Long time reader, first time writer. I am buying my first HD, trying to decide between 2 bikes and could definitely use some advice.

1) 2003 Sportster 1200 custom. 6,016 miles. $5500. Dealership certified with upgraded shocks and exhaust, the rest is stock

2) 2002 Sportster XL1200. 20,026 miles. $3800. Well maintained, saw the service records. Just had the 20K tuned up, Suspension was changed and fork oil changed at 17k and Break pads were changed and break liquids changed at 13k. Bike has Linbar, Progressive Shocks, Mustang wide seat, detachable windshield etc.

My wife and I just had our first baby, so price is a factor. Im just debating the gamble of buying an uncertified bike to save $1800.

 

hell no. Miles are everything, go with the Custom. I mean obviously look over both. But the dealership one is probably better, and easy financing if you arent paying cash. They go through all the DMV hassle. I enjoy that at least. I hate wasting time running around and going through all of that stuff.

 

Just be aware that before 2004, they had solid mount engines and you'd get pretty strong vibrations over 60. I have both styles, over 60 on the 2000 will numb my hands, but my 2004 rubber mounted is very smooth at 90.

 

Ridiculous!

A friend recently bought a MINT 2009 XL 1200C with 995 miles for $6500.

You haven't shopped enough.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by lo-rider

Ridiculous!

I agree. For $5,500 you should be able to get a very good rubber mounted modelwith fuel injection, i.e. 2007 or later! Keep looking.

 

+1, You'll get a lot better bike for less cash from a private sale. They don't call them stealers for nothing. Start surfing Craigslist in a 150 mile or more radius. Your bike is out there, just waiting to be discovered. If financing is an issue, your local bank will do better than the dealer anyway.

 

Actually around me that $5500 for the 03 is a fairly common ASKING price. I wouldn't pay it but they are everywhere from 3500-5500 here. I would go for the 03 1200 since I am partial to them (that is what I have) but only if they would go down a bit on price. Throw some ISO grips on it to curb some vibrations and ride ride ride.

 

if your going solid mount i'd go with the 2002 if it appeals to you. if it is well maintained you can easily get 100,000 miles out of these engines and if you price all the add ons you listed i bet it is over $2000 to buy all of them. however i wouldn't buy it just to save money if it is not what you really want. my recommendation would be to invest a little more and get rubbermount and efi. you won't be sorry.

 

Both are over priced. The 03 is ridiculous at $5500 IMO. Like others have said, you can get a nice 1200 cc 2004 & up Rubber Mounted at that price.

 

Too high. I picked up an '05 at our dealer last month. 15k miles. Bunch of extras. $3500. I know prices vary by area. I'm in coastal Ca, where you'd expect them pretty high