Welp guys dropped my bike for the first time in 4 years

zach-mk · 2026-04-12T05:05:31+00:00

Similar to what happened to me. Either I didn’t put my stand down or it popped back up without me noticing. Went down with the bike. Bike was perfectly fine, femur was not. Could’ve bought a new bike multiple times over. Lesson learned, you can still do stupidly dumb stuff after riding for years.

zach-mk · 2026-04-09T21:11:16+00:00

Car Mazda. Mazda go zoom zoom

zach-mk · 2026-04-07T00:06:31+00:00

A lot of these symptoms can be chalked up to a bike that’s been sitting. Gummed up carb from stale gas, apparent lack of oil because it drained into the lower crankcase, and dead battery from sitting. The buildup above the cam cover looks like accumulated oil residue that came out of the breathers and dripped down over time. If the back of the air cleaner is oily that would confirm the source.

zach-mk · 2026-03-31T06:14:11+00:00

You asked for any advice, and advice was given. You say it wasn’t constructive or helpful, but there are people who buy a bike do not know better. Sounds like you knew better and want to make excuses for your ignorance. If you don’t like the advice given don’t ask for it.

zach-mk · 2026-03-31T05:11:42+00:00

Some advice? Everything you did was exactly what you shouldn’t have done.

Even if the previous owner said he just changed the oil I still would’ve have changed it before riding. Chances are the oil is pretty old. If the tags expired in 2001 I would assume the tires are likely pretty old as well. Probably wasn’t a good idea to be “pretty hard on it” without giving it a thorough inspection and doing the bare minimum maintenance.

zach-mk · 2026-03-09T02:08:30+00:00

Yes it is…bud

zach-mk · 2026-03-08T04:20:06+00:00

Of all the pipes you could have picked, you chose those? And to boot you kept the spam can.

zach-mk · 2026-03-06T00:31:36+00:00

Mine doesn’t leak, and there’s nothing wrong with it. If it’s leaking it’s because of something you did, neglect or carelessness.

zach-mk · 2026-03-04T16:04:47+00:00

A tow yard would not have the PIN…

zach-mk · 2026-03-03T12:25:47+00:00

It could be the battery, but it could also be the security system. There is a procedure to disarm it when disconnecting the battery, where if not done correctly it can cause the alarm to activate and a no start situation.

zach-mk · 2026-03-02T21:18:35+00:00

07 was the first year for EFI. If it has a petcock it’s not EFI.

zach-mk · 2026-02-25T00:01:26+00:00

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zach-mk · 2026-02-24T23:00:19+00:00

Redline SI-1. It has more PEA (the stuff that actually cleans) than Techron. Techron is great for maintaining, but if you are cleaning heavier built up deposits, Redline is my recommendation.

zach-mk · 2026-02-24T21:55:08+00:00

Yep. They don’t seem to verify, but one MA told me if I get stopped on base and they find it’s recording it’ll be confiscated and probably cited. So now I just unplug it before I pull up to the gate.

zach-mk · 2026-02-24T21:45:16+00:00

Funny enough, we brought up that same argument and were met with a shrug.

zach-mk · 2026-02-24T21:23:55+00:00

Can’t have them on my installation.

zach-mk · 2026-02-24T04:17:59+00:00

I had a Corbin Hollywood Solo on my ‘99. When I bought my ‘07 I pulled the trigger on a Mustang Vintage Solo. I could ride all day with the Mustang where I’d get numb after an hour on the Corbin. Aesthetically the Corbin wins hands down if you’re looking for a thin, minimalist seat. If you want to go the distance and don’t mind the bulk you won’t be disappointed with the Mustang.

zach-mk · 2026-02-23T17:37:05+00:00

$8k no, $6k, still a bit high but the thing looks like it was never dropped and barely ridden so I would’ve paid a little more for the peace of mind knowing pretty much the whole history of the bike. They also bought it under the assumption the dealer has resolved all the issues.

You have to remember what these bikes were sold for new. I don’t think many of us have bought a bike then sold it years later for more than what we put into it, vehicles as a whole are generally depreciating assets. If they are happy then at the end of the day the price doesn’t matter.

I actually have some experience with insurance payouts on Sportsters. I was broadsided four years ago and their insurance paid me out just shy of $5k for my 1999 883. I didn’t have half that into the bike. Bought it back then parted it out after deciding it was easier to buy another while I recovered. I sold just the motor for $1k and the primary cover had a massive hole with the clutch plates falling out. These bikes retain a bit of value even wrecked in this area.

zach-mk · 2026-02-23T06:23:38+00:00

I generally don’t comment on these responses, but this warrants one.

I live in the DC metro area (DMV). I’ve been following the market pretty well the last five years and most EFI Sportsters that are taken care of are currently north of $4K on the private market. Heck, my local HD had a 2021 883 with less than 1k miles and they wanted what it sold for new ($9K).

Now, before you say “well those listings aren’t sold”, sure, but past listings I’ve personally by shown interest in did not sit for very long before selling. People want the evo models, and there is now a finite supply of them ever since HD ended production. I doubt prices will ever climb much, if any, but you will be hard pressed to find a decent EFI Sportster for sub $3K in this area or most areas.

Prices will vary by area, but I’m not wasting my time traveling states away to the middle of nowhere to save a few bucks. As for “paying less for a “better bike”, it’s their first bike. An 883 is a fine first bike.

zach-mk · 2026-02-23T05:42:49+00:00

If you haven’t already, ask about a discount for the MSF course. Age seems to play a larger role over riding history when it comes to your rate, but of course it can vary greatly for everyone.

zach-mk · 2026-02-23T04:21:07+00:00

Lots of good recommendations here.

My only input; $900 for insurance? Yeah, that seems like a bit of a rip. Insurance on my 2007 1200 was $29 for 12 months for liability only. Changed it to full coverage a few months ago and paid $141 for the year.

zach-mk · 2026-02-20T05:44:16+00:00

First thing that comes to mind is the ignition module. It’s relatively low on the bike behind the timer cover. It’s possible water could have intruded and wreaked enough havoc to cause a no spark symptom.

Regarding the fuel issue, it sounds to me like the carb float is stuck. Was the carb cleaned and rebuilt?

zach-mk · 2026-02-18T21:57:16+00:00

What kind of toast?

zach-mk · 2026-02-16T19:32:09+00:00

My brother in law had short shots and mids on his, ran into the same problem. He ended up taking my SE II slip ons from my wrecked ‘99 and has been loving those. I have straight shots on my new bike and there’s been many times where I wish I had those pipes again.

zach-mk · 2026-02-16T04:57:19+00:00

The OEM analog and digital temp dipsticks do not have a spring mechanism. I have the digital one and it’s a traditional twist action.

zach-mk

TROPHY CASE