ADVICE? Buying used
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, UT
ADVICE? Buying used
I am looking for some good advice on things to look for when buying a used harley. I am looking at an 09 super glide and can't say I know enough about the mechanics of the bike to make an informed purchase. What are the best things to check out as well as certain issues to watch out for? Thanks
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 442
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If your mechanical skills aren't so well take a budy along that knows a little bit. It's a 09 so it should be in pretty good shape. Also ask if the bike has a salvage title or is it clear. But the most important thing is to drag someone out to loo at the back that knows something.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 442
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Well I suppse you can google the bike and see what known issues they have, also, fire the bike over and listen to it is it pinging or sound bad. Also pull the spark plugs out to look at them, there is a picture guide on this forumn for plugs and how they look. If you can drive it and feel how it runs.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 992
Likes: 143
From: eastern NC
I find the guys here to be very helpful. You may want to post your location and ask if anybody is willing.
I find that most who buy a HD don't abuse them too much--- as they would a crotch rocket and an 09 is not that old unless it has a "history of some drama"
I find that most who buy a HD don't abuse them too much--- as they would a crotch rocket and an 09 is not that old unless it has a "history of some drama"
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,202
Likes: 5
From: Hudson Valley, NY
1. go with your gut...
2. if the bike looks dirty, unkept on the outside it probably is on the inside.
3. what does the rest of his stuff look like? is there McDonalds bags on the floor of his car? are his kids filthy? is his lawn a foot tall? chances are he takes care of his bike no better
4. any leaks anywhere?
5. can you cold start the bike? is it warm? has he warmed it up because it's a b*tch to start cold?
6. evidence it's been dropped?
7. rust anywhere?
8. check for title in hand no leins, no salvage title
9. inquire why he's selling it, is his story feasible or is he BS'ing you?
10. when started any strange noises? rattling, poor idle?
2. if the bike looks dirty, unkept on the outside it probably is on the inside.
3. what does the rest of his stuff look like? is there McDonalds bags on the floor of his car? are his kids filthy? is his lawn a foot tall? chances are he takes care of his bike no better
4. any leaks anywhere?
5. can you cold start the bike? is it warm? has he warmed it up because it's a b*tch to start cold?
6. evidence it's been dropped?
7. rust anywhere?
8. check for title in hand no leins, no salvage title
9. inquire why he's selling it, is his story feasible or is he BS'ing you?
10. when started any strange noises? rattling, poor idle?
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, UT
1. go with your gut...
2. if the bike looks dirty, unkept on the outside it probably is on the inside.
3. what does the rest of his stuff look like? is there McDonalds bags on the floor of his car? are his kids filthy? is his lawn a foot tall? chances are he takes care of his bike no better
4. any leaks anywhere?
5. can you cold start the bike? is it warm? has he warmed it up because it's a b*tch to start cold?
6. evidence it's been dropped?
7. rust anywhere?
8. check for title in hand no leins, no salvage title
9. inquire why he's selling it, is his story feasible or is he BS'ing you?
10. when started any strange noises? rattling, poor idle?
2. if the bike looks dirty, unkept on the outside it probably is on the inside.
3. what does the rest of his stuff look like? is there McDonalds bags on the floor of his car? are his kids filthy? is his lawn a foot tall? chances are he takes care of his bike no better
4. any leaks anywhere?
5. can you cold start the bike? is it warm? has he warmed it up because it's a b*tch to start cold?
6. evidence it's been dropped?
7. rust anywhere?
8. check for title in hand no leins, no salvage title
9. inquire why he's selling it, is his story feasible or is he BS'ing you?
10. when started any strange noises? rattling, poor idle?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,202
Likes: 5
From: Hudson Valley, NY
i of course do my due diligence looking the bike over with a fine toothed comb, but i honestly pay a lot more attention to the guy i'm doing business with. if i find him trashy or shifty i ain't buying his bike.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 8
From: Vancouver Island British Colombia Canada
An 09 is still under warranty. check with his dealer to see if he was on time for his warranty servicing.
This economy will screw a lot of people who never saw it coming so he might be the victim of the recession.
Back & front tire for wear, They should be around 1/2 life by now. The rear should be worse than the front. If he didnt pay cash when he bought it, the bike will have a lien on it by the finance company. You must confirm this! a dealer will sell you a used bike with no liens on it by law. They are a safer bet but if you do your homework, you will be fine!
This economy will screw a lot of people who never saw it coming so he might be the victim of the recession.
Back & front tire for wear, They should be around 1/2 life by now. The rear should be worse than the front. If he didnt pay cash when he bought it, the bike will have a lien on it by the finance company. You must confirm this! a dealer will sell you a used bike with no liens on it by law. They are a safer bet but if you do your homework, you will be fine!
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