Too old?
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Nassau County, NY
Too old?
I'm considering buying a '96 Sporty 1200 for about 3k and was wondering if that might be too old of a bike. This would be my first and I don't know how well bikes age (cars age quite fast).
Seems to have been taken care of pretty decently.
Any input would help, thanks!
Seems to have been taken care of pretty decently.
Any input would help, thanks!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Savannah, Ga.
I sold my '92 Sportster 2 years ago, a friend of mine bought it and its still going strong and reliable, I don't think a '96 is too old, but probably wouldn''t hurt to have a mechanic check it out.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 251
Likes: 8
If it's been maintained well I wouldn't worry about the age. How many miles, how are the tires, etc. How much cash will you have to put into 'consumables' like tires, brakes, etc. will factor in as well.
Also keep in mind that the engine on a bike that 'old' is not rubber mounted so you'll get a fair amount of vibration on it. Some guys like that since it's 'old school'. YMMV.
Also keep in mind that the engine on a bike that 'old' is not rubber mounted so you'll get a fair amount of vibration on it. Some guys like that since it's 'old school'. YMMV.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 38
From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
I picked up a 93 XLH1200 for under 2K, and it has no major issues outside of needing a paint job.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
How Many Miles?
Often older bikes require a lot of "understanding" when it comes to any maintenance issues.
Keep in mind that your HD dealers stops servicing bikes of a "certain age" and when it's time for repairs you may be looking for an independent shop unless you are a do it yourself kind of a guy.
Hidden issues are the most expensive. They never surface until you buy it and ride some miles to really sense if it's running right.
Sometimes it's better to buy newer and more reliable when you consider the cost of older "needing repairs".
I was shopping in the $6k range and at the end of the season with repairs I've invested over $8k including the most recent repairs I'm working on now. Lot's of wrench time & a few spoiled trips when things went bad on the road.
Pay as much as you can, get as new as you can and always have someone check it over with you / for you.
Often older bikes require a lot of "understanding" when it comes to any maintenance issues.
Keep in mind that your HD dealers stops servicing bikes of a "certain age" and when it's time for repairs you may be looking for an independent shop unless you are a do it yourself kind of a guy.
Hidden issues are the most expensive. They never surface until you buy it and ride some miles to really sense if it's running right.
Sometimes it's better to buy newer and more reliable when you consider the cost of older "needing repairs".
I was shopping in the $6k range and at the end of the season with repairs I've invested over $8k including the most recent repairs I'm working on now. Lot's of wrench time & a few spoiled trips when things went bad on the road.
Pay as much as you can, get as new as you can and always have someone check it over with you / for you.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
It's good to get as much history as you can on the bike, How many owners? Is the mileage accurate? How many mods has been done to it? etc... An older bike with low miles will usually show some problems for awhile if you start putting regular miles on it but it will hit it's stride and be normally trouble free in the long run.