Need help with purchase of used Harley
 

This will be my first Harley, (making the move from a long list of jap bikes over many years) I'm looking at softails, and really like the Nightrains (Most likely my purchase will be a Nightrain, or a Softail Standard, or Custom)... I'm looking for one with the basic custom componenets, like bars pegs, grips etc., and my max price is $15,000... Don't care to have any performance mods, with the exception of pipes, love the V&H big radius... What I need help with is what should I pay attention to when looking at used Harleys? And are there certain models, motors, or years to avoid? How big of a consideration is the mileage? What should I expect from a bike with 20,000, as compared to one with 2000? I don't have any personal friends with Harley knowledge, (Yeah I know I gotta get new friends) so anyone willing to share their knowledge with me, it will be greatly appreciated....

Ray

RE: Need help with purchase of used Harley
 

I've always bought mine in baskets........15k$ should get u a righteous ride.....

RE: Need help with purchase of used Harley
 

get a 04-06 years,,,
low miles
you should find a ton, as dealers dont wanna trade with 88 twincams much cause they feel everyone wants a 96 in motor

get what feels right to you!
and Bartter,,,, like I said the market is swamped

RE: Need help with purchase of used Harley
 

Well, yesterday at the HD dealer, I see they are slashing prices..?? 07 Nightrain NEW was $16,500. so going as high as $15,000, you should get something pretty nice with out a lot of miles..this may not help, but one thing I look at is rims, and side walls...that might tell me that the driver did not care how he rode..scrapping curbs, etc..check belts...look in areas that might be hard to keep clean! this might show how he/she took care of it....underneath for moist dirt. how it idles...
Hope that helps..others on here may help even more...I bought both my HD's and never regret it.....though they did have very low miles...952 & 2200 miles...
ride on, ride a lot!

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RE: Need help with purchase of used Harley
 

Just came to me,, my buddy has a 03 100th aniv. duece,, prob'y 2,000 miles, lots of goodies
this bike is awsome,clean,, he bought on a whim, and dont ride it,,, I want my son to get it, but he is broke.
bet it could be bought for 13 or 14..its like NEW ,,honest!

RE: Need help with purchase of used Harley
 

My suggestion would be to buy from a private party. You will get the bike for less. The seller should have all the maintenance records and in most states you will not pay sales tax if you buy from a private owner.