Buying a used 02- 05 LT

[exit11]

What issues should you look for?
How clumsy at low speed, in the garage?
Thanks in advance, Ray

[gpolakow]

Pick one you like and buy it. Then practice low speed manuevering every day you can. Pretty soon, the low speed issue will be pretty much a non-issue. As for the rest of the time, just enjoy riding the best touring bike in the world.

[bflemingor]

There are as many opinions as those with different model year bikes.

When I did my research on the various bikes, vs my usage requirements (price not an issue, warranty required, available extended warranty, one long trip a year, perhaps a total of 500 miles beyond that, but not willing to buy brand new...)

I wanted ALL the updates plus reasonable milage. So I ended up with a '06, loaded, with 3k on the clock - in '06. I've had to change/add very little to the bike to make it a perfect long distance ride for me (seat/MOPs/TALL shield).

Having ridden a couple of older bikes ('01 & '03), plus an '05, I wouldn't consider a bike older than '05. Just my $0.02

[big_ed]

Tip: Don't let the smoke on start-up fool you. It almost kept me from jumping on a great deal on my '03.

If the LT is tilted on its sidestand too quickly after the engine is shut off oil will leak by the rings and will smoke when started next. It's normal, they all will do this unless one leaves the bike standing straight for 15 to 20 seconds after the engine is killed.

Show-nuff no smoke start up formula:
Kill engine + Keep your seat with the bike straight up + Pull off your gloves and helment (about 15-20seconds) + Pop the side stand and set it down = No smoke when you crank it next.

[rglassma]

Let's see if I can help answer your question. Bad things to look for that would be show stoppers:


1) Put the bike on the center stand. Take the rear wheel in your hands tightly and try to jiggle it left/right, up and down. If there is any movement, there is definately an issue with the final drive and it is going.

2) With the bike on the center stand, look underneath the engine between the engine and transmission. It you see what seems to be oil anywhere, there is a leaky seal. Stay away from that bike.

3) With a mirror and a flash light. Look underneath the bike to see if anything looks wet or shiney. That indicates leaking .. Usually between the engine and transmission or potentially around the drive shaft, input shaft, etc.

4) When test driving the bike, check for any clutch slipage at all. If so, pass.

5) Look at the tip over wings and/or the chrome pieces on the bags to see if there are heavy scratches.. This will show you if the bike has been down.

6) Get a full history on the bike's maintenance if possible to see if it has been kept up to date. If it has been dealer serviced, this should be pretty easy.

7) If the bike has an extended warranty, check to see if it can be renewed and if it is transferrable to a new owner.

8) Beware of bikes with low mileage that are older models. For example, an 01 with say 5K on it.. That indicates that it has been sitting unused for a long time. This can cause problems with the seals which would result in expensive repairs.


This should give you a start.