High or low miles when buying used?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
I've heard those stories, but I have also owned my 1990 bike from new and had no such problems. I now have an S&S 107 and my transmission and clutch are still the originals, with just a Barnett pressure plate added. So I don't see that as an issue!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,175
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From: South Carolina
I`ve owned my 1989 bike since new, and the pulley came loose on mine at about 40,000 miles, but I just happened to catch it while the bike was apart to replace the shifter shaft.
It is certainly something to consider when looking at a pre-94 bike, just as important as the inner cam bearing and lifters.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Idaho
All three are carbed. I'm taking a buddy with tomorrow to check out the 96 with me. The 92 is ok. Loved the color, hated the non-stock wheels. No known history. Used car salesman took it on trade 3 years ago and bought it for himself from the lot. Not quite right.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: land of misery
when going to look at bike look at owners house and garage or cars , reason being that if thier house,car etc... is ingood shape and takin care of then you have a good idea that so was bike . service records are great . either of the above sounds like good buys.spare eyes always a plus .
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: upstate ny
If it was me I would get the bike that has the most to offer for the best price...alot of bikes have add-ons that fit the previous owner, and you may find they dont suit you ,so youll spend extra to make it fit your taste...so if one really grabs you then go with that one because youll save on add-ons and spend the money on service...mileage matters but these bikes go 100k if taken care of...good luck with your choice
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 931
Likes: 112
From: Oregon
Interesting thread. I feel a bike needs to be ridden on a regular basis. Hence, a '98 like mine ridden 2k a year would be 24,000 miles. Picked mine up with 14,500. The previous owner just didn't ride it much as was obvious when I took the rear wheel in last weekend to have the tube checked.
The mechanic, who I trust, showed me where rust had accumulated on the inside of the rim in one spot. Moisture in that area because the bike sat and had not been moved for some time. Polished it out, new tube and all is well.
I've spent a bit of time and money on mine but nabbed it at a pretty low price. Today while riding it sounded PERFECT! I'm becoming more attached to it as time goes on. Any bike you buy will take a few bucks to keep in good shape. Doing work yourself will save you lot's of $$$ and the satisfaction of knowing it was done right.
I actually agree with panheadman, the garage says alot........the original owner wasn't great, but I like wrenchin so I forgave the fact that he probably didn't know his *** from a hot rock. Before I bought mine, I was lookin at stuff in the '98 & '99 region and 20-30 k didn't scare me.
Please post what you finally ended up with along with pics, It would be fun to know, good luck!
The mechanic, who I trust, showed me where rust had accumulated on the inside of the rim in one spot. Moisture in that area because the bike sat and had not been moved for some time. Polished it out, new tube and all is well.
I've spent a bit of time and money on mine but nabbed it at a pretty low price. Today while riding it sounded PERFECT! I'm becoming more attached to it as time goes on. Any bike you buy will take a few bucks to keep in good shape. Doing work yourself will save you lot's of $$$ and the satisfaction of knowing it was done right.
I actually agree with panheadman, the garage says alot........the original owner wasn't great, but I like wrenchin so I forgave the fact that he probably didn't know his *** from a hot rock. Before I bought mine, I was lookin at stuff in the '98 & '99 region and 20-30 k didn't scare me.
Please post what you finally ended up with along with pics, It would be fun to know, good luck!
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Idaho
Thanks to all. What lownslow brought up is what concerns me. I've had my share of mechanical stuff that does not like to sit. From my job to my hobbies I've learned there is a bit to be said for a well maintained/ridden piece of machinery.
I've got an "appointment" at 1 pm for the 96 with 8500 miles. It is in a gated community with a coded gate. Unfortunately my coworker gets off the clock at 4. So I'll be looking at a shiny new thing by myself.
I believe I've done a fair amount of research, which has led me to stick with an evo powered bike. I've gotten enough recomendations from riders that the evo would fit me just fine. I own a well oiled set of tools so doing my own work is my form of recreation. A weekend afternoon alone in a u-pullit type junkyard has been a form of relaxation for me.
Everyone has a story that has put them on a Harley. Mine has its particulars. I'll not bother with the details. Wouldn't want to muddy the waters. This post has been a great deal of help. So has this site. I look forward to posting pictures. Also questions and answers when the tinkering begins. Thanks folks.
I've got an "appointment" at 1 pm for the 96 with 8500 miles. It is in a gated community with a coded gate. Unfortunately my coworker gets off the clock at 4. So I'll be looking at a shiny new thing by myself.
I believe I've done a fair amount of research, which has led me to stick with an evo powered bike. I've gotten enough recomendations from riders that the evo would fit me just fine. I own a well oiled set of tools so doing my own work is my form of recreation. A weekend afternoon alone in a u-pullit type junkyard has been a form of relaxation for me.
Everyone has a story that has put them on a Harley. Mine has its particulars. I'll not bother with the details. Wouldn't want to muddy the waters. This post has been a great deal of help. So has this site. I look forward to posting pictures. Also questions and answers when the tinkering begins. Thanks folks.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Idaho
I looked at it and loved it. My buddy (84 shovelhead owner) came along to give it the independant eyeball. I'm going to think it over for a day or two.
Great guy, awesome house/garage. He even showed us the parking spot in the garage-no oil spots. He does have the original wheels in the boxes the spoke wheels came in. Runs, rides great. 8378 miles. A nickel size ding on the top of the front fender, bottom of back fender small wrinkle.
Great guy, awesome house/garage. He even showed us the parking spot in the garage-no oil spots. He does have the original wheels in the boxes the spoke wheels came in. Runs, rides great. 8378 miles. A nickel size ding on the top of the front fender, bottom of back fender small wrinkle.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: SoCal
someone mentioned the cam bearing
wouldn't a 96 have the torrington bearing already?
Whatever you buy, buy a FACTORY manual, and factory parts manual, too. Save you a lot of time and effort. Sounds like you're already a decent wrench so you're set there
I dunno about paying more than book value, ever, but especially these days...
wouldn't a 96 have the torrington bearing already?
Whatever you buy, buy a FACTORY manual, and factory parts manual, too. Save you a lot of time and effort. Sounds like you're already a decent wrench so you're set there
I dunno about paying more than book value, ever, but especially these days...