Noob questions
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Not changing it for like...ever
Or combustion deposits caused by burnt valves, stuffed rings and general neglect....major overheating (partial seizure).....mostly things that would make it run like garbage.
When it gets that bad it takes a lot of flushing to get it to the point where the oil will stay clear for more than a few minutes, if at all.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Exton, PA
One person raised the point that they'd be more suspicious if the oil was honey/amber and fresh. I think the same way, maybe it's cynicism from growing up in New York, who knows?
It reminded me of the last bike I saw. I liked it the most so far, however he had too short riser on it for the straight handle bars and if you turned sharp right or left they dinged the speedo chrome ring. He didnt like the way the higher risers looked - but I dont think I'd be happy with something that put dents in the Speedometer's chrome bezel/ring tho 0.o
There was also slight weeping or oil sludge around one of the drain plugs--not at all seriousor heavy(probably a seal) and then the primary oil was leaking out one side of the round cover at the bottom near one of the screws The oil was fresh looking and amberish colored. He seemed to know what the o ring looked like when I mentioned it was probably a gasket so it made me wonder if he had just opened it and filled it himself for some reason. I bet he pinched the o ring/seal.
So what sort of bad things would he hope to conceal if he did top off the primary oil?
Sorry even though the bikes I look at are cheap compared to new ones, it's still a lot of moeny for me, so want to be damn sure I dont buy a lemon.
Thanks
Lee
It reminded me of the last bike I saw. I liked it the most so far, however he had too short riser on it for the straight handle bars and if you turned sharp right or left they dinged the speedo chrome ring. He didnt like the way the higher risers looked - but I dont think I'd be happy with something that put dents in the Speedometer's chrome bezel/ring tho 0.o
There was also slight weeping or oil sludge around one of the drain plugs--not at all seriousor heavy(probably a seal) and then the primary oil was leaking out one side of the round cover at the bottom near one of the screws The oil was fresh looking and amberish colored. He seemed to know what the o ring looked like when I mentioned it was probably a gasket so it made me wonder if he had just opened it and filled it himself for some reason. I bet he pinched the o ring/seal.
So what sort of bad things would he hope to conceal if he did top off the primary oil?
Sorry even though the bikes I look at are cheap compared to new ones, it's still a lot of moeny for me, so want to be damn sure I dont buy a lemon.
Thanks
Lee
Last edited by CISO1969; Oct 1, 2013 at 09:03 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Clean oil could be a sign of regular maintenance, I usually change the oil before selling a bike just to give the new owner a good deal, plus its a selling point that it has just been serviced....as I said before, changing the oil won't cover up any faults.
Being too cynical could cost you a bargain. what does a new o ring and a set of risers cost if the bike is otherwise OK?
Cynicism is OK if its backed up by knowledge.....
Being too cynical could cost you a bargain. what does a new o ring and a set of risers cost if the bike is otherwise OK?
Cynicism is OK if its backed up by knowledge.....
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Exton, PA
well the bike is a 1997 Dyna Low rider with 37 K miles , missing the original handle bars and windshield. I liked it but would change the riser and probably the handle bars too. Also needs a new rear tire. I guess I was looking for one with a sweet spot of around 15K miles, not too little and not too many. Although for a 15 or 16 year old bike that's not too out of the norm.
One thing I need to mention too is every single bike I have looked at or called on for the most part the owners do not get them inspected--at all. It must be a Pennsylvania thing. So this kind of worries me too yet it seems to be super common place.
The one I was supposed to look at tonight ran well, I ran a carfax this time. It's a 1996 Dyna low rider, 29K and doesn't have the windshield or saddlebags. There was an accident reported in 1998 and had left side impact and was towed? (not sure how you tow a bike
) there is no detailed report of damage or a loss and the title is clean not a rebuild or salvage. How do you determine if there was frame damage at all? Can a regular HD mechanic check for that or do you need to have a specialist of some kind look at it? The guy has the price set on the low end of KBB but it looked decent in photos--the possible frame damage is what would worry me.
Thanks for helping guys I know there must be tons of people like me who come here like this for help. I appreciate the old hands giving guidance and not chasing me off
Lee
One thing I need to mention too is every single bike I have looked at or called on for the most part the owners do not get them inspected--at all. It must be a Pennsylvania thing. So this kind of worries me too yet it seems to be super common place.
The one I was supposed to look at tonight ran well, I ran a carfax this time. It's a 1996 Dyna low rider, 29K and doesn't have the windshield or saddlebags. There was an accident reported in 1998 and had left side impact and was towed? (not sure how you tow a bike
) there is no detailed report of damage or a loss and the title is clean not a rebuild or salvage. How do you determine if there was frame damage at all? Can a regular HD mechanic check for that or do you need to have a specialist of some kind look at it? The guy has the price set on the low end of KBB but it looked decent in photos--the possible frame damage is what would worry me.Thanks for helping guys I know there must be tons of people like me who come here like this for help. I appreciate the old hands giving guidance and not chasing me off
Lee
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 5
From: Florida
I bought my 96 lowrider 2 months ago, it has 14k on the odometer. I got to ride it about 180 miles, and now I'm rebuilding the motor (funny coincidence, it was from PA originally). Point is, don't get fixated on low miles, with an older bike it's not necessarily a good thing. You want to find one that has been ridden regularly, well maintained, and preferably has excellent service records. IMO, a bike of this age w/ less than 20k would have to be meticulously maintained. I would avoid bikes that have been stored for any length of time. They should be ridden at least seasonally to keep everything "lubed and working". Any EVO under 50k and well maintained is going to give you many miles of enjoyment w/o major repairs.BTW, I would walk on any bike that has been down, not worth the risk. My .02
P.S. only convertible lowriders came stock w/ shield and bags, I believe.
P.S. only convertible lowriders came stock w/ shield and bags, I believe.
Last edited by HarDlife; Oct 1, 2013 at 07:07 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Frame damage is easy to detect, usually it just looks bent and the Dynas usually bend at the headstock (Neck) or the front down tubes.
Look for tyre wear that is all on one side, check the alignment between the rear fender and the rear tyre and look at it from the front to see that its all in alignment.
I would be cautious of one that has been in an accident and still has clean title...might have been uninsured and patched up on the cheap.
Look for tyre wear that is all on one side, check the alignment between the rear fender and the rear tyre and look at it from the front to see that its all in alignment.
I would be cautious of one that has been in an accident and still has clean title...might have been uninsured and patched up on the cheap.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Exton, PA
Well if the bike wasnt totalled and repaired by insurance the title would still be clean from what I am told. I do feel leary of this even though the guy who has it was very surrpised (accident happened well before he owned it) and he has had no issues with it. I'll check those things Spanners mentioned, But Im thinking Im looking more to the 97 Lowrider with that gasket leak. The guy had the service manual (maybe it was Clymers) and it had been well looked at a very good sign to me. He was thumbingthrough to show me the gasket. he only put 5000 on the bike in seven years and now hardly rides at all as he is a golf fanatic now. I just got that vibe you mentioned that he cared about his bike.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Exton, PA
I'm goig to need a rear tire if I get this. What tires do you guys recommend ? Should I stick with HD ? I see some guys get Avon and others. I'll probably get both done--unless the rear wears quicker and thats the nature of a motorcycle and it makes sense to do rear only as front wears slower (ie some life still in the front)?
Last edited by CISO1969; Oct 3, 2013 at 01:03 PM.