Sportster question

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Nov 23, 2009 | 01:07 PM

#11

RutRoo

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 510

Likes: 13

From: East Tennessee

I purchased a bike from a car dealer before.. they price the bike just like they do a car..a lot of mark up.. get a better idea what that sportster is selling for.. Kelly Blue Book or the like and then go make an offer and stick with it.. they dont't want the bike any more than a m/c dealr wants an automobile.. but either dealer will want a profit..

Nov 23, 2009 | 01:10 PM

#12

JayStronghawk

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 9,254

Likes: 283

From: Lake City, Florida (Native)

You are not too big for a Sporty if like it ... But would offer them 6K for it they don't want to take it, walk away ...

Nov 23, 2009 | 01:16 PM

#13

Tony P

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 5,763

Likes: 371

From: North of Hell, South of Heaven

I'm 6' 1' 208 and I had the same dilemma 2 years ago. I went with the FDX and haven't looked back.

Nov 23, 2009 | 02:04 PM

#14

Fingernip

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 161

Likes: 0

From: central CT

Im 6'2" 245 and ride a nightster with no problems at all. I put forwards on it to stretch out a bit and it feels great. Im not all torso either, I have a 34" inseam.

Nov 23, 2009 | 02:39 PM

#15

barjbar

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 3,817

Likes: 2

From: Novi MI

If it's a car dealership and you want the bike, offer them less. I estimate they got the bike for around 5 grand. The size should be fine but only you can decide if the bike fits yourself. I agree with JayStronghawk. Offer them 6 grand. If the bike has been sitting there over 90 days, they'll want to get it off the lot.

Last edited by barjbar; Nov 23, 2009 at 02:42 PM.

Nov 23, 2009 | 03:53 PM

#16

Mike Horrell

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 1,232

Likes: 4

From: Albuquerque, New Mexico

I had a 2009 1200C that I bought as my first bike since 1969... It was a great
bike and I really loved it, but I'm riding much longer distances than I though I would
so I traded it in on a 2009 FXDC which I'm very happy with.

I'm just under 6 foot, 220lbs and I found the Sportster to be very comfortable
as far as leg and arm length went, but the Dyna's ride is far superior as is the 6 speed
tranny. I also found the Sportster's engine clatter to be fatiguing on long trips
and even the Sundowner seat developed hot spots after 5 or 6 hours whereas
the stupid looking stock seat on the Dyna has held up well even in a 14 hour plus
ride.

So, if you're SURE that all you'll really be doing is around town or local trips of
just a couple hours, the Sportster will be great. Anything more, better look for
something else..

Nov 23, 2009 | 04:00 PM

#17

leicafish

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 3,364

Likes: 33

From: So Cal The Golden State

For a dealer the price seems OK. Contrary to what others say. Yes if you have patience through winter there are better deals to be had maybe. That will go for all bikes.

Your size for a sportster with forward mounts no problem. Don't let this bike fool you it is all Harley. Fast, nimble and lots of power. Me personally with a single seat, Sportster is a real good looking bike.

If the bike suits you and your budget, ride with pride and keep your knuckles in the wind and have fun.

Nov 23, 2009 | 08:21 PM

#18

Good Time Gang

Tourer

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 460

Likes: 0

From: swamp-east missouri

Dude, i am brand new to riding as well. decided i wanted to try it and had a truck for sale on craigslist, guy contacted me and i traded for a sportster. i am 6'2", and feel fine on it. hell i never knew until now that i was too big for it! i have enjoyed the last two months and hope to enjoy many years of riding. but trust me, i would never spend a lot of jack on anything i was going to be learning with. it is sort of like buying a desert eagle .50 ae when a ruger .22 will do. learn on something cheap, at least that is what i am doing.