Damned tough decisions!!!
#1
Damned tough decisions!!!
I am 65, retired, and live on a pension so I really have to watch my pennies.
I have also been a motorcycle rider for 50 years, off and on, and my last bike, before a 25 year hiatus was a HD FLH that I had to sell for financial reasons.
This past summer I picked up a Honda 750 but, frankly, it never felt quite right so I started looking at Harleys again.
I sat on a 2008 Dyna Low Rider at a local dealership and it felt perfect but it was well beyond my price range ($12k)
I went to another dealership to check out a 2002 883 they had at a bargain price ($4k) but found it to be WAY SMALL, or at least it felt small!
They also had a 2002 FXD Super Glide and it felt right! They were asking $1k more than I was comfortable with but I may call them back and try to negotiate a better price.
Today I am off to look at a 1997 Sportster that is dressed pretty much the way I like and the price is within my range but I wont have an impression until I sit on it.
I really like the 2002 FXD and it is hard to "be practical" when I like something! Whatever I do will likely be the last bike I ever own and I will be paying for it for years.
...... tough decisions!
Suggestions welcome!
I have also been a motorcycle rider for 50 years, off and on, and my last bike, before a 25 year hiatus was a HD FLH that I had to sell for financial reasons.
This past summer I picked up a Honda 750 but, frankly, it never felt quite right so I started looking at Harleys again.
I sat on a 2008 Dyna Low Rider at a local dealership and it felt perfect but it was well beyond my price range ($12k)
I went to another dealership to check out a 2002 883 they had at a bargain price ($4k) but found it to be WAY SMALL, or at least it felt small!
They also had a 2002 FXD Super Glide and it felt right! They were asking $1k more than I was comfortable with but I may call them back and try to negotiate a better price.
Today I am off to look at a 1997 Sportster that is dressed pretty much the way I like and the price is within my range but I wont have an impression until I sit on it.
I really like the 2002 FXD and it is hard to "be practical" when I like something! Whatever I do will likely be the last bike I ever own and I will be paying for it for years.
...... tough decisions!
Suggestions welcome!
#3
Find something you like and can pay cash for it. Please don't make payment plan for such an old bike at 65.
#4
I have no children and no heirs so the government will get a big chunk of anything I leave behind. My goal is to die as deeply in debt as possible!
#5
I went to another dealership to check out a 2002 883 they had at a bargain price ($4k) but found it to be WAY SMALL, or at least it felt small!
Today I am off to look at a 1997 Sportster that is dressed pretty much the way I like and the price is within my range but I wont have an impression until I sit on it.
Today I am off to look at a 1997 Sportster that is dressed pretty much the way I like and the price is within my range but I wont have an impression until I sit on it.
#6
In the northern climate, this is the best time of year to buy a bike. Look on Craigslist.....you'll see many garage queens for very little money. Take your pick.
#7
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Port St Lucie Florida
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Yep I agree, stop looking at Sportsters. A nice Dyna will appear at the right price if you're patient.
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#9
Like the others said, if you already feel a Dyna feels right, you'll get tired of a Sporty really quick. Craigslist is an option. There's also Cycle Trader. You'll probably be happier in the long run sticking with 2008+ so you get the 96 ci engine if you can.
Here's a few suggestions to save some cash on the initial buy ...
Good luck.
EDIT - BTW, $12,000 (assuming CN dollars) is $10,700 US. That's on the high side for a 2008. There are a bunch of 2008 Dynas on Cycle Trader for between $5000 and $10000 US right now. Maybe it's worth thinking about buying a plane ticket and riding it home.
Here's a few suggestions to save some cash on the initial buy ...
- Private Sellers ... dealers mark stuff up for a profit and are rarely "motivated sellers". Sometimes individuals just need to get the bike sold. A little more risk, but if you find an honest person and can wrench a little if something does go wrong, you'll probably get a much better deal.
- If you go to a dealer, don't go to a Harley Dealer. People go to Harley dealers for Harleys, so they have little incentive to cut a real deal. Honda (and other) dealers have little desire for used Harleys to sit on their floor. When I was shopping, I found better prices and more willingness to negotiate from non-Harley shops.
- Check out your indy repair shops. They often have consignments or know about customers that are selling bikes.
- Think about getting a bike that isn't yet "dressed pretty much the way I like" but is more stock and less expensive and adding parts over time. That's what I did ... getting parts from eBay, HD Forums and local swap meets. I eventually found stuff like a mint Sundowner Solo for $12, an engine guard in acceptable condition for $25, a Badlands unit for 1/2 of retail, etc.
- Where are you looking? Not sure how prices are in Manitoba, Canada, but maybe you'll find a better deal in ND or MN? Drive down w a friend and ride it home. Maybe you find a great deal and a great first adventure on your new bike all in one. I bought mine out of state from a private seller and rode it home about 2 hours in 27 degree (fahrenheit) January weather ... cold, yeah, but got a really good deal.
Good luck.
EDIT - BTW, $12,000 (assuming CN dollars) is $10,700 US. That's on the high side for a 2008. There are a bunch of 2008 Dynas on Cycle Trader for between $5000 and $10000 US right now. Maybe it's worth thinking about buying a plane ticket and riding it home.
Last edited by voudoujoe; 10-22-2014 at 08:43 AM.
#10
Okay, I'm an older rider like you and I'm just going to throw this out there. But for the money your spending would a used Road King fall into that price range in your market? You liked the FLH in the past, and I have ridden a dyna recently and you would be so much more comfortable on a King. Even if you don't intend to tour, the RK is a great around town bike.
Just throwing my two cents in there.
Just throwing my two cents in there.