I am new (both to the site and biking,) and am trying to figure out what to do. Please be somewhat objective in reading and answering my post. This is what I've been thinking: I'd love to buy a new harley but am not going to be able to finance it. I should be able to buy a*newer* (2004-5) model. I am currently considering a 2004-5 XL1200 Custom. This is what I've found:

Private Partyealer:
2004, black,with Bags, windshield, backrest, 2005 with chrome tank trim and custom derby covers
stage 1 and rejetted; 8000Mi and $70008000 Mi and $8000
all work at dealer and papers to prove "one owner local trade"

ANYway; these are my questions<prepares self for flames>...

1) Would I be better suited buying a cheaper used/not used NON-harley for a first bike (have heard Shadow 750s are good for what you pay, as well asthat a person typically only holds onto their firstbike a few months--or is this not necessarily true) and save more money for a harley on the next go-round?
2) Is a sportster a decent bike tohave for a first bike(I have heard they are more top-heavy than metric bikes--granted this is coming from a Honda dealer...but I don't necessarily believe everything the Harley dealer tells me either)?
3) Am I better off buying an 883 that I'll be able to dress up a little bit to start off with or a 1200, and add on when I am able to (and also, will buying a 1200 help fend off the "need to upgrade" for at least a while; if not, I guess I'd be better off saving some cash and going with an 883, right?
4) How much improvement to performance do various upgrades offer (basically stage one and rejetting is it a very noticeable difference?
5) Would I be better suited buying a plainer (less chrome, no performance mods) from a dealer for a few hundred (anywhere from 200-600) more, or am I as good or better off in buying from a private party?
6) Related to 5, are bikes any more difficult to finance than cars (i.e. am I better off going to the dealer for in-house financing as compared to going to a bank for the private party bike)?
7) Also related somewhat to 5, are extended warranties worth it (i.e. do I need to spend/waste the money on this, or are Harleys a lot more reliable than rumor would have it)?

For those still with me, bless you; that's all I can think to ask for now. Please take time to answer if you have the time to. I have/am putting a lot of time and energy into this and would loveas muchinput as I can get. Thank you all in advance for your advice.

-anewharley

 

Buy American. You won't be sorry. Go with an 883 and do the 1200/1250 conversion later when you are looking for more power. You will find that with the HD you will be buying a first bike that you just might find you NEVER grow out of. Yes they are a bit top heavy, but nothing to be afraid of. If anything it will teach you to respect the bike and not get careless. IMHO, the 883 is your best bang for the buck. Mind you, if you are 6'1 or taller you may find the Sporty a bit too small, even with forward controls. I am 6' and it just me perfectly. If I were a bit taller it would not be as comfortable for me. Best to give them a sit and see for yourself of course. Good luck and with any of that luck we will be welcoming you to the family here soon.

~Andy

 

Gothmetals advice is sound. As far as finance is concerned, your credit rating will influence it greatly. Going either way has its advantage however, you may be able to find a better interest rate by going to a bank or credit union on your own. Dealers sometimes use institutions that they favor for their own benefit. Warranties? If you are on a budget, then forget about anything extended. Most of the time, you will end up doing the general maintainance yourself. Lots of good advice on the forums out there, especially this one to guide you through the simple stuff. The troublethat you will find is sometimes conflicting opinions and too much advice that can confuse you. Just watch who seems to have the better savvy on the forum and go from that. You will save money by going to the private sector but, buyer beware is the key there. There are some very good deals out there if you are knowledgeable and patient. As far as buying a metric, go ahead if you feel the need for the best bang for the buck is in that. Remember, you are the one who is going to be on that thing. And, you are the one that has to be satisfied in the long run. I can tell you that I am extremly happy with my ride, an 06, 883L. It has all that I really need for me, power, looks, costs, etc. Best of luck. Ride safe.

 

You'll probably get as many different answers as they are Sportster models...

Goth tells you an 883 which is a good bike... I'll tell you a 1200... for reasons of my own...

What you really need to do is get as much bike as you can for the money you have... I think if you are not too impatient you could find a deal better than both that you mentioned... especially when you consider mileage...

That's not to say 8000 miles on a harley is a lot of miles, because its barely broke in...

I've seen them with 2000/3000 miles for the same price...

Financing... if you're in good stead and have established credit your bank could offer you a good interest rate... A dealership has several sources to get you financed if its not. It's going to be all about what rate you would be willing to pay...

I found that Harley credit tier system requires a little higher beacon score to get the best rates as compared to cars and banks... it may have been I just hit them at the wrong time...

Personally I wouldn't give a dime for an extended warranty... They have so many clauses that many times you're not sure if it's going to cover an item or not... That is just from my experience as a service writer in the automotive industry...

You mentioned... Harley or Honda...

Do you really want a Harley or do you just want two wheels...

If you're really wanting a Harley... then I'd save... shop until I found the one I wanted and not settle for anything else... You'll regret not doing it in the long run...

The same for which model Sportster you want... What are you're plans in the long run... what do you want the bike to look like... what kind of performance are you looking for... Which one of the two is more important to you...

After you answer those questions then I would look for the bike that had the most of what you're looking for intially... it could be a lot easier on the wallet down the road...

Hope this helps...

Charlie D.

 

My credit has taken a few hits over the years, but HD did finance me. The interest rate is way high but livable. I've had used all my life and wanted another used one but went to the dealer looking at new 883s and ended up buying an 06 1200 with 1400mi for 7800$. I still have the rest of the warranty didnt buy the extended since I think they are a ripoff. I was looking at a 93 883 from a private pary for much less but it was harder to get the $$ for it.

 

One thing you forgot to ask about was insurance. From the sound of your post I would guess that you are fairly young, so your insurance may end up being a bit higher. What you need to do is ask your Harley dealer for the phone number to Harley's insurance service. It is a service that you call up, give them your information and they will find the best insurance price for you. I would still then check with Progressive and a few others so you have an idea of what you are getting into.

If you never rode before, go sign up for the MSF course, it is a good course and could get you an insurance discount as well. I got %10 discount for having completed MSF, which for me adds up to a whole $12 a year.

If you want to get a cheaper metric bike to start out with, that is cool too. We'll still wave at you when we see you riding. My first bike was a 1983 Yamaha Virago 500 that I bought for $900. I am glad I did it that way, I made some stupid mistakes on that bike that I would be devistated if I made them on my Harley. Plus it gave me time to learn to ride and get myself into a better financial situation where buying a7k - 8k bike was no big deal.

After riding the small 500, I went for a 1200 Sportster. It was right for me. I test drove, liked it, it was easy and fun to ride. I somtimes ride 2 up, so the extra tourque is good to have.

Whatever you do, have fun and be safe.

 

My $.02 is go take the MSF course first and foremost. You can always get an 883 for $6,500 brand new . Don't get in lust with a bike and then get buyers remorse, you will have waisted money. Do your home work, you can test ride any bike with a valid liscense at any HD dealership. Have fun see you in the wind, Dave...P.S. Harley will finance just about anybody and the 883's are $99 a month.

 

If you are lucky. The $6,500 dollar base price does not count the freight charge which adds another $3-500, plus if you want a color that is not black you will likely have to special order it and pay another $3-500. All of that is without any accessories at all. Lets say you want to add a 2 up seat, well you have to buy the rear passanger foot pegs, the seat, the sissy bar, and the pad for the sissy bar. At this point you are well over $8,000.
The $99 a month business is not as good as it sounds either, read the fine print. It is $99 for the first 2 years, then $200 for the remainder of the loan (or something along those lines)

I wen't through all this last year before I bought used.

 

Ditto all the solid advice above an I'll add my .02;

1) Not if your committed for the long haul. If yourdoubtful about motorcycling maybe you should buy a metric.
2) Yes. If the shoe fits, wear it.
3) I'm happy with my 1200, nice to have the extra power on tap + if you plan to 2up.
4) Yes. Stage1 will add approx. 15% HP/TQ and increases the efficiency + a couple MPG.
5) Depends. If your suited tothe mods then yes + usually the extras do not add much additional cost.
6) No, and get the lowest rate. My experience has been all they care about are the check and balances. They will mandate full coverage insurance.
7) No! (what's that comment about 'Rumor?') EW's fatten up their wallets more than any other gimmick. (what's that comment about 'Rumor?')...

 

If you already know how to ride fairly well, the '04 sounds like the better deal, but the previous owner has had an extra year ro thrash it. Best to take a test ride to make sure of the condition and then buy the bike that is better cared for.

If you don't ride as yet, take the MSF new rider course first, then go shopping. If you finish the course feeling confident (be honest with yourself here!), then go shopping for a Sportster. Otherwise, start with some secondhand commuter import and get some miles behind you first. If you don't crash it, you will probably get most or all of your money back when you are ready to sell and move up. If you do crash it, the loss will be easier to handle than if it were a bike that you really care about.