G'day fellas, I'm new to HD Forums, any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
I'm looking to buy a 1200 Sportster. I have my eye on a 1998 XL1200S. I'm just wondering what things I should be looking for to make sure it's a good bike to buy and not a lemon. I've had years of experience with bikes but this will be my first HD. I would really like to know the things to look out for that could be expensive to fix later. I'll check the oil level and condition of the oil. The service books for proof of service and kms. Look for oil leaks and smoke out of the exhausts. Check the headers for blue burn stains from getting hot. Check the brakes and suspension for leaks. What other things should I check? Does this model of bike have any specific problems I should know about? Are there any other things to look out for with the engine, like rattles, leaks or squeaks, that could turn out to be expensive. What cylinder compression reading is healthy? How do I check that the drive belt and sprockets are worn and need to be replaced. Is it possible or easy to disconnect the electronic speedo, I don't want to do this but have seen it done on cable speedo's and it gives a false and misleading amount of kms. I'll check the wear on the switches and the brake rotors and see if it lines up with the kms on the speedo. What's the best way to check the headset bearings. My last question, phew, what tyres are you finding give the best value and last the longest?
Thanks in advance
Dude
