Greetings all!
I found this at my local HD and it seems like a good buy. The facts: 2000 FXST softail standard. Has carbs, Burgundy paint, lots of chrome, no damage and only 2100 miles
on it. Dealer wants $7200 plus tax etc, but has told me he has some room to move on it.

All my previous HD's were 2008 and up so I am not familiar with these classic bikes. What should I be looking for in the ways of problems? I am not familiar with non-EFI motors. Are start ups an issue? Any other problems I should look at? One issue that could be a concern is that the bike is 14 years old with only 2100 miles? That's a lot of sitting around. On the good side, the price is really good especially if I can talk them down some. ( I have bought all 3 of my previous HD's there so they know me)

Thanks in advance.
Navarre

 

Its a great bike but they have to come down some. Cam tensioners will need to be checked at around 15k. Carbs are fine. Is this a toy or a daily driver? Does the bike fit you comfortably?

 

It would definitely be a toy. I think I averaged around 3-6000 miles a year on my other bikes so I am hoping to ride at least that much. I have read some on the cam tension issue. It seems hit or miss as to whether you have a problem or not. Is there a way to tell if you have a problem before it gets critical? How much to fix? You said they would have to come down some on the price. How much?

The bike does fit well for me although the seat is a bit wide. Dealer said that there are plenty of seats out there that would take care of that issue.

Thanks for replying!
Navarre

 

Nope. By the time you hear it its too late. Pretty much need to pull the cam cover at 15k to get an idea of the rate of wear. If nothing at 15 k then open it up at 30 k.

 

When you sit down to negotiate wait until you agree on a price and then tell them it's a deal as long as they service the bike. With that mileage the only problem I can think of is the age of the tires.
Tom

 

Nothing wrong with a carb. Takes a minute to warm up when cold but she'll start right up all day long after that. 2000-2002 have the good bottom ends so can be built up. The low mile doesn't add a thing. Offer 6-6500 if you like it, it will likely need a little attention. If he balks tell him you can get 2007 Dynas for that kind of money.

 

Carb on a 2000 is the way to go. Starting in 2002 HD went to the Delphi EFI, much better than the MM EFI on the late 90's Evo's and the early TC's. Yes, the cam chain tensioners on the 2000 - 2006 TC88 are the weak point and an expensive fix. But some bikes that rolled off the line with smooth cam chains (like mine) have very little tensioner wear and can easily go 70,000 + miles without replacement. But they need to be checked (easy to do) every 15k or so.
If I were you, I'd cut a deal for new tires as part of the purchase. The ones on the bike are most likely original. You can determine the mfg. date of the tires by the serial number and this forum has the formula of how to do that.

 

2000 is a 'classic bike' ? far from it.
I would be concerned with the extreme low mileage, you may hit a few problems in the start but once ironed out you would be good to go.
Use the 'Hydraulic Cam Chain tensioner' issue that you must do and will cost you around 1K as a negotiating point.
It is a great bike all around.