You keep mentioning softail standard/wide glide. I'm just playing devils advocate here, but it seems to me you're looking at a particular style that includes a wide front end, bobtail fender, forward controls, etc. Seems like you have a pretty good idea of what you want. Do you really want a superglide. I'm not putting down those bikes by any means...I'm just saying that it doesn't seem to be what you're looking for. I know the DWG's are a bit pricey...but I was always under the impression that the softail standards are on the lower end (price wise) of the big twins. Have you looked into them?
Sorry buddy...not trying to confuse you here...just want you to make the right decision for you.

Todd

 

Hey Todd... yes I have looked into the Softail Standard. There are none used available at the dealerships in my area. What makes the dealerships such an important option at this point is my banker won't carry a note long enough to get the payments down to my monthly budget. And like I said... I never considered an FXD until I played with this one today and it was a good fit. It's suprised the hell outta me. I didn't expect to like it at all. He put me on a Softail Classic and I didn't care for it in the slightest. I got on the FXD and it was like sitting in an easy chair. That's what made me start seriously considering it. And seeing the (previously ignored) photos here on this site I've become a lot more open to it. (This has forward controls by the way).

Thanks for the thoughts! I really appreciate any and all help I can get.


I just made the rounds of E-bay and the ended auctions show these going for around $11,000. so it seems in the ballpark... Except for the "extra" charges.

 

My first bike was a FXRP Dyna super police version, GREAT BIKE!!! I recently wrecked it so bad that the I had to let the insurance co. take it away but I'll never go to another make. The bike that's currently in my garage is a '98 FXDS Dyna Convertible and I can't wait to try it out (it's currently winter here in Wisconsin). I read a few reviews that I found on the net and they've got alot of good things to say about this particular bike. So I would say the FXD is a damn good bike coming from the Dyna family. I'll only suggest you don't try out a Road King if you're looking for a touring bike the Dyna family is great but the Road King will blow you away and they're pricey. The Dyna will get you through 700 mile days and through the twisties with no problem and resonable comfort. What more can you ask for?

Be cautious about the dealer you're going through. Some have better reputations than others, I'd suggest going out to a few biker bars and asking around about the local dealers and what they're known for in the sales and repairs market. People will tell you the dealers to avoid if they've had a bad experience with them. You can never be to cautious.

Just my $0.02...

 

My advice...Never go with the payments offered by the dealers. Have them write out the estimate ww/ everything included and then shop the loan. 9% for 72 months is what I consider high and long.
As I told you before, I would wait and see if someone doesn't come out with a better deal. Last year, I got 5.5% for 60 months and that was through my credit union.
I quick review on my calculator showed 12,500 at 60 months at 5.5% was right at $200 a month...with no down.
Remember also, one thing that has to be added to the calculation is sales tax and license fees. No way to get around these. Art

 

[quote]ORIGINAL: RudeDog

Be cautious about the dealer you're going through. Some have better reputations than others, I'd suggest going out to a few biker bars and asking around about the local dealers and what they're known for in the sales and repairs market.







Axholio come out to Strokers in Dallas this weekend and hang out with us and you'll learn more than you need to know about area shops.

 

I know how you fee in your shopping - not being able to afford what you'd really like and starting to look in your price range. I was in the same boat and although I had never considered an FXD, the price was right so I bought a '98 FXD two years ago for $9500 (had 12K miles on it). I love this bike. I'm 6' 1" and I thought my legs would not be comfortable but it fits me just fine. I love the controlls under my feet (more stable to me than out front) but it's so nice to have those forward pegs for long trips. I've daylight to dark several days in pure comfort with the stock seat. Two up isn't too bad either. All around a great bike (expecially for the money). Go for it!

 

Thanks folks... AceArt, I've just spent the morning shopping financing and believe it or not the dealership is right in line with my bankers. B of A is 9% on rec vehicles (over $10000- 14% under 10,000) and Chase is 8.5% with higher requirements on the vehicle (More down, etc...). We pre-qualified at 6.25% but for a car, not for a bike... But at least I know my credit is ok (knew it was).

I talked with the dealer today too. He said the extra charges are the waranty and TT&L. He said the waranty was like $1500. Still seems high to me, but I don't know. Some if it seems in line at the same time. I did the math and it seems the total price he's charging including all the extras comes to approx $14,000.

*shrugs*

 

Axholio, something else you might consider, given that with the warranty, etc. an '03 Super is about the same effective price as a new one - I just bought a new one from a dealer in Carrollton that sells at MSRP - which means that by the time you add delivery, title, etc. you're at $13k. But that's not that far from what you're effectively paying for the '03, which doesn't sound like it has a whole lot of accessories. You might check to see if one of the banks would give you a little lower interest rate on a new vehicle - you'd get 2 years of unlimited-mileage warranty, the new forks, transmission, etc., for payments that may not be different by much more than the cost of a lunch or two every month. You would know its history, get a free year of HOG membership, start at zero miles. With used Harleys holding their value so well, and the Super priced at almost loss-leader level, I just couldn't justify not buying new. I spent a couple hundred on accessories (your wife will want a seat and pegs) but right out of the crate it's a very nice ride and I don't have to worry about its history, because I watched it get unloaded from the truck from Kansas City . . .

 

Maybe I missed something. Are you totally against getting a Dyna? MSRP on a 2005 is $12,500 and change. That's the new 6 speed, Fuel injection and a brand new warranty included. It ain't flashy but it's all there and I think a little better ride due to the easily adjustable rear suspension. That's my 2.54 cents (Canadian).

 

One of the best way to price things is to look at the bikes on eBay. See what they are actually selling for, and use that as your basis.

Good luck!