Problem with low miles???

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Jul 9, 2009 | 06:18 AM

#11

cadman311

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 4,892

Likes: 2

From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND

Quote:

Originally Posted by usmcdevildog

I am looking at buying a used motorcycle. It is a 2001 Harley Electra Glide with only 6,800 miles.
Is there any reason for me to be concerned about the low miles?
I would think that would be a good thing seeing as it is practically brand new...

Thanks

Crashes, Wannbe, Posers. If it's a good price and a good bike buy it.

Jul 9, 2009 | 07:18 AM

#12

rodnock

Road Warrior

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 1,391

Likes: 2

The only thing I would even be concerned about is varnishing in the fuel system from sitting too long. If it runs strong I wouldn't even wory about that. Ask how long it sat. If it has been ridden every year at least a few miles I would buy it in a heartbeat ( If the price is right.). Run 2 ounces of Marvel Mystery oil in a full tank of gas and that Bike will last for years with no trouble.

Jul 9, 2009 | 07:22 AM

#13

chester1957

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,446

Likes: 1

From:

The only problem I've seen with older low mileage bikes are the axles are sometimes frozen to the wheel bearings, other factors play into this though. It wouldn't keep me from buying it, as it's a cheap enough fix.

Jul 9, 2009 | 07:28 AM

#14

lionsm13

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 56,052

Likes: 88,148

From: Western South Dakota

Take it out and give it a 100 mile ride if the present owner will let you, and then inspect it.

Jul 9, 2009 | 07:29 AM

#15

cadman311

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 4,892

Likes: 2

From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND

Two dollar per mile X 6,800 miles = $13,600 just about what the bike cost in 2001

Jul 9, 2009 | 07:49 AM

#16

shortride

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,932

Likes: 4

From: 46th State, USA

It looks like my '07 Road King Classic qualifies here with only 1875 miles on it.

Jul 14, 2009 | 03:20 PM

#17

skootchnc

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 4,528

Likes: 606

From: Raleigh NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottwilliamson

I have often wondered why when it comes to Harleys people allways seem concerned about low miles. When buying any other vehicle we all look for the lowest miles.

Dry rot with tires, hoses, and belts, frozen wheel bearings,seized brake parts apply equally to cars, trucks, as well as bikes.

Jul 14, 2009 | 03:40 PM

#18

Arizona

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 5,878

Likes: 17

From: The Desert SouthWest

Typical garage queen. There are lots of them. Great deals out there on those. Go for it if it's well maintained.

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Jul 14, 2009 | 03:45 PM

#19

Sharknose

Elite HDF Member

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 3,927

Likes: 5

From: Midwest

I bought a 10 year old FXR that had 2500 miles on it. Rode it to Daytona, Sturgis, Myrtle Beach among others and sold it 4 years later with 38K on the clock. I did a base gasket replacement the 3rd winter I had it and had to replace the handlebar bushings and a motor mount at some point. No big deal.