My bro bought a cheap 1989 Harley

[RetroRideFan]

my bro found a 1989 Harley davidson Sportster for what looks like a steal (under $4k!), but maybe it's a trap.

The guy says it starts and runs smooth until you actually try to ride it (thinks it's a carb thing)

Plus, some previous owner went wild trying to make it look like a bigger bike: spoke wheels, fat tank with the speedo on it and two gas caps, low bars, and a big ol' rear fender.

It's also got a different air cleaner and an ugly square headlight, plus straight pipes. I went with him to see the bike and was speechless.

The seller says it's got a clean title, updated ignition, and only leaks a little oil.

He's had it for three years, but it's been sitting for two, got new tires tho'

Since it's already been messed with, my bro don't care about keeping it original. he just ride it as is for now and maybe slowly try to put some original parts back on later, if possible.

So, what do y'all think? Worth grabbing for under four grand?

 

[trevor2252]

It's a hard pass for me. 4k ain't a steal at all, thats too much considering all the issues you mentioned. Parts will be a problem along the way too. If you really want it as a project bike then maybe offer 2 grand but expect a lot more to spend for everything else.

 

[EnRage9]

If the carb issue's fixable and it runs decent, $4k isn't bad, especially if your bro plans to customize anyway

 

[in.malibu.next.to.you]

my bro found a 1989 Harley davidson Sportster for what looks like a steal (under $4k!), but maybe it's a trap.

The guy says it starts and runs smooth until you actually try to ride it (thinks it's a carb thing)

Plus, some previous owner went wild trying to make it look like a bigger bike: spoke wheels, fat tank with the speedo on it and two gas caps, low bars, and a big ol' rear fender.

It's also got a different air cleaner and an ugly square headlight, plus straight pipes. I went with him to see the bike and was speechless.

The seller says it's got a clean title, updated ignition, and only leaks a little oil.

He's had it for three years, but it's been sitting for two, got new tires tho'

Since it's already been messed with, my bro don't care about keeping it original. he just ride it as is for now and maybe slowly try to put some original parts back on later, if possible.

So, what do y'all think? Worth grabbing for under four grand?

The 2 commenters before me had differing opinions so I'll be the tie breaker. That sure looks like a steal, but trust me, getting a secondhand with known issues is kinda dumb. You're gonna have to spend so much unless you know how to DIY.