So this past weekend I sold my 1996 Honda Shadow VLX after deciding it was finally time to move up to something bigger and better for longer distances. I've been looking at the VTX 1300R's and I like what I see.
I was able to take one for a test ride, but that didn't go so well. The bike was constantly backfiring and died on me twice. You would think a dealership would know better than to send someone out on a test ride with a bike that's not running right.
Anyways, now I am looking at a 2008 VTX 1300R that has 1248 miles. Asking price is $6350 and I don't know if the seller is willing to deal at all or not. I know the price has recently come down.
I know that's less than book value, but besides that, is it a good price?
I am also thinking of getting a couple of things for it right away, but am kind of overwhelmed by choices and could use some help narrowing things down.
First, I want to get a set of hardbags for it. I'm thinking something that sort of matches the retro look of the R and that also matches the bike's proportions. As in, not too skinny or small. I am thinking that I am going to mount the turn signals into the bags, so if there are bags where that has already been done and still matches the bike, that might be good.
Also, will I need separate mounting hardware? If so, what would I be looking for? I would want the bags to be mounted pretty close in to the fender.
Second, I am thinking about the exhaust. I am really liking the look of the Roadhouse Dooley's. I've seen it mentioned that you need to add an extension to the kickstand of the bike. Is this possible without being able to weld? Or do I need to find someone who can weld, or does someone out there make a replacement kickstand that's already modified? Because I know very little about aftermarket exhausts and what's possible or not possible, this next question might be a dumb idea, but I would rather know beforehand. I know there are blacked out exhausts available and that may be the route I should actually take, but is there a treatment out there for a chrome exhaust to make it black and keep the shine?
Sorry if this is a bit long winded. I have a picture in my head of what I can possibly do to this bike if I get it, but I want to make sure that I am being realistic with what's possible first. Thanks in advance for any help and advice.
I was able to take one for a test ride, but that didn't go so well. The bike was constantly backfiring and died on me twice. You would think a dealership would know better than to send someone out on a test ride with a bike that's not running right.
Anyways, now I am looking at a 2008 VTX 1300R that has 1248 miles. Asking price is $6350 and I don't know if the seller is willing to deal at all or not. I know the price has recently come down.
I know that's less than book value, but besides that, is it a good price?
I am also thinking of getting a couple of things for it right away, but am kind of overwhelmed by choices and could use some help narrowing things down.
First, I want to get a set of hardbags for it. I'm thinking something that sort of matches the retro look of the R and that also matches the bike's proportions. As in, not too skinny or small. I am thinking that I am going to mount the turn signals into the bags, so if there are bags where that has already been done and still matches the bike, that might be good.
Also, will I need separate mounting hardware? If so, what would I be looking for? I would want the bags to be mounted pretty close in to the fender.
Second, I am thinking about the exhaust. I am really liking the look of the Roadhouse Dooley's. I've seen it mentioned that you need to add an extension to the kickstand of the bike. Is this possible without being able to weld? Or do I need to find someone who can weld, or does someone out there make a replacement kickstand that's already modified? Because I know very little about aftermarket exhausts and what's possible or not possible, this next question might be a dumb idea, but I would rather know beforehand. I know there are blacked out exhausts available and that may be the route I should actually take, but is there a treatment out there for a chrome exhaust to make it black and keep the shine?
Sorry if this is a bit long winded. I have a picture in my head of what I can possibly do to this bike if I get it, but I want to make sure that I am being realistic with what's possible first. Thanks in advance for any help and advice.
