Hi,
re: Tips on buying a 2nd hand used Sportster

I am a student and looking to buy a 2nd hand used Sportster.

It is a 1986 model and has been tinkered with.

 

If there is anything I need to or be weary of when buying used Harleys?

I started it up cold and it started fine and blew no black/blue smoke. Anything else I should look into?

 

Really don't want to buy a lemon - any help would be appreciated.

 

The modifications it has had include:

XLH883 with 1000cc Big Bore Kit

Screaming Eagle Cam

CV Carb

Softail Springer Front end

Fat Bob Tank with tank mounted dash and speedo

Bobbed rear guard with cats eye taillight

Chromed rear swingarm

Chromed oil Tank

Slash cut turbo exhaust

19" Front Wheel

10" Rear Shocks
 

all lights work? tyres ok? scratches or dings in metal work that might show its been dropped? vibration at any speed? brakes dont pulse when applied? everything in the dash/speedo work? cant think of anything else atm........

Hi,

Thanks for the replies.

I am in Adelaide. Do you know of anyone that does motorbike checks?

The RAA in Adelaide do very thorough car checks but they do not touch motorbikes.

The bike is a 1986 Sportster and he wanted $6500 but I haggled it down to $5000 which seems like a bargain; but don't really want to waste my student savings on some metal.

Hi,

Thanks for the replies.

I am in Adelaide. Do you know of anyone that does motorbike checks?

The RAA in Adelaide do very thorough car checks but they do not touch motorbikes.

The bike is a 1986 Sportster and he wanted $6500 but I haggled it down to $5000 which seems like a bargain; but don't really want to waste my student savings on some metal.

Try bike works

Is it the one on gumtree?

Theres a 82 aswell that has alot of new parts.