Going to look at a 2001 FXDX tomorrow which I finally found in my area and in my budget! Never bought a used Harley before from a stranger, so I'm looking for what to ask/look for so I know its all good.

1. its a 2001 with 5,000 miles. Any way to be sure that is correct, and he didnt swap odo's?

2. it is bone stock, which I like because I assume it wasnt beat on much - I know to check for rubber stuck under the rear fender, anything else?

3. What kind of other questions should I be asking? Should I try to do a compression test? Check the plugs? What else?

4. Anything specific to these bikes to look for? Something known for failing?

Thanks! Hopefully I'll have a new ride soon!

 

Is he the original owner? If not...then what about the mileage...

Bring a little inspection mirror and a flashlight; you can see into tight spots like underneath and inside the drive belt opening; might give you more clue as to actual mileage. Some places are only clean once...

Good luck...

 

Good idea, thanks! Keep em coming guys, dont want to make an expensive mistake (like I did with my last snowmobile...eek!) Thanks

 

Sounds like a great deal!

 

If its in your budget and you like it buy it. There is not to many stock dx's out there. Have fun!

 

Go for it! They are quite special bikes. Definitely take the flashlight and mirror though.

 

I don't know what your budget is but finding an FXDX with 5K is getting harder every day. Fantastic Bike no matter what. ask if he has any reciepts from the dealer from service, should have odometer reading on it!

 

Use the flashlight in side the tank and check for rust too. Make sure it is cold before you start it as well.

 

I would not focus so much on whether the mileage is correct as I would focus on overall condition. Alot of things can need attention on a bike if it has been neglected for a number of years. First thing I always do is check the paperwork and the vin. numbers on the bike. If the paperwork (title) has any issues - I walk. No sense spending a morning going over a bike with a fine tooth comb to then find out there are issues with the paperwork. Next look at the service records. When I inspect a bike I start at the front and then systematically and slowly work back. I look for evidence of crash damage, neglect and/or rust, ham-handed repairs, and anything that doesn't look "right". Finally, listen carefully to the motor. If the owner does not allow test rides then I will do two things. First, I will have him ride the bike up and down the street. Second, I will have him ride a route that we agree upon and I will follow in my vehicle. From this observation you can learn almost as much as a test ride. GOOD LUCK!

 

Good information posted above. If the tires are original they'll obviously both need replaced due to age. With only 5K on a 12 year old bike I would assume it's sat unused a good deal of the time. Hopefully the owner drained the tank, or kept StaBil in it. Take the cap off and see if it smells like gasoline or varnish. It's a good sign for the carb if it quickly starts up from cold and will idle w/o choke once warm. Unless the battery was recently replaced and kept on a Tender it'll probably need replaced.