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2002 Fatboy, things to look out for when buying

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Old Dec 5, 2022 | 03:28 PM
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Default 2002 Fatboy, things to look out for when buying

Fellas, I got my eye on a 2002 Fatboy that's had some decent work done to it. From what I can tell (and what the owner says), it's mainly cosmetic stuff. The only "power mods" are an Arlen Ness intake and V&H pipes with a Power Commander. It does have a nice BDL Top Fuel TF-2000 3.35" open belt drive on it. That's initially what drew me to it on Facebook Marketplace. The guy is asking 10k. I offered 7.5k and he came back with 8.5k. He states the mileage is 20k. It has some nice goodies on it like a Dakota digital dash, Accutronix controls, mini apes, aftermarket wheels, new paint, and some nicely accented chrome pieces. So, what should I be looking for when I go look at it for purchase? He'll let me test ride it with cash in hand (which is the plan), but anything specific I should be looking for? Problem areas? Weird sounds? This isn't my first Harley or motorcycle (been riding for about 15 years no). I'm still waiting on him to send me the VIN so I can figure out if it's a carbed or FI bike. He thinks it's a 103 motor, but I'm pretty sure they only put the 88 motor in the 2002. Is that correct?



















 
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Old Dec 5, 2022 | 05:04 PM
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10 mile ride very least. I want that scoot cold when I go to crank it, insist it set over night before showing up.
Other than inspecting oil, tranny fluid, brake fluid, brake pads and rotors, tires, and a overall visual, that 10 mile ride will be the most important.

Now that you've rode it, did a visual, and talked money, I would now tell him 8K cash. I have no doubt he'll take that offer.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2022 | 05:34 PM
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Yep, I normally do all that. Just curious if there is anything specific to the 2002 Fatboy I should be checking for. Common problems? Areas of interest?
 
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Old Dec 5, 2022 | 05:47 PM
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It is EFI. And when stock, it came with a 88". The fact that he doesn't know this off the top of his head, would turn me off.
$8500 is too much IMHO.
Good luck.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2022 | 05:51 PM
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Yea that would be a walk away for me.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2022 | 05:55 PM
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The "owner" doesn't know what size motor is in his bike? Has nice "new" paint...translation...recently crashed. Unless you know the exact history of the bike a re-paint would turn me off. 2002 was the last year of the good crank the Timken bearing but still has the spring loaded tensioners in the cam chest...that would be a big negotiating point for me and unless he has documentation for it based on his other statements I wouldn't believe him
 
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Old Dec 5, 2022 | 05:56 PM
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Google will get more of the response you're looking for than hoping someone has hands on with a 2002 FB.

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Harle...laints-defects.

Blue book resale is $8k, trade in $6K. 20K miles means just getting broke in. Factor in someone put a lil time and money into it. Was it a one owner or multiple owners?

Edit: Seller trying to get high bluebook, he isnt the original owner, just a flipper.
 

Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; Dec 5, 2022 at 05:58 PM.
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Old Dec 5, 2022 | 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Tampa Fatboy
Google will get more of the response you're looking for than hoping someone has hands on with a 2002 FB.

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Harle...laints-defects.

Blue book resale is $8k, trade in $6K. 20K miles means just getting broke in. Factor in someone put a lil time and money into it. Was it a one owner or multiple owners?

Edit: Seller trying to get high bluebook, he isnt the original owner, just a flipper.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2022 | 06:09 PM
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I'd be way more comfortable with a stock motor. We don't know if it's a 103" and if it is, we don't know how the builder got there (4" bore with the stock 4" stroke or the 95" pistons (3.87") on a 4 3/8" stroke (if my memory still holds up.) And what's been done to the cam chest????

Without that info, I'd have to walk away.

(I bought a mint / showroom garage queen '02 Dyna Low Rider with every available Harley accessory (or so it seems to me at least,) with interior wired fat bars, all the cables braided, HD saddlebags and floor board kit with engine guard, windshield etc etc and I paid $6,000 Sept '21.
Engine, a stock 88" with a Stage One re-jetted carb.) and 22,000 on the clock.



 

Last edited by Stiggy; Dec 5, 2022 at 06:16 PM.
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Old Dec 5, 2022 | 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Tampa Fatboy
Google will get more of the response you're looking for than hoping someone has hands on with a 2002 FB.

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Harle...laints-defects.

Blue book resale is $8k, trade in $6K. 20K miles means just getting broke in. Factor in someone put a lil time and money into it. Was it a one owner or multiple owners?

Edit: Seller trying to get high bluebook, he isnt the original owner, just a flipper.
Correct, he did state that he bought it a few years ago for $5k and has put about $8k into it. I know for a fact that the BDL TF-2000 belt drive system is a $3,500 belt drive, not including the install labor he paid at the shop. Among the other things he mentioned, he definitely is in the bike over $10k. That being said, I don't think it's worth that simply based on year and condition, especially with the repaint. I think $7.5k is fair for what it is, but I just didn't want to go look at it, and buy it, then get home and somebody who knows everything about the early 2000 Fatboy models gets on here and gives me a laundry list of specifics to look for, and then I miss something small (or potentially catastrophic).
 
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