Investment Harleys under $10,000.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Investment Harleys under $10,000.
Hi all, I'm wanting to invest and collect a Harley or two and I would like to learn which bikes will hold value. I can't afford panheads, but there are a lot of shovels more in my price range. Presently I'm looking for a Badboy because I like sprig ears and Evos. But I'm learning more about FXRs as well. I'm open minded, so teach me more about the Harleys that are worth considering for collecting.
Thanks
Beary
Thanks
Beary
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,774
Likes: 38,460
From: Post Falls, ID
A Topper is worth collecting. A very cool nostalgia piece that will only go up in value.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...pper&FORM=IGRE
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...pper&FORM=IGRE
The overriding consideration in this is originality. Any modifications actively reduce value. Collectors want bikes untouched from the factory.
The other consideration is that if you are looking for an "investment" and thinking of buying motorcycles, you're kidding yourself. Old bikes are more "lottery ticket" than "investment". You never know what the market will value in 20 or 30 years. It's all subject to the whims of collectors at the time.
Storage and maintenance matter as well. This isn't like a stock certificate you buy and forget about. A proper collection has ongoing costs associated with it.
Any Shovelhead that is in primo, original condition is likely to at least hold it's value.
Evo's were made by the zillions, and very few are likely to ever approach Knucklehead/Panhead type numbers. At least not for a very long time. That said, certain models might do better than others: First year Softails, excellent condition FXR's, '91 Fatboys ("Terminator bike"), Heritage Springers. You never know. In any case, look for the lowest miles, most original examples.
The other consideration is that if you are looking for an "investment" and thinking of buying motorcycles, you're kidding yourself. Old bikes are more "lottery ticket" than "investment". You never know what the market will value in 20 or 30 years. It's all subject to the whims of collectors at the time.
Storage and maintenance matter as well. This isn't like a stock certificate you buy and forget about. A proper collection has ongoing costs associated with it.
Any Shovelhead that is in primo, original condition is likely to at least hold it's value.
Evo's were made by the zillions, and very few are likely to ever approach Knucklehead/Panhead type numbers. At least not for a very long time. That said, certain models might do better than others: First year Softails, excellent condition FXR's, '91 Fatboys ("Terminator bike"), Heritage Springers. You never know. In any case, look for the lowest miles, most original examples.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
A book I read on this subject had the following quote; "Dumb people buy what others don't want. Ordinary people buy what others want. Smart people buy what others don't want YET."
To really do this you need to be able to predict the future, and anticipate what the trends are likely to be in 10-20 years.
Or, you could do what I have done with guitars and motorcycles. Buy what you like, use it and enjoy it. If you make money on it down the road, consider it a bonus. Otherwise, consider the money spent an investment in a life well lived.
To really do this you need to be able to predict the future, and anticipate what the trends are likely to be in 10-20 years.
Or, you could do what I have done with guitars and motorcycles. Buy what you like, use it and enjoy it. If you make money on it down the road, consider it a bonus. Otherwise, consider the money spent an investment in a life well lived.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Sep 15, 2016 at 11:33 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,510
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From: Pa.
I'd stick with cone Shovels. If you look hard, you can still find all original (including paint) examples, but they won't be cheap. Another route is to find something decent but not all original (cheaper) and put it back to original. Whatever you do, you better know what you're doing and what you're looking at.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you already have one or two), The Shovelhead era coincided with the "chopper" era, so original, unmolested examples are already scarce and already pricey. Baggers shared to same frame/chassis with the FX bikes so any and all could be chopped, and many were at some point in their lives.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Sep 15, 2016 at 11:46 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 480
Likes: 349
From: Wilmington, NC
Any investment bikes are already 10x your price and have already been identified. For 10 thousand you might as well just give it to me and get it over with quickly. Late model Harleys are not good investment bikes because there are way to many of them made. Vincents are good but again you're about 60 thousand short. You are about 10 years on the back side of the market.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,705
Likes: 358
From: C-Town
Gotta be HD?
If I were doing this, I'd look at the Honda CB models from the 70s.
They are already going up in price.
If I were doing this, I'd look at the Honda CB models from the 70s.
They are already going up in price.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
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From: Sunshine State
Low mileage mint condition springer FLSTS, or the '07 FLSTSC, preferably the first.
Edit: I sure am typoin a lot lately...too funny
Edit: I sure am typoin a lot lately...too funny
Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; Sep 18, 2016 at 08:12 AM.
Good luck!