I was ridding a 1984 Bullet Deluxe for close to 15+ years, but for the last 4+ years it is unused since I was uncomfortable ridding a motorcycle after a debilitating bicycle accident. Recently the devil in me has risen again (I had kungflu last year, panicked about the after effects, picked-up a spin bike to exercise at home and limit the damage, if any. Realized I was fine & not in as much poor health as i had convinced myself to-be). I have been thinking of fixing the Bullet in the last few days and while I was contemplating how much of the bullet I wanted to fix I also got thinking if should buy a new cruiser - may be a Harley.

I have no experience with a Harley, actually I do not even know anyone who owns an Harley. When have been researching the different models in the Harley lineup I am pretty sure if I pick one up it will be one of the Softail models, either the Softail Slim or Softail Std. During my research I got thinking what it would take if I bought a used Harley cruiser.

Since I have considerable experience with a Std. Bullet, I know what it takes even if I have to rebuild a Bullet from grounds-up.

So my question is - how difficult or easy (parts, money) it is, if lets say I pick-up a used Harley cruiser and it isn't running like it is supposed to because of age, usage, bad maintenance etc. etc.