maintenance costs; super cheap, just one hole for oil, MPG's are around 50 plus, no valves adjustment, belt will long last 100k miles.

a more reliable bike than a Sportster? ..I'll said impossible,Sporty Evo is bullet proof! ..Had one 1998, I put more than 100k miles and never saw a shop.

I think for 5k dollars you can find a newer bike, 2004 up should be your target, 2007 had EFI.

You need to check on the Sporster section; check out this link from a local HD on my area.
http://www.oldgloryhd.com/custompage.asp?pg=used

 

Hello and Welcome to the HDForums.

 

I bought an '09 1200 two years ago with only 800+ miles on it, have added 10,000 myself riding seven months out of the year. I have loved every minute of it. The only expenditures I have made were for scheduled maintenance, which you can do yourself, and repairs after a deer attack.
But my sportster runs like a top.
You didn't mention this, but I bought a sportster because I am just an average sized rider, 5'10", so I didn't want a great big road bike to ride around town and to work every day (someday, for that big highway trip maybe). That might be a consideration. Your other bike was probably pretty easy to handle.
Does your dealer rent bikes? Ours used to. Try renting/borrowing a H-D for a couple weeks.
And if you buy it, there are lots of ways to dress it up and improve performance while keeping the sportster reliability and simplicity.
Once you settle on what you can pay, I think you will be very happy with a Harley.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome

 

If you want new technology, look at Victory. If you're like me, you won't be happy till you get a Harley. Then you'll be broke- but satified. I'd shop around and try to buy from an individual or price other dealers like Abernathey's in Union City, Tn. I had to travel 350 mi. one way, but I bought my Road King off Ebay and everybody agrees I got a steal. Take your time and be willing to walk away, it will pay off in the end.

 

Its a Sportster Sport, right? I had a 2001. They are a desirable Sporty and at one time were the fastest production bikes Harley made. If it is a clean bike, then it is an OK deal. Not a great deal, but it is a dealership. They were $11k new. Get them to throw in a helmet and some T-Shirts or gloves. Buy it and keep it. Don't trade it in later. Like I said, it is a desirable bike.

 

Welcome!

 

FWIW. '05 Sportster, purchased used in '06 with less than 2k on it. Bullet proof. No problems whatsoever.

Keep your eyes open, you can find an '04 or even '05 for 4k or less. Rubber mounted engine. Finance privately and you'll get a better rate and can open up your prospects outside the dealership.

Good luck.

 

Welcome.
If you can swing it, go for it. You only live once......right? -bb