It took me two years to get exactly the bike I wanted in the condition I wanted it in at the price I was able to afford . Oh yeah, in the right colour too . BUT I still can't see why you are considering this old heap when you have the chance of another bike with only 4000 miles on it .

 

...what do you want for $3500.00?

 

what do you want for $3500.00 buy it, ride it, maybe youll get 3 grand back when ya sell it?

 

Same here , two years , and I'm so glad I waited for exactly the bike that I wanted .

 

35K does not seem like a lot of miles, but what do I know with a bike with 259 K on it in 13 years

As others have said, you need to know when the miles were put on. The 35K mile bike could have had all those miles in the first year or two as well.

I would assume that a bike that has sat for a while may need all the rubber parts replaced. They are not a lot of money, but could cost a bit if paying someone

As for the rust on the 35K bike, if that is all the rust on it then it should not be a big deal. That is simply a cover that is easily replaced. I'd be curious why two bolts are missing and why the other two were replaced.

For maintenance history, you should be able to have a Harley Dealer look up what service was done at dealerships. That would give you a place to start. Keep in mind that if none is shown then it could have been done by the owner or another Indy

 

I'd walk away from that one, the high idle for that long is not normal and can be expensive to repair, there is rust on the struts, shock mounts, side covers and many fasteners. Also missing parts, mis-matched bolts, and the tank is too glossy for denim paint it looks like it has been repainted plus the other tins are in poor shape. Be patient and find a bike that has been treated with TLC, even if it's a bit more money you will be better off.

 

Thanks everyone!!

Going to hold off on that one most likely, and will look at others. You guys are super helpful!!

 

Look wide.

$500 shipping ain't nothing for the one!

I paid $300 for mine.

Another I was looking at from a dealer, I found on Offer up already being sold private, dropped?, wrong bike?

Follow em wide and you'll steal one.

But don't wait 2 years!🐸🔫

Sorce

 

buy the one that's been sitting. put new shoes on it, change all the fluids. drain the tank, put good stuff in, change the plugs.
enjoy the ride.
why would anyone buy a used high mileage bike? broken in yes, but wear and tear, could end up with someone's problems. but also, as stated, what is defined as high mileage. was it taken care of? Know what your getting into before buying, and make sure your not paying more than you should. sportster 883 is a very cheap bike by Harley Standards.

 

Sportsters arent known for blowing holes out the side of the cylineders. Did ya have oil in iit?