2002 Sportster
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: na
2002 Sportster
A friend has a 2002 Sportster that he is planning on selling to me for a very good price. The problem is that it has been sitting in his garage for about 5 years completely undriven.
1) First of all is there anything I should know in particular about the 2002 Sportster model that would make me want to stay away.
2) What kind of problems will I encounter with a bike that has been sitting for 5 years? Obviously a new battery will be needed, and probably new tires, but am I going to have major issues with the fuel system? Will the fuel have turned to goop already? Will it basically just need an oil change and a carb cleaning or will it need a full engine overhaul?
Thanks in advance.
1) First of all is there anything I should know in particular about the 2002 Sportster model that would make me want to stay away.
2) What kind of problems will I encounter with a bike that has been sitting for 5 years? Obviously a new battery will be needed, and probably new tires, but am I going to have major issues with the fuel system? Will the fuel have turned to goop already? Will it basically just need an oil change and a carb cleaning or will it need a full engine overhaul?
Thanks in advance.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,060
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From: Gahanna, OH
Welcome to the Forum from the Ohio tundra,
I assume you already know the 04+ engines are rubber mounted (less vibration).
the solid mounted sporties (as in the '02) are about 50 lb lighter.
I would make an offer subject to being able to fire up the engine.
After agreeing on a price, I would siphon out the gas tank, put in 2 gal fresh gas, preferable with 10% etanol - all you can buy here in OH anyway - the ethanol will absorb any water thay may have accumulated in the bottom of the tank. Check the oil, Jump it from a 12v battery (if using your car, make sure the ignition is off.) Good chance it will fire right up.
Then you can start buying tires, battery,etc while you are trying to wipe tha sh** eatin grin of your face
Let us know how it turn out.
I assume you already know the 04+ engines are rubber mounted (less vibration).
the solid mounted sporties (as in the '02) are about 50 lb lighter.
I would make an offer subject to being able to fire up the engine.
After agreeing on a price, I would siphon out the gas tank, put in 2 gal fresh gas, preferable with 10% etanol - all you can buy here in OH anyway - the ethanol will absorb any water thay may have accumulated in the bottom of the tank. Check the oil, Jump it from a 12v battery (if using your car, make sure the ignition is off.) Good chance it will fire right up.
Then you can start buying tires, battery,etc while you are trying to wipe tha sh** eatin grin of your face
Let us know how it turn out.
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From: na
Thanks so much. That is what I figured.
What about the Carbs? Do you think it will be in terrible shape after 5 years of sitting or do you think it will at least work well enough to fire up the engine?
What about the Carbs? Do you think it will be in terrible shape after 5 years of sitting or do you think it will at least work well enough to fire up the engine?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
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From: Wheeling, WV
For a bike that's been sitting for 5 years, this is what I would do:
Remove battery & throw it on charge for a couple nights to see if will even take a charge. While that charges, remove the spark plugs and spray some WD-40 or Mystery oil in the cylinders, and let that soak in over night. Drain fuel from tank, Remove carb & clean out all of the gas dust that's been left behind, as I doubt there's any sludge left....It would have turned to dust by now. Check vacuum hoses for dry-rot, and lube all the cables, check fuses for corrosion & clean as needed/add dielectric grease.
Next day, Fog the cylinders again, and see how the battery charge is coming or take the battery to have tested/replaced. Replace all dry-rotted hoses, re-fill tank with fresh gas, install charged/new battery, drain & replace brake fluid. Now you can either fog the cylinders a couple more nights, or decide to replace the oil, filter, and tranny fluid with the some cheap stuff, as the fogging fluid will have seaped pasted the rings into the engine oil plus you'll want to change the filter & oil again after a little while to get the new shavings out of the engine. Then proceed to start the bike.
Replacing tires can wait until you get it running & ready for the road. But they'll most definitely have flat spots from sitting in the same spot.
Anyway, that's how I'd do it. I may have missed something, but I'm in a hurry as it's quitting time.
Remove battery & throw it on charge for a couple nights to see if will even take a charge. While that charges, remove the spark plugs and spray some WD-40 or Mystery oil in the cylinders, and let that soak in over night. Drain fuel from tank, Remove carb & clean out all of the gas dust that's been left behind, as I doubt there's any sludge left....It would have turned to dust by now. Check vacuum hoses for dry-rot, and lube all the cables, check fuses for corrosion & clean as needed/add dielectric grease.
Next day, Fog the cylinders again, and see how the battery charge is coming or take the battery to have tested/replaced. Replace all dry-rotted hoses, re-fill tank with fresh gas, install charged/new battery, drain & replace brake fluid. Now you can either fog the cylinders a couple more nights, or decide to replace the oil, filter, and tranny fluid with the some cheap stuff, as the fogging fluid will have seaped pasted the rings into the engine oil plus you'll want to change the filter & oil again after a little while to get the new shavings out of the engine. Then proceed to start the bike.
Replacing tires can wait until you get it running & ready for the road. But they'll most definitely have flat spots from sitting in the same spot.
Anyway, that's how I'd do it. I may have missed something, but I'm in a hurry as it's quitting time.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 208
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From: Mississippi
I bought a 2003 that had been neglected for 3 years. I had a float issue in the carb which caused it to leak out the over flow line in the front. Other than that all was fine. I figured if I was going to have HD work on the carb they may as well rejet it, got the leak fixed for free ( i figure). I have replaced the battery added Slip on Pipes and SE Breather. HD said my tires were fine, the bike had 4500 miles on it, I will replace them next year.
I'd bet you could charge the battery and it will start right up, After all it is a Harley and they last forever (I hope).
I was at a HD Dealership today looking at new bikes and to see if they really were hurting to sell any new ones, # 1 I didn't see anything I liked better than what I now have, # 2 they would not come off the sticker prices.
They did have a nice Night Train I liked but they wanted $20,000 for it, and thay had a Fat Bob I liked and wanted $15,000 for it.
I have $3000 invested in my 2003 model and it runs just fine,
I'd bet you could charge the battery and it will start right up, After all it is a Harley and they last forever (I hope).
I was at a HD Dealership today looking at new bikes and to see if they really were hurting to sell any new ones, # 1 I didn't see anything I liked better than what I now have, # 2 they would not come off the sticker prices.
They did have a nice Night Train I liked but they wanted $20,000 for it, and thay had a Fat Bob I liked and wanted $15,000 for it.
I have $3000 invested in my 2003 model and it runs just fine,
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Grottoes Va.
WVHogRider got it all I think. Just take your time and don't get in a hurry. The bike will be there when you need it.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: na
For a bike that's been sitting for 5 years, this is what I would do:
Remove battery & throw it on charge for a couple nights to see if will even take a charge. While that charges, remove the spark plugs and spray some WD-40 or Mystery oil in the cylinders, and let that soak in over night. Drain fuel from tank, Remove carb & clean out all of the gas dust that's been left behind, as I doubt there's any sludge left....It would have turned to dust by now. Check vacuum hoses for dry-rot, and lube all the cables, check fuses for corrosion & clean as needed/add dielectric grease.
Next day, Fog the cylinders again, and see how the battery charge is coming or take the battery to have tested/replaced. Replace all dry-rotted hoses, re-fill tank with fresh gas, install charged/new battery, drain & replace brake fluid. Now you can either fog the cylinders a couple more nights, or decide to replace the oil, filter, and tranny fluid with the some cheap stuff, as the fogging fluid will have seaped pasted the rings into the engine oil plus you'll want to change the filter & oil again after a little while to get the new shavings out of the engine. Then proceed to start the bike.
Replacing tires can wait until you get it running & ready for the road. But they'll most definitely have flat spots from sitting in the same spot.
Anyway, that's how I'd do it. I may have missed something, but I'm in a hurry as it's quitting time.
Remove battery & throw it on charge for a couple nights to see if will even take a charge. While that charges, remove the spark plugs and spray some WD-40 or Mystery oil in the cylinders, and let that soak in over night. Drain fuel from tank, Remove carb & clean out all of the gas dust that's been left behind, as I doubt there's any sludge left....It would have turned to dust by now. Check vacuum hoses for dry-rot, and lube all the cables, check fuses for corrosion & clean as needed/add dielectric grease.
Next day, Fog the cylinders again, and see how the battery charge is coming or take the battery to have tested/replaced. Replace all dry-rotted hoses, re-fill tank with fresh gas, install charged/new battery, drain & replace brake fluid. Now you can either fog the cylinders a couple more nights, or decide to replace the oil, filter, and tranny fluid with the some cheap stuff, as the fogging fluid will have seaped pasted the rings into the engine oil plus you'll want to change the filter & oil again after a little while to get the new shavings out of the engine. Then proceed to start the bike.
Replacing tires can wait until you get it running & ready for the road. But they'll most definitely have flat spots from sitting in the same spot.
Anyway, that's how I'd do it. I may have missed something, but I'm in a hurry as it's quitting time.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 55
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From: Northern MN
Just so we are all extremely jealous. let us know what you get her for. Treat it like a prom date, nice smooth and easy and you'll never regret it. if you just hammer it and go you might regret it 10000 down the road.