It varies. I bought a NOS 1997 Honda CBR1100XX in May 1998 and sold it 4 years later in May 2002. Sold it because I was getting as much money as I could together for a 2002 Z28 Camaro (which I still have).


I bought a NOS 2003 Kawasaki ZZR1200 in May 2006 and sold it 5 years later in May 2011. Sold it because I was getting a house.


I bought a NOS 2011 GSXR 600 in May 2012 and sold it April 2015. Could no longer take the riding position (getting too old) so I sold it to get a 2015 HD Low Rider (which will be my bike for at least the next 3 years).

 

I kept my Shovelhead for 35 years, will no doubt keep the Softail for the rest of my life.

 

Wow I can't imagine how much money people are wasting trading their bikes as often as some of you do. Everyone always says 'They got a great deal', but in reality I think that's just a way of trying to justify it I think.. I think people are losing a lot more than they think.

I purchased my first Harley a used 96 road king and kept it about 10 years. I bought a new 2013 Ultra in June of 2013 and plan on keeping it at least until 2020. I don't have bike lust and its difficult for me to understand why people need to switch bike's constantly. For me its about the ride not the bike. Obviously certain bikes are better suited for different types of riding so I can see people switching because of that.

I often see the 'If you can afford it' line thrown out. I don't think most people truly CAN afford it. They can make the payments. The OP said he had 48 motorcycles over the course of his life. Imagine if you even cut that in half and put that money into investments/retirements. I bet the money you would have would be staggering. I think there is a lot of people out there who are going to be in for a very rude awakening when it comes time for retirement.. suddenly they won't be able to afford it any more and they haven't saved up anything to live.

I think the problem of the 'rich' vs 'poor' is become even more of a problem as the baby boomers move into retirement (Which is already well under way).. Unfortunately I think those who showed restraint and saved up to live nicely in retirement are going to be asked to give more to those who decided they could 'afford' a lot of things they really couldn't. Its going to get even more ugly than it is now unfortunately.

Sorry kind of a political/social rant there. I'm only in my early 40's and trying to plan for retirement while still living a fun life. I certainly could afford to trade in my 2013 for a 'better' 2016, but I think it would be a financially stupid decision and I won't throw money away like that. I'm trying to encourage others to 'think ahead' because I don't want to be paying for everyone else's retirement because I decided to try to build up a healthy nest egg or be told I am greedy because I don't want to pay more in taxes.

 

53 Pan I got when I came home in 72 got traded for a 72 Shovel in 80. That got traded for a 84 shovel in 87 which I still have. By traded I mean sold to buy the next one or part of the deal.
03 RK I bought in 05 I also still have.

From 72 to date I have probable bought and sold 25 others but the above have always been my go to bikes.

 

Bought an '13 Ultra Classic in July (hense the join date) to see if I wanted to get back into riding. Put on approx 1000 miles, then traded it in for my Street Glide less than 2 months later.

 

I tend to keep mine a while, until a good reason to get rid of one. Last two bikes I sold were both over 13 years old.

 

Well I have owned 5 Harleys starting in 1987 with a bitch of a 1979 XLH. That was the last bike I sold to buy a new 1991 Sportster, in late 1990. I am the original owner of my 1991, 1997 and 2005, the '46 I bought used.

So far I have not been very good at selling Harleys, just buying them.

 

Both mine are paid off and I've got soooo much $$$ in mods on each selling them would be a financial hit I don't need or want. If anything, I'll add a few more to the stable like an Evo FXR that I wish I didn't sell and maybe a shovel.

 

Just let me add to my OP. I've paid CASH for every motorcycle I've ever owned. NEVER have I had a loan or payments on any bike. My dad taught me a lot of lessons, but this one has been the best........"if you have to borrow money to buy it, you can't afford it." That's worked very well for me and I'm pretty set financially. My home is paid for, cars paid for (2009 Toyota, 2014 Ford Escape), motorcycle paid for, and my wife and I put five kids through college. Except for the monthly utility bills, I'm debt free. I'm by no means wealthy, so it can be done, if you know how to manage your money.

 

Paint and some Mods will make any bike new for a year or so. Drop in a 120 and you got a new bike that will nock your socks off. Its your money do what you want.