I've got a 2007 Road Glide with 63,000 miles on it, thinking of getting either a 2012 or '13 RG Custom. (might also consider a leftover '15 RG Special, too)

I was wondering if there is a particular pricing guide that the dealerships use to set trade-in value on used bikes (NADA, Kelly's, etc.?)? Looking at NADA it gives me $8,926-11,761 for mine -- I would expect mine to bring the lower value due to the higher-than-average mileage. But other than that, the bike is fine shape with essentially a stock motor. If I got offered $8,500 in trade, I'd be very happy.

I realize there'll be a gap between the "book" valuation and the "dealer tag" price. Locally, the dealer has a 12 RG Custom (black) with a tag price of $20,000, whereas NADA values it around $14,200-18,600 (low retail v. average retail). A "gap", indeed.

I'm aware that one generally comes out "on the low side" when trading to a dealer vis-a-vis selling it on your own, but then some of that will eliminate the hassle of selling a bike on my own, and get it off my hands quickly. I accept that.

I admit to my own inexperience here, and not being the best of negotiators.
Any suggestions on how to approach the deal?

Thanks...!

 

Best way i have found to buy a bike from a Dealer when you have a trade is to do your homework.First,find out from NADA or Kelly's what your bike is worth trade in price for your area.Then find what average retail is for the bike your looking at.Come up with a figure your willing to pay difference and tell the salesman what you will pay OTD plus tax,etc. Do this the last day of the month if you can and you will be surprised at deals you can get at the end of a sales month.

 

There's usually a mileage adjustment calculation with those numbers.