Hey!
Brand new to the forum, joined because I am looking for advice on buying a used sportster. Looking at a $4k budget, and a 1200 cc.
What do you guys think of this bike?http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/4899926037.html

Cheers!

 

Welcome from Texas. Won't give opinions on Sportsters, but I wish you luck.

 

Around my area, that would be cheap for an 07. Might be because of the motor, lot of folks are shy of somebody else's engine build; I am. New motor installed by a dealer, probably ok. If the engine had to be rebuilt/replaced at 65,000 miles, I'd be concerned it was treated hard, sportster motors are really reliable and durable. .

The clutch has a riveted spring plate - two plates riveted together with brass rivets - that is probably the weakest point in the drivetrain; if the brass rivets let go, the clutch basket can be damaged, and shrapnel get in the primary case; lots of moving parts in there. With that mileage, it should have had the clutch replaced by now, and with a clutch plate kit with no spring plates, would be fine, but if there's a high mileage Harley spring plate in there, I'd be concerned again. About $100 for a good aftermarket plate set without that problem, if you do it yourself. My 1200 had loose rivets at 30,000 miles, but none had come out yet.

Tires are always something to look at carefully on used bikes. The date code on the sidewall shows the month and year it was manufactured; you don't want to ride on a really old tire. Some tire companies say 7 years is ok, I'd replace at 5. With the mileage on this bike, it's gone through several tires and should have fairly recent tires on it, looks like good tread on the rear in the photos, but since it has spoke wheels, I'd want to know how old the tubes are; I change tubes with every tire, but a lot of folks just keep using the old one. You can't tell just looking, but can ask; the owner might know.

Look at the drive belt carefully. They've gotten higher mileage than that, but you want to check for broken teeth on the belt, holes, any kind of damage, and the pulley, too.

If all that mileage was on the original brake fluid, it needs to be changed, too.

An 07 has a rubber mounted motor and fuel injection. 2006 and older have carbs, and 2003 and older have solid mount motors, bolted directly to the frame - more vibration. In my area, $4k would be 04-05 sportsters, usually with much lower mileage and the original motor.

 

i think you can find something better or maybe talk him down to get a great deal. the mileage would scare me off
Imold pointed out many of the things that should be attended to. in the add it says "Not a bike that gets polished, I am to busy riding" not sure if that means he hasn't paid attention to upkeep. it does say he has receipts so hopefully you'll be able to see if he has changed out everything he should have

 

I bought my '07 1200C 6 months ago with 2500 miles on it for $4500. You should be able to do better.

 

I rode an 07 xl1200c and Im sure youre gonna love yours.. I have a Heritage now. I loved my Sportie.


This is a TMU bike and they scare the crap out of me.. This bike is cheap but no bargain...

 

Thanks for the help guys! Some great advice!
How bad is the vibration on a pre rubber mounted sporty?

 

I had 2 solid mounted Evo Sportys, 2 rubber mounted and an Ironhead. Each had their own personality. The rubber mounts are definitely smoother when the bike is running. Some think it's leaps and bounds while others think it's a marginal difference. I think it's somewhere in the middle. I never minded the vibrations of the solid too much. Both versions are better than the rattler of the Ironhead.

Just note that the rubber mounts vibrate almost as much as the solid mounters at idle. As soon as the bike takes off the rubber mounts smooth out.

 

^^^ This is solid advice..Not that others arnt stearing you in the rite direction but there are alot of Sporties out there (At least in Chicagoland)
Always keep in mind that someday you may want to move up..Chances are you will so you want to keep resale in mind.Not that a high mile bike is nessisarily bad but resale will be tougher...
Welcome to the forum and good luck with your search!!!

 

Not to hijack the thread but thought you were looking at getting a touring bike????