How-To Guide: What To Look For When Purchasing A Used Harley-Davidson Sportster
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- čas přidán 3. 10. 2019
- This video is brought to you by www.lowbrowcustoms.com
Looking to buy a used Harley-Davidson Sportster on the old Craig's list or Facebook market place? Are you not sure what to look for when you finally find one you like? What is a good deal, or what could help talk the price down or close that deal? Don't worry, we got you covered. In this how-to guide, Todd walks you through all the steps he takes when buying a used motorcycle and he specifically talks about a 2003 HD 883 XL Sportster we recently purchased for an up coming project. Tips, tools and things to look out for when looking at a bike. Don't be scared if the first deal falls through, these older year Sportsters are all over the place. Find the best one for you, wether its just ride it the way it is or if you are looking for a blank canvas to start your first custom build. We are here to walk you through it! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
(Has $1.83 in bank account) “Yes I will watch this entire video and shop online for a bike for sale”
And here i am 10 months later doing the same thing.
I mean, here in Germany just rich people paying cash for new bikes/cars although bikes are more or less already purchasable for cash..
I've never held a motorcycle licence or owned a motorcycle but watched to the end and found this a wealth of info and very interesting .
Yeh great video!
How to take check 2002 Harley Davidson Sportster why when you crank it it'll run for 30 seconds and go dead it won't crank no more until you turn the switch off and turn it back on and crank it right back up run up 30 seconds what could it be
Is that Because of a bad relay
I've owned 3 motorcycles and getting my 4th and have never had a motorcycle license lol
@@joogullae3456 I only rode my dads farm bike .
I just bought a 2003 883 100th anniversary with 6000 miles on it for 3500 bucks thought that was a wicked deal
I agree with most here. It's best to go through the motions and QUIETLY make mental note of all defects. Do not get too verbal talking about it all with the seller. He will get the message without you pissing him off. Then make a reasonable offer after inspection. He will likely shake it off which is fine. Offer your number and let him know your offer is good for a few hours but you are leaving to look at more bikes... And walk away. If your offer was reasonable you will be stopped before you leave
Thank-you friend
As someone who has only been riding a few years, I own a 2021 sportster IRON, my first newer bike and I have to say, all your videos, wether about engine tear apart or this one, I appreciate it all. I've been watching basically on loop oldest to newest. Thanks LOWBROW CUSTOMS!
Check the drive belt if dryrotted it will leave you stranded it will snap. Every used Harley I bought the first thing I always did was replace the belt. Just because it doesn't look dryrotted doesn't mean it ain't.
you guys are killing it with the super-informative videos lately. wish this video existed when i bought my first (and second) used evo sportster!
Some of the things you are showing I already knew but I will admit that I am always learning and being reminded from you .. Thanks ! Your videos are kind of videos I can and like to learn from...
Buying my first Harley this weekend thanks for the tips
I don’t know why people keep saying that a Sportster’s no good for touring. I have a 97 883 (that’s in the process of becoming a 1275) and for the past 15 years I’ve toured all over Eastern Australia on it with no problems. I have it set up for long distance riding and have covered 500 + miles in a day more than once. I grew up on 1960’s and 70’s Triumphs and Nortons, so maybe I’m hardened a bit, but I like being able to mix it through the twisties whenever I’m on a long ride and a nice bit of road presents itself. I run a 29 tooth sprocket on the transmission end of the belt and that gives me revs that are just right for highway speeds without sacrificing too much lower down. The fact that larger Harleys are way more expensive than Sportys is a factor for sure, but I like the Sportster for its reliability and agility, among other things.
You want comfort, buy a BMW.
get your self a 07-11 Dyna, it's like the big brother to a sportster, has way more power than a sportster, handles the same and is 5x's more comfortable, just a suggestion, you'll never go back to a sportster once you ride a Dyna. Back to your point, the Sportster is a rock solid bike after 1992, just keep the Dyna in mind, it's a better bike in every way. Then the BMW, if one works on their bike BMW's are great, but if one is a yuppy and sends their bike to the shop for work, then be prepared to shell out big bucks for EU parts and labor costs.
this is my favorite motorcycle information channel by far. no joke the second i seen this guys appearence the first video i watched i immediately trusted anything he had to say about harleys. all the videos are very clear and full of knowledge.
Great Vid. I purchased a 98 Sportster 1200 95th anniversary edition a few months ago. It had 27,000 miles on it and I got it for a little under 2k. The bike runs great!! The only thing I had wrong with it was a few minor things were loose. It also had some rust spots, but the steel wool like you mentioned along with Lime away made the bike look new. She still running strong.
I lost my '03 1200 seventeen years ago, and am now set to (finally) purchase one - same as you have, just all black - with VERY low mileage on it. I cannot thank you guys enough for the point-by-point guidelines you have presented here, and which have allowed this total mechanical amateur to be granted SOME kind of vocabulary and insight on which to proceed without being a total sucker. I continue to watch your videos and encourage you to continue on. All thanks.
I love this guy... so quirky but full of good information.
Extremely helpful, looking to get my first bike and I was actually considering a used sportster I found in my area, this vid gave me a lot more knowledge on what to look for
Well done, very helpful video. Many of these evo sportys tend to collect a good portion of the engine oil inside the crankcase after sitting for a long period without being started. Be careful with adding any oil until you crank the engine over a few times at least or start and run for a few seconds then check the tank level. Another thing these are notorious for is the oil tank tabs being cracked and leaking at the welds on the backside of the tank where the rubber mounts screw into.
Just purchased an 03 sprorty picking it up with my truck tomorrow...love your videos. Great harley content and knowledge. Will be religiously watching this channel for a the next year.
I am about to buy my first ever bike and this video was so informative! This guy is knowing what he's doing and I would have never thought of checking all these details. Will definitely help me look like I know what I'm doing when shopping for a used bike 😅 thanks a lot
Excellent, highly informative video. Thanks for posting this, I always enjoy Lowbrow's videos, and you never disappoint! Keep up the great work.
Thanks Todd and LB for this. Used it when buying my first HD, a 2007 XR1200R and got $200 off the price from something I saw here. Appreciate it!
Really well done. I'm looking for an Evo Sportster right now so this was very helpful.
Thank you.
Never owned a Harley yet. But I constantly watch how to videos on sportsters for some reason. I feel like by the time I have one I'll be able to maintain it so great. All the upgrades for it are simple enough to where it makes it seem pointless to own a different bike. In my opinion
That was a masterclass in checking out a used bike.
This gentleman is such a great presenter, love his casual, relaxed style.
Best video on the topic. Grabbing a Sportster this summer, and now I’m prepared. Thanks!
This fall I bought a 2009 Harley Sportster 1200C with 2800 miles on it for $3700. Great bike and has treated me well in the 500 miles I put on it this winter!
2800 miles! Basically a New Bike - & Dirt Cheap! I wish I could find one that cheap, here in Australia you won't find one under 6k no matter the Age or Mileage!👍😁
looking to purchase my first harley in a few days, the timing of this video couldn't have been better, thank you! great advice!
i was lucky i got a good deal on a 98 sportster
I have a used 2016 Sportster for sale if you're interested. Low mileage.
@@ericgreen9087 Thanks Eric, Already bought one now, all the best
@@MrJohnydrift what did you end up picking up? Congrats!
@@jonnymac8925 I bought a Silver 2006 Sportster 883 XLH, only had 3600 miles on the clock and thats what I payed for it too.
Just sent this informative picture show to my Grandson who is going to look at an 09 Sporty tomorrow morning. He bought an 89 XLH a month ago,,,, the kid has his priorities straight.
Outstanding video. I dig your knowledge and your presentation style. Great information.
Nice. Good clear and simple guide to the basic stuff to look for. Well done!
Picked up my first Harley a lil over a year ago, 06 Sportster 1200 Custom, got it for $2300, 38k miles, needed carb cleaned and battery replaced, I rebuilt the carb, noticed they had the thunderslide kit installed with the screaming eagle intake and jet kit, santee short shot pipes, I went ahead and did the full service, tuned the carb, added 10mm plug wires, new brakes, and a few cosmetic upgrades, just now ordered the new battery, made the old one last over a year riding it around town, couldn't ask for a better riding bike man! Gonna start riding it daily to save on fuel, but just wanted to say you are spot on with this video brother!
Great guide. I wish I had seen this prior to purchasing mine. Thanks for sharing this.
As usual from this guy at LowBrow great video, very informative down to earth advice , If I might just say ,low mileage isn't always a good thing, doing a couple of miles to the shops doesn't do the engine any favours. Probably the owner thought that he hasn't got to 5000 miles so it doesn't need an oil change, so the oil has been in there for years, water an all. Buyer beware,,,,,, Great video .....
Superb how-to video. Will definitely help my purchase next week.
As a 21 year old looking at older sportsters for my first bike this video was perfect and I learned exactly what I was hoping to and more. Thank you!
Very informative, you brought up some very good points that I had not thought about before.
Nice video...great job. Picking up a 2002 Sportster tomorrow. Very helpful and kept my interest all the way.
Another great video, thanks low brow!
Im looking at a 2003 sportster after only owning kawasakis and this video was exactly what i was looking for!!
Thanks for the tutorial. Nice points for one new to the Harley World!
Excellent advice Mate. My '91 XLH1200 was wonderful, had it for 12 yrs, would have another Sportie (with warmer cams this time) in a heartbeat.
This is a great video. I’m in the process of looking at an XL883L 2005
I will take all of this information you just shared and taught me in the purchase of my first bike.
Thank you.
This Video was TOTALLY AWSOME.. Thanks Man!!
Love your content, always so informative and to the point 🤟
Too each his own, I myself have ridden and been around bikes most of my life. Ridden dirt track, mostly on a 750 Harley. Ridden from one end of this great country too the other checking the beautiful sites. Built many bikes myself from British too Japanese. But always returned to the great Harley. The sporty you broke down or stripped out made me sad. Especially being the 100 year anniversary special. Just thought you should have found one that was in lesser condition and did your magic. I’m now hitting 80 and that’s not the speed zone. Still up on two wheels and don’t see getting off any time soon. The total freedom of riding is the best for clearing the old head. Like your thoughts. Just a different view about screwing with a good machine. But thinking back, I’ve made a few bobbers back in the early 60s. Nothing like what the youth say a bobber is today. My first Sportster was my brothers 1957. Loved the bike, and so did the young women. Keep the bugs off your teeth and stay up on the two wheels. As you my know, the black top isn’t forgiving.
Thorough. This time of the year don't hurt negotiations neither.
-11b4p
Great advice! I'll be buying a used Harley in a week and will use the tips given here. Thanks man!
Well Todd, thank you for your service. Subscribed.
Thank you !! I will see my first HD tomorrow, I will use your tips!
I have the same 2003 100th Anniversary Sportster and got a lot of great tips from this video. Well done!
Would you rather have an 883 over a 1200?
Going2 look at a Sportster today & I thought I was quite well informed on buying my wheels & what to check but I found out new stuff I should check for. watching this video helped big time.
Many thanks. invaluable info!👌
Wish me luck it’s my first Harley it’s only taken me till I’m nearly 60 to even entertain one. Why?
Was a no brainer in my opinion, they look cool ,sound amazing , VERY COMFORTABLE positioning for us mid aged dudes with bad backs.
Only thing I’m bit weary about is the gearing being forward positioned but willing to give it a go! (Can change it back if required)
I’m Scottish & had a few Triumphs back in my youth (yes they had the obligatory oil leak nobody seemed bothered by 😂) moved on to Sports bikes mainly & now have no need for speed just the need for riding up in the Scottish Highlands on a cool & comfortable set of wheels.
A Harley Sportster ? Hope so!✊🏼
Ps: Rags going in my back pocket
😏😉✌️
I appreciate this video been looking at sportsers. Gonna buy one in spring👍
Great video, very helpful.
Enjoyed your video. Just bought one of these sportsters last week for the hell of it. I didn't go through all the steps you mentioned but it's a trusted shop.
I am going to try all that out next week when I see my guy, very thankful!
Thanks i forgot a few of these things to look at great video
That bike looks great!
Thank you! Great video and helped me a lot.
super helpful video and perfect timing there is a crazy amount sportsters for sale in my area right now! and they're all over the map in terms of asking price. These tips will be very handy!
The Ateles that's good for you, man. In my area, everyone seems to think they're made of gold.
Really enjoyed the video easy informative good sense
Good presentation. LOT of good info given.
Lowbrow you guys are awesome just subscribed
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this vid. Very helpful.
Real nice guide, thank you
I would like to have this gentleman with me if I were going to buy a sportster, all the details he covered were excellent and for someone who has not ridden for a while his expertise would be invaluable. Great video.
Excellent advise! Thanks bro
I got a used sportster had it for two years before it got 7 leaks. I got mine at a used bike shop had a a warranty up till about 35 thousand miles that ended within a year or less. All in all I love my sportster
He's got good adviseh. This guy is worth hearing.
Going to look at a 2001 sportster tomorrow, great video, thanks.
A great help, thanks for making the video.
As someone who has had a few bikes, I would agree with him. This is a great video to learn from.
Great video dude.
Love this dude
Cool video dude! Love the magically appearing glasses at 6:29 ;)
Nothing sounds like a Harley, love it.
I've been slowly working on my late grandfathers 93 sportster and I can't get enough sportster videos
Espetacular!!!!! Lowbrow
Good info and good advice, subscribed.
Excelent video. Very usefull. I had a 2005 custom but when the primary was too loose and i had to invest more than a 2000 $ on that bike
Good video. I have only ever bought used bikes. I am looking at Harleys right now and this was good info.
Thank you. Great video 👍🏻
Always learn, great video! Thank you, sometimes its hard to keep a cool head when buying a bike😁 this is a lot of help!
Lot good things to check ,we often forget ,a good remind ,good video , helpful
Great lessons, start chop & bob it now 😎👍
Excellent video, thanks!!
Schedule to see the motorcycle during the daytime, not nighttime! At night, you miss things.
I bought my 2013 Sportster 72 from Harley Dealer and it looked great but I didn't look through it so thoroughly. After a week I realized it was missing a bolt on the motor mount, the rear exhaust bracket was missing, they replaced the hand grips but it had scratches on handlebars so it was dropped but no biggie. Dealer told me it was never dropped/ no accidents. I've learned a lot from this and thanks for the video, it's all the little things to look out for.
Bought one like this with 3600 miles owner hadn’t ridden it for a year or 2 left it out in the elements, starter was gone and speed sensor, bunch of rust spots all over, got it for $2000 and cleaned it up with steel wool, not complaining really I really dig it
I went and looked at a sweet 66 Bonneville the other day. Watching the Lowbrow videos has made me want a vintage British bike....and it's armed me with some good information about old Triumphs. The owner had it sitting in the garage for 4 years not running, with zero prep for storage. The gas tank was half full and the carbs hadn't been drained. The inside of the gas tank looked funky and it smelled like a distillery... i'm not sure if that was the ethanol separating from the gas. I didn't end up buying it because the price was too high for what needed to be done to it.
Hopefully you found one. Those old Triumphs are getting hard to find. I've got a couple I put together from basket cases and I'm hanging on to them.
All this time I wondered why one out of my three Harley's the choke always goes right back in after I pull it out, all this time! Thanks lowbrow and your chain conversion is badass.
Same here.Now I'm going out to the garage and tinker with my bikes.hahaha
good vid man!
Great vlog - starting to look at Sporties and this is really helpful and informative! Thanks for sharing! EW :)
Awesome stuff!! All of your vids are in depth!!! Thanks for your knowledge!!!
Thank you, it was very helpful to me.
Great info thanks
I love how you said alot of bikes look better in pictures, the sportster I just bought looked terrible in the picture but it was cheap, turned out he must have just had a bad camera because she looked amazing in the flesh
Tanks for sharing your experience
Thanks for this video! Good stuff
Thank you for all the info and great videos ! Got a 2008 Sportster 883 custom ...
A 883 isn't a real bike.
@@joecamel6835your an idiot!!
@@joecamel6835 It isn't? Then what is, camel toe? I have a '97 883, and rode it to Sturgis twice. And before you start in on me, I also have a 2002 FXDL with the 88 twinkie. I still like rockin' that little Sportster. It's just a FUN bike to ride.