What are deal breakers on used bikes for you?
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Singleton
Bought my RK used from a dealer with a 95" kit and lots of other mods, thing leaked all the time and never really was right. Bought the same year stock Ultra and haven't had any problems yet.
I'll probably never buy another modified bike, I'm sure others feel the same.
I'll probably never buy another modified bike, I'm sure others feel the same.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 265
Likes: 11
From: Houston area
I like them to be low mileage (6,000 or below preferably), have aftermarket pipes that I like, some chrome covers, and good tires. I prefer the engine to be stock. The bike has to look good.
SUP
SUP
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
After buying several evos and shovels with heavy mods I'll never go down that road again. Buying used is good as long as you know what you are getting. As others have said, best bet is to buy a bike that is totally stock. If not stock, then I want paperwork to show what exactly has been done. The problem with a lot of older bikes is they get modified, then sold two or three times, and by that time the current owner really has no idea what exactly has been done. It's all good until you have a problem. Trying to fix a bike that is not stock and has no history is not fun.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,978
Likes: 6,074
From: Florida
I am very **** about what I buy. here are my deal breakers:
1. If the bike has a payoff. I will not buy anything without clear Florida title in hand. Cash for clear title; no exceptions. Also, if there are title discrepancies...like the seller's name & address doesn't match title.
2. I don't like "mysteries". For instance, if there are 2 different bolts for the same application, or something that would be impossible to bend is bent, even if slightly. (Ask me about THAT one!)
3. Because the undercarriage takes the most abuse on a vehicle, if the undercarriage is clean & looks good, then I know the bike was NOT ridden hard. Frame scrapes, floorboard scrapes, lotsa oil, etc...I eschew the bike.
4. Missing federal ID label (the little silver downtube label) GOODBYE! No way to prove the bike wasn't reframed.
5. I pull the plugs & make sure the threads aren't stripped, I check the oil's condition,air cleaner. Any signs of buggered threads,stripped Torx or Allen heads..Cya!
6. If I am at the guy's house, I look around & see how he takes care of his car & home. 'Cause that's how he kept his bike.
I know I may be slightly OCD & ****...But I am a major "buyer's remorse" type guy & don't want any surprises.
1. If the bike has a payoff. I will not buy anything without clear Florida title in hand. Cash for clear title; no exceptions. Also, if there are title discrepancies...like the seller's name & address doesn't match title.
2. I don't like "mysteries". For instance, if there are 2 different bolts for the same application, or something that would be impossible to bend is bent, even if slightly. (Ask me about THAT one!)
3. Because the undercarriage takes the most abuse on a vehicle, if the undercarriage is clean & looks good, then I know the bike was NOT ridden hard. Frame scrapes, floorboard scrapes, lotsa oil, etc...I eschew the bike.
4. Missing federal ID label (the little silver downtube label) GOODBYE! No way to prove the bike wasn't reframed.
5. I pull the plugs & make sure the threads aren't stripped, I check the oil's condition,air cleaner. Any signs of buggered threads,stripped Torx or Allen heads..Cya!
6. If I am at the guy's house, I look around & see how he takes care of his car & home. 'Cause that's how he kept his bike.
I know I may be slightly OCD & ****...But I am a major "buyer's remorse" type guy & don't want any surprises.