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.

 

$3,000 is high for a 1987. A good friend of mine just picked up a 2002 with lots of extras with only 2200 miles for $3500 and the thing looks brand new. Before he purchased that one we looked at a 2003 100th anniversary 1200 with lots of chrome with an asking price of $3600, he probably coukd have snagged it for $3200. I would personally try to stay away from the chain drive Sportsters, but that's just me. $2500 would be a fair price in my opinion.

 

As far as resell value, aftermarket stuff shouldn't play a part. If anything it lowers the value because who know who did the work, quality of parts, and it may not be what you want. It's sentimental to the person who paid out the money into it, but has no value to you. Just my 2 cents.

 

some after market accessories may we worth a few extra $$ but thats a subjective choice for the buyer. new batteries/alt etc are routine and might give you piece of mind knowing those mechanicals are taken care of. I'm not saying the rebuilt motor is a "run forest, run!" situation but if you don't know the motor it could be a gamble not knowing the milage.

know this, Harely's aren't the fastest or most reliable BUT they are an American icon like the corvette or mustang or louisville slugger, own one and you'll understand. if that sporty draws you to it. buy it!