So I've been looking at 'production custom' choppers now for a little while. All used bikes in the 2002 to 2006 range, all low-mid $teens. I live up on a mountain so I need a bike that can actually turn a little bit without draggin anything. From what I've read and what I've ridden, this is hard to come buy. It sounds like the AIH Legend and Big Dog Chopper might provide the ride I'm looking for. There was a BD chopper I had my eye on on the internet, but it sold. Now I see a AIH Legend that might work. Here's the story. 2006 Legend, 124" motor, 110 miles (tires still have the nubs on them), looks like a mid-level paint (multi color with designs, but no airbrushing). I'm guessing the retail was mid-30s new. 2nd owner, 65 years old, has had it 2 years and drove it once and it scared the junk out of him so he put it away. His son thinks he paid around 24K for it. He's advertising 15.5K. His son said this is the third time he posted it, started at 19, then 17. Sounds from what I read that he overpaid big time.

Anyway, Nada says the retail for this bike is betwen 10.5 and 13.9. After reading around here for a while I'm realizing that the uber low mileage on this bike is a bit of a detriment since any bugs that it may have, haven't been worked out yet. So if the speedo acts up (sounds like a given) or the ignition module, or the crank position sensor, or a wiring issue, etc; then thats on me.

I'l be taking a look at the bike again tomorrow. The owner is back and he cleared a test ride with his insurance company. He's got the bike on a charger and I'll take if for a little ride up and down his windy road to make sure that it gives me the handling I'm looking for (no hard parts drag). If all goes well I'm thinking of offering 13K and maybe going up to 13.5K but stopping there since I will likely have spend some $$ sorting out whatever issues arise. I think this fits with the nada pricing since it is the big motor, and $paint, and probably some optional chrome and polished bits too.

Thoughts?

 

Nice bike. I've owned a 04 Texas Chopper, and currently own a 05 LSC. Done all my own work, plus I do work on my buddy's 04 Texas Chopper. Each has had some problems but nothing that can't be worked out.

I'd pay $12k.

 

A couple years ago I search for two years high and low. Read rode and did it all. Finally pulled the trigger on a custom built bike by a guy locally. I traded my HD for his custom. Nice bike and done correctly. Never left me sit. Be warned if you don't know. Check 'em for loose parts and stuff once a week. Be sure you can work on them because when you do have a problem & you will it won't cost a fortune in labor. Be sure you can get parts or you sit.

IMHO I think most parts used on these customs are junk. I know HD has their share of problems but the ratio of sold/problems is a lot lower on HD. Say what you will even about engines and trannys. Even they seem to have issues in the customs.

jim

 

I do my own wrenching, at least mid level stuff (on my HD: all maintenance, rejetted carb, installed exhaust/air cleaner, replaced front/rear rocker box gaskets, pulled wheels for new rubber, put on mini-apes(extended all wiring and put in all longer cables, ignition, etc) and expect that I'll have to do some on this bike. I've heard about stuff shaking loose, so I know that will have to be a routine. From what I can tell the AIH bikes do use alot of aftermarket parts; which I like better than alot of custom parts. S&S motor, Baker tranny I expect to be reliable. I think alot of the other basics are RC Components, PM, ThunderHeart, etc. What worries me a little is the stories about being stuck on the side of the road; but hey, my HD has done that to me twice so why would this be any different.

$12K, that seems low to me. KBB quotes even higher for this bike (close to 16 for 'dealer retail'), KBB does take into account the 124" motor, which nada does not. But hey, I can use your input at the bargaining table.