Ive been looking for my new nightster and found several that are 07-08 w/ under 2000 miles but have had the oil changed a ran few times evry now and then so Im not worried sure they're pretty sound bikes. I just found an 08 today w/ 3 miles on it! Should that be something to worry about? Should I even start it w/o at least draining the gas and putting new in? Im sure it probably still has all the factory fluids etc. I haven't talked to the owner yet but Im really interested in this bike but worried about potential issues from no use in 5 years?

 

Might be an interesting story on why it sat unused.

 

3-miles...bike should be fine, other than fuel. I'd either drain/fill the tank, or trailer it home. As far as long term issues - nothing to worry about...JMO.

 

It is not so many years ago I saw an ad for a pre-WW2 bike with only a few miles on it. The owner frightened himself riding it home from the dealer and never rode it again! He had died so it was up for sale.

Doesn't matter why it has sat. I see no problem with seeing if it will start, however I would change all fluids and filter(s) if you buy it.

 

Thats kinda what I was thinkin, assuming it still has original break in fluid from factory in it do you think Im safe to start it up and give it a quick test ride before buying? I obviously will change all fluids ASAP if I buy it.

 

Sounds like a good find!

I'd look at the tires real carefully too. Be prepared to change them.

 

Other than the fuel I bet it's just fine. Check the tires though, if they went flat and sat that way they could be damaged. I saw an anniversary edition (copper) sporty at a local dealership that had single digit miles on it. Guy had bought it purely to look pretty in his apartment. When he grew bored of it, he put it on consignment at this place. Was nearly showroom.

 

I would drain the fuel before starting it. Add Sea Foam to the new gas. Add Sea Foam to the new oil. It won't hurt and will clean out whatever may be in there.

Is it a Duracell bike? I always did like them since they came out.

 

You will be able to feel the brakes, to check if they will pull up. It is unlikely they will fail in motion if they have a firm pull when static, just keep any ride to modest speeds! You may find the fluid looks dirty and brown when you flush them and if so it would be worth flushing them again after an interval. In fact I would be inclined, after changing all fluids, to change them again after say 1,000 miles.

 

Hello fron Redcar England.
I love a story like this, it makes the buy all the better. You don't say where you are from but if its a warm place and the bike has been stored in warm dry conditions should be worth a punt. If the bike is at a good price how can you not buy it. Three miles is from the dealers its been put together out of the crate oiled up and road tested. Sounds good to me. Its not that old that would give me any hang up's.
Good luck and give us some feed back we like a good story lol.
tbone