Here is my dilemma.

2003 883 sportster with 800 miles on it, good condition asking 3500
Or
2004 883 sportster upgraded to 1200 with 33,000 miles still good condition asking 3900

My questions: what is the first thing you look at when comparing two bikes. Is it the milage or the size of displacement? I like the 1200 power but 33,000 miles concern me. Does the fact that it's rubber mounted make it enough to go for the higher milage bike.

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Thanks eh

 

I believe both are overpriced by approximately $1,000. Both will require something (tires / brakes/ fluids/ battery). I would try and snag the low mileage '03 for $2,500. If exceptional I would still not go higher than $3,000.

 

Sorry it was 8000 miles not 800

And 3500 is too much for a 03? I'm from Canada and I know our prices are a little high. So what would be a good deal in USA for a good condition 03-04? 2500-3000??

Any help would be great thanks

 

Kelly Blue Book lists bike prices. I would start there.

 

I don't know if people get anywhere near what they're asking, but sportsters under $3000 are kind of rare on Craigslist - and that's USA wide, on the nation wide search page (http://www.searchallcraigs.com). I usually check local Craigslist a few times a week, too. I'd seriously consider an 04 1200 for $3900 if it was close enough to ride home. I wouldn't get another sold mount engine (I have an '00 883), unless it had some parts I wanted for my bike; swap them out and then sell it again. But I don't know if prices between Canada and the US are similar.

 

A 1200 in Canada for $3900? I wouldn't wait too long on it.

If its been maintained and in good condition, I think that's a deal.

 

I would go for the '04 myself.

 

I would prefer a rubber mount and if that also gets you a 1200, it's no contest!

I've owned Harleys since the 70s and kept looking at Sporties as a second bike, but only when the rubber mounts came out did I feel I could own one.

 

+ Dwagar,that is a good price in Canada,they won't be around long.

 

Who did the conversion? That would be my biggest concern! Rubber vs solid...Solid all the way!
33,000 is nothing on a sporty motor, as long as it was maintained well.
8,000 the bike is just broken in.