Harley Sportster Exhaust and other buying questions?

Question

I have found 2 potential Sportster to buy for my next bike. One is a 2002 883 with 11,000 miles on it. it doesnt have many after market parts but looks like a clean bike. Its a private seller (in the midwest) and he is asking $4000 for it. It looks like a really good deal, but should i be worried he is trying to rip me off some how? The second bike i am looking at is a 2000 883 with a lot of after market parts. Its a private seller, but the guy works for the local Harley Dealership, and it seems like the bike was taken care of. He wants $4500 for it (originally 4700). The exhaust is LOUD..almost too loud (call me crazy). but i have to work early mornings and dont want to wake the entire neighborhood up while i pull out. What would be a good exhaust that would give me some roar, but that wouldnt kill my ears. I think the 2002 looks a little better, but am worried something might B wrong because of the lower price, plus i would have to drive 3 hours to go pick it up. Suggestions?

Answer 1

I wouldn't go with neither one, a XLH 1200 would be a better deal.  Its looks and weight the same, but with a lots more power then the 883.  

As for the exhaust, you could also go back to the dealer and ask them to install a OEM baffle for you.  Most of the time when people buy HD they would have the exhaust (restricted) and open up the intake for more power.  These original parts would be left over from the dealer or you can buy them cheap from other HD owner.

Answer 2

If you are worried about the exhaust note then I would suggest staying with or installing the factory system. Good question.

Answer 3

Harley sportsters have lousey resale value, and 4000 is a good deal but not so great I would be afraid of it, and just cause someone works at at a dealership doesn't mean he takes any better care than anyone else, in fact I would likely not buy the 2000 for that reason, more than likely it was abused rather than babied.

Answer 4

I can't believe it????

I have a 2005 Suzuki Boulevard M50 with only 5400 miles that's in PERFECT condition and I can't even get $1700 for it!

then YOU are willing to buy a 2000 HD 883 that's S-L-O-W and has 11,000 miles for $4000????????

Answer 5

They both sound like decent deals, I might go for $4500 one. The worked at the HD dealer, so he probably used all HD stuff on it and maintaned it well. Talk to him about changing pipes, he might even get you a new stock set that somebody took off and left them at the dealer.