Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
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please advise...1200R test ride in few hours

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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 11:36 AM
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Question please advise...1200R test ride in few hours

it's an '06 1200R with 1,500 miles...if the weather permits i'll be test riding it in a few hours...i already saw it last weekend and seems in good condition, started right up yet decided not to ride it cause of extremely heavy rain...it's a private seller and second owner of the bike, he bought it with 300 miles...managed to lower the price to $5,400 which i consider a good deal...it comes with the stock seat, a well padded 2up seat, short sissy bar, forwards controls (which i'll change to mids or rears), v&h short shots...
please give me some advise on things to look for...so far i've only noticed that while in idle the motor shakes a lot, i've read this is normal for sportster, still would like to know how to check the motor mounts...
i'll be changing fluids cause the current owner never did...
thanks
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 12:30 PM
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Check the rocker box seals, that's the most common gasket to go out on sporties I believe. Easy enough to change though.

Also what mileage is on the bike? $5400 seems a little high for private sale to me
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 12:45 PM
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I got the 07 custom in my pic for less than 5Gs with jus under 1500 miles. Looks like he added some so he gets what he really needs for it. Go watch some pawn stars to get up on negotiating skills lol.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 12:51 PM
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1,500 miles...thought it's a good deal...thanks
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 12:57 PM
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the bike is listed for $5,800...tried my best haggling but he's not going lower than $5,400
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 02:18 PM
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With 1500 miles that's not bad actually.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 02:48 PM
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Its carbed so lets hope he rejetted for the pipes..
Shake at Idle,,,normal.
Get er warmed up real good and ride the **** outta that Roadster.
It should pull hard all the way up the tach.
Should be no seal leaks with those low miles,,,If the rockers are leaking due to age,,
Buy It anyways,,no biggie.
A clunky tranny,,normal,,clutch should enguage mid pull,,you should have good friction zone control.

The bike should track well but If there is a little wobble at hi speed,,no worries
can be tuned out.
After Its fully hot check the Oil on the side stand.

Poor the power to It,,sportsters love to rev.
As soon as you roll out the vibes should be next to nothing,,unless your lugging It.
when yer swingin the tach It may start to vibrate around 4,000 rpm's and should
smooth back out around 4,400 rpms.
If It seems a little buzzy check the plugs.
Stock and or too lean they will be white and or chalky white.
Just right they should be a copper/coffie color.

If the bike feels solid and pull's hard like a freight train buy it.
check for signs of a drop tho.

2006 1200R,,after all that if the tires are good an It's a cream puff,,,$5,400
If It's anything less $5,000 or you walk away XD

FYI,,Carefull with those dual front brakes,,don't grab em cause they Is powerful.
Twice the swept area means half the hand pressure.
 

Last edited by Osco; Jun 12, 2011 at 02:51 PM.
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 02:58 PM
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Those "R" models kick ****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'd pay over book value for one, hands down.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by streetfighter06
Those "R" models kick ****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'd pay over book value for one, hands down.
Yeah screw book value,,the owner ain't gonna let ya steal It.

Besides,,whats a extra 500 or thou for a bad *** Roadster.

Your gonna blow that times two hangin bling on It anyways.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 05:37 PM
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thanks osco...i've been wanting and watching for a sporty for a while, and this one seemed great...carbed, rubber mounted motor, black motor, dual front disk brakes, tach...
i'm in love with the 48 but dealer asks $13,200...
briefly test rode the roadster cause didn't feel safe on it, barely reached the shift lever, i think has extended forward controls, my legs where completely stretched and i'm short...
findings:
1. the front brack switch gets stuck and the lever rattles as if its the not correct part
2. the front motor mount is rusted
3. the threads for mid-mount foot controls are rusted
4. there's slight rust in the rear shocks, forks tubes and other places, not too bad
5. chome peeling on right side front peg

probably will need also need a new battery and the vehicle license expires this month, that's $175...

turns out the previous owner lived near the beach...

i'm put off buying this bike...
there's another '06 roadster listed for $7,900...way too much, and the tins are yellow so i would have to paint her...did the 1200R ever come stock with laced rims?
 

Last edited by SpicOfTheDevil; Jun 12, 2011 at 05:49 PM.
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