Harleys, what are they like?

**Dak** · 8th September 2009, 17:50

The bikes that is, not the owners. Maintainence wise? Belt drives? I'm possible looking at a 1200 Sportster, 1997. 40,000km, any thing to look for?

**scumdog** · 8th September 2009, 17:51

Originally Posted by Dak

The bikes that is, not the owners. Maintainence wise? Belt drives? I'm possible looking at a 1200 Sportster, 1997. 40,000km, any thing to look for?

Got one exactly like that in the garage, it's the wifes. - I look for a red thing with two wheels and some chrome.

PM me and I'll tell you all.

**doc** · 8th September 2009, 18:04

Lifters would be the only thing that would be on the horizon, as far as Im concerned. Belts are pot luck. They are a machine that doesn't need much maint, other than oil changes, use only sportrans in the primary and you will be fine. You will find you will be cleaning more than maintaining a HD compared to some of this other stuff.

**scumdog** · 8th September 2009, 18:08

The Mrs (normajeane on KB) 1200 'S' Sporty has 43,000km on it now and apart from oil/filter changes and tyre the only repairs it has had has been fork-seals this year and a belt replaced 'just in case'. (plus a faulty oil light switch a few years back.)

**Crasherfromwayback** · 8th September 2009, 18:10

Originally Posted by Dak

The bikes that is, not the owners. Maintainence wise? Belt drives? I'm possible looking at a 1200 Sportster, 1997. 40,000km, any thing to look for?

You shouldn't be paying anything over 7 k for one I'll tell you that much...all they're worth now. I can sell you a 2003 for just under 10

Pete

**Dak** · 8th September 2009, 18:12

This is the one in question, http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=239374088

**scumdog** · 8th September 2009, 18:15

Originally Posted by Dak

This is the one in question, http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=239374088

It's an 'S' - buy it, top brakes, adjustable suspension/forks - best of the breed.

EDIT:Spoilt only by forward controls and the length of the handle-bars but that's just my opinion.

**hospitalfood** · 8th September 2009, 18:31

rode one once, really liked it.
IMO there is an image attached to harleys that is not really me, so if i get one i will probably axe the branding.

**AllanB** · 8th September 2009, 18:55

Originally Posted by hospitalfood

IMO there is an image attached to harleys that is not really me, so if i get one i will probably axe the branding.

May as well buy a Jap cruiser then and save some $, as a Harley is, well, a Harley, and part of the reason for buying it.

**Big Dave** · 8th September 2009, 19:00

Originally Posted by hospitalfood

rode one once, really liked it.
IMO there is an image attached to harleys that is not really me, so if i get one i will probably axe the branding.

IMO that's lame, Foodie! It's one of the proudest heritages on two wheels. Allan is right - or a Thunderbird - just as noice sans perceived stigma.

**Molly** · 8th September 2009, 19:10

I'd like a black, stripped-down 1200 Sportster. Lowered a bit. Cool bikes IMHO. Changing belts is easier than the big blocks too.

**Big Dave** · 8th September 2009, 19:19

Street Bob. Debaffled, nicer switch gear, job done.

I'm very comfortable with the image. :-)

**JimO** · 8th September 2009, 19:48

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Street Bob. Debaffled, nicer switch gear, job done.

I'm very comfortable with the image. :-)

you mean the leather waistcoat, harley underpants, socks, wallet on a chain, harley aftershave, accountant by day biker by night look (mind you you dont look to much like a accountant please dont kill me)

**Big Dave** · 8th September 2009, 19:54

Originally Posted by jimjim

you mean the leather waistcoat, harley underpants, socks, wallet on a chain, harley aftershave, accountant by day biker by night look (mind you you dont look to much like a accountant please dont kill me)

There is no more a stereotypical Harley rider than there is a sportsbike rider or scooter rider.

There are people who ride them. Some are cool. Some aren't. The brand of bike has nothing to do with it.