Shopping for a used sportster. Tips wanted!
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Stage IV
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Shopping for a used sportster. Tips wanted!
Hello all! I have wanted a Harley for a long time and have recently started shopping around for one. I originally wantd a new nightster or iron and have looked at a couple but both dealerships in the area were holding pretty firm on the price and I have started worrying about buying new since it will be the first time i have ridden since I was a middle schooler and am sure I'll lay her down a couple of times. So i am thinking maybe a late 90's early 2000's 883 or 1200 for a couple of years then jumping on a new one. I have been shopping around at the dealerships, ebay, cycletrader, craigslist, etc. I was hoping you all could provide me some tips on what to expect in terms of price, realiability, problems, and any other suggestiosn you guys may have. Even it is pushing me towards purchasing a new iron or nightster (I'm sure i could be talked into it fairly easily). Thanks in advance.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
Look for one that is nice and shiney with low miles. If it has been kept clean then the owner has most likley taken good care of it.
I am new to this Harley experience too, about 4 months now and I promise you I have spent more time waxing the bike than I have riding it.
There are plenty of good used low milage Harleys out there that can be bought for 1/2 the cost of a new one, and in some cases the older model may be better than the newer ones.
I am new to this Harley experience too, about 4 months now and I promise you I have spent more time waxing the bike than I have riding it.
There are plenty of good used low milage Harleys out there that can be bought for 1/2 the cost of a new one, and in some cases the older model may be better than the newer ones.
Last edited by Barrett from Mississippi; Feb 22, 2009 at 02:30 PM. Reason: spelling
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 6
From: Simpson County Kentucky
I would go 2004 and up for the money they are going for now and there are some great deals to be had right now. I had 2 shakers before I got my 04 Roadster and I'm never going back.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 3
From: New Port Richey FL
yeah i'm with the 04+ years the rubber mount is a nice plus they changed the frame. one main thing to look out for with the 04's are faulty valve seals, HD made them new and improved for that year so we all know how that works out.....RECALL!!!! lol
anyway, if ya get an 04 make sure it either A) the valve seals have been fixed or B) it wasn't one of the recals.
i bought my 04 in 06 with 3 seats, custom pipes, bags, AC cover, lots a chrome and it had about 7k on the OD. got it for 5600 and it had faulty valve seals.
also, think about what ya want it for, if ya wanna do a lot of movin you should maybe get 4.5 gal tank for less stop time. also (this is just my personal preferance) i like carbs, they are just simple
anyway, if ya get an 04 make sure it either A) the valve seals have been fixed or B) it wasn't one of the recals.
i bought my 04 in 06 with 3 seats, custom pipes, bags, AC cover, lots a chrome and it had about 7k on the OD. got it for 5600 and it had faulty valve seals.
also, think about what ya want it for, if ya wanna do a lot of movin you should maybe get 4.5 gal tank for less stop time. also (this is just my personal preferance) i like carbs, they are just simple
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
Forgot to add the wifes had a corbin seat, slip ons and progressive shocks. See how many extras you can get for a decent price. People need to be told taht extras don't make a used bike worth more usually.
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
things to look for
scratches, oil leaks, rust or gunk = not well cared for. You may be able to haggle down on price and still come out ahead.
Another thing is the "feel" of the bike. Do the brakes feel funny (sticking? pulsing?) and what about shifting? It will make a clunk sound, but it shouldn't be scary loud or crunchy. These are things to look out for on any cheaper/used bike.
Another thing is the "feel" of the bike. Do the brakes feel funny (sticking? pulsing?) and what about shifting? It will make a clunk sound, but it shouldn't be scary loud or crunchy. These are things to look out for on any cheaper/used bike.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 1
From: manhattan beach
i would push you towards used...
you can buy a recent almost new bike at substantial discount over new.
bought my 08 last summer- 9 mos old, had 1,000 miles on it (so the seller had already done the service) for just over $8k- he paid around $12k. i immediately added a crash bar (cause i had heard that everyone drops their first bike- so far hasnt happened!) and then spent a portion of the $4k that i had saved on making the bike mine.
since last summer the economy has gotten much worse- so i imagine that you can find a used bike for even less than i paid.
btw, it took me about 6 months (and several bikes that didnt work for me) to find the "right bike"- from craigslist. it was worth the wait!
you can buy a recent almost new bike at substantial discount over new.
bought my 08 last summer- 9 mos old, had 1,000 miles on it (so the seller had already done the service) for just over $8k- he paid around $12k. i immediately added a crash bar (cause i had heard that everyone drops their first bike- so far hasnt happened!) and then spent a portion of the $4k that i had saved on making the bike mine.
since last summer the economy has gotten much worse- so i imagine that you can find a used bike for even less than i paid.
btw, it took me about 6 months (and several bikes that didnt work for me) to find the "right bike"- from craigslist. it was worth the wait!
Last edited by wanabe; Feb 22, 2009 at 08:35 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
From:
There are plenty of good used low milage Harleys out there that can be bought for 1/2 the cost of a new one. I agree, but fuel injection rules, I have had (3) 1999-2001 sportys. Don't spend too much for a Sportster like I did. You'll hate yourself in the morning. It's like bad sex.