I have a possible opportunity to buy a 2004 VRSC for $13,600 with screaming eagle pipes, 2 seats and a ton of extras. OR if I get Sporties (2) one for my husband and one for me, but they would have to be in the lower price range Sporties. What exactly is the difference between an 883 and a 1200 Sporty in terms of when you are actually riding it? I am more inclined toward the Sporties, but not sure. I am 5-8-1/2 and he is 5-11-1/2 so would I need a low and he need a regular heihgt? Does the V-rod price sound good? Up here the new ones are over $16,000.
I'll let someone else comment on pricing. I don't know about resale of the VRSC.
I have ridden other people's bikes but never actually owned one. How hard is it to learn the motor compared to a cager? Are the manuals pretty explicit for even the not so mechanically inclined or do I really need to be close to a dealer?
The first accessory that anyone should buy for a new bike is the service manual. While "an engine is an engine", there is a learning curve, but most routine maintenance can be done at home with a limited amount of tools. How far you go is up to you and your interest in all things mechanical.
Dealer visits are really a matter of mileage rather than time. If you figured a "major service" at every 10,000 miles and you ride about 10,000 miles a year, your answer is about once a year.
How often if you did not know how to work on your own bike would you estimate you would need to go to the dealer?
About every 5,000 miles.
If you live in North Dakota, do you have to drain all fluids in the winter? Can you keep a bike in a noninsulated, nonheated old garage or do I have to park it in the house?
Some Yankees will pipe in on this one I hope. I never have parked my bike anywhere else than a carport or an unheated garage. I have had one battery freeze up on me in the last 40 years (in Nashville, TN of all places).
Is there anyone here from North Dakota or any experience with HD in Minot or Jamestown?
Somebody else, because I've never been to either.
Any help at all on my dumbass questions much appreciated.
There is no such thing as a dumb question, except for the one that never gets asked; and thus, never gets answered.
Lucinda007