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

New Buyer: Used Bikes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 08:42 PM
  #1  
TigerVMI's Avatar
TigerVMI
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Here and There
Default New Buyer: Used Bikes

Any reason to avoid a bike with 20k-40k+ miles on it?

I've found a lot of early 90's bikes in my area anything I should watch out for?
 
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 09:59 PM
  #2  
PanHeadRich's Avatar
PanHeadRich
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
Default

20k to 40k miles isn't excessive on an EVO. I'd look for the latest year affordable and I'd want it mostly stock with the exception of breather, pipes & cam. Many believe that 1996 thru 1999 were the best of the EVOs, but they're all great engines. The stock cam bearings were a weak point. So you'll want to know if it was changed to a Torrington brand bearing. A lot of great EVOs can typically be had from as low as around $6K to $8k. It's a buyers market and opportunity has never been better.

Good luck on your hunt and post some pics of whatever you end up with.
 
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 10:04 PM
  #3  
lumper's Avatar
lumper
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 944
Likes: 2
From: Ct
Default

Definitely what he said.

Buy as new as you can afford, the more info on the maintenance you can get the better.

These bikes if taken care of can last along time.

Look for leaks, pipes discoloration, signs that the bike has been down, ie: repaint, scuffs on parts they didnt change after, other than stock bars or forks.
DO a little homework, go to a dealer and test drive a new bike to get a point of reference, you can also see many great used bikes at a dealer to test too.

I think in the end you will do better with a private seller and cash as it is a great market to buy.

I just bought a used bike, my first Harley was brand new, I have no problem buying used if you are careful.

Good luck, have fun.

Lump
 
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 10:09 PM
  #4  
traveler's Avatar
traveler
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Default

If the motor and drivetrain has been maintained like it's supposed to be, 20K to 40K for mileage is nothing. A well maintained EVO that is treated well should be able to go 80K before the need for new rings may come up.

I'd echo the others.....buy the newest....and nicest one you can afford. If it is a tossup between 2 bikes, which one has newer tires?

EVO is a really good enigne platform to go with. My EVO Sporty engine is a rock.

~Joe
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 05:43 PM
  #5  
TigerVMI's Avatar
TigerVMI
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Here and There
Default Thanks

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback.

What parts or service should I look for in a bike with 20k miles and again with 30k miles?

Are there specific issues I should be aware of in bikes from the 90's with 20-30k miles on them?
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Amos Iron Wolf
EVO
42
Jul 18, 2017 05:48 AM
MJHJEA
EVO
18
Feb 5, 2013 09:10 AM
wedgehead
Softail Models
4
Sep 6, 2012 02:19 PM
straydog13
Dyna Glide Models
3
Jun 13, 2011 06:50 AM
RebelRouser
Touring Models
5
Oct 7, 2006 06:21 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:03 AM.

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