what to look for when purchasing used bikes

[big jake]

So, the wife bought a 750 shadow at the same time I bought my X back in 07 (my x was a leftover 06) and last fall she sold it back to the dealer, she decided it was too small, not fun to ride and never rode it, she broke even on it, no big deal. Now spring is springing and she has decided she wants another bike, as finances go we can't afford her a new bike, but our local dealer has a 2004 1300c with 4300 miles on it, and a few extras, right at her price range of $5000.

Question is: I'm very familiar with the VTX 1300c, been here since I bought mine in 2007, but I know what I've done to mine and obviously I've never bought a used one before, I'm going to go test ride this for the wife tonight or tomorrow, so could you guys maybe give me a little input on what to look for? I know about the steering head and tires and all the basic things like check the oil or does it have any dents or anything blatently wrong, but is there something else deeper I should be watching for?

also can some of you more knowledgeable folks enlighten me as to the differences if any between an 04 and an 06, both are black c models, hopefully we add this to the stable and we'll bee a 2 X household

[arebee]

I don't think there is a difference between the two, but I could be mistaken. With 4300 miles you might want to makes sure the carb is clean (no varnish). See if you can
get any service records. Other than that, change the oil and final oil and enjoy the spring\summer. I'm sure others will have more advice. Oh yea, some were recalled for the carb
diaphram, wouldn't hurt to ask about it. It was a free fix and only took about 20 minutes.

[dilligafbiker]

I would look for any signs at all that it had been laid down as I still think that played into the early demise (or someone put something in the engine while I wasnt looking) there are a couple dimples in the L front of the tank I didnt give much thought to untill the engine craped out.

[BLURBN27]

So, the wife bought a 750 shadow at the same time I bought my X back in 07 (my x was a leftover 06) and last fall she sold it back to the dealer, she decided it was too small, not fun to ride and never rode it, she broke even on it, no big deal. Now spring is springing and she has decided she wants another bike, as finances go we can't afford her a new bike, but our local dealer has a 2004 1300c with 4300 miles on it, and a few extras, right at her price range of $5000.

Question is: I'm very familiar with the VTX 1300c, been here since I bought mine in 2007, but I know what I've done to mine and obviously I've never bought a used one before, I'm going to go test ride this for the wife tonight or tomorrow, so could you guys maybe give me a little input on what to look for? I know about the steering head and tires and all the basic things like check the oil or does it have any dents or anything blatently wrong, but is there something else deeper I should be watching for?

also can some of you more knowledgeable folks enlighten me as to the differences if any between an 04 and an 06, both are black c models, hopefully we add this to the stable and we'll bee a 2 X household

He..He! Good luck
Blurbn

[BrianVTX1800]

Price seems a tad high for the year to me. here's an 06 with 5K miles for $4,600 http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/mcy/2927952002.html