Harley Davidson experts, can I have your thoughts, please?

Question

I have a friend of mine at work who is selling his 1998 HD Sportster 883 with 6,600 miles on it for $3500.

I have pictures and copies of service records. Oil changed every year, mint condition.

From what I have seen on ebay, these bikes are selling for more than this with 3X the miles.

Would I be an absolute fool to not purchase this bike?

Or do you think I should save up some more money for something nicer in the future?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Answer 1

Spend the money and get if for nothing more than a reason to flip off all the jerks that just dont get it!

Answer 2

i don't think you'll loose with that deal. and when your ready for a nicer bike you'll most likely get back that 3500, as long as you keep it nice, i personally don't like the 883 but a deal is a deal

Answer 3

Sounds like a great deal if it is truly your co-worker's bike, and not a friend of a friend's bike.

Ride Safe

Answer 4

Regardelss of what anyone says about the bike, true or false. The price for that bike ,, if in mint condition is a steal. Is it top heavy?..sure...is it a chick bike?...sure.................is it a slug? ...sure , after all it is only an 883....

HOw can anyone expect a scoot at 883 to outperform a scoot of 1100-12-- 1500 cc. A sportster is what it is. There is no other bike like it on the street other than the 1200. IT is iconic whether you like the brand or the model

\Right now none of that really matters to those of us who are responding to you. It is definitley a steal . If you find that all these negative things that the people are saying about the bike to be true then you should have no problem putting a for sale sign on it and selling it for a very nice profit. t is definitley a buy buy /an investment AND fun to ride if you decide to hang on to it for a summer...Go for it and enjoy the epxerience

Answer 5

Sounds like a good deal to me.  I would go for it.

Answer 6

check these two web sites for the price.

www.kbb.com

www.nada.com

Answer 7

Okay, the 883 might not be the premiere flag ship from H.D., but it's still a great bike. And, for that year and miles for 3500 bucks, how could you go wrong?  Get on it now and ride. You should be able to get your money back out of it when you're done with it, plus continue to save for an upgrade down the road sometime.

Answer 8

Okay, you need to see it in person. Kick it over on it's side stand then take a dump on it because that's all a Harley is good for. Oh wait, it could also be a good paper weight too if you just let it shake it's self apart! You could use all the shiny chrome parts to hold down your stacks of service orders! LOL

Answer 9

If you like Harleys this might be the bike to buy.

The price is definitely right.

Answer 10

save your money and get a real bike..  like a low rider

etc.....the 883 is top heavy and ill handling...

Answer 11

Psst if you buy it, and resell it for more, dont say the oil was changed every year.

Its every 3000 miles or 3 months, which ever comes first.

You can buy that, ride it for awhile and trade it in at the Harley dealer, and get your 3k back easy.

Answer 12

the main thing I would be concerned about is , before 2004 sportsters did not have rubber motor mounts which cause excessive vibration and they had a single disc front brake which has been a reported problem for  a poor breaking distance .  These issues don't seem to bother a lot of people.

Answer 13

It sounds like a good deal to me. They handle good and have enough stuff to get you down the road. Don't pay attention to those HD bashers, especialy Joe B. He like most bashers are suffering from severe jealousy. Get the bike and enjoy yourself.

Answer 14

If the HD is sooooo wonderful then "WHY IS HE SELLING IT FOR?  ,,,,,,,,  huh?

I will tell you "WHY"

cause he HATES it

ask him why is he selling it for

I bet he hates it cause its s-l-o-w, heavy and underpowered and all his HD buddies make fun of him calling it a girls bike, or he's sick and tired not having the power to keep up with the rest of his biker buddies

Answer 15

If he's selling it for 3500 there's something wrong with it,.... if  upon close if not professional inspection, there isn't anything wrong, buy it, flip it for 5000, then buy a Honda.   Cheers

Answer 16

Unless they have changed it (and I doubt it) in the last few years the 883 is the worst handling bike I have ever ridden.  EVER!

Answer 17

Great price on an awful bike.  If you buy it get ready to be spanked by 250 ninjas.  I would be tempted to buy it for a quick $500 turnaround, but there are an awful lot of used harleys on the market right now.  The day of the killer resale value may be over.

Answer 18

BUY IT