Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Seeking Advice for Buying a Used Softail

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 21, 2023 | 05:37 PM
  #41  
Madison Bill's Avatar
Madison Bill
Road Warrior
Veteran: Navy
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 1,134
From: Southconsin
Default

Tip number 1. ALWAYS ask the owner to pull off the seat so you can look at the wiring. This alone will tell you a lot about the bike.
Here is a pic under my seat. Lots of changes, now when you see this start asking questions.


 

Last edited by Madison Bill; Feb 21, 2023 at 05:42 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2023 | 10:40 AM
  #42  
Eagle7_jb's Avatar
Eagle7_jb
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: OH
Default Seeking 1st time buyer advice for used Heritage Softail Classic

Requesting the privilege of tapping into the knowledge base of the brotherhood that are willing to share.
First of all, I've been in learning mode awhile, so I've acquired a favorable amount of knowledge to date, yet I'm humble enough to admit I have more to learn. Even though I literally was born at night, it wasn't last night. I'm an above average observer able to read between the lines and don't take kindly to being taken advantage of.
I know full well they are meant to be ridden on the regular, so when considering average mileage/yr, what is too little vs too much?
Can I be confident a dealer isn't going to sell a machine that doesn't need immediate attention? I'm looking to add to my notes regarding inspection points.
I know each purchase will be unique to its own situation, so I presume I should be prepared to negotiate, and/or walk away.
I've seen some very nice 07's, 11's, 13's and 14's while doing my research. My budget is in the 12K range.
Anyone care to share their thoughts on top priorities to question the dealership about?
All replies welcome.
Much thnx brothers, ride safe.
 
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2023 | 01:06 PM
  #43  
60Gunner's Avatar
60Gunner
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 1,219
From: Dubuque, IA
Default

A dealer is a good place to overpay and get average.
 
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2023 | 08:21 AM
  #44  
Eagle7_jb's Avatar
Eagle7_jb
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: OH
Default

Greatly appreciate the tip.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2023 | 12:24 PM
  #45  
byersmtrco's Avatar
byersmtrco
Supporter
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 650
From: San Ramon, Ca
Supporter
Default

Originally Posted by 60Gunner
A dealer is a good place to overpay and get average.
YEP !!! They hit it with lemon pledge, make it all shiny, and it has a worn out rear tire
Or other unforeseen things.
Buy low !!! Sell high !!! Sales mngrs say that a hundred times a day

 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2023 | 01:06 PM
  #46  
OCBadger's Avatar
OCBadger
Cruiser
Veteran: Navy
5 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 190
Likes: 79
From: Brownsburg, Indiana
Default

i love the old.....new posts. this thread is 11years old. now you have an old bike.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2023 | 02:25 PM
  #47  
60Gunner's Avatar
60Gunner
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 1,219
From: Dubuque, IA
Default

Consider what they do when trying to sell new with a trade in. I got top dollar for my trade in. How are they going to make any money on it? They sure aren't going to stick any into it that they don't have to.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2023 | 04:59 PM
  #48  
jd05flhtci's Avatar
jd05flhtci
Road Warrior
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 314
From: Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by 60Gunner
Consider what they do when trying to sell new with a trade in. I got top dollar for my trade in. How are they going to make any money on it? They sure aren't going to stick any into it that they don't have to.
your top dollar trade-in was actually taken off the over-inflated new price and the bs freight, prep, and doc fees.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
allen6747
Softail Models
15
Jun 21, 2015 11:56 AM
DeafUltra
Softail Models
11
Sep 12, 2014 01:40 PM
Sporty88
Softail Models
22
May 12, 2013 11:26 PM
bigskyhd
Touring Models
17
Feb 15, 2009 11:07 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:42 PM.

story-0
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-6
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-7
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-8
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE