Buying a Motorcycle

[BeauBenken]

So guys I want a motorcycle. And I found one that I really like the look of. I didn't get too many details other than the price and name of the bike.

It's a yellow Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, used, for $4500. I know I should definitely be able to barter that price down, but what should I be looking into about this bike to determine a fair price? I didn't check the year or miles. (I know, I'm an idiot. I can go back and look at it soon though.)

 

[arahop]

Being 27, most people my age or younger prefer crotch rockets, I myself would take a Harley any day. You can't go wrong with a Harley, good choice.

 

[IrishInFl]

So guys I want a motorcycle. And I found one that I really like the look of. I didn't get too many details other than the price and name of the bike.

It's a yellow Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, used, for $4500. I know I should definitely be able to barter that price down, but what should I be looking into about this bike to determine a fair price? I didn't check the year or miles. (I know, I'm an idiot. I can go back and look at it soon though.)

A Sportster is a perfect beginners bike. Reliable, not a lot of power, comfortable to ride. If you are first time rider, the worst thing you could do is get a sports bike. Also, if you haven't taken a safety course, do it.

 

[BeauBenken]

Yea, I've never ridden before, but I always have the windows down in my car because I love flying in the wind. I liked it's look because it wasn't a crotch rocket and it was a big fat or stretched out chopper. It looks like the perfect bike for me, really.

And do you have anymore info on safety courses and doing everything I need to do before I actually ride the thing?

 

[mgriff]

Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide

There's a bunch to check for, it's just not as much as a car. Do you have a friend who can join you and help out? If they have some mechanical/motorcycle knowledge all the better. Make sure it operates (clutch, gears, etc.) and check for accidents, racing, etc. Ask about maintenance because a lot of people store them for awhile. Gas is a good place to look. If it's dark it's been stored a while. The chain is important, check to see it's well oiled and aligned. Traction on the tires, the battery. Read that link, I just can't type everything.

I grew up riding dirt-bikes and when I got married, my wife and I had a crotch rocket, but now we are starting to think of a cruiser just so we can be out on the road. I would prolly prefer a street-trail bike since you can do both, but that's me. Cruisers are nice. Start with a low(ish) cc.

***Just saw you've never ridden before. Find a friend who has and ask them to go with you. Stick to a low CC for sure so you can get used to it. Take a MSF course. It's required to ride on military posts and it will lower your insurance. I looked at it as a waste of time, but it's really fun and a brilliant way to get used to riding. Invaluable for yourself.***

 

[BeauBenken]

Thanks mgriff. Definitely getting help from everyone I can. And thanks for the additional knowledge.

 

[mgriff]

Here to help mon frere. I hope it works out well for you, it's a lot of fun.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

One piece of advice I can give you, if the bike you get doesn't already have an aftermarket set of pipes, get some. You will quickly find out that people will NOT look out for you on the bike. Make sure they can hear you!
I drive a Yamaha VStar 950 and the amount of close calls have dropped dramatically after the loud exhaust was put on.
Good luck buddy and be safe!

 

[BeauBenken]

I don't really want loud though. :/

 

[JadeBrecks]

And do you have anymore info on safety courses and doing everything I need to do before I actually ride the thing?

Welcome to ABATE Online: ABATE of Indiana's Internet Information Source

I took this course. It can be hard to get into but it is a great course. I have pushed all my friends towards it. If you can ride a bicycle they can teach you to ride properly.

An 883 is a good starter bike as far as power. It is a bit heavy for a motorcycle but it isn't a folk dresser. As far as looking at the bike look for scuff marks on the handle bar ends, the low side of the engine, and the ends of the foot pegs. If you find any it has been dropped. That isn't a deal breaker but you can tell if the seller is honest and talk then down from their asking price. I also assume it isn't close to ft Wayne? If it is ballpark ne Indiana i could look at it for you.

 

[BeauBenken]

Welcome to ABATE Online: ABATE of Indiana's Internet Information Source

I took this course. It can be hard to get into but it is a great course. I have pushed all my friends towards it. If you can ride a bicycle they can teach you to ride properly.

An 883 is a good starter bike as far as power. It is a bit heavy for a motorcycle but it isn't a folk dresser. As far as looking at the bike look for scuff marks on the handle bar ends, the low side of the engine, and the ends of the foot pegs. If you find any it has been dropped. That isn't a deal breaker but you can tell if the seller is honest and talk then down from their asking price. I also assume it isn't close to ft Wayne? If it is ballpark ne Indiana i could look at it for you.

It's up here in Muncie.

 

[JadeBrecks]

It's up here in Muncie.

Do you have someone to look at it with you? Is it a dealer or a person?

 

[JDub713]

A lot of good insight here for you. I HIGHLY recommend a motorcycle safety course endorsed by your local or state law enforcement. They have classes that get people acclimated who have never thrown a leg over a motorcycle. If you aren't mechanically inclined, make yourself familar with motorcycle mechanical fundementals, it could save your life. That Harley is a popular choice for a starter bike. I bought my first motorcycle last year, an '07 Ducati Monster S2R. What a great bike. Air cooled L-twin with great looks, exceptional comfort, and great fuel mileage (40+ mpg). The safety courses will get you used to situational awareness and low speed maneuvering that's really helpful when you're out and about on your own. Once the initial intimidation goes away and you're comfortable on two wheels, riding a motorcycle is a blast and there's nothing like it.

 

[BeauBenken]

Do you have someone to look at it with you? Is it a dealer or a person?

It's an incredibly small dealer. They have like two bikes for sale. My significant other's dad may check it out with me.

 

[Old Man Mike]

"Little James Dean, up on the screen

wond'rin' who he might be

Along came a Spyder and picked up a rider

and took him down the road to eternity.

James Dean, James Dean, you bought it sight unseen

You were too fast to live, too young to die, bye-bye....."


Just reminding you, Beau --- CAREFUL. Don't want to lose you for a few decades.

 

[BeauBenken]

Hopefully I'm around for much more than just a few decades, yes sir.

I appreciate your concern though OMM. I do love going fast...

 

[JadeBrecks]

It's an incredibly small dealer. They have like two bikes for sale. My significant other's dad may check it out with me.

I got my first bike from a small car dealer. They had no clue about motorcycles. I was able to talk them down $1700 by pointing out the fact that it had been dropped (scuff marks mentioned above) and knowing more about them than the person selling them.

 

[BeauBenken]

I got my first bike from a small car dealer. They had no clue about motorcycles. I was able to talk them down $1700 by pointing out the fact that it had been dropped (scuff marks mentioned above) and knowing more about them than the person selling them.

Well I'm going to figure out as much about the bike as I can so I can help myself.

Saving $1700 sounds great.

 

[JadeBrecks]

Well I'm going to figure out as much about the bike as I can so I can help myself.

Saving $1700 sounds great.

Yeah he told me he picked two up for the summer. I took that as he didn't know much about it. I pointed out the scuffs and a few blemishes to show him i did know. Then I gave him a really low offer. He said no so i started walking away. He called me back add i walked away (after he realized i could walk away from it) and came down greatly on his price.

 

[dshans]

The only advice I can give is to take a safety course, wear a helmet and dress appropriately. It drove me nuts when I lived in FL and there'd be bikers flying down the interstate at 80, weaving through traffic and wearing cut-off shorts with no helmet, no shoes and no shirt.

I leave you with this:

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and the obligatory:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rMbATaj7Il8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>​

Be safe and don't go startin' no bar brawls!

 

[JadeBrecks]

I have to get my Harley jabs!
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[Fbolt]

The MSF course is great-allows you to beat up a crap 125cc bike and teaches you useful fundamentals. Highly recommended.

Always be a safety nut! Wear appropriate clothes when driving (jacket, helmet, gloves)-drive uber defensively.

 

[BobD]

So guys I want a motorcycle. And I found one that I really like the look of. I didn't get too many details other than the price and name of the bike.

It's a yellow Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, used, for $4500. I know I should definitely be able to barter that price down, but what should I be looking into about this bike to determine a fair price? I didn't check the year or miles. (I know, I'm an idiot. I can go back and look at it soon though.)

What does your mother think about all this?

Take a safety course.

Wear a helmet, that way if you were wearing shorts and flip flops, they'll have a head to ID you.

Loud will save your life.

This is what I'm saving my Peso's for right now.

 

[JadeBrecks]

Nice BobD. This is my style dream bike only i want a jockey shift.

 

[BobD]

^Sweet!

 

[Fbolt]

Ride hard yet safe-my two bikes. I sure do miss them!

 

[AdmiralBackhand]

My brother has a triumph and it is probably the nicest cycle I have ever seen. I am not knowledgeable about bikes, but it would be an option since it's not a crotch rocket.

 

[BestBIrish47]

I have a 2000 Harley Deuce.. uploading pic.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I don't really want loud though. :/

Loud is almost a necessity. Besides a helmet it may be the single most important saftey feature. A quick twist of the throttle will let everyone around know where you are.

 

[BestBIrish47]

Loud is almost a necessity. Besides a helmet it may be the single most important saftey feature. A quick twist of the throttle will let everyone around know where you are.

This is very important to remember. People will not always see you, even if you are in the correct lane position. A little "pipe racking" lets everyone in the intersection know where you are.