Need advice on a bike I wanna buy

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Oct 22, 2013 | 08:25 AM

#11

samhallnc

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 934

Likes: 54

From: Elm City, NC

I paid 4k for 2009 883 with 3900 miles, I thought that was a good deal, and I'd have bought this 1200 instead of mine if it had been available.

Oct 22, 2013 | 09:12 AM

#12

Binay Adhikari

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Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 18

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Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyScuba

Is it a factory 1200, or an 883 bumped to a 1200?

It is a factory 1200.

Oct 23, 2013 | 12:20 PM

#13

Binay Adhikari

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Joined: Jun 2012

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Thank you all for your suggestions.

Oct 23, 2013 | 12:38 PM

#14

exemexer

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 1,346

Likes: 3

From: Dallas, Texas

People at work frequently ask me, "How's that Harley runnin'?. Does it break on you a lot, ever leave you stranded?" It's like they expect me to be having all this trouble not just because it's a Harley but because it's bike. My answer is always the same - "It's been as reliable as any car I've ever owned." I mean it ain't a toy, Harley built the thing to be ridden everyday and always get you where you wanna go. It's a real-live motor vehicle people!
It's a good deal dude, 26,000 on that motor ain't ****. But, yes, as others have said - check out that clutch. Replaced mine around there somewhere.

Oct 23, 2013 | 01:03 PM

#15

Imold

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 27,096

Likes: 4,673

From: Frozelandia, Minnysota

32,000 on my 1200. Just replaced the clutch plates with a Barnett set this summer, rivets were getting loose but none broken yet (no rivets with the Barnett set). That's the weak spot for a sportster, everything else seems extremely durable and reliable. I also changed the wheel bearings and swing arm bearings at the same time, weren't real bad, but now I won't have to worry about them for a long time.

Oct 23, 2013 | 01:10 PM

#16

MCCHP

Banned

Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 300

Likes: 14

From: Shelby twp Michigan

If you are interested in a older model softtail I have a awesome deal for someone !

6. Selling or solicitation of ANYTHING in the general forum, by Private Message or in Chat is considered Spam and is not allowed. Anyone found posting excessive links to their websites, or suspected of "sneaky" advertising will be warned and will possibly lose their posting privileges. Please post your private party ads in the HDForums Classifieds forum sections.

Thanks.

Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Nov 3, 2013 at 12:18 PM.

Nov 2, 2013 | 06:40 PM

#17

Binay Adhikari

Thread Starter

Novice

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 18

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binay Adhikari

Hello folks: I am in the market to buy a new Harley. I am considering a Sportster 1200.

I found a bike on CL. It is a 2007 Sportster 1200 xl custom for $4000. The bike looks good and the guy claims that it is his 15th Harley and has taken good care of it. Cosmetically, it is very good.

The problem in it has already 26,000 miles on it. For a Sportster engine, is it too many miles? How long do these things last?

Most importantly, SHOULD I BUY IT?

Thanks for your time and help.

Renewing this thread because I got new information on this bike on Craigslist. I am still looking. This guy says the bike has rebuilt heads at 20k and is willing to let it go for $3500 now. I have no experience with rebuilt heads, and honestly I am not even quite sure what is means and what to expect. What do you think?