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Dec 13, 2015 | 03:46 AM

fjimmy123

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Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 55

Likes: 3

From: Mesa, Az

New member needs advice

So i started looking for a 2008 to 2012 street glide but my questions is what are some of the things I should be looking for or be aware off.. I've never owned a harley, just owned honda and suzuki... Am still a little on the defensive side due to the fact the I would really hate to dump like 15 to 16k cash on a bike that is going to have issues, so any advice would be truly appreciated.

thank you

jaime

Dec 13, 2015 | 05:13 AM

LoneWoolf

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 2,726

Likes: 716

From: Pennsyleffinvania

Same as any other bike. I'd look for a private seller or independent shop seller, low milage, available service records, garage kept, one owner, bone stock or only pipes, that appears to be in like new condition. I do a search on NADA.com for some (just some) idea of what dealers are selling the same bike for, both High Retail, and Low Retail. Never pay more than low retail, and have your cash or financing pre arranged. (HD has a used bike financing program called Rider to Rider, do a search on that program, it includes a Dealer inspection of the bike, and they do all the paperwork, hold the bike in escrow, and take care of paying off any existing loan, and setting up HD financing.) If you're not going to finance the bike, make any offer dependent on an inspection that you pay for at the nearest HD dealer.

I will only buy a bike from someone that has the title to the bike in their name. I don't want to deal with some private bike seller that is holding a "signed" but blank title in someone else's name, (friend, uncle, brother, stranger) etc. At least 1/2 of the bikes I see advertised are "owned" by someone that never registered the bike in their name (and paid the sales tax) and now are selling the bike. Maybe not a problem, but if down the road, someone claims that their title and bike were stolen, you could be holding the bag.

Obviously, the safest way to go is through a HD dealer. You will pay a premium, but it may be worth it. If you go that route, don't be afraid to offer thousands less than the dealers asking price. Be prepared to walk away, but you may be surprised. Dealers make way more money on used bikes than on new, and they make plenty on new.

No matter what, proceed with caution, and if something doesn't feel right, walk.

Dec 13, 2015 | 08:56 AM

ISP-FLHTK

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 656

Likes: 115

From: Florida

I have purchased numerous lightly used bikes over the years and never been burned. No matter if it is from a private seller, used bike dealer, or Harley dealer, I really take my time and check and bike over.

I am not even close to being a mechanic, but one of the things I have always done was to take a paper towel and wipe around under the motor. I do that before the bike is ran and then again about 20 minutes after the engine is shut off.

Obviously there are other things you need to look at or check, but for me I can eliminate a possible purchase pretty quickly by having that piece of paper towel with me.

Dec 13, 2015 | 09:06 AM

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 100,455

Likes: 19,811

From: Centennial, CO

Just like buying a used car only moreso. Check maintenance records, overall condition, signs of abuse or neglect. If it looks wrong, it probably is.
I don't have a touring bike but from what I've seen in here try to stick with 2010 and newer for the latest frame design.
Good luck on your search! Have fun with it and take your time. Lots of good bikes out there.

Dec 13, 2015 | 09:32 PM

Cosmic Charlie

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 4,516

Likes: 103

From: Massachusetts (NE)

Quote:

Originally Posted by QC

FL's changed in 2009

Dec 13, 2015 | 11:37 PM

BoonDock_Saint

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2013

Posts: 2,059

Likes: 4

From: Florida

Along with the above, go with your gut instinct about the seller if it's a private sale. Take someone with you that's not emotionally invested in buying a bike to keep you in check!
Take a flashlight and a long ball head allen for the tranny dip stick. Check the fluids to see if they're clean and at the appropriate levels. Check the tab on the frame where the front crash bar attaches and see if the powder coating is cracked or has been painted over. Damage indicates it's been crashed. Simple dropping it in the driveway won't do that.

Get the VIN, run it through DMV to check for ownership and liens. If they won't give you the VIN, walk. Also, if you're going a distance and think you're going to buy it, have your insurance agent add it to your policy. Yes, you can insure a bike that doesn't belong to you. I personally won't carry 10-15 grand in cash to a strangers house because you just never know. If they're not willing to go to a bank or take a cashiers check to their bank, something is wrong.

Craigs list is full of scams. I contacted 5 or so people selling bikes on craigs list and not one was legit. A lot of "I'm an over the road trucker" so and so will be there and it's an electronic title. etc etc....

Happy Hunting!

Dec 14, 2015 | 07:45 AM

touchdown

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 5,487

Likes: 2,532

From: Lititz Pa

I have bought bikes from just about any place never been burned but of course I know what I am looking at. If the bike is financed and the owner needs to pay it off first go to the bank with them don't hand over money until title is singed and in hand. Educate your on what bikes are worth look at a few places Kelley, any other form you can find. After you pick your new bike out, Take to a dealer or ind have them go over it, will cost you some money maybe 100.00 or so but worth it. If you have a friend, but only if he does his own wrenching take him. Good luck