Hey came across a 98 sportster custom with a little less than 5000 miles on it current owner says he bought that bike last February and did the 5 k maintenance and put new tires on it (I believe 2011 if I understood him right). it included an oil change he said he hasn't put 500 miles on it since and hasn't changed the oil. he has an huge garage that I have been in and its temperature controlled. (maybe stop the condensation?) Should this be a big fat red flag???? the bike is flawless on that parts that can be seen

 

I would not be afraid of it if it runs and rides good with no leaks. Ask to see if you can call the previous owner if he has the number. I picked up a 2000 1200S with 8600 miles. I was kinda skid-dish about also, I called the guy that had it previously and talked at length with him. I did change the oil in the motor and primary and had to do some work on the carb from where it had sat most of the time but the more I ride it the better it runs. I'm not telling you to or not buy it but I was just letting you know what I did. Hope this helps you some. Later, David

 

If the price is right buy it. With a used bike you have no clue about it anyway unless you know the original owner. I wouldn't worry about what the current owner has done.

 

If it was February 2011 - Drain all the fluids, flush out fuel lines and petcock. Refill and ride. Should be fine. Hopefully carb isn't gummed up, but likely okay.

If it was February 2012 - fire it up. Change the oil when you can. Fresh fuel wouldn't hurt to be on the safe side.

Either way should be fine unless it has other problems not mentioned.

 

Bought My 96 sportster 2 years ago. Someones garage queen, less than 4k miles. 15k today. Replaced the batery within 6 months and regular maintenance. Was a good deal.
Came from the second owner, like yours, he didn't have it long.

 

When you say "garage queen" what exactly do you mean?
I for instance only manage to put about 2k a yr on my HD as i do not use it for work (van) winters are long and i have a young family..
Are you saying i have to do about 30k a year to be a real rider and for the bike not to be a "garage queen"
I actually find comments regarding low mileage bikes quite patronising actually..

just asking....

 

Geeze, don't get your panties twisted. Any vehicle (bike or car) that sits in a garage or is under repair significantly longer than it is used is a garage queen.

You could have 10 bikes and ride a different on every day ... be a biker, who cares ... but, as a result all 10 bikes will have significantly lower milage the one that is riden every day because its owner is limited to one bike.

Quit taking stuff so personal, enjoy your bike and be happy.

BTW, your bike looks badass w the clips and that headlight grill.

 

Buy it if the price is right. Found my '96 Sporty last October with 4,800 miles and the bike had been sitting for 6 years. Fresh fluids and you should be fine.

 

Well for a 96 that would mean it would have 30 k on it ( assuming it was purchased in 97). Less than 4k and you are talking maybe a few hundred miles a year not a few thousand. We got a GQ last year 2002 road king with 2700 miles on it after 10 years.

 

I would not worry about that too much, I would drain the fuel tank, change the oil and primary fluid and like was said hope the carb is not gummed up. When you put new fuel in put some Seafoam in the fuel as well.