FOR SALE
Originally purchased by Blues Bar-BQ's first bass player Ken Murray. Current owner: Blues Bar-BQ's keyboard player, Craig Libuse.
Watch for the bike on the streets of Yuma, AZ.
Bike shown with new 3.3 gallon tank mounted and original 2.2 gallon tank in foreground. (Click on photo to view larger image.)
Click on any of the above photos to view a larger version. (Note that the T-bag luggage shown in these on-the-road shots is not included with the bike although the leather saddlebags are included if desired.) The bike is seen here near Marble Canyon, AZ and by Lake Meade, NV.
Left side and right side with original equipment 2-gallon tank. Right side photo shows windshield attached. It is included but is not currently installed on the bike. The third photo shows the new 3.3 gallon tank with "Harley Davidson" lettering and custom leather work on air cleaner cover. (Click on any photo to view a larger image.)
Transmission: 5-speed
Color: HD Turquoise blue metallic (original paint except new tank)
Wheels: 9-spoke cast aluminum with Dunlop tires
Mileage: 36,500
Visual condition: Almost show quality, great chrome, no rust, no dents
Running condition: No leaks, never misses a beat, everything works, never dropped
Location: San Marcos, CA
Licensed until October, 2007
Price: $4800
Contact: Craig Libuse, libuse@cox.net or (760) 727-2001
This bike is absolutely loaded with accessories enhancing both speed and comfort. (See list below.) It has been extremely well cared for and never dropped or involved in an accident. The lowered suspension and scooped 2-up seat give it a low stance. This not only looks good for an average size rider, but it allows for secure two feet flat on the ground support when stopped for riders as short as 5'-4". It has been meticulously maintained since new and maintenance records are included. The bike recently completed a 1000-mile ride around the Grand Canyon and through Zion National Parks in June without the slightest problem from desert heat to altitudes of almost 10,000 feet at the North Rim. A complete service by a trained HD mechanic was done just to the bike prior the trip. To make the trip the standard 2.2 gallon "peanut" tank, the classic Sportster signature tank so popular with custom chopper builders, was replaced with a 3.3 gallon tank for longer runs between gas stops. At the average 45-50 mpg you can expect to go about 120-140 miles before going on reserve on this tank. The original tank is also included in the sale for around-town riding with a range of between 75 and 95 miles.
The custom leather work was done by the first owner, Ken Murray to honor his American Indian heritage. It goes perfectly with the turquoise blue metallic paint scheme. Leather covers on the air cleaner and battery include a red and turquoise arrowhead and Southwest Indian design theme. It is a subtle but unique theme that could be left as is or built upon with custom paint or other Southwest themed accessories. Several thousand dollars worth of appearance, performance and comfort accessories have been added to complete the bike. With the crank balancer and longer gear ratio it is one of the smoothest, most vibration-free solid mount Sportsters on the road.
Screaming Eagle cams (2005)
Screaming Eagle air cleaner (with round K&N cover)
Screaming Eagle ignition
Chromed lower front forks ($379.00)
3.3 gallon round bottom gas tank from Custom Chrome, sealed and pressure checked by Advanced Radiator, paint by Norton’s ($700.00)
Python II exhaust pipes
Progressive (lowered) adjustable height rear shocks
Pingle hi-flow fuel petcock ($95)
Harmonic balancer on crank for smooth, vibration free operation
Engine chrome kit (rocker boxes, side covers)
Chrome headlight “eyebrow” (“Harley Davidson” logo)
Chrome and brass “Live to Ride” gas cap cover
Chrome luggage rack (Harley Davidson, re-chromed in 2002)
Chrome tall sissy bar w/ Velcro-attached backrest pad, HD Eagle logo
Chrome and rubber fat HD handgrips
Chrome end cap HD logo footpegs
Chrome highway peg extensions and rubber folding pegs
Chrome saddlebag supports
Leather saddlebags (–$200 off price if not wanted)
Oil temperature gauge dipstick
Custom leather covers for air cleaner, battery, left side cover behind battery—Southwest Indian theme
Custom body color paint on front wheel spacer, pulley and belt guard
Long gear ratio pulley and belt for lower RPM at highway speeds (reduces vibration, improves mileage)
Recent 10,000 mile check/adjustment/fluids/brake pads by Dusk to Dawn Harley ($750 service)
HD windshield and mounting hardware
Original 2.2 gal peanut tank w/ stock paint
Original front fender
Original equipment rear shocks
Original stock cams/tappets
Two helmets
Maintenance manual w/ tune-up/modification dates and notes recorded in back
Maintenance records/receipts since 2002.
Seller is 3rd owner. Ower history: Ken Murray--1994-2000, Ken's girlfriend Bonnie--2000-2001, Craig--6/01-present
California bike since new, purchased new at Bartel’s HD, Marina Del Rey, CA
Also available at extra cost: Leather riding jacket (small), long leather gauntlet riding gloves (small)
Reason for sale: Just purchased a new '07 Sportster.
What is a Sportster? The Sportster is the hot rod of the Harley line. It is the lightest, quickest bike and also the least expensive making it one of Harley's biggest sellers. It is the longest running model in the Harley line. Introduced in 1957, it is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year. It is popular with those who want good performance and mileage without having to worry about picking up 700-1000 pounds of bike if it tips over. The low seat height also makes it popular with riders under 5'-6" in height--men or women, although it has plenty of power even for riders weighing over 200 pounds. I am 5'-11, 180 lb and I like being able to easily put both feet flat on the ground at stop lights. The simple, bullet-proof nature of the bike and the ever popular "peanut" style gas tank have long made it a favorite starting point for many custom chopper builders, particularly in the early days. The Sportster is offered in two engine displacements: 883 cc and 1200 cc. The 883 is best known for all the flat track and TT racing championships it has won. The 883 can be converted to a 1200 by boring out the cylinders and changing heads. This is a fairly standard conversion and costs about $1200-2000 if you ever feel the need for more power (and less mileage).
To say that a Sportster rider should aspire to eventually move up to a larger Harley is like saying you should trade in your Corvette to buy a Suburban. Not that there's anything wrong with a Suburban, but it's a different vehicle...more comfortable for the cross-country freeway runs but not nearly as fun on the back canyon roads. I am a back-road rider. I ride solo with no one on the back. I bought this bike thinking I would get back my riding skills since it had been 30 years since I sold my last motorcycle and then buy something bigger. After over 5 years on this bike I shopped all the bikes in the Harley line, renting or test riding a Dyna, a Fatboy and a Softtail Deuce among others. After all that I have just ordered a new Sportster from the factory. The big bikes cost a LOT more and offered only more weight, less performance (except perhaps for the water-cooled V-rod) and less mileage. This is a mildly customized bike with an outstanding lineage that you can proudly park in any lineup.
JoJo Hughes shot this photo of Craig on the '94 Sporty cruising through Zion National Park in June, 2006. Whether on a 3-day 1000-mile cross-country ride or just riding to work or across town, this bike looks, sounds and performs great...and it could be YOURS!
The February 2007 issue of American Iron magazine ran a shot of the bike in the "Snaps" section. (Click on photo to view a large image and read the rather tongue-in-cheek caption.)