Newbie
Newbie
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,307
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
Greetings & welcome from NE. Best thing to do when looking at used bikes & go over it w/fine-tooth comb. Look for signs of being dropped (i.e. scratched handles, pipes, pegs, etc.) and ask for maint records. On first look you'll know if the bike's been taken care of...if it looks like crap (faded, chipped, worn, torn) - probably not one to buy. Good luck!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12,359
Likes: 74
From: WI
Greetings & welcome from NE. Best thing to do when looking at used bikes & go over it w/fine-tooth comb. Look for signs of being dropped (i.e. scratched handles, pipes, pegs, etc.) and ask for maint records. On first look you'll know if the bike's been taken care of...if it looks like crap (faded, chipped, worn, torn) - probably not one to buy. Good luck!
And be sure to take it for a ride - longer than 10 minutes. Pay attention to how it sounds, how the throttle response is, how it feels on straight road (it should track fairly straight), etc...
Also look for signs of leaking. Look under the frame for signs of sludge buildup caused by leaking oil. Look at the gaskets around the base of jugs and around the tranny. Generally, you'll know if it's leaking.
Good luck.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,622
From: along the shore of Mishigami
How many miles on it? This will dictate cam chain tesioner shoes inspection/replacement. These are wear items. Also the outer been changed to a roller bearing on the rear cam and ball bearing on the front cam. Has the previous owner already dealt with this? Otherwise a nice strong bike.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Since you are new to Harley's go to the Harley Davidson website and using the dealer locator find and call your local dealer service department and see how much they would charge to do a mechanical inspection of the bike. I have seen some charge 1 hour labor ($80) and give you a written evaluation.
That way you won't get screwed over if there is any real issues.
BTW, welcome to the forum.
That way you won't get screwed over if there is any real issues.
BTW, welcome to the forum.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 2,280
From: Lake Seminole
+1 on what they said. Take your time. It took me about 3 years of looking to fine my soul mate bike.
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From: NoVa
Since you are new to Harley's go to the Harley Davidson website and using the dealer locator find and call your local dealer service department and see how much they would charge to do a mechanical inspection of the bike. I have seen some charge 1 hour labor ($80) and give you a written evaluation.
That way you won't get screwed over if there is any real issues.
That way you won't get screwed over if there is any real issues.
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
The test ride has been postponed the bike needed a new battery and by the time it was fitted it was to late. The the weather turned sour on saturday, 
. Hopefully the ride will take place this weekend sometime weather permitting.
. Hopefully the ride will take place this weekend sometime weather permitting.