I have been riding about a year on a nighthawk and am ready to upgrade. I know someone who is selling an 87 sportster 1100 with 8700 original miles.
it also has the following:
King tank
braided lines
s and s carb
new tires
drag bars
Straight pipes
Corbin seat
new battery
new alternator and points
new plug wires

Engine rebuild last September.

It was owned by a guy who owns a harley mechanix shop.
He's asking 3000.
My question is this,
Is this a fair price? And should I be aware of any issues with this bike in particular. It rides well.

 

Not too far off the mark … but $2,500 would be better.

 

lowered to 2750.

 

Lowered to 2750.

Part of the problem is the location. LA is crazy expensive.

 

With 8700 miles I have no idea why it would have needed an engine rebuild. Well not any ideas that I like anyway. As a newer rider it depends how much you feel ready and interested to get into wrenching. You say it rides well, but I don't know how much experience is helping you form that opinion. In LA for around $4K there are a lot of newer sporty's you can get into, especially if you're open to an 883. It's worth test driving a few others, even used ones at a dealer, to get a good picture of how a good sporty feels.

If you really love this particular bike and are ready for a few extra potential hurdles to the ownership/riding adventure, I'd suggest taking it to Glendale Harley (they are a great dealer/shop) and getting it checked out for $100 or so to make sure there's no frame damage or fatal flaws. If they say it's solid, I'd say go for it.

Edit: I forgot you'd said the seller owns a shop. I guess, if he has any good reputation to protect, there's a better chance it will be sorted out. '87 is an early year Evo motor in a Sporty, but should still be a good motor.

 

My dad has been going to him for years for work on his bikes. The engine was rebuit because he says it sat too long. He has multiple bikes and is a big guy, so the sporty isn't his go to rider. He has done all the mods himself. He also is giving me a written 6 moth warranty. I've ridden my dad's heritage softtail and a buddy's superglide and like them both, but don't have the funds to make a purchase much more than about 4000. I am not financing as I just bought a house in January.

He dropped the price to 2750.

Thanks for the replies guys, I really appreciate it.
wrench time is nothing new to me, also a boat owner lol.

 

Any photos of the bike?

 

Well, that's a good history in my book. If you like it I'd say go for it. Nothing wrong with that bike or year in general and he sounds like a guy you can trust. I'd say price is excellent.

 

For $2750 if you like it...get it! Sounds like an honest guy.

 

Welcome to the forum... and welcome to Harley Davidson. I am new here also. I found a dream steal (only a bit newer than yours) Got a 98 Sportster 883 hugger for 1500 bucks. Only has 8900 miles on it. I changed all the fluid except the brake fluid - haven't done that yet.

Sea foam is a dream. I had some sputtering even after I cleaned out the carbs and it's amazing. I also added some Marvel Mystery oil to the oil and the gas under a recommendation through someone on here and it hasn't proved to be a bad idea.

I cranked her for the first time in two years this past saturday and drove her around the neighborhood. It's awesome.

Good luck!