(Has $1.83 in bank account) “Yes I will watch this entire video and shop online for a bike for sale”

I've never held a motorcycle licence or owned a motorcycle but watched to the end and found this a wealth of info and very interesting .

I agree with most here. It's best to go through the motions and QUIETLY make mental note of all defects. Do not get too verbal talking about it all with the seller. He will get the message without you pissing him off. Then make a reasonable offer after inspection. He will likely shake it off which is fine. Offer your number and let him know your offer is good for a few hours but you are leaving to look at more bikes... And walk away. If your offer was reasonable you will be stopped before you leave

I just bought a 2003 883 100th anniversary with 6000 miles on it for 3500 bucks thought that was a wicked deal

Check the drive belt if dryrotted it will leave you stranded it will snap. Every used Harley I bought the first thing I always did was replace the belt. Just because it doesn't look dryrotted doesn't mean it ain't.

That was a masterclass in checking out a used bike.

As someone who has only been riding a few years, I own a 2021 sportster IRON, my first newer bike and I have to say, all your videos, wether about engine tear apart or this one, I appreciate it all. I've been watching basically on loop oldest to newest. Thanks LOWBROW CUSTOMS!

I don’t know why people keep saying that a Sportster’s no good for touring. I have a 97 883 (that’s in the process of becoming a 1275) and for the past 15 years I’ve toured all over Eastern Australia on it with no problems. I have it set up for long distance riding and have covered 500 + miles in a day more than once. I grew up on 1960’s and 70’s Triumphs and Nortons, so maybe I’m hardened a bit, but I like being able to mix it through the twisties whenever I’m on a long ride and a nice bit of road presents itself. I run a 29 tooth sprocket on the transmission end of the belt and that gives me revs that are just right for highway speeds without sacrificing too much lower down. The fact that larger Harleys are way more expensive than Sportys is a factor for sure, but I like the Sportster for its reliability and agility, among other things. You want comfort, buy a BMW.

you guys are killing it with the super-informative videos lately. wish this video existed when i bought my first (and second) used evo sportster!

Some of the things you are showing I already knew but I will admit that I am always learning and being reminded from you .. Thanks ! Your videos are kind of videos I can and like to learn from...

Never owned a Harley yet. But I constantly watch how to videos on sportsters for some reason. I feel like by the time I have one I'll be able to maintain it so great. All the upgrades for it are simple enough to where it makes it seem pointless to own a different bike. In my opinion

Thanks Todd and LB for this. Used it when buying my first HD, a 2007 XR1200R and got $200 off the price from something I saw here. Appreciate it!

I love this guy... so quirky but full of good information.

Just sent this informative picture show to my Grandson who is going to look at an 09 Sporty tomorrow morning. He bought an 89 XLH a month ago,,,, the kid has his priorities straight.

Buying my first Harley this weekend thanks for the tips

Extremely helpful, looking to get my first bike and I was actually considering a used sportster I found in my area, this vid gave me a lot more knowledge on what to look for

this is my favorite motorcycle information channel by far. no joke the second i seen this guys appearence the first video i watched i immediately trusted anything he had to say about harleys. all the videos are very clear and full of knowledge.

Really well done. I'm looking for an Evo Sportster right now so this was very helpful. Thank you.

I am about to buy my first ever bike and this video was so informative! This guy is knowing what he's doing and I would have never thought of checking all these details. Will definitely help me look like I know what I'm doing when shopping for a used bike 😅 thanks a lot

I lost my '03 1200 seventeen years ago, and am now set to (finally) purchase one - same as you have, just all black - with VERY low mileage on it. I cannot thank you guys enough for the point-by-point guidelines you have presented here, and which have allowed this total mechanical amateur to be granted SOME kind of vocabulary and insight on which to proceed without being a total sucker. I continue to watch your videos and encourage you to continue on. All thanks.

Excellent, highly informative video. Thanks for posting this, I always enjoy Lowbrow's videos, and you never disappoint! Keep up the great work.

Well done, very helpful video. Many of these evo sportys tend to collect a good portion of the engine oil inside the crankcase after sitting for a long period without being started. Be careful with adding any oil until you crank the engine over a few times at least or start and run for a few seconds then check the tank level. Another thing these are notorious for is the oil tank tabs being cracked and leaking at the welds on the backside of the tank where the rubber mounts screw into.

Great Vid. I purchased a 98 Sportster 1200 95th anniversary edition a few months ago. It had 27,000 miles on it and I got it for a little under 2k. The bike runs great!! The only thing I had wrong with it was a few minor things were loose. It also had some rust spots, but the steel wool like you mentioned along with Lime away made the bike look new. She still running strong.

Just purchased an 03 sprorty picking it up with my truck tomorrow...love your videos. Great harley content and knowledge. Will be religiously watching this channel for a the next year.

This fall I bought a 2009 Harley Sportster 1200C with 2800 miles on it for $3700. Great bike and has treated me well in the 500 miles I put on it this winter!

Best video on the topic. Grabbing a Sportster this summer, and now I’m prepared. Thanks!

Schedule to see the motorcycle during the daytime, not nighttime! At night, you miss things.

Great guide. I wish I had seen this prior to purchasing mine. Thanks for sharing this.

This gentleman is such a great presenter, love his casual, relaxed style.

looking to purchase my first harley in a few days, the timing of this video couldn't have been better, thank you! great advice!

Im looking at a 2003 sportster after only owning kawasakis and this video was exactly what i was looking for!!

Too each his own, I myself have ridden and been around bikes most of my life. Ridden dirt track, mostly on a 750 Harley. Ridden from one end of this great country too the other checking the beautiful sites. Built many bikes myself from British too Japanese. But always returned to the great Harley. The sporty you broke down or stripped out made me sad. Especially being the 100 year anniversary special. Just thought you should have found one that was in lesser condition and did your magic. I’m now hitting 80 and that’s not the speed zone. Still up on two wheels and don’t see getting off any time soon. The total freedom of riding is the best for clearing the old head. Like your thoughts. Just a different view about screwing with a good machine. But thinking back, I’ve made a few bobbers back in the early 60s. Nothing like what the youth say a bobber is today. My first Sportster was my brothers 1957. Loved the bike, and so did the young women. Keep the bugs off your teeth and stay up on the two wheels. As you my know, the black top isn’t forgiving.

Outstanding video. I dig your knowledge and your presentation style. Great information.

Thorough. This time of the year don't hurt negotiations neither. -11b4p

Nice. Good clear and simple guide to the basic stuff to look for. Well done!

As usual from this guy at LowBrow great video, very informative down to earth advice , If I might just say ,low mileage isn't always a good thing, doing a couple of miles to the shops doesn't do the engine any favours. Probably the owner thought that he hasn't got to 5000 miles so it doesn't need an oil change, so the oil has been in there for years, water an all. Buyer beware,,,,,, Great video .....

Thanks for the tutorial. Nice points for one new to the Harley World!

Very informative, you brought up some very good points that I had not thought about before.

As a 21 year old looking at older sportsters for my first bike this video was perfect and I learned exactly what I was hoping to and more. Thank you!

Picked up my first Harley a lil over a year ago, 06 Sportster 1200 Custom, got it for $2300, 38k miles, needed carb cleaned and battery replaced, I rebuilt the carb, noticed they had the thunderslide kit installed with the screaming eagle intake and jet kit, santee short shot pipes, I went ahead and did the full service, tuned the carb, added 10mm plug wires, new brakes, and a few cosmetic upgrades, just now ordered the new battery, made the old one last over a year riding it around town, couldn't ask for a better riding bike man! Gonna start riding it daily to save on fuel, but just wanted to say you are spot on with this video brother!

This is a great video. I’m in the process of looking at an XL883L 2005 I will take all of this information you just shared and taught me in the purchase of my first bike. Thank you.

Excellent advice Mate. My '91 XLH1200 was wonderful, had it for 12 yrs, would have another Sportie (with warmer cams this time) in a heartbeat.

I appreciate this video been looking at sportsers. Gonna buy one in spring👍

I can't tell you how many bikes I went to look at and said to the guy " Well I see this bike but can you show me the one you talked about on the phone".

Great advice! I'll be buying a used Harley in a week and will use the tips given here. Thanks man!

Nice video...great job. Picking up a 2002 Sportster tomorrow. Very helpful and kept my interest all the way.

This Video was TOTALLY AWSOME.. Thanks Man!!

Bring a $20 Home Depot Ryobi digital thermometer with you & aim it at the motor,if it's more than 5 degrees higher than outside air temps you know he started it & warmed it up .

I got a used sportster had it for two years before it got 7 leaks. I got mine at a used bike shop had a a warranty up till about 35 thousand miles that ended within a year or less. All in all I love my sportster

Another great video, thanks low brow!

Thank you! Great video and helped me a lot.

I have the same 2003 100th Anniversary Sportster and got a lot of great tips from this video. Well done!

Really enjoyed the video easy informative good sense

Thank you !! I will see my first HD tomorrow, I will use your tips!

Well Todd, thank you for your service. Subscribed.

Enjoyed your video. Just bought one of these sportsters last week for the hell of it. I didn't go through all the steps you mentioned but it's a trusted shop.

Superb how-to video. Will definitely help my purchase next week.

Great video, very helpful.

Love your content, always so informative and to the point 🤟

As someone who has had a few bikes, I would agree with him. This is a great video to learn from.

I bought my 2013 Sportster 72 from Harley Dealer and it looked great but I didn't look through it so thoroughly. After a week I realized it was missing a bolt on the motor mount, the rear exhaust bracket was missing, they replaced the hand grips but it had scratches on handlebars so it was dropped but no biggie. Dealer told me it was never dropped/ no accidents. I've learned a lot from this and thanks for the video, it's all the little things to look out for.

I am going to try all that out next week when I see my guy, very thankful!

Real nice guide, thank you

Excellent advise! Thanks bro

Good presentation. LOT of good info given.

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

Going2 look at a Sportster today & I thought I was quite well informed on buying my wheels & what to check but I found out new stuff I should check for. watching this video helped big time. Many thanks. invaluable info!👌 Wish me luck it’s my first Harley it’s only taken me till I’m nearly 60 to even entertain one. Why? Was a no brainer in my opinion, they look cool ,sound amazing , VERY COMFORTABLE positioning for us mid aged dudes with bad backs. Only thing I’m bit weary about is the gearing being forward positioned but willing to give it a go! (Can change it back if required) I’m Scottish & had a few Triumphs back in my youth (yes they had the obligatory oil leak nobody seemed bothered by 😂) moved on to Sports bikes mainly & now have no need for speed just the need for riding up in the Scottish Highlands on a cool & comfortable set of wheels. A Harley Sportster ? Hope so!✊🏼 Ps: Rags going in my back pocket 😏😉✌️

That bike looks great!

Thanks for this vid. Very helpful.

A great help, thanks for making the video.

Great video wish I knew about the rocker box leak when my cousin bought hers not a bad repair but definitely could have knocked a few bucks off the cost

Excelent video. Very usefull. I had a 2005 custom but when the primary was too loose and i had to invest more than a 2000 $ on that bike

Going to look at a 2001 sportster tomorrow, great video, thanks.

He's got good adviseh. This guy is worth hearing.

super helpful video and perfect timing there is a crazy amount sportsters for sale in my area right now! and they're all over the map in terms of asking price. These tips will be very handy!

Tanks for sharing your experience

If you want to make a cheat sheet like myself just copy and paste this and just bring it with you ...... I hope this helps because this guys video helped me. Tools to bring: Phillips screw driver, flashlight, rag, multimeter (harbor freight $6.50 us) Request bike is cold upon arrival Make sure they have a clear title and the numbers match the VIN on frame First appearance Tire pressure Check oil level dipstick Tires, are they dry rotted or outdated? Four digits after DOT are week and year of manufacturer ex. DOT0917 9th week in 2017 (52 weeks in year) Brake pads and rotors Brake lines Throttle and clutch cables, does throttle return when you let off? Controls Electrical system Lights, turn signals, brake lights (activate both hand and foot switches), hi/lo beam, horn, instrument gauges (if you have touring you can search how to do a gauge sweep and pull codes) Check charging system, should be around 12v DC when in off position, when running and given throttle voltage should jump upwards 12.5-14vDC While looking at battery look for any signs of battery acid leakage Rocker box gaskets, any oil presence Shift shaft seal on primary Primary cover, any oil presence Obvious signs of bike being dropped- check ends of levers and crash bars, possibly under saddlebags or sides, gas tank and front wheel axle, turn signal housings, bottom primary cover Possibly bent wheels Condition of paint Cracked or lose lenses Bent fenders, front and rear of both the front and rear fenders Under seat inspection Underneath bike visual inspection, minor scratches are ok but gouges and heavy scratches could lead to corrosion if bare metal is exposed Belt inspection Chrome rusting or pitting/corrosion Front fork seals Handlebar placement, can you turn the bike and not hit the gas tank? (VERY important on café style bikes) Tree bushings, crank handlebars slightly to left and right after they have hit the frame stop and make sure bushings aren't worn Fuel, look down in gas tank for any debris or rust Missing fasteners Smoke from exhaust ( Black smoke could be harmless but white smoke could indicate something more) I would research your make and model. If you notice any poorly connected wires with improper connectors or wires twisted together due to previous owner making own electrical repairs please be careful and inspect those areas very carefully. Good Luck to you all, stay safe.

I would like to have this gentleman with me if I were going to buy a sportster, all the details he covered were excellent and for someone who has not ridden for a while his expertise would be invaluable. Great video.

Lot good things to check ,we often forget ,a good remind ,good video , helpful

Great lessons, start chop & bob it now 😎👍

Love this dude

Thank you. Great video 👍🏻

Thanks i forgot a few of these things to look at great video

I never say...I'll give you. I always say will you consider, it works every time.

Thank you, it was very helpful to me.

Good video. I have only ever bought used bikes. I am looking at Harleys right now and this was good info.

Great video dude.

Espetacular!!!!! Lowbrow

Great info thanks

Bought one like this with 3600 miles owner hadn’t ridden it for a year or 2 left it out in the elements, starter was gone and speed sensor, bunch of rust spots all over, got it for $2000 and cleaned it up with steel wool, not complaining really I really dig it

Lowbrow you guys are awesome just subscribed

Cool video dude! Love the magically appearing glasses at 6:29 ;)

Excellent video, thanks!!

All this time I wondered why one out of my three Harley's the choke always goes right back in after I pull it out, all this time! Thanks lowbrow and your chain conversion is badass.

I felt the same way about the engine guard on the one I just bought. Then I hit a curb and ended up on the concrete. Sure glad I left that guard on.... it protected the engine and also gave the flatbed a place to hook on to drag up the bike without hooking to my forks. Lesson learned.

great vid, thanks.

I NEED that song!! Background music is fire!

🤘 informative video!!! Thank you! Getting rid of my Metric Cruiser for HD.

Those are some good tips. I’d proceed with caution with the steel wool, though; not sure many owners would dig : ) I’d also add to it that you should always ID the seller in order to verify that he/she is the owner of record as indicated on the title, or the deal is void. No money should ever change hands before this crucial step has been taken. From southern California - Ride Forever!

I love how you said alot of bikes look better in pictures, the sportster I just bought looked terrible in the picture but it was cheap, turned out he must have just had a bad camera because she looked amazing in the flesh