I work in a law firm in upstate New York as an estate administrator. I am currently working on an estate with some toys that need to be sold. The first is a: 1970 Harley FLH 1200. I have only seen pictures. The bike was being restored when the owner died last year. I'm told by the widow that all the parts seem to be there, except maybe the clutch. A local motorcycle shop owner apparently has seen the bike and is interested. The tins have all been re-painted. I realize this is a difficult ask without seeing pictures, but anybody have a guess what this might be worth? In this case, I want to make certain the offer(if any) from the local shop would be reasonable.

Also this guy had a Sport Aviation Challenger II aircraft. I have not seen pictures of this and am told it is partially dis-assembled. It was completely assembled, registered and flown. Any of you airplane guys have any knowledge of this aircraft and it's potential worth?

I've checked ebay and craigslist - those prices seem to be all over the place. Thought I would ask here since there does seem to be a strong knowledge base on the clinic. Any info you can offer is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, greg.

Grigby, I built and flew a two place Challenger from a kit many years ago and the good news is that although the owner and founder of the company died fairly recently the plane is still in production so parts and support are still readily available. The reason you are seeing prices all over the place is due to many factors. Age & condition of the airframe, type of powerplant and number of hours on the engine, damage history, extras like the optional fiberglass nose cone, Lexan doors,cabin heat, tundra tires, wheel pants, carbon fiber or wood prop, condition of the paint, instruments, radio, will it need recovering any time soon, is it N numbered? Is it the long wing or clipped wing version? Probably 95% of all Challenger 11 aircraft came equipped with the Rotax 503 dual carb dual ignition engine which Rotax no longer makes although parts are still readily available. But an out of production engine does affect the price. There have been a number of improvements over the years like a stronger and taller vertical stabilizer, stronger lift strut attach points for increased payload especially with amphibious floats, easier entry due to cabin frame rails situated lower, improved redrive able to swing a longer diameter prop, and the list goes on and on. Also, with the new Light Sport category and certified aircraft available for use as student trainers it makes the older category aircraft somewhat obsolete which of course drives the price down. If I were you I would contact the Challenger dealer closest to you and ask him to do an appraisal for you. You may be able to get a rough appraisal over the phone with a Facetime call on your phone with the dealer able to see the condition of the plane and tell you what to point the camera at. In your description of the aircraft every little detail is significant to someone looking to buy a plane like that. Is it a true project aircraft, or is it partially disassembled for an in depth inspection and the engine removed due to reaching TBO and now needing a fresh overhaul. Many, many variables to consider so prices as you say will be "all over the place." Hope this helps.

curmudgeon666,

Thanks for the education. I knew someone on here would have some insight into this. The Aircraft is indeed an "N" number. I believe I have the original Bill of Sale - August, 2007. I need to actually see the aircraft for myself to determine state of assemblage with my untrained eye) and take some pictures. I'll see about getting someone local who is certain to be more knowledgeable than me provide a more thorough survey and assessment of the crafts condition.

How difficult is it to fly one of these?

Thanks for the help.

greg

Very easy to fly. Exceptional visibility due to the tandem seating and pusher configuration. Flaperons allow the plane to land slowly and in full control down to 25MPH. Stick control is very intuitive vs a yoke and control pressure is light and responsive. It does exhibit a fair amount of adverse yaw but you get used to that fairly quickly. Solo flying is from the front seat and if kept light like mine was can be flown as a sort of half assed motor glider due to it's tight turning diameter and low sink rate if equipped with the long wings like most are. I experienced some 1000' altitude gains with the engine turned off! Truly a fun recreational aircraft. I must warn you that seating is a bit tight for some of us big guys and entry and exit may test how limber you are but you get used to that and figure out the easiest way to get in and out. The optional clear or smoked Lexan doors are easily removable and the doors affect the handling characteristics of the aircraft. But again, you get used to that. The doors on create a greenhouse effect as long as the sun is shining and I never felt the need to add the optional cabin heat and I have flown as far north as Virginia in the winter with nothing more than a light jacket on for warmth. Some people complain that it doesn't have differential ailerons and not enough rudder authority but again you get used to these flight characteristics and don't even notice them after awhile. For such a light weight aircraft I thought the Challengers ability to handle direct crosswinds up to 20MPH was outstanding. Also the plane can slip and lose altitude like an elevator with the cable cut all while under complete control. All airplanes are a compromise but for the sheer fun of recreational flying and low cost it is hard to beat a 2 place Challenger.grigby wrote:
curmudgeon666,

Thanks for the education. I knew someone on here would have some insight into this. The Aircraft is indeed an "N" number. I believe I have the original Bill of Sale - August, 2007. I need to actually see the aircraft for myself to determine state of assemblage with my untrained eye) and take some pictures. I'll see about getting someone local who is certain to be more knowledgeable than me provide a more thorough survey and assessment of the crafts condition.

How difficult is it to fly one of these?

Thanks for the help.

greg

According to KBB.com the FLH 1200 has a trade in value of $6,210 and a retail value of $9,690.

Tealw1 wrote:
According to KBB.com the FLH 1200 has a trade in value of $6,210 and a retail value of $9,690.

For a 1970??? I guess there is 1 born everyday

Tealw1 wrote:
According to KBB.com the FLH 1200 has a trade in value of $6,210 and a retail value of $9,690.

A 1970 1200 which is an Ironhead sportster isn't worth crap. You would be lucky to get $2000 for it.

Isn't a FLH1200 an Electra Glide?

FLH is Electra glide.

I think it's an Electra Glide....

Unfortunately my client hasn't delivered any pictures of either the Harley or the Challenger 2 yet.

I may have to make a house call to get the pictures.