Greetings from New Orleans! I joined and have been reading in anticipation of buying my first bike. Has been a desire to own a Harley since the family went to Bike Week Myrtle Beach in '02. Life/family/work/etc has prevented me from pulling the trigger until now. With my 50th birthday coming in 2 days, my wife is "insisting" I make this come true!
Now to run the details past this group. I'd be interested in ALL details, comments and/or criticisms you can add:
A friend's uncle is selling his bike. He received it as payment for legal services, but isn't really a rider. It's been sitting in my friends garage unused for about 2 years. The engine will turn over, but won't start. My buddy and the owner both thinking carburetor work needed.
The bike is a '98 Fatboy with 10,250 miles. The previous owner did do some engine mods. He's asking $3500 firm. NADA and KBB show value around $5500. Interested to hear what you experts have to say.

 

Make sure the gas is turned on. I think that's a great deal. I would however get it running before buying and find out what mods were done and who did them.

 

Welcome and that is a good deal if that is all that is needed. If it needs more work, then thats another story. Maybe get ahold of the original owner and see what he has to say.

 

Sounds like a good deal if you can get it running. Did you put fresh gas in it?

 

If you want to make it to your 51st birthday, learn how to ride a motorcycle before getting your dream bike.

 

There is an Evo sub-forum here filled with guys who can help you here.

My take:

$3500 for that bike is ok-ish, but not a steal.

The good:

- It's a carb'd, Evolution motor.
- If it turns over without making any horrible noises, there's probably not much to getting it running.

The bad:

- Non runner
- Unknown engine mods of unknown quality by unknown mechanic. Finding receipts/details on that work would be nice, but is probably impossible.
- Those pipes look ridiculous and are going to be ridiculously loud.
- Butchered front end.
- Not original paint
- Douche-canoe wheels

$5,500 is about what you would expect to pay for that bike IF it were in good, original condition.

I don't care if the owner says his price is "firm". If you really want THIS bike, I'd offer $3,000 (tops) as it sits, $3,500 if he gets it running (properly).

If you look around and are patient, you can find better examples of HD's from the Evo era than this. A budget of $5k or so will get you a great bike.

PS: If that bike were worth $5,500, it would look like this one.

PPS: I just noticed...that's not the stock tank. Too much hack here. I'd walk away.

 

Very wise words. Could not agree more. Learn to ride first.

 

First thing I'd do (After getting it running) would be to replace the lock and chain on the front wheel....
And WELCOME!!!!!

 

the MSF course was valuable and useful. Get that out of the way first!

 

Welcome to the forum!