I don't live in CA...I live in FL...around here for that you should be able to get either a solid running ironhead or a solid mount 1995-2003 883 with less miles
Opinions are like assholes but here is mine: either lowball him on an offer and virtually steal it, or wait for a 5 speed 1200 with less miles for $3k-3,500. I think you will be much happier in the long run.
Not bad, but not fantastic. I agree with Salty on the tranny. I wouldn't buy a 4 speed but I'm 6'1 and 220lbs so I need more gears than I currently have, haha.
I say this, for that price it had better run well, and you had better be planning to learn to work on it. It's going to need some work before too long and if you have to pay the dealership to do it, you'll run up a $1,000-$2,000 tab pretty quickly. If that's the case, then you could have bought one 10 years newer, with a lot less miles on it.
Not too say that I'm the most fantastic wrench in the world, don't get me wrong, but with motorcycles, it is often true that you get what you pay for. Not always, but often.
Oh damn, a 4 speed? I totally didn't know that. I'm learning stuff already.
Would that make it shitty for a freeway commuter bike?
Yes, unless you weigh about 100 lbs. I once read someone describing a test ride on an 883 and this is the best way to describe it: A 1200 Sporty accelerates like a Mustang (you know, the car), while an 883 accelerates like a Jeep.
If that doesn't make sense, visit your local Jeep dealer, haha.
the 4 speed has the same final drive.. just first gear is too high. i got my 94 1200 for 2800.. I'd just try for a pre- 04 5 speed...remember, for 500 bucks more you can turn an 883 into a pretty fresh 1200 and kinda has better a better snap to it, insurance may be cheaper since its below 1000 cc... and uhh, yeah, go nuts
Yes I agree with the guys above. A 4 speed isnt as nice as a 5 speed, and hell now jims even sells a 6 speed gear set for newer sportsters. Yes, you will be happier with a 1200. But you can always slap a 1200 top end kit in the bastard down the line. Not a bad price, not a landslide amazing price. BUT, that can be a point for you to get a lower price on it. Tell him for a few hundred more you can get a 5 speed 1200 sporty and you are thinking more around that 1900-2100 range. Ironheads and a lot of older bikes are 4 speed and i ride the shit out of my IH. In the end, even if you got it for 2k, a 1200 5 speed is always a better option.
eh.....its ok. got any pics. a 90 model will have the 4 speed tranny . which is a major drawback in my book. offer 1750. see what happens
Curious as to why a 4 speed is a major draw back? My sporty is a 4 speed and its awesome. Less shifts, more usable in the first and second gear riding in the city.
any sporty with 25k is simply 2 wheels carrying a bunch of parts that need replacing right now or real soon. especially a 4 speed evo. now it just got interesting.... parts for my 99 are 'obsolete' according to the dealer. do you really want dive in with something that is likely going to need so much work?
do you want to rider or wrench (or learn to wrench) on a bike that is hard to get parts for an not that common?
old guy, multiple bikes, needs a project - maybe, but not $2500.
any sporty with 25k is simply 2 wheels carrying a bunch of parts that need replacing right now or real soon. especially a 4 speed evo. now it just got interesting.... parts for my 99 are 'obsolete' according to the dealer. do you really want dive in with something that is likely going to need so much work?
do you want to rider or wrench (or learn to wrench) on a bike that is hard to get parts for an not that common?
old guy, multiple bikes, needs a project - maybe, but not $2500.
new guy, only bike, wants to ride - not a chance.
pass on this one, bud.
That does sound like something a dealership would tell you.
I've been riding and wrenching on my old-ass Virago for years. Part of the reason I want an EVO Sporty is the unbelievable availability of parts (OEM and aftermarket) and the fact that you can't throw a rock without hitting a guy that knows exactly how to fix one because they're super common. If you've got the internet, you've got access to Sporty parts.
Also, aren't EVOs supposed to the pinnacle of Harley reliability? I know that's not saying much compared to a Honda or something, but I thought these bikes were relatively problem free?
Hold out for a five speed unless it is what you want. If you can find a 1200 all the better, got my 94 883 for 2500 up here. Anything under 3 grand up in WA is a good deal. If you get a 883 your gonna want to do the 1200 conversion in a couple weeks, and mabey throw in some cams as well to get the extra torque if your over 200 lbs or plan on two up riding.
This is redundant but to me the smart money is spend $500 to $1000 more and get a 1200 & 5 speed or shop until you find a 1200 with a 5 speed at $2500 in this economy there are motivated sellers out there...
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