Hello everyone I am new to the forum and need some advice. I recently purchased a 2011 Blackline. It has 550 miles, no warranty and a security upgrade with abs and fob. Basically, it was delivered today and I noticed a couple of things. The gloss black engine caps (on top of head covers) have bubbling paint, corrosion all over the nuts/bolts and underneath the triple. I got the bike for 13k out the door. I contacted the dealership and they offered me a used 2012 Blackline for my current bike plus 1K cash. Does this sound like a good deal? The 2012 has 1 year of warranty left, no security package, no corrosion and it has the 103 instead of the 96. I guess I am just looking for suggestions. I told them I would do the deal if it were an even up trade for my hassles. Does this seem unreasonable? I mean I am paying them 1k for a bike that has 200 more miles and is missing the security add on.

Here are links to the pics:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B041...it?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B041...it?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B041...it?usp=sharing

Thanks in advance,
Rob

 

I'd take the trade. Security package is a nice thing for piece of mind, but that's some unusual corrosion for a 2 year old bike, unless the previous owner kept it outside in a very salty area..

 

Looks like it was exposed to salt. Did it come from an area where they put down salt on the roads in Winter?
If it were me I'd take the deal your dealership is offering. I had a Rocker that was much the same way. Didn't think too much about it until I pulled the tank and saw the massive amount of rust under there.
Sorry for your troubles man, but it sounds like you have a relatively inexpensive way of getting out of that mess.

 

Thanks for the quick response. The dealer said that the bike was a "demo" that was harley owned in California. Given its age I would say that thing sat out in the rain more than just once. How reliable is the 103 compared to the 96? I bought V/H Short Shots for the 2011. Will they fit the 2012?

 

I believe the O2 sensors are different between the 2011 and 2012.
As far as rain, I ain't buying that. That thing had to have been exposed to road salt or salt spray from being close to the ocean.
Keep in mind, while the rust isn't likely to cause structural problems, it will spread and cause cosmetic issues. Could also cause electrical problems depending on how severe the hidden corrosion is.

 

I would take the trade!

Security add on can be disabled in about 2 minutes if you are savvy which means the bike can still be stolen.

The corrosion will never stop I can promise you that. It will only get uglier with time and 1k is not a lot of money to get rid of a complete headache for me.

My 103 spanks a 96. The power and torque differences are noticeable.

Your call keep us informed!

 

...sarcasm doens't work well over the internet. I was attempting to be sarcastic. Thanks again for your input! I appreciate it.

 

Sargent Jim is spot on here...


Do the trade.

 

Like posted, the difference between the 11's and 12's are the O2 sensors, so you could either 1) see if V&H will exchange your pipes for a cost, 2) take your $1000 from the dealer and buy new ones and sell the old ones, or 3) buy O2 sensor adapters that let you use the pre-12 pipes on the 12.

The pipes will mount to the motor and the frame just fine.

103" is just as reliable as the 96". And where in California? Automatically makes me think it's somewhere like Venice Beach or something down by the pacific..hense the salt-rot.

 

Take the deal. Sounds like salt damage. Maybe a flood bike. I see your in WI but dealers can get bikes from anywhere.