A buddy of mine is looking at a 1999 XL 883 53C Sportster. I am a Dyna guy so I don't claim to know anything about Sportsters.

Bike has 50K Kms (31K miles). What sort of questions should my bud be asking regarding known problems, any common failures upto 30K miles, anything he should be prepared for beyond 30K etc etc. Anything to check specifically?

Bike is very nice and you can see it has been well looked after, and has a full service history at it's original dealer. He took it for a test ride this afternoon and fell in love with it minutes after getting out of the dealer parking lot.

My bud has been riding for 35 plus years but this will be his first HD, just want to help ensure he gets a reliable bike and not a lemon.

Appreciate any input and helpful insight!

 

They're darned near bulletproof, actually. As long as the maintenance records seem to be in order, the bike appears to be in acceptable condition, the price is right, then I'd say do it. Unless he's riding it already!

 

It's pretty rare to have a single dealer service history on an older bike. If the bike ticks all the other boxes and he likes it there is nothing more to say!

 

A Sporty from that era with documented regular dealer maintenance?

What's the question?!

 

My only question I would have since there already is history or services, etc. is; Does it come with a warranty at all since the dealer is selling it? If it does, BUY IT. Anything happens, you'll have warranty.