I am new here and new to Harley's. I am looking at purchasing my first one sometime soon and I was wondering if some of you would be willing to check out this bike on craigslist and let me know what I should know about it. For this model/year of bike are there things I should look for or specific questions to ask about it?

Thanks for any and all help. It is greatly appreciated...

Phil

 

I'd have to ask why the engine was rebuilt at 18k miles. It could be nothing but... The guy I bought mine from had it bored to out an 88 at 12k. Nothing wrong w/ it, he just wanted more.

 

Looks nice and seems like a reasonable price. Assuming the 2nd owner had all the work done, he stuck a lot of money into it.

I would check the Vin matches the title. engine number should match vin or be simular. Check that it is a FLSTC. Those fenders are not classic fenders but he did customize it. Check all the documentation on the engine rebuild if he has it....otherwise call Doc's Harley and see if they have the records.Ask for other receipts such as the who painted. Maybe do a title search and see if it was wrecked and that's why it's been rebuilt and customized (ie. new fenders and paint).Oh, and test ride. I don't know of any issues with the evo engines only that they vibrate more than the newer counter balanced engines. but hey, it's a harley.

 

Thanks for the info... If I hear back from him I will get all the info that I can, I was hoping to check it out today, but if not hopefully this weekend...

I was wondering the same thing about the rebuild so early.

Thanks again.
Phil

 

This is probably a silly question but what is that thing on the back left. Looks like a bag of some sort to me, I have just never seen one like that...

Phil

 

swingarm bag

 

Thanks tomcat, I appreciate it.

Phil

 

I'd for sure want to know more what happened to the motor it warrant O.H. an 18k.?
Looks like he striped it down to look like a FB.??
IMO he removed the bags, and fender tips chrome, then added some pipes and bars.. don't know bout any motor mods or still stocker?? So He's not really added much.

Again IMO for $2k or so more U could move up 5-10 yrs

 

$8400 is way over priced for a 16, almost 17 year old bike.

I have seen 1998 Ultras go for that. I had a 2002 Heritage Softail sell last week for $8000. It only had 3200 original Factory miles.

Right now is a Buyers market. If you want an older model, please try to find one no older than a 1996. That was the first year that Harley changed to the newer wiring plugs. It makes most accessories just a Plug and Play. With the 1995 and older, you will need to rewire any electrical accessory. The 1997 models can have the Harley Security System installed (the older ones are becoming hard to find, but they are out there).

Many aftermarket dealers have many electrical accessories that will also Plug and Play on the 1996 and later. The earlier models will need to be rewired to work.

Just something to think about. Good luck on your search.

 

Again, lots of good info. Thanks a ton...

Something like this would be a better deal? Plus I really like the fatboy. Well the looks of it anyway. Truthfully I like most, there are a few that I am not to keen on but I just need to get on them and see how I like the fit and feel...

Thanks again to everyone for all the great info. Exactly why I came here to ask questions...

Phil