I need some advice. I'm taking the Learn to Ride Course next week and plan on getting a bike right after. I was planning on getting an older sportster or street bob as a first bike but I really like the look of the new Sportster Custom. I was also super comfortable and seemed like a good fit. I was considering a 2012 Custom 1200 with 2K miles that was for sale by a dealer for about $8K (cheaper than similar bikes listed by private sellers). He still has a couple 2014's which he offered at $9,200 (MSRP $10,600). I think I could get him to come own on both, especially the left over 2014's. But being a new bike I'd have to negotiate additional charges like freight and set up. Is it worth $1,000-$1,500 to get a new bike with the 2 year warranty? I think the only other difference between them (besides the miles) is the 2014 has a gear indicator and tachometer (which all my buddies tell me I won't use anyway). I don't believe the 2014's have security or ABS brakes. Thanks for the help.

 

Just about any bike can be made to fit anyone. A mid 2000s carb'd Sportster with low miles can be had for under 5 grand. I personally do not like the newer EFI bikes because there's more electrical and wiring than I prefer. Carbs can be touchy but once you get them dialed in it's just a matter of keeping them clean. Watch out for '04 and '05 models as they've been known to have valve seal problems; ask for paperwork that the warranty work had been performed.

 

Plenty of good used Sporty's out there (I'd suggest 2006 and newer), but nothing wrong with going with a new bike as a first ride if it's in your budget. These bikes are pretty bullet proof, but since it sounds like you'll be new to riding and motorcycles, the warranty and clean history might be a nice starting point.

If you go used, try to have a knowledgable friend check out the bike for you. Either way you're going to have a lot of fun on a Sporty.

 

Used !!

 

Id stay away from the efi models.

I paid 3500 for my 01 with 5500 miles.

 

Why avoid the efi models? Is it because of the increase in cost with the older models having a better price point? Maintenance issues as a nw rider?

 

Efi cost extra for a tuner fuel pump issues etc.

I can buy a hand full of jets for 10 bucks and tune pretty easily.

 

Avoid EFI? Thats funny. If you dont ever want to have to dick with your fuel system get an EFI. If you dont mind dicking with it on occasion, nothing wrong with a carb.

 

Used of course. I don't want to scare you but if you are brand new to riding, laying down an older bike is far less painful than having that experience with a new bike.

Also since you are getting into Harleys and Sportsters specifically which are really a clean slate, it's just a matter of "when" you start pouring money into mods. When that happens, you'll have some extra cash if you buy a cheaper used one. I bought a bone stock 2008 Sportster XL 1200C with 817 miles (basically brand new) for $5500 and see where it has reached in terms of mods. I made it to fit me like a glove and still overall I spent less than MSRP on a new bike! And I am not even considering the dealer mark-up etc.

Unless you got a b0ner for brand new bikes, I wouldn't really buy one. Good luck with your quest and welcome to the fold!

 

My very first bike was a secondhand one, which I soon regretted, so my next one was brand new! It really is down to you, however you are likely to find after a while that what you really want is THAT one, which may be a very different model.