Being new to all things motorcycles and Harley. I am trying to do as much research as possible. Not just on riding but buying. I've been buying cars for over 30 years but the MC game seems completely different.

How greatly does mileage affect a price on a used Harley? Sportsters in particular. Seems like it's a lot different than cars. I've read that condition is more of a factor than mileage.

One example: Two 2011 Iron 883's both black stock config at two different NY state Harley Dealers. One has 2773 miles price is $7495. The other has 597 miles price $7499. Five dollar difference 2176 mileage difference.

As far as H-D's or bikes in general is 2176 in mileage difference a big factor in pricing? As far as bikes go I have no idea what's high mileage or average mileage.

Thanks for any info and thoughts.

 

its about 800 miles a mounth for me. so that other one is 3 months used.

 

i think i may have put 597 miles the first week i got mine brand new, so that one should be as good as new.

 

That's nothing.

 

Use it as leverage

 

There's an asking price and a selling price. If the bike was a demo, HD may have picked up some cost to assist the dealership with the lost depreciation. If it was a rental, the dealership is eating the cost of the depreciation vs. the net of what they rented it for. If the dealership took it in on trade, they likely paid under book value for it, and if they bought it outright from a customer, the guy probably got raped. My point is that the price on the bike might be an asking price and someone might pay that amount. There's always some kind of mark-up in the price, and it could total $2500-$4500 dollars. I saw a 2009 XR1200 for sale at a dealer here, 3,000 miles on it, for $10,900. Christmas time it was at $6,900--now back up to $10,900. The bikes you mention are fine in terms of mileage, but I think you've got to determine what the true value of the bike should be vs. a new one. And just like car manufacturers, dealers are given incentives and bonuses for moving new units, not used ones, so it might be worth a look at a new one also.

 

Thanks for all the responses great info.

Fortunately there are 9 Harley dealers in my area from 20 to 60 minutes away. So there are lot's of options for dealing.

I'm a long way off from a purchase but I want to have as much info as possible and as many opinions as possible. I know for sure though that it's a Sporty that I want.

 

Buy private party. It will save you a lot of $$$. Dealerships usually want to mark up for mods or ask new prices due to low mileage....thats bullshit.

 

wish I would have seen that at Christmas time

 

Bought my '07 off ebay not long ago for $3600 with only 1670 miles...no rhyme or reason, sometimes you just fall into it.

Something like this is what you could be looking for...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2009-...item1e6b0bc5be (Buy this now! I'll give you a side cover!)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2009-...item4161d3a3c0

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2010-...item4161dcc533

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-...item2319cc8769