I was wondering where values on Harleys come from??

I talk to a lot of people that want values for their bikes. I conduct an appraisal on the motorcycle and then most rant about low-balling or state "I can sell it for more on the street". My question is where does your number come from?? What considerations do you use to determine the value of your bike for trade-in or a direct sell.

Thanks for the comments guys and gals.

 

h..mmmmm

 

i was hoping for some words and stuff..

 

NADA or Kelly blue book. The dealer is always going to offer less to raise the profit margin.

 

I purchased a 2005 FLSTNI today for 12,200

It has a detachable windshield, removable Boss Bag saddlebags, and grips. This number falls between rough and clean trade by NADA. The bike has 1972 miles. It had a 1000 mile service in 2006 but no service since.

Thoughts?

 

Low Retail Average Retail
Base Price
$9,015 $11,860
Options
Fairing-Windshield Only $105 $118
Saddle Bags (Pair) $95 $106
TOTAL PRICE $9,215 $12,084

Suggested List: $17,780


Notes

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Prices shown are retail consumer values and to be considered as selling prices. Trade-in and loan values are confidential for our dealers and industry base subscribers. Trade-in values are to be determined by local dealers and are generally lower than values shown.

Suggested List Price — The manufacturer’s (distributors) highest suggested list price in the U.S.A. when the unit was new. Unless indicated, the suggested list price does not include destination charges, dealer set-up, state or local taxes, license tags or insurance.

Low Retail Value — low retail unit may have extensive wear and tear. Body parts may have dents and blemishes. The buyer can expect to invest in cosmetic and/or mechanical work. This vehicle should be in safe running order. Low retail vehicles usually are not found on dealer lots. Low Retail should not be considered a trade-in value.

Average Retail Value — An average retail unit should be clean without obvious defects. All rubber and cables should be in good condition. The paint should match and have a good finish. All lights and switches should work properly. The mileage should be within or slightly higher than the average range. This unit should also pass any emission inspection.

 

I think most take it from the amount of screwing they are getting. In 2006 I took my 2004 FLHTI in to inquire about a trade. I was quoted $6,000.00 for a bike that sold at MSRP for $15,999.99 just two years earlier. This my friend is a screwing. I'm all for the dealer having a profit margin, but I'm not going to stand by and get raped in the process.

 

If you gave $12,200.00 for that bike then that was a fair price as it has a high retail of $12,084.00 It sounds like you both made out well.

 

One other thing, alot of Harley owners have a misconception that the more chrome and accessories they add to a bike the more that it is worth. Then they are shocked to find out that there bike appraises only slightly higher than a similiar bike that is bone stock.

 

The bike I purchased is a 2004 road king with 30k miles from the original owner, The local harley shop would only give him like $9500.00, and he even bought it from them in 2004. All the services that were performed and all the upgrades and chrome accessories and labor from the Harley shop totaled just over 14k. I paid $13,500 for it, so he was happy to get more than the original $9500 the dealership offered, and I'm happy because I basically bought the bike for the cost of all the upgrades that were added. heck I even have the extended warranty thru 2010 with it. So shop around and never trade your bike in. I bought the additional chrome package insurance for next to nothing to cover the bike just in case that dreadful day comes, that way I get the full street value price, plus all the stuff that was added to it from the insurance company.