How Long Do You Keep Your Bikes?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 23, 2017 | 07:01 PM

hd4evr2008

Thread Starter

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 3,983

Likes: 2,144

From: Ohio

How Long Do You Keep Your Bikes?

I've fallen into a really bad habit these last few years. Since April of 2014, I've owned 4 different Harleys. Not at the same time. I just traded them off after less than a year. I had a 2011 FXDC that I loved and should have kept. Stupidly, I got the "itch" for a new bike and traded it in for a new Softail Deluxe because, well, they're just beautiful........but......I HATED IT!!!!!..........traded it for a Street Glide after about 6 weeks..........shortest time I've ever owned any motorcycle. Rode the Street Glide for a year, then traded it even up for a new Low Rider because I missed the dynas. Now I find myself with the "itch" again, even though I really like the Low Rider. Local dealer has offered me a deal on a Switchback. I've just gotten into the habit of trading bikes every year. I'd love to just be happy with what I have, and not get trade happy again. I told myself when I bought the Low Rider that I was gonna keep it until I put 100,000 miles on it. Maybe I should just have my wife hide the title to it until I get over this urge to trade. I'm lucky enough to be able to pay cash for my bikes, so I've always had a clear title which makes trading easier. So...question is....how long do you guys keep your bikes?

Jun 23, 2017 | 07:03 PM

Yamaharley

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 2,530

Likes: 546

From: Wayne County, PA

I'm 27 now, had my dyna since I was 20. Before that I had 4 bikes in 4 years. It's ok to trade bikes in if your looking for that perfect one.

Jun 23, 2017 | 07:08 PM

TKDKurt

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 3,832

Likes: 127

From: Coastal Carolina

I used to get "the itch" too until I got my Road King. I have had it for 5 1/2 years and have 53,000+ miles on it. I have ridden a 2017 and while I respect the M8's improvements, I'm still not itching. I still love this bike like the day I rode it out of the dealership.

My intention is to keep it until either the cost of maintaining/repairing it gets too high or I no longer trust it enough to ride it on tour. I don't see either one of those happening any time soon.

The key is getting the right bike for you.

Last edited by TKDKurt; Jun 23, 2017 at 07:14 PM.

Jun 23, 2017 | 07:09 PM

TwiZted Biker

Club Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 66,128

Likes: 51,461

From: Niles Canyon Ca.

Lets see I've had my current shovelhead since 1982.

Jun 23, 2017 | 07:13 PM

Cosmic Razorback

Club Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 21,767

Likes: 22,986

From: North Carolina

The older I get the longer I keep stuff.

As for Harley's I sold one in four months with only 56 miles on it to a guy here on the forum. The longest I have kept one is 6 years and 56k miles.

I really like the 2016 Limited, it may set a new long term record.

Jun 23, 2017 | 07:28 PM

nobodyknowsme

Banned

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 17,008

Likes: 14,675

From: in a cave at the foothills

It is a lot easier to have more than one bike at a time. That way you don't get burned out and get the "itch". I prefer touring bikes so have had my Road King for over 10 years. Have been through a couple other bikes since then but like to graduate. Next will be a Road Glide Ultra.

Jun 23, 2017 | 07:29 PM

DaddyKnuck

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 17,625

Likes: 1,665

From: Blairsville GA

I have more than one bike. The one I've had the longest I bought new in '72. The newest one was delivered last Friday. On average I'd say new bikes last 3 or 4 years, unless they're a "keeper." In that case they become part of the family.