Hi Guys,

I have the opportunity to buy a 2009 Softail Std. 'Grey Import' (Japan) relatively stock for just under $16k.  The bike is compliant (pink HD grey import compliance plate with correct VIN) and the guy selling is an established well known local car importer who also dabbles in motorcycles, who has been around for a while. 

While I haven't ridden it yet (flat battery), it jump started fine with no hesitation.  Having the 96B motor, it idled rock solid (not like my rubber mount sporty 1200!!) and quiet (has stock mufflers) with no excess valve train noise and no obvious oil leaks.  All the electrics work OK and the bike is very clean with 15700km on the ODO.  It has what look to be 12" apes with SS braided lines (clutch/throttle/brake).

Will check gearbox etc, when I test ride, but just wondering if the price is good and anything else I should look for.  I have ridden a new 103 Street Bob so am reasonably famiiar with the 6 speed tranny.  Appreciate any comments or advice.

Cheers.

Sounds ok to me. They came standard with Mini Apes ( approx 10 or 12 inch) Should have smooth laced front wheel ( stock) They stopped making them ( or bringing them here) in 2010 last model. S/S braided lines are extras ( Good) I would want a brand new battery ( the correct one to suite) then see if starts and runs ok. I reckon sounds Ok especially with K's on it.
Just my opinion.

edit:,   I would ask that they get it registered for you. This way it should give peace of mind knowing all is done correctly. and ask for original  Compliance paperwork etc. Just incase you need later on.

Thanks for your reply FXST11.  The bike will have 3 months Rego, so that should be OK.  Battery is new and genuine HD, just flat from not being run for a while.  It does have a laced 19" front wheel.  A local bike mechanic has since checked it out also and says it is a gem, so all good.  Taking for test ride this arvo, if all good will sign on the dotted line!!

Does sound a pretty sweet deal, good luck to you.

Fuck Man, That is a bargain if its in good mechanical condition. The cheapest I can see from a dealer in the USA is $13,500.00 AU and you would spend 6k getting here, complied, rwc and registered.

Why would you bother with the stress, work load and the 8-12 weeks wait to ride your bike.

If its a good bike buy it dude.

Hi,

Wonder why has a 19" inch front wheel as they have 21" as stock, i would check under seat for condition of things as well

Thanks
Robots

Definately did not come standard with 19 inch front wheel.
They had 21 inch laced Smooth rims that are actually Alloy i believe.
Smooth means No step down from spoke to tyre like push bikes have.

21 inch Laced front wheel, nice. 

Don't forget there was a big salt water flood in Japan a couple of years ago.

Not try'n t spoil the show, just say'n thats all.

Thanks guys, for all your replies - a bit of an update.  Today I went back and took the bike for a ride, it went well - smooth, quiet and no strange noises - everything worked as it should. That big front wheel and extended forks are certainly different to what I am used to.  I was also amazed at how smooth the motor ran, compared to my Sporty.  It does have a 21" laced wheel (my mistake there!) but not the smooth rim.  All I can assume is that they weren't std in Japan.  No biggie though as the chrome/spokes are good and it runs true.

Checked out a few other items, oil level and under seat wiring, etc - all seems OK. No rust/corrosion anywhere I could see.  The apes are around 14" so not original, will measure when I get it home on Friday and will post some picks.

Cheers for now

Good to hear Ramakill. Cant wait for pics.
cheers

Gidday Ramakill ... just curious , is the importer from down your way or from a guy up Queensland way ... I got my 08 Fsxtc from a simular bloke and had no dramas at all ... I did pay a lot more than that great price though ... if it`s all on the up and up then go for it , definitely a fantastic deal .

G'day TJU.  Yes he was a local bloke near me.  All went well, with 3 months rego and all legal. Price ended up being $16.7k, so I got that a bit wrong, but I have the bike now.  Lucky I made the move when I did as two others came in after me!!  Pretty amazing seeing it apparently sat there for around a 1 year.  Couple of pics attached.

nice looking ride ,

thought the customs come with black motor and the std have grey or did thay have a option ? could be wrong not up with the tc stuff

Does not look like a Softail Custom, as they had a Chrome Oil tank, Smooth Laced ( alloy) front rim. Black motor with Chrome. Black inside the engine fins. This looks like a Softail Standard. Even going by the Paint scheme Black with Red stripe on tank, Smaller 10or 12 inch Mini Apes, and Come with the Pillow Top King / Queen seat with in built sissy bar. ( As per Mickles picture above ) 
But still looks nice.

Yep, custom had $5000 extra worth of bling.

Yep, you could be right, but it is what it is.  Being an import, who lnows what was the norm for Japan.  but could have been a 'custom' job.  The apes are 14" plus it has the braided lines.  Anyway, just came back from a long ride through the local National Park and for my first softail, it runs and handles well.

Thanks guys, for all your comments.

Still think you have done Ok, Ramakill.
Enjoy it and ride safe.

Good one Ramakill ... yeah definitely a Softail Standard but still a dam good price ... my 08 Anniversary Softail Custom was 22 thou ... at the time wasn`t the best price around but was far from the worst and was and still is in pristine condition ... all though I have considerably changed it since , the Evil personal touch syndrome disease , Lol .

I might be wrong but I`m pretty sure there is zero difference in the motor and gear box department so with the extra 5 plus thou you saved you can get the type of bling you want .

Noticed it has a LED rear light , one nice touch already plus bars and braided lines , yep you did ok ... enjoy .

Cheers for the kind words TJU, yeah I'm pretty happy too.  Been looking at some pipes to  give it the real Harley sound, so happy to hear any suggestions.  Considering SE slipons for the standard header pipes, but they make it look like a Sportster, so am also considering V&H big shots or the big radius 2:1. Leaning towards the BR as from the sound clips I have heard, it seems the quietest, despite the limitations of PC speakers.