Buying a new bike...but what is it?

Vrenlos · #1 14th July 2012

Hey all,

I'm new to HD, but certainly not to bikes. I've wanted a sporty for a while now, and made a handshake to go pick up my new bike early next week with cash - now here's the interesting part - I'm not sure what it is now. So I've been told it's a 2007 883 that was converted to 1200 upon the initial purchase. I rode it earlier today, and if sure felt like a 1200, so no discrepancy there. However, it's got the Nightster orange/black two-tone paint scheme, blacked out components, and dual front disc.

The guy is supposed to be sending me over the VIN #, but I haven't heard from him yet and now I'm all worked up trying to figure out what I'm looking at here. I knew I should have snapped a pic of it when I was over there. I'd love to hear what you guys think.

Gone · #2 14th July 2012

Looks like an 883R, by the engine and wheels. Plus the dual front disc.

Loner · #3 14th July 2012

The only bikes that had dual front discs were the 883R and the 1200R Roadster, this is probably an 883R which you said had a 1200 kit put in it but that looks like a Nightster Tank though, I'd check to see if it hasd been in an accident.

Here is a link to what it suppose to look like
http://images.search.yahoo.com/image...mb=wDt1mV1fAIt

Gone · #4 14th July 2012

Let me add: It doesn't look like it's ever been apart (motor). Check for scratch marks around the cam cover and inside the allen bolt heads. There should be some signs of being opened-up if it's been converted.

Vrenlos · #5 14th July 2012

I was thinking 883R as well...but I guess I can't be 100% until I get that VIN. The bike only has 5k miles on it and everything down to the rubber lines looks factory crisp, so I'm fairly certain there wasn't an accident.

Loner · #6 14th July 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vrenlos

I was thinking 883R as well...but I guess I can't be 100% until I get that VIN. The bike only has 5k miles on it and everything down to the rubber lines looks factory crisp, so I'm fairly certain there wasn't an accident.

Whenver I see different parts on an otherwise stock bike I get curious and the black paint part on the front fender is not stock.
Never hurts to ask, but if it looks sound then it probably is.
I would ask about the tank being replaced or repainted.
Not to rain on your parade, but it never hurts to step back and ask why,

I've bought and sold lots of bikes over the years,some of those things I learned the hardway as in losing money. just my two.

texbombboy · #7 14th July 2012

I vote 883r, the tank swap doesnt bother me much. I would question the conversion however. The difference between an 883 and 1200 is hard to see from the outside i would want paperwork for parts or labor. If they cant produce that I'd look up the through the spark plug hole measurements i know they have been posted many times before. I wouldnt walk away even if it were an 883 i would just use it to bargain a lil.

Loner · #8 14th July 2012

I wouldn't let that put me off on buying it either, But I would still like to know.
Information is always helpful when it come time to talk money.
And if it lowers the price all the better.

Vrenlos · #9 14th July 2012

Ok, I got the VIN and it turns out it is in fact an 883R from 2007. I'm also sent a message off to the dealership that supposedly did the work to see if they hopefully have anything in their records.

motorend · #10 14th July 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vrenlos

Ok, I got the VIN and it turns out it is in fact an 883R from 2007. I'm also sent a message off to the dealership that supposedly did the work to see if they hopefully have anything in their records.

Good Job! They should have the records if it was upgraded.