Firstly, i want to say hi to everyone, i am new here. second id like to share , im 44 happily married hard working family guy. with one thing missing , a Harley. ive riden a sport bike in the past but now i cant stop thinking about the rides ive taken on my brother in laws '94 sportster. i have been looking into a 2001 sportser 1200. and have my eye on one on craigs list . it looks nice lots of chrome 16000 miles. asking price of $3200. i am in need of guidence,, what should i ask, look for? look out for? is there a worth while vin check service like carfax, ? any and all help it greatly appreciated.

Dave

 

Welcome to the forums

 

Welcome to the forums. Cant help much with the sportster, But I can tell you one very important question to ask... "will you take less" haha

 

I've owned a 1200c and I loved it.. Sportsters imho are very reliable BUT wear items add up fast. 2800.00 with a clean title, clean cond and has service records, your ok.... Dont buy one that needs work as fairly priced ones are all over the place in ready to ride cond. Me, i'd find a way to find an 04 or later for the rubber mounting that makes a huge diff... Looking at your pic, it does look like a sweet ride from 1200 miles away.. Let us know how you make out and welcome!

 

I have a 2000 xl1200 and i would reccomend you go with a 2004-2006 pre EFI due to price and ease of maintance on a CV carb. From 2004 on they rubber mounted the motors which made a big difference at highway speeds or faster. Solid mounts pre 2004 have a high frequency vibration from the motor when you are at 70+mph. Great bike love mine I wouldn't trade it for the world, well maybe a hot blond and a softail but thats all. This bike having 16k on it you will be looking at a new clutch in the next few years fairly easy to do and possible drive belt replacement around 25k that is subject to opinion though. Both repairs can be done at home for under $200 each.
Run a car fax on it, that will tell you any issues also go see a local HD dealer and ask about the maintanence that might have been done to it via the serial number. $3200 is a good price they dont get that much cheaper might see some at 2800 but that is rare. Average asking price around here for a 1200 or a punched out 883 is 3500-4000 asking with similar to slightly less milage.

Hope this helps you are welcome to IM me if you need any additional info.

 

Nice clean looking scoot with lots of chrome, look like a good deal. Have a buddy that knows or a mechanic look it over for you. Check the tires and look for oil weeping from the engine & trans.

New clutch at 16k? That doesn't seem right. I have 1340 evos with over 60k with original clutches.

 

See if you can wrangle a test ride.

 

How much knowledge does your brother in law have? Take him with you and yes you can have the VIN ran. Welcome.

 

What you're looking at seems to be priced to your advantage.

 

Welcome and good luck. Hope everything works out for you.

I'm trying to figure out how a 20 year old motorcycle only has 16k miles on it. My 2012 FXDWG had just short of 20k miles 19 months after I bought it.