I am ready to put up my '05 Super Glide Custom FXDCI on the market here in Southern California. 2200 miles, too many extras to mention - including T-Bars, stock speedo mounted, chrome galore, V & H pipes, etc. - plus a 5-year EXTENDED Warranty, just under 4 years remaining on it.

Here's my question, and perhaps those in Chicago, Philadelphia, etc. may see it differently: Should I put it up for sale now or wait until perhaps March or April? Here in Southern California the weather is basically great riding weather year-round... a little rain here and there in the winter, but still 70 degree temps pretty standard.

I owe $10,900 on the bike, so the justification would be to hold on to it for 4 more months, ride it sparingly, and pick up the 'extra' cash that March would bring over November.... or do I sell it now, eliminate 4 more months of payments ($245 monthly), and simply move on. What are your thoughts?

I see the market here is in the $14,000 - $14,500 range for a bike like this with the mileage I have on it, and while I will eat about $3500 selling at this price, I still have to do it. Your thoughts are appreciated on whether to sell now or wait, thinking I would make a bit more in April... although, keep in mind that 4 more months of waiting = $1000 out of pocket for payments. Thanks.

 

I would think it would be easier to sell in your market. Keep in mind those here in the eastern part of the US are waiting to sell in the Spring, if in fact the bike is going to be sold. So, it may be more difficult for you to sell to an eastern us buyer.

Come spring, the market will be loaded with used bikes. I would list on Ebay, include your phone number and see what interest you get. You may spend $40-$45 to list it, but you will hit a big market of lookers.

 

I think toyrider hit it just right. You have the luxury of selling where the weather is pretty nice all year round. Waiting too long would be like trying to sell a convertible here in upstate NY in January, not real good timing. You said the market where you are is in the $14,000-$14,500 range, is this with the accessories or for a fairly stock bike? If it is not with all the shiny accessories, why not remove the chrome bling, put the stock parts back on and sell the chrome for what you can get?

Since you owe $10,000.00, and can sell it presumably for nearly $4,000.00 more, I'd recommend selling it now. Riding for another few months just increases the chances of a market downturn or worse, an accident or other mishap. Are you looking at getting another bike or are you looking just to get out from under the payments? If a new bike is not a must, you could always take the cash for whatever you sell it after the loan is paid off and buy a couple of year old HD for under $10,000, put the extra cash down and substantially reduce your payments over a new bike.

Just a recommendation.

 

Some good advice here thus far. List it now. If it does not sell you are only out the listing fees....but if it does sell, There you go. Good luck.

 

I agree with others. However, I am always looking for other bikes on ebay. I bought my bike off Ebay. From my experience, most sellers dont make the reserves by a good margin and the bikes go unsold. I think ebay is a good way to sell if the seller is willing to sell under book value. Many ebayers are looking for a deal (including me). If people want to pay book value they can go to the dealer and get a lower interest rate then they can on a private sale purchase from a bank.

 

I would try Ebay now with a high reserve.......you might get 2 bidders go crazy.......it happens all the time. Just post with lots of pictures and it will probably go quick.

 

I sold 2 bikes this past year to fianace buying a St. Bob. asked book for one and 4k for a 84XLX that was cherry. sold both within a month of one another.. . know a couple of guys that sat on bikes quite a while before they sold, Here in KY.. and folks trying to eek out every penny they spent are stuck . be fair put it out there now. e-bay or your local paper.. put mine in the paper... and good luck..

 

I would say advertise,advertise,advertise in all the local photo ad type papers now.I paid damn near 16 for mine OTD added 1500+ in accessories and couldn't sell it for 14.I see alot of Dynas in the 10-15 range but I keep seeing the same bikes week after week.Mine's paid for so I don't have to sell it but I'm bored with it and can't get anything else untill I do.

 

Craigs List is a great place to advertise if available in your part of California. Several of my friends have bought HD's at a 'reasonable' price from this listing. Just put craigs list in your searce engine to see if available and good luck.