Harley values down?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,513
Likes: 116
From: OKC
Never buy a depreciating piece of machinery and expect it to be an investment asset. There are simply way too many HDs made to make them eternal investments. Buy something and enjoy it. The depreciation is the cost of having fun. Of course, if you sink more than it's worth into add ons and bling, then you have learned another economic lesson regarding the law of diminishing returns.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35,239
Likes: 19,070
From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
Even the old Harleys, parts are available so if you hang on to HD parts, they aren't worth Chit either...cause some repro company sells new re pops at competitive prices. Evrythings screwed up now, they have figured a way to make money on old bikes and old car restoration.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 716
From: Pennsyleffinvania
I just sold my 01 Deuce(non-FI) with 12K milage, basically stock with pipes, for $5200. I paid $5000 last year from an owner that was asking $6500. When I wouldn't budge from $5K cash in hand, I got the bike.
I don't think the Deuce is as sought after as it once was, although I did, and still do, think it is a very nice bike. The ride quality is marginal and the skinny front wheel/tire is no longer very popular.
Your bike will never be worth more than it is today. But if you ever think you might want a bar cruiser, keep it.
I don't think the Deuce is as sought after as it once was, although I did, and still do, think it is a very nice bike. The ride quality is marginal and the skinny front wheel/tire is no longer very popular.
Your bike will never be worth more than it is today. But if you ever think you might want a bar cruiser, keep it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 716
From: Pennsyleffinvania
I hate to give you bad news but nobody would give you $3K for an 11 yr old 883.
I remember going through the "nicer" suburban neighborhoods back then. It seemed like every garage had an Accord (his car), a Jeep Cherokee (her car) and a Harley in it. That was the formula.
Fads are strange things. No one can predict when or where the next one will hit. For all we know, ten years from now, HD's will be as "hot" as they were in 1991. Or not. Just no telling.
In the mean time, those of us who think the MoCo's offerings peaked in 1990 have never had it better. Guys trying to sell eight year old twincams are going to suffer. The factory will try to entice buyers into the new stuff through easier and easier financing and more and more tech.
The wheel keeps turning.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 187
From: Florida
No they are not, but that happens when production exceeds sales - and production is increased significantly.
Back in the late 80s and early 90s, you would pretty much have to order a bike, wait 6 months to a year or so, and then take delivery. Waiting lists were lonnnnnng. An acquaintance of mine would put deposits on two or three bikes every year, and immediately sell them when they finally came in. He routinely got a few thousand dollars over list. The MOCO didn't like that. Increasing production took care of the scalping (to some extent), but over time depressed resale values. With the recent recession, production is outstripping demand. Again, depressed resale. And as mnoted above -- too many bikes on the used bike market.
Back in the late 80s and early 90s, you would pretty much have to order a bike, wait 6 months to a year or so, and then take delivery. Waiting lists were lonnnnnng. An acquaintance of mine would put deposits on two or three bikes every year, and immediately sell them when they finally came in. He routinely got a few thousand dollars over list. The MOCO didn't like that. Increasing production took care of the scalping (to some extent), but over time depressed resale values. With the recent recession, production is outstripping demand. Again, depressed resale. And as mnoted above -- too many bikes on the used bike market.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35,239
Likes: 19,070
From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
Well, then I suppose "nobody " can give me a call Friday night to do the paperwork
....and by the way KBB is $3,665 on my 11 year old 883 (Mr or Mrs smarty pants)go troll for cheap Harleys somewhere else please, try Craigslist why dontcha?
Last edited by Super Glidester; May 4, 2016 at 03:11 PM.
