Hey guys, just wanted to give a quick intro as well as start my first topic. My name's Mike, from Florida but currently residing in California for 4 months for business.
I'm 32 and the last harley I had was when I was 17. Had to sell it for some family reasons, but ever since then I've missed my bike. In the last year I've been visiting harley dealerships trying to find the "right" bike for me again.
I sat on a softail slim and it felt great (I'm 5'6", so I liked the low seat level.) about 3 months ago I sat on a Lowrider and Street Bob and I absolutely fell in love.
So I'm starting to figure out now do I want a used one (would prefer since it's my first bike in almost 16 years), or a new one. I'd like to get your opinion on that topic. I'll have to pay cash for the bike (wife rules). What I'm seeing out there, is that a 10 year old Dyna is going for around 10-11k, so what would be the point of buying used when for another 5-6k more I can get a brand new one.
With harley having such high value retention, when does it make sense to look at pre-owned bikes?
Thanks guys, really looking forward to hanging around here and learning a thing or two.

 

Welcome. Wait until you get the hell out of California and back to Florida. Then shop. Prices on used bikes are cheaper here. Especially in winter in four months. 10-11k is pretty steep for a used dyna.

 

Welcome Mike. Hang out here,keep looking and get a good feel for what direction you want to go with the bike. Exhaust,tuner,wheels,seat etc. Cash is still king and goes along ways buying used.I'm in Utah and found my daughters car in Vegas.We took a one way flight, bought it and I had her drive me back. Wasn't that bad.(Her driving)

 

Keep an eye on Cycle Trader every day for ideas and prices. Your quote on used Dynas does seem high unless you're looking at used bikes from dealers (or stealers as guys on this forum call them). The Slim is a recent addition so they will be more expensive. Older Low Riders are always for sale but the best buys may be on Super Glides which are basically Low Riders with minor differences. Read up and get educated.
Set a budget for yourself and be diligent. Check the classifieds every morning with your coffee. Enjoy the process and learn what is available. Buying the bike is an exciting experience.
Good Luck and welcome to the forum. Lots of experience here and good people willing to help.

 

craigslist, nada, ebay, cycletader, tc... be prepared to travel

 

You should be be able to find some 06-later Dynas (but stick with 07-later) even in CA for $6k-8k (or negotiate to that price) if you keep looking

EDIT: Oh and yeah...Welcome

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Plus, if you wait to buy in Florida you'll be able to get a bike without all the California emissions parts on it. And, most importantly, you won't have to worry about getting it back to Florida.

 

Welcome Mike! Like others have said, your 11K does seem high for a used Dyna. Also, if you're only in CA for a few months, spend that time shopping around. E-bay and Craigslist will provide hours of entertainment. I'm guessing you have your motorcycle license. If so, go test ride some bikes when you can. That will also provide you with some "education" as to what models you like the feel of.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks for the welcome guys! Yeah I'll be buying it in Florida and my price range is under $7k. I gotta ask, why 07-later? I was hoping to score the 100 anniversary model just because.
I heard the early 2000s has cam issues, is that what the reference was to?
Really glad to be here and looking forward to learn as much as humanly possible!