Hi all. I need some feedback and opinions. I just started riding this past summer with my starter bike being a 07 Honda Rebel a little 250 very good starter bike but as you can imagine I want to upgrade. I can currently have the opportunity to buy a 99 Harley Sportster 883 in which the engine has been bored out to a 1200. The bike has 38k miles on it. Still being new to motorcycling I have a few questions.

Is 38k miles a lot on this bike or even if its not should I be worried about general wear and tear brakes suspension and such being a 10 year old bike? What is high miles? Also should I be worried with the engine modifications or any other problems with this year and model?

Please let me know your opinions cause I am thinking about trading my Rebel in and paying $2000 for the Sportster but want to know if it’s a good deal or not. Thanks.

 

If you want the bike, go for it. Chances are, you're going to want a bigger bike within 2 years anyway.

 

You don't give us much info about this particular bike. The 883 is a great bike and if well maintained 38k is no big deal at all. Look it over good, preferably with a friend who knows more about bikes who can help you look at it before deciding (or take it to an indy shop and ask them to give it a look for you). Does the seller have service records? Is he the original owner?

Look at the tires, drive belt, service records if he has them. If the price is right you should be fine.

 

Sorry. Its actually from the local Harley shop they said mroe than willing to provide all the maintenance records. They took it in on a trade and asking $3500 for it. My 07 Rebel has 2000 miles on it and they will give me $1500 trade invalue.
The bike looks in great condition however they said they had to detail it up a bit. Didnt say anything about how hard is was ridden. I guess i was really concerned with the miles if thats high or not, being 10 years old and if the engine being bored out is bad or not?

Thanks for the feedback so far

 

Also note that 99 Sportsters were not rubber mounted engines. Its going to shake a bit, but some people love that!

 

Check the things that have already been mentioned. If it's a dealer trade-in they probably have an evaluation sheet that the service dept. did on the bike. Ask to see it. This will give you an idea of a mechanics opinion on the brakes, tires, etc. Be aware of brakes and tires that are near but not at replacement time. Look for chewed up fasteners. Rounded off, etc. It has been apart for the overbore, but looking other places will tell you whether a good mechanic or a butcher has maintianed it. If it looks good I wouldn't let the miles bother me.

 

read and ask this in the sporty section. more direct info there.

 

I would say the that $3,500 price is on the high side. The Average Retail value for a stock 883 is around $2,600. My suggestion (if you think a Sportster is the best next step for you) would be to look at a 1200. The NADA value for a 10 year old 1200 is around $3,700.

What you do is totally a personal decision and if you feel like it is a good deal, go for it. I just think if you are willing to buy a bike that is over ten years old and over 50,000 mile, you could get a better deal by shopping around. Try Craigslist or Cycle Trader.

 

Sell your Rebel in the paper, you should get $2100 to $2500 easy for it. Many people buy those bikes for trainers or for their wives. They also are great gas sippers and go pretty fast in the paper. The extra money and patience will help you find a nicer bike.

TM