I'm considering buying a 1990 Sporty 1200 from a coworker. He's the original owner, and the bike has 1900 miles on it. The first year he got it he had a number of the factory parts rechromed (heads, air cleaner, side covers) and they still look amazing. Flaws on the bike are this: typical corrosion on the forks (I don't really care), a broken head off one of the allen screws on the side panel, no turn signals (someone stole them), original tires (tons of tread, but I'd worry about structural integrity) and a few little scratches, scrapes, and lightly rusted chrome parts typical on a South Florida 22 year old bike. Overall it's really in great condition, and it runs very well.
I just got married, and she's a full time student, so we don't have much money right now to buy a bike. I'm used to riding an '05 Fatboy that I had possession of for a few years, so the Sporty will take some getting used to, but I'm only 5'9", so it's not too bad. Asking price is $3k, which I think it fair, but he's willing to accept some gun/ammo trades which helps me out alot.
The current owner is a great guy, and a coworker, like I already said, so I know there's no secrets about the bike, and he has all the receipts, which is cool. I know I'll need to put tires, brake pads, a service, and forward controls on it, and of course, turn signals. Yes, I know I can purchase an older soft tail or similar for $4500-$5000, but I don't have that much money, and I don't want a 15k + mile bike at this point.
Any reason I shouldn't buy this? I figure it'll hold me over a few years, allow me to ride with my father in law, and then maybe later we can upgrade to a larger machine.
And yes, I'm prepared for the "Is that your girlfriend's bike?" razzing, but frankly I don't give a rat's ass if someone likes my bike or not, as long as I do.
I felt the price was fair considering the condition and mileage, especially if I do the trade. The 4 speed doesn't make me happy either, but the final drive ratio is the same as the 5 speed, so it'll do. I used to house a different friend's 01 1200 Sporty with drag bars, drag pipes, and forward controls and loved riding that thing. It was an animal!
I felt the price was fair considering the condition and mileage, especially if I do the trade. The 4 speed doesn't make me happy either, but the final drive ratio is the same as the 5 speed, so it'll do. I used to house a different friend's 01 1200 Sporty with drag bars, drag pipes, and forward controls and loved riding that thing. It was an animal!
Yeah, I put drag bars on mine too. Those handlebars were the first thing to go.
Sounds like a good buy. Whatever else you do, replace the tyres. Did I say replace the tyres?! I wouldn't even ride it home myself. Give it a thorough service and enjoy. After you've replaced the tyres.....
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Graham 5Ps, #1 Gent!
Harley owner since 1974, Founder & Life HOG Member. 1990 Bright Candy HiFi Blue FLHS/2008 S&S V107T, 2007 Buttercup XB12R, 2011 Merlot XL883L, MG ZT V8 281cid.
It looks like a good get around bike but definately your looking at tires maybe brakes, hopefully fork seals don't leak and I don't know about your neck of the woods but up here we need signal lites to pass mechanical.Something about these older models that the fork legs corrode, my wifes sporty did the same thing.
Sounds like a good buy. Whatever else you do, replace the tyres. Did I say replace the tyres?! I wouldn't even ride it home myself. Give it a thorough service and enjoy. After you've replaced the tyres.....
What're "tyres"? Where do you get them? Why doesn't spellcheck like them? And would you check out the sparking plugs too? LOL! You remind me of the owners manual on my '66 Thunderbolt.
Seriously, It looks like a decent deal, I might try to get it for a little less as you do have to change the tires (tyres?), all of the oils and when changing the tires I'm pretty sure you will need to lube the wheel bearings and change to seals. You may also need to remove and clean the carb.
To buy or not to buy, that is the question.
