Used Harleys For Sale
Don't buy a new Harley! With so many Used Motorcycles for sale at discount off new price, why spend the extra money? You don't even have to drive it off the dealers lot, as soon as you sign the papers on a new bike it depreciates 15% on the spot. Drive it off the lot and it drops in value by 20%. There are thousands of used Harleys for sale in virtually every conceivable configuration. One of the best used bike scenarios is the couple, married or not where the guy wants a new bike and talks the significant other into buying his and hers Harleys. She gets a new Sportster, maybe a Dyna and they ride it together a couple times, or maybe make a group ride. He starts going out with the guys, she loses interest and the brand new bike is in the garage and sits there for two years maybe three or four. The only mileage on it is going to the bike shop for routine service checks. I have seen a four year old Harley Sportster for sale with 212 miles on it. Three year old Harley with 2400 miles on it. The point is that if you are patient and shop around you can find low mileage Harleys at a fair price and sometimes at a steal.
Also in today's economy it isn't unusual to see the dreaded Harley Davidson Repo sales. One persons bad luck can turn out to be another's super deal. Sorry about that but that's just the way it is.
An advantage to buying through a Harley Dealer is that they have inspected the bike and have tuned it up and have it ready to ride. The dealer price will usually be more than from a for sale by owner deal but the dealer will often provide some type of warranty. It doesn't hurt to establish a rapport with the certified Harley Dealer in your area. You will eventually want to get the bike serviced, replace worn parts, or add some Harley Accessories.
Another good reason to buy used is that more often than not the original owner has already dumped an extra $2,000.00 in to extras, saddle bags, pipes, chrome this and that. The value of a used Harley can go well beyond the selling price in thousands in extras and Harley accessories.
Here are some ideas to help you save money but also to buy a like new but used Harley Davidson Motorcycle.
I prefer a used motorcycle with less than 6,000 miles on it. A 2005 Sportster with 6K on the odometer has been ridden less than 1,000 miles a year. That works out to about 80 miles a month. That is not hard riding considering that the average car stacks up 1,000 or more miles a month. Once you start looking you will find many used Harleys for sale with much less than 6K on them.
I also prefer Used Harley Sportsters over the other models but that is a personal choice. I like to look of the Sportster, the sound, and I don't make long rides. For long rides, comfort in the saddle, and if you are a large rider, large meaning tall or otherwise, then a bigger Harley may fit you better. You want to be able to sit on the bike with legs slightly bent. You should be able to rock the bike off the kick stand and easily hold it and balance it.
If you like to go on long rides and road trips then mag wheels may be the way to go. I like the look of spoke wheels, especially the front but if you have a flat tire then the mag wheels with tubeless tires are the best bet. Tubeless tires can be plugged just like a car tire. Spoke rims require tubes and tubes require tire removal and patching. A lot more work and expense. Mag wheels are just a lot less trouble and maintenance than spoke wheels.
Harley Sportster Specs - The newer Sportsters built after 1995 are belt drive, have fuel injection, and are either 883 Cu. In. or 1200 Cu. In. The frames are the same but countershaft sprocket are different in number of teeth.
Harley Sportster 1200 - The stroke is the same between the 883 and the 1200, the 1200 has a 3.5 inch bore and a 3.81 stroke and the 1200 comes with a 28 tooth countershaft pulleys.
Harley Sportster 883 - The stroke is the same between the 1200 and the 883, the 883 has a 3.00 inch bore and 3.81 stroke. The 883 comes with a 27 tooth countershaft sprocket.
Harley Sportster Custom - Customers can tailor the 1200 Custom to their personal tastes by choosing options like wheels, handlebars, seats, paint, foot controls, security system and engine finish. All you have to do is choose from the listed Genuine Harley Davidson Parts and accessories.
Harley Sportster Nightster - Essentially a Sportster trimmed in flat black. Rims, frame, headlamp, turn signals, and hand controls are black. Chopped fenders, side mounted license plate, slash cut exhaust. Either you like the Nightster or you don't. Personally I don't care for it.
Harley Sportster Parts - When it comes time to replace worn or broken parts use genuine Harley Davidson Parts. They last longer and keep up the value of your bike.
Harley Sportster Manual - There are free down loads available for Harley service manuals but use caution. Many of these free download sights are sources for computer virus and mal ware. Safer way is check out Harley manuals on EBay, Amazon.com, and buy a Clymer manual online that runs in the $30 to $50 range but well worth it.
Harley Sportster Motors - The Harley Davidson Evolution motors are the best. If you can find a 1995 or newer Harley engine then that has belt drive, fuel injection. Unless you are restoring a classic, I would stay away from the older engines.
Harley Sportster Tank - Several tank variations available. I like the small old style Sportster fuel tank. Not as practical on a road trip because of the small size but looks sharp.
Harley Sportster Seat - Many seats available, single seat, double seat, custom seat, leather seat.
Harley Sportster Exhaust - I prefer the stock Sportster exhaust. I like the look and the sound. There are many exhaust variations and many aftermarket pipes and exhaust systems.
Harley Sportster Battery - Batteries have a life span of up to five years. Some last longer, depends on the climate and maintenance.
Saddlebags for Harley Sportster - Leather saddlebags, plastic saddlebags, several styles and manufacturers of saddlebags for Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Forward Controls for Harley Sportster - Add forward controls
Harley Sportster Cover - Keep your Harley covered, protected, and dust free. A cover for your Harley is a good investment even when stored inside a garage.
Harley Davidson Wheels - many styles of wheels to customize the look of your Harley. Spoke wheels are beautiful but may not be the best choice if you ride a lot. A flat on a mag wheel can be plugged just like an auto tire. A flat on a spoke rim requires a lot more labor, cost, time, and care to keep from damaging that beautiful spoke rim.
I don't want anything older than 1992 because that's when Harley introduced belt drive. No chain service to worry about. I don't want a bike older than 1995 because that is when they introduced fuel injection. I also prefer a bike in the $4,000.00 to $6,000.00 dollar range. This is not hard and fast because once in a while that 3 year old Harley Sportster with 212 miles on it is sold for $3,800.00. Just have to keep looking, the deals are out there. New deals are added to the list every day.