Advice on a potential purchase would be appreciated
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 4
From: Houston, TX
Advice on a potential purchase would be appreciated
Hi everyone. My name is Adam, from the Houston area. Currently ride a sport bike but looking to trade it for a Harley. I got a trade offer but would like to get ya'lls opinion, see if you know anything that sticks out that I should stay away from. This would be my first Harley so I really have no idea what I'm doing.
Owner states it is a 1999 Fatboy with 6000 miles on the clock. First thing that sticks out to me is 2000 on the title. Owner may just not know any better as he has only had the bike 3 months. He said it is too loud for him and he would rather ride a sport bike. Also, don't really get the extra paperwork. Here is what he sent me. Any help and advice would be appreciated:
Owner states it is a 1999 Fatboy with 6000 miles on the clock. First thing that sticks out to me is 2000 on the title. Owner may just not know any better as he has only had the bike 3 months. He said it is too loud for him and he would rather ride a sport bike. Also, don't really get the extra paperwork. Here is what he sent me. Any help and advice would be appreciated:
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
That motor is an Evo, not a Twin Cam, aftermarket one.
The transmission is also an aftermarket one, not OEM.
Somewhere along the lifespan of the bike, the engine & transmission needed to be replace. What is odd is that if the bike was a 2000, it would need a Twin Cam motor, not an Evo.
If it were me, I'd run far and fast.
The transmission is also an aftermarket one, not OEM.
Somewhere along the lifespan of the bike, the engine & transmission needed to be replace. What is odd is that if the bike was a 2000, it would need a Twin Cam motor, not an Evo.
If it were me, I'd run far and fast.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,047
From: Texas, USA
I would walk run away from that bike so fast it would make your ahole pucker.
He was the sucker for buying the bike 3 months ago, assuming that was a true story, of course. I think he bought it for pennies on the dollar with every intention to flip it saying "it's too loud..." Whatever. He wants you to have sloppy seconds or thirds depending on your perspective.
According to the paperwork, the engine and tranny were replaced back in 1999. That indicates that the something happened to the bike very shortly after the original owner took possession. Now, 17 years later, someone else is trying to unload it.
If you buy it, plan on owning it for life.
He was the sucker for buying the bike 3 months ago, assuming that was a true story, of course. I think he bought it for pennies on the dollar with every intention to flip it saying "it's too loud..." Whatever. He wants you to have sloppy seconds or thirds depending on your perspective.
According to the paperwork, the engine and tranny were replaced back in 1999. That indicates that the something happened to the bike very shortly after the original owner took possession. Now, 17 years later, someone else is trying to unload it.
If you buy it, plan on owning it for life.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 911
From: Omaha
I agree with all; run, run, run!!!!!!
There were two things in your original post that to me are reasons for concern;
1) The seller only had the bike for 3 months.
I always question anybody selling something that they've only had for 3 months.
Sure it's possible for someone to buy something and then just not like it, however apparently the seller was already a bike rider so they knew what they were getting.
2) The reason for selling is "it's too loud".
Well it's no louder now than when the seller bought it.
Also, aftermarket pipes aren't than expensive and if the engine was original (which you now know it's not) a more quite stock exhaust for a 2000 Harley should be available at most decent "swap meets" for less than $100.
To the OP; I commend you for your wisdom in reaching out to us here before you pull the trigger.
Obviously you had concerns as well, hence the reason you asked for advice.
There were two things in your original post that to me are reasons for concern;
1) The seller only had the bike for 3 months.
I always question anybody selling something that they've only had for 3 months.
Sure it's possible for someone to buy something and then just not like it, however apparently the seller was already a bike rider so they knew what they were getting.
2) The reason for selling is "it's too loud".
Well it's no louder now than when the seller bought it.
Also, aftermarket pipes aren't than expensive and if the engine was original (which you now know it's not) a more quite stock exhaust for a 2000 Harley should be available at most decent "swap meets" for less than $100.
To the OP; I commend you for your wisdom in reaching out to us here before you pull the trigger.
Obviously you had concerns as well, hence the reason you asked for advice.
Last edited by Bluraven; Sep 5, 2016 at 08:23 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 213
Likes: 10
From: Las Vegas
I find that "you have to talk your self into the purchase, then you already know the answer". Sounds like you should pass on this one.
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