I'm looking at 2 used bikes today and tomorrow and I need some help.

One is a 2002 HD Sportster 1200 Custom. Looks VERY clean...I'm talking show-room new condition with only 3000 miles on it.

The 2nd is a 1993 HD Softail Custom. Has over 20K miles on it. Custom paint...looks very clean and a good paint job. Chrome looks good, and it also looks to be well taken care of.

I can get either bike for $6,000.

Which would you pick...and why?

I am an experienced rider, and have owned 4 HD's in my life (2 Sportsters, 1 Road King, and 1 FXR3).

 

You want comfort or agility?

The Sportster has speed and agility in the turns due to it's high center of gravity.

the Softail will not corner as fast as the sporty and has a lower center of gravity but has a bigger engine. The seat and suspension along with the internally balanced motor makes for a smooth comfortable ride. (The Softail is heavier though...)

 

Out of those two - the 2002 is my choice hands down. Nine years is a lot!

That said - I'd keep looking.

 

Here is a picture of both bikes.

Sportster: http://c.im.craigslist.org/sV/ia/R3G...YfOVKPyrSS.jpg

Softail: http://a.im.craigslist.org/M3/D6/1KN...t6tUUwtemY.jpg

 

A Rigid mount EVO sporty 1200or a Rigid mount EvoSoftail1340, both are going to shake like hell out on the highway. The Sporty will be quicker around town. The softail will feel better to cruise on.

I'd take the Softailany day and twice on Sunday...

 

I would keep looking. I bet you can find a nice rubber mounted Sporty for pretty close to the same money (2004 and up are rubber mounted)

 

I just talked to the owner of the Softail, and I'm going to look at it tomorrow.

I'm leaning (heavily) towards the Softail, and unless it's just a pile of crap (doubt it) in person I fully expect to ride it home tomorrow after work!!

Wish me luck.

 

I would hold out for a newer sporty. Like Whaap said above, you can probably find a nice 2004 or newr rubber mount sporty for the same money your going to pay for the older bikes. Take a look in your local auto trader or even Ebay.

 

Keep looking.

 

I don't know where you guys get your info, but there is NO way a newer model (2004-newer) 1200 Sportster Custom (the ONLY Sportster I'd consider) is going to be available for $6,000 or less.

I don't know about your market...but at least not down here in Texas. To find a used big twin under $10K is a miracle in and of itself.