. Challenge accepted!
My Scavenger Hunt Strategy
First thing Friday morning, I brewed extra coffee and made my battle plan:
- Dust off local connections: Texted every gearhead I know asking if they’d seen barn finds
- Become eBay’s worst nightmare: Set up alerts for “Harley shovelhead 1980-1989” with max price filter
- Embrace cringe: Actually joined those Facebook groups full of leather-vest dudes arguing about carburetors
By Saturday? Nothing but junk listings and scams. Almost bit on this “mint condition” Fat Boy that turned out to be a 2001 replica when I reverse-searched the pics.
The Breakthrough Moment
Sunday afternoon I’m scrolling Marketplace again when this blurry garage photo stops me cold. Some grandpa in Nebraska posted his “1985 Harley taking space since Reagan times” – barely any description! Messaged him immediately offering to call. When we talked? Guy didn’t even know it was an FXWG Wide Glide! Said his son left it there before moving to Alaska.
Sealing the Deal Without Getting Scammed
Monday morning I’m sweating bullets driving 4 hours to Podunk, Nebraska. Checklist in hand:
- Cash only – brought exactly $7,500 in hundreds like forums advised
- Checked frame VIN against Harley archives site on my phone
- Made him start it cold – heard that sweet potato sound with zero smoke
The kicker? Original toolkit was still zip-tied under the seat! Paid him $500 less than asking by pointing out dry-rotted tires. Drove home grinning like an idiot with that rumbling twin engine shaking my trailer.
The Aftermath
Now she’s sitting in my garage needing just tires and carb cleaning – total steal at $7k. Secret sauce? Stop looking for “vintage Harley” ads where flippers camp. Find clueless sellers who don’t know what they’ve got! My neighbor offered $12k already but nah – this old girl’s staying with me. Next project? Hunting down those original ape hanger handlebars!