Gave up on the bankruptcy thread I see...

 

I don't know how much you know about Harleys. You didn't seem to have a clue that there weren't 1997 Street Glides. Then you want to know if you should get a "new engine" or "upgrade the sound system"?? Really? You're gonna buy a bike that you think may need a new engine? How many miles are on the bike? Does the guy have maintenance records? IMHO, a 1997 touring bike, if it runs and shifts, is worth far more than $2,000. Heck, an old iron head Sportster in running condition is worth that much. Leads me to believe that something is seriously WRONG with the bike. You said it looks good for it's age. If it looks good, then there's a reason he only wants $2,000 for it. He could part it out for that. You may be buying a $2,000 headache.
Have you ridden the bike, or even heard it run? Did the guy selling it tell you it was a Street Glide? Does he even know what it is? Just a lot of weird things about this whole deal, imho.You should get someone who knows Harleys to go take a look at it with you. I'm not trying to "bust your chops", just trying to maybe save you from buying a whole lot of trouble.

Just looked up KBB on a 1997 Electra Glide................$5800.

 

Look over the bike . Start it and ride it if possible. then decide from that. For me it it rides and drives ok. A cheap winter bike. Do needed maintenance. Do repairs as needed. I wouldn't drop a bunch of money in it trying to update everything.

 

We really need more details. As stated $2000 is a red flag to me. I assume that by new engine, you are thinking something more modern? Stereo would be the last thing I would be concerned about at that price level. But agreed, fire it up, test ride it. Treat the purchase as if it were a $10,000 purchase, because in the end, it very well could be. JMHO

 

And can you do your own wrenching?

OK, so factoring in the bankruptcy let's presume you're going to have zero credit rating and have to pay cash for stuff.

In those circumstances, building a older bike and upgrading it in dribs and drabs as you can afford to makes sense.

You still did not answer any practical questions about this bike and so it is giving absolutely zero impression that the whole thing is real. It is just a dream.

If I had less than $4000, I would go buy an equivalent aged Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 instead, or even a Yamaha V Star, just ride it, and keep save up your money.

I'd probably make a priority to pay off my worthy debtors first though.

Tell us more about this bike, whether it is real or stolen etc.

 

 

I think the OP has bowed out.

 

I would buy it and do basic maintenance and ride. save the money for modding this bike. at 1500 a month u can have 15 k this time next year to pay cash for something newer and have a bike to sell or trade in. or keep, because u may just love it.

 

How much do you want to spend? I just did a makeover on my 07 RG. S&S T-111 motor-Baker 7 speed trans-new suspension-heavy duty clutch-starter-compensator sprocket-bushings-final drive belt and sprocket for 15K, it's less than a new bike and way better,

 

I think that would be cool. fix it up as you go.Probably easier to fix on the side of the road if you had to. I still miss the kick start, took me many years to get over that one.

keep a low financial profile and buy bitcoin? Alot of people like to do both, you would be suprised.