So here's the question-- will HD's promotion to give full MSRP trade-in on Sportsters toward a big twin bike decrease the value of many sportsters in the used market?

I'm thinking it's simple supply and demand-- the increased supply of sportsters in the market place, combined with what appears to be happening in the economy (lowering demand) is going to take a toll on all sportster values.

What do you think?

 

Who cares? I'm not getting rid of my sporty anyway. If anything, it's a great reason to go out and get a second one!

 

The problem is youll have all sorts of used Sportsters for full price.

 

Hopefully, it will bring some reason back to the used market. The supply of used sportsters is lower than it has been for quite some time, and the prices are high. They ned to come down, and give some of us a chance to buy a second one

 

Yesterday I was at the Harley dealer and they tried to give me $10,600 for my 1200c. The salesman was telling me by this time next year for a trade in with my 1200 they would only give me $5000 for my bike. He tried and tried to get me to do the trade but i had to tell him to go screw off. I like the bike I have. one of the best looking i have owned. He was telling me Harley was going to really depreciate the value of sportsters as of March 09. He would not give me a reason but he was saying that all sportster riders that are thinking of trading would want to do it now. If not, they are going to be in the hurt locker soon. This might have been just a plot to get me to trade but I didn't. I like the sportster!!

 

I think that's the most retarded thing I have heard all day. Obviously, that salesman was trying to hook you into a sale. Think about it....when the economy is down (like now) a bike like a sportster will have a higher value to someone looking for one. Its good on gas, and cheaper than a big twin. That salesmen knew it too.....he knew he could give you 10,600 for your sporty and sell it for a mark up.

 

This isn't a new program...it's a rehash of the same program back in the eighties. It didn't hurt the value back then and I doubt it will now. It's just another sales tool gimmick of the moment.

 

Man is this ever true. I'll be waiting once again to see the outcome.

 

LOL. For years the dealers have stressed that used Harleys hold their value better than competition and now they're going to "depreciate" the Sportster. This guy's a jerk who will say anything to sell a bike. I doubt the dealership owner or Harley would be pleased with his tactics.

 

If anything, I think it's upping the value at least for the short term. I know I wouldn't take less than over MSRP for my bike cause I know the dealer will give me that right now. After March, it may be another story but I plan on doing the trade. Honestly, I hope the prices do drop because I plan to buy another Sportster this Summer and will likely go used.