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[FXR2evo99]

As more and more folks become interested in the FXR2, FXR3, or FXR4 perhaps it might be helpful to have some "TIPS" on how to communicate with a Seller as a Buyer.  I am sure we have all been asked what "TIPS" if any might we suggest to someone who is looking into purchasing, here are some I have reflected upon.

TIPS FOR A BUYER When Meeting With A Seller And Viewing A FXR2, FXR3, or FXR4:

I would when going to view the bike take a sheet of paper with clearly legible notes on it to keep myself on tract of what information I want to know while previewing the bike.

With each one of these only you can determine the importance of:

1)   Meeting With Owner:
a.    Take first 5 minutes to get acquainted with Owner…..
b.    Focus on bike next

2)   Check out Bike Physically:
a.   Bike Frame
b.   Paint Condition ie: Tank, Front Fender, Rear Fender, & Side Panels
c.   Engine Area
d.   Having Bike Started And Owner Ride The Bike Ridden Down The Street.
e.   Vin#  Review
f.    Current Paperwork Review
g.   Verify What Is To Remain On The Bike (Accessories)
h.   Other Accessories
i.    Final Questions


a.   Bike Frame:
      You are looking for scratches, or serious signs of damage to the frame, I would ask the side covers to be
      removed if an FXR3 or FXR4 so you can look under there.  Follow the entire frame, ie: sides, front,
      bottom, and rear.
     
b.   Paint Condition:
      You are looking carefully at Tank, Front Fender, Rear Fender, & Side Panels
      I would be looking for chips....thus looking at the front of the tank all the way underneath the
      front where the tank curves....I would ask if the Seller would mind taking the seat off the bike....
      that way you can check the fender underneath the seat.  Repainting these bikes is an expensive
      ordeal so walk away with the knowledge of knowing what the paint condition is.           

c.   Engine Area:
      Look for oil....front cylinders rear, rear cylinder, base gasket area,
      You are looking for signs of leaking base gaskets,
      leaking cylinder head gaskets
      leaking lower rocker cover gaskets,
      I would look beneath the bike around the primary and transmission areas as well as belt area.

d.   Have Bike Started And Owner Ride Bike Up And Down Street
      Now I would ask for him to start the bike....so you can hear it run....let it run for a minute
      Check out, turn signals, emergency flashers, brake lights. Bright and low beams. Horn
      don't ask to ride it unless he offers, but I wouldn’t ride it even if offered.
      There's no point in riding it....it will take most riders 70 miles to get use to any bike. 
      Everything is so new, you will be worrying about this or that and it’s a great way to have
      an accident.  You won't figure anything out about the bike by riding it around the block...
      In fact ask him to take it down the block so you can see it move...he/she is use to riding it.         
      You can see or hear what you need to see and hear from a distance....which then gives
      you a chance to review your notes to remind you of what is left on your list.....
      The Seller will be impressed that you aren't asking to ride it....

[FXR2evo99]

e.  VIN# Review :
      When I purchased my FXR2 I asked the Seller for the VIN# prior to seeing the bike...
      In order to make this less "aggressive", offer to fax your driver's license to the Seller
      so the Seller doesn't think you are doing something wierd....it will put the Seller at ease....
      Your asking for information but willing to provide it as well...
      If you are able to acquire the VIN# prior to seeing the actual bike, then to speak with a 
      Harley-Davidson Customer Service Representative call (414) 343-4056.
      Service and discover what you can about the bike, ie:
      original color, when it was actually purchased, if it's been in a accident as far as they know,
      where it might have been serviced....
      The “key” for me is I want them to verify via the vin # that it was indeed a CVO bike....
      You will also be able to find out if the bike has any "recall" issues that are outstanding on
      the bike that need to be taken care of.....
       Next while in front of the bike verify the Vin# ‘s match at the two places on the neck of the
       bike, on a sticker and stamped into the neck, and also make sure you confirm the
       abbreviated VIN# on the primary side of the bike (left side) at the bottom between the
       cylinders.

f.   Current Paperwork Review:
     Now I would move to the paper work, if interested in the bike....at this point you know
     whether you are or you aren't.....typically within the first 30 seconds of seeing the bike and
     it's environment you will know how interested you personally feel.
     Whatever paper work he has I would like to read it carefully......
     If possible I would review that the Title matches the Vin# stamped and found on the bike.
     I would review all work orders that he has paper work for….and ask any questions that
     might arise from reading such paperwork.

g.  Verify What Is To Remain On The Bike (Accessories)

h.  Other Accessories To Be Given With The Purchase

i.   Final Questions:

I want to know if the bike has been ever dropped by the Seller or if the Seller is aware that the bike was previously dropped before the Seller’s purchase ie: previous Owner prior to Current Seller if applicable. 

I would like to know why the Seller purchased the bike to begin with, what he has enjoyed most about the bike what he has enjoyed least about the bike

I would like to know of course why the Seller is selling the bike....

Personally, [and this is me personally] I see these bikes as a hobby and one of three or 4 passions that I have....meaning, I feel that having to fix anything on one of these bike is simply part of the experience of owning it....it's what I enjoy....if you are the type that doesn't want to touch your bike and just wants to ride it....and hates things going wrong with a bike then your due diligence is even more critical....I just don't get "upshook" about certain things....BUT if you are aware of certain things then it helps with negotiations, that's how I see it.


Here are some final thoughts:

1) frame.....Has bike been dropped, or in an accident,  if so perhaps bent frame....big no no for me or if it's been wrecked....not interested walk away....big issue to me....so I have to find this out to my satisfaction.

2) what's the paint look like, it's of course repairable,  Specifically for an FXR2, FXR3, or an FXR4 this can be a very costly endeavor if the paint needs to be “freshened up” per say.   As you have to go through HD....These three models all have “restricted” paint themes ....not many can match it  at your local body shop,perfectly....so if there are chips....that's one element of these bikes that perhaps will cost X amount to repair.....is it a big deal to fix....only you can answer that....it can be done but at what cost and if cost isn't important then this is less important other than for negotiation purposes.  If during your viewing you discover that the paint is chipped up, I would bring this to the attention of the owner, as he/she needs to know that this is in essence a major part of the "presentation" and value of the bike....and use it to negotiate….if it’s of no concern to you….move forward.

3) Engine....well basically I figure anything is repairable here....so not much bothers me only issue is negotiation if I see something adverse.

4) VIN#.....critical to me.....you are going after a CVO bike...you want to make sure it is one....and anything you can find out about the history is important  Also critical to this would be the engine case matching VIN#.

5) any past history about the bike....documentation and so forth....bottom line is I am not interested in a bike that has been in an accident of any kind….this is of course a personal choice..…only you can
decide.

Regards,

Tim

[FXR2evo99]

[NOTE: Please remember that putting your curser next to the paper clip icon below the photo will allow you to enlarge the photo plus save it to your computer if you desire OR if you merely wish to see it enlarged simply put your curser on the photo and "LEFT" click and it will enlarge]



Here is how to properly read a VIN# Specifically for
1. 1999 FXR2 
2. 1999 FXR3 
3. 2000 FXR4

[FXR2evo99]

[NOTE: Please remember that putting your curser next to the paper clip icon below the photo will allow you to enlarge the photo plus save it to your computer if you desire OR if you merely wish to see it enlarged simply put your curser on the photo and "LEFT" click and it will enlarge]


HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF A BILL OF SALE:


If your negotiations turn into success and you decide to purchase a FXR2, FXR3, or FXR4 I would make sure I walked away with a BILL OF SALE at the exchange of monies.....and hopefully such "monies" are being exchanged in front of a notary at a bank....

[FXR2evo99]

When meeting with a Seller of one of these bikes, knowing what the "Standard Features" were when the bikes were first offered might be helpful as well as additional features that the FXR3 and FXR4 were offered as:


GENUINE MOTOR STANDARD ACCESSORIES INCLUDED ON EVERY FXR2:

•   Chrome Oval Bar & Shield Billet-Style Mirrors   
•   Chrome Handlebar   
•   Custom Handlebar Clamp   
•   Chrome Handlebar Switch Housings
•   Chrome Master Cylinder Cover
•   Chrome Hand Control Levers
•   Chrome and Rubber Horizontal Handlebar Grips - Large 
•   Billet Foot Pegs, Wide Band, Small Diameter (3 pair)   
•   Billet Shifter Peg, Wide Band Small Diameter
•   Chrome Lower Fork Sliders 
•   Chrome 21" Laced   Front Wheel Assembly     Unsealed Bearings 
•   Chrome 16" Slotted Rear  Wheel Assembly     Unsealed Bearings 
•   Chrome Front Axle Nut Covers   
•   Pyramid Axle Adjusters   
•   Stainless Steel Braided Brake Line, Front & Rear 
•   Chrome Floating Brake Disc, Front & Rear 
•   Harley-Davidson Caliper Insert, 1-3/4" Diameter   
•   Harley-Davidson Caliper Insert, 1-3/8" Diameter   
•   Chrome Belt Sprocket Cover 
•   Chrome Plated Swingarm     
•   Badlander Custom Seat   
•   Chrome Mini Rail Upright, Passenger Backrest Pad   
•   Chrome Mini-Rail Sissy Bar Upright 
•   Chrome Sissy Bar Side Plates   
•   Detachable Seat Hardware   
•   Chrome Instrument Housing 
•   Chrome Fuel Tank Trim Panel
•   Classic Chrome Head Bolt Covers
•   Classic Chrome Spark Plug Covers 
•   Chrome Carburetor Top Cover 
•   Chrome Dome Timer Cover   
•   Chrome Voltage Regulator   
•   Chrome License Plate Bracket   
•   Flat-lens turn signals, front and rear   
•   Profile Low Rear Suspension   



FXR3 Includes FXR2 Standard Accessory List Plus These Additional Accessories:

•   New Custom Front Fender 
•   New Custom Side Covers
•   Two-tone Paint With Flames
•   Chrome 19" ThunderStar Five-Spoke Cast Rront Wheel Assembly     Unsealed Bearings
•   Chrome 16" ThunderStar Five-Spoke Cast Rear Wheel  Assembly     Unsealed Bearings
•   Chrome Thunderstar 5-spoke Rear Belt Sprocket
•   Chrome Floating Brake Disc Front & Rear To Match ThunderStar Wheel Assembly
•   Chrome Rear Brake Pedal
•   Chrome Upper and Lower Triple Tree Clamps
•   New Custom Style Seat (FXR3 Seat)
•   Short Rail Upright Passenger Backrest



FXR4 Includes FXR2 Standard Accessory List Plus These Additional Accessories:

•   Silver & Chrome Power Train
•   Chrome 19" Laced Front Wheel With Sealed Bearings
•   Chrome 16" Solid   Rear  Wheel With Sealed Bearings
•   Dual Front Disc Brakes With Four-Piston Caliper Brakes  (ie: Twin Cam Style Brakes)
•   Rear Disc Brake With Four-Piston Caliper Brake  (ie: Twin Cam Style Brake)
•   Teardrop Floating Brake Rotors For Front (2) & Rear
•   Chrome Solid Rear Sprocket Cover
•   Chrome Rear Brake Pedal
•   New Custom Style Seat
•   Chrome "Round" Bar & Shield Billet Style Mirrors
•   Chrome Drag Bar On Straight Risers
•   Electronic Speedometer & Odometer
•   New Custom Style Seat (FXR4 seat)

[FXR2evo99]

Just leaving blank temporarily incase something should be added here

[FXR2evo99]

Just leaving this blank incase something in the future becomes relevant and if it doesn't I shall remove.