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Thinking about buying this motorcycle for 6,995.00 from a dealer with 2,346 miles on it. Never owned a Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Thanks for the help.
A sportster is a sportster is a sportster... they're the "entry level" HD motorcycle and you can see that (just a little rougher around the edges than their premium bikes ~ has nothing to do with how they Function). The low miles is more of a concern than that it's a Sportster, at least to me. It's just right on the verge though not over my personal threshold. I've just had to do too many repairs on low-miles bikes that sat around to really like bikes that haven't been in use for the year prior to my purchase (unless I'm getting an Outstanding deal). Please understand I'm saying this from the perspective of having being a professional motorcycle mechanic since 2000, and I am HD certified.
If the dealer is tossing in some sort of warranty for unexpected issues that lasts a couple thousand miles/few months or you're comfortable working on your own bike and replacing things like fuel lines, brake lines, anything else with rubber bits, then go for it. I would insist on a brand new battery regardless, something with a mfg date in 2019.
The price seems high, but HD prices ALWAYS seem high to me. Looking at my local market it seems in-line with what people are asking.
Those tires ought to be replaced too, if they're originals. Past their safe usable time. Ditto on the brake fluid, fork oil, and engine oil. Should have put that in the original post... No sense in taking on personal risk just to save a few bucks, though I'd work it into the sale price (do it this weekend or wait till after X-mas, they'll make it happen).
Those tires ought to be replaced too, if they're originals. Past their safe usable time. Ditto on the brake fluid, fork oil, and engine oil. Should have put that in the original post... No sense in taking on personal risk just to save a few bucks, though I'd work it into the sale price (do it this weekend or wait till after X-mas, they'll make it happen).
lots of people buy HD's and either never use it or have one scare on the road and sell it.
I looked at a 2019 Softail Deluxe that got traded TWICE in 3 weeks by 2 different owners. Bike had 300 miles on it. I didn't buy a bike, my concern is with all the texting (distracted driving) I'd end up hurt eventually.
Sportsters are starter bikes, frequently traded up for something bigger/nicer.
My ex-wife had several Sportsters. They were a blast to ride, and the 1200 version is faster then one would suspect. The one thing I could not handle was the suspension, I would cringe every time I hit a pothole or bump. We never had any mechanical issues with them. Very reliable.
I agree with what has been said on fluids/tires, and price needs to come down.
Have owned 2 Sportys along with several other HDs and other brand m'cycles.
They are sort of fun bikes for 'gas and go'/cruising local two lane black tops, handle curves decently if one is skilled and doesn't mind touching a peg on occasion, though that fat tire front end will handle differently than the usual Sportster fork/tire combo.
Even the newer 1200s tend to be 'not fun' on long ride interstates after a few hours, imo, but everyone has a different comfort level.
I think the price is a bit high, and all of the parts/fluids mentioned by Brian_M really need to be addressed in the price negotiation and replaced, imo. That dealer may be less than enthusiastic on doing the R&R on that parts/fluids list, as he may assume the next real buyer will not be as rigorous in their demands, and be smitten with those low miles.
My 50Cts...
GL, mD
I recently had a 2016 XL1200CX, more commonly known as the Roadster. It was my 4th bike but my first Harley. I’ll give you the pros and cons from my perspective:
Pros
-by far the best looking bike I’ve owned
-by far the best sounding bike I’ve owned
-easy to work on. I’m not mechanically inclined whatsoever and I was able to switch out parts and customize the bike with ease
-parts availability. I loved being able to go into any auto parts store and find parts that fit my bike. Much better than having to order parts from overseas as is the case for most metric bikes. Parts are cheap too.
-fun to ride in small doses and on country roads or around town.
Cons
-the vibrations made my hands numb after 20 mins of riding
-the bike was miserable to ride on the freeway.
-top-heavy compared to other bikes I’ve ridden
-ergonomics were goofy
My tagline on the bike was it felt very old school and it made me feel very cool but I didn’t find it the most practical....so I sold it.
Sportsters are totally fine. They're peppy and lighter than the big cruisers. nice for city cruising.
They do push the limits on highways(70+)
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