Preparing to sell a Harley

February 18, 2006 6:35 PM

MeFi Bikers: I want to sell this pig Should I put any time/money into it before selling?

I will install a new coil and adjust some cables and linkages, but it could also use new tires, brake pads, a new front brake lever/reservoir and other odd minor things.

I've never sold a bike that I didn't think was perfect, but I'm short of time and money and frankly have been far out of the loop for the past two years. I'll make it happen though if the concensus is that it will make a big difference in the selling price. (The difference between $12,000 as is, and maybe $16,000 in perfect condition)

Specs: 1994 FXST/WG. S&S 89CI Engine w/aprox 10,000 mi.
Pitch black paint w/ subdued "ghost" flames. About $20,000 in this bike.

posted by snsranch to Work & Money (3 answers total)

I'd inform the buyer about the tires, but would spring for the coil and cables before selling. Chances are, the next owner might have a brand or tread pattern they're loyal toward.

Can't tell you much about current West Coast tastes, but seeing you've been involved in the scene around '03-04, there must be some folks you could talk to, like someone from a gathering, etc. Good luck!
posted by Smart Dalek at 7:41 PM on February 18, 2006

TBH, I work over every new bike I (or a friend) buys, and prefer to replace things like cables or brake pads myself. (Mostly because I shop for deals, but I also like to do all my work on my two-wheeled vehicles myself.)
posted by SpecialK at 11:42 PM on February 18, 2006

I would not put a lot of money into the bike, but would be honest about any problems and offer to fix them for the buyer (especially if you can fix it yourself) In my experience things like tires and such do not pay for themselves and as mentioned above, the potential buyer may want the work done to his specifications. The main thing is that there are no major problems that you don't disclose and that the engine run well when you crank it up. I currently have 3 Harleys and have sold a few previous ones, as well as having a lot of friends that ride and have bought/sold many bikes. I doubt that the things you mention could add that much to the selling price; getting top dollar seems to depend more on finding the right buyer than what condition the bike is in. Even the time of year you sell it in most of the country would make a bigger difference. That is a nice-looking scoot, though.
posted by TedW at 12:26 PM on February 19, 2006