I am considering purchasing a used 2009 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic with 32,000 miles on it.

I inspected the bike and noticed a few issues.

It needs two new tires, the brake pads may need to be replaced, and there is a broken saddlebag bracket.

The biggest concern is a mystery oil leak under the frame.

Are there any common issues associated with this model year?

I plan to look at the bike again today.

Approximately, what would all those things cost to repair?

From actual experience, does anyone have any specific suggestions on what I should focus on during my next inspection?

 

Hard to tell from your pics, and an oil leak is often hard to locate as they "spread" from the leak spot... However..

If that oil leak looks like it's coming from between the rear shocks, the transmission drain plug is located above, and between the shocks. It could be loose, have a torn o-ring, or worse case be stripped. With a mechanics mirror and a light, you could get a direct view of that drain plug and see if it has a drip on it...



About the broken saddlebag mount.

If that's the forward mount, down by the passenger footpegs, that mount has two pieces. It has an actual mount arm, then an isolator bolt at the end. The pic makes it look like the mount is OK, but the isolator is broken. In either case, both are still available from the MoCo. Your desler should be able to get one for you...

Lower Support #90346-00 @ $34.64.

Isolator #90524-01 @ $8.21

 

The saddlebag mount is no big deal. Mine broke a few years ago and they were cheap at the dealer. I used some electrical tape for a temporary repair.

You definitely need new tires. One is dated '08 and the other one is 5801, which doesn't make sense because there are only 52 weeks in a year. Tires and bake pads are perishable items.

I was getting an annoying leak on my '08 Heritage and it was were the stator cord comes out of the front of the inner primary cover. A little RTV sealed it right up.

If you get the bike plan on new fluids in all 3 holes and flushing the brake fluid also.

Good luck!

 

I ask these questions to help determine a fair offer; he's asking $7,500.

I would post the Facebook Marketplace ad but it won't let me.

 

From the look of the plugs and tires they haven't been changed in years. Check the inside of that fuel tank for rust. If it's rusted that's a ton of other issues. I like the tins but not sure if that bikes worth that kind of dough. The brake master cylinder has paint flake and corrosion. If the bike was sitting on that gravel floor there's probably no climate control and moisture is all around that's gonna kill that bike and cause you a ton of problems.
Do what you like but if it were me I'd pass. $7500 in todays market should get you a a pretty pristine ride without a ton of issues. Maybe older, but in my area plenty of nice low mileage Evo and Twin cam bikes in the 4 to 6 thousand range.
Just my opinion

 

That's a good point.

 

$7500 for what all that bike needs is high, but - perhaps he will negotiate? you`ll have a grand in it without blinking an eye, neat color scheme. check that oil leak like Hatitude said - that would be a focus of mine, the rest of the stuff is just money & available. good luck & keep us posted

 

Black Book Powersports says average retail is $6370.

JD Powers says average retail is $6155.

Based on the very old tires, the condition of that spark plug, the corrosion on the brake cylinder cap, and the dirt/grime in the "hidden" places, I think it is fair to say this bike has NOT had a good maintenance schedule...

I believe it is below average retail value, and yet the owner has it priced at $1,100 to $1,300 ABOVE average retail value.

With a below average bike because of a lack of maintenance, there is no way of knowing what is lurking out of view to cost you money.. Just like the suggestion above of checking to see if the tank has rust, or a peeling liner...

I would walk away from this one... There are too many nice bikes for sale at reasonable prices due to the current market... This isn't one of them.

The seller would be insulted at my offer.. I'm not sure I would pay $5K for that bike. ... just too many unknowns and possible "gotchas"...

I'd probably offer less after a thorough inspection...

Good luck with your search...

 

$5K

It needs some work.

 

I’ve got 55K on my 09 Heritage and I am the second owner.
The bike had 7K on it when I bought it 2012.

I’ve maintained this bike regularly but not ridiculously and I haven’t abused it.
Other than maintenance (fluids, tires, batteries….) the only issues I’ve had is the voltage regulator at 28K miles and the stator at 43K miles.

Other than the 96ci runs really hot (Capt. Itch and a tuner can help) I just love this bike and wouldn’t even consider getting rid of it.

As for the price; the bike is worth what you’re willing to pay for it.
However I’m thinking $6500 seeing it does need some love.