2016 Softail with less than 500 miles - consider buying or not?
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 99
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From: NorCal
2016 Softail with less than 500 miles - consider buying or not?
I don't know what happens to a 6yr old bike just sitting. Would it just need to have all its fluids changed out and probably new tires and battery?
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,696
Likes: 3,477
From: Wake Forest, NC
My Road King sat for 3-4 years before I bought it. It was 7 years old at the time. I had to change tires, battery, fuel lines (inside and outside the tank, they cracked/leaked), and drive belt (broke). I changed all that stuff myself (didn't mount tires on rims) and since then it's been trouble free. I say buy it if the price is right and you like it.
If you're in the market and the bike is what you want and can afford it, no reason I personally wouldn't buy it. Best of luck to you and the choice you make.
Consider the cost of tires and a battery as well as all fluids into the price, knowing that will be an upfront cost may make the deal not look as good.
Consider the cost of tires and a battery as well as all fluids into the price, knowing that will be an upfront cost may make the deal not look as good.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
Exactly as mentioned....
In June I bought a 09 HSC with 3000 miles and sat for ever. Did exactly what you mentioned and the bike is perfect
In September of 2020, I bought an 05 Springer Classic with 1000 miles that sat in a corner of a garage forever. Did the same but the bike had bad gas and needed addl work.. I have no fear of bikes like this UNLESS I see rust, or has electrical issues (most likely due to condensation or rodents). Thats when I walk away..
In June I bought a 09 HSC with 3000 miles and sat for ever. Did exactly what you mentioned and the bike is perfect
In September of 2020, I bought an 05 Springer Classic with 1000 miles that sat in a corner of a garage forever. Did the same but the bike had bad gas and needed addl work.. I have no fear of bikes like this UNLESS I see rust, or has electrical issues (most likely due to condensation or rodents). Thats when I walk away..
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 19,122
From: The Wasteland
In most cases thats about all you'll need to do as long as it was properly stored. By that I mean it was cleaned before it was put away, fresh oil in all three holes, fuel stabilizer and the tank topped off.
Generally speaking if the above was done prior to storing it, some fresh fuel, oil, battery and tires and you could be riding it. There may be other small items that need attention but the big stuff should be fine.
I guess my question would be who buys a Harley, puts 500 miles on it then parks it. And why?
Generally speaking if the above was done prior to storing it, some fresh fuel, oil, battery and tires and you could be riding it. There may be other small items that need attention but the big stuff should be fine.
I guess my question would be who buys a Harley, puts 500 miles on it then parks it. And why?
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