Okay, I no longer want one of these, that feeling went away a long time ago, but I do like buying mechanical stuff and flipping it for a profit.
I have found a non running ("engine needs to be replaced") Evo 1200 Sportster for $2k.
Is there profit to be made here?
2K for the bike. 2K for a used motor? 1K in parts, labor, etc.
With a new 883 going for under $6K, I'm not seeing much profit, but it's possible.
I've seen used 883 engines for $750. $1k in parts seems high and, as always, my labor is free.
Seems overpriced to me unless you can break it for parts and get your money back. That's probably what I'd do unless the engine is reasonably easy to fix.
The 1200 motor is much more sought after than the 883 so unless you want to grab a cheaper 883 and put new cylinders and pistons on it I think there isn't going to be much scope for profit.
He just mailed me back. New transmission. Started life as an 883.
"New transmission" might be a fairly easy fix, but you have to tear down the motor and split the cases IIRC. That might be a better starting point compared to one with a blown motor.
No, no. He said it has a new transmission, but it "needs an engine". 60,000 miles.
I think even at a grand I'd run from this one.
He does know that there isn't such a thing as a separate transmission and engine on a Sportster?
60k on a Sporty engine isn't bad IMHO but it also depends on when the 1200 jugs were put on it. Still agree with the "run away" part though.
Of course if you happen to have a line on a cheap engine out of a Buell that might make a nice hot rod Sportster, but I wouldn't give the guy two grand for it either.
Is the "I gotta have a Harley" bubble still high enough to justify all that time and money?
Anything else out there put a lump in the Levis?
Dan
I'd probably buy some old UJMs for $500-1000, clean the carbs, etc. and sell.
I've got a linr on a fully rebuilt 76 sporty has maybe 200 on rebuild Full preped motor buy one of the best around it was his personal bike untill he had a stroke and sold it to another freind who died having never riden it... $1500 and i'm in no hurry at that price...
Two grand seems kind of high for a bike that needs a motor.
In reply to pinchvalve: New 883s list for $8k.You might get it discounted to $7k.
In reply to RealMiniDriver:
I think $2k is steep
Even if you can find and/or fix the 1200 on the cheap, it's still the small chassis. Something like that in running shape goes for $3500-$4000 around here. If you're looking for something to tinker with and maybe make a couple of bucks, go for it. If you're looking to to flip and make some good money, I'd pass. Just my opinion, but you asked.
Sportster transmissions come out without splitting the case. Just pull the primary apart and unbolt the "trap door".
A Evo Sportster is a very reliable bike, as in "Toyota Truck" reliable. What did he do to it to grenade the motor in 60K miles? 2K is too much. You can buy good running bikes for that. 1K would be pushing it. Looks like it does have a lot of chrome and custom stuff, but that can just be more junk too, depending on the quality of the aftermarket parts.
44, the one you're looking at is an Iron Head Sportster. I would run away from that, screaming into the night. If it was free, it would be too much. A friend of mine built his shop from a 10 by 10 stall into a HD dealership by being the only shop around that would work on those. We counted 23 of them lining the walls waiting for various parts once.
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