New or used?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,655
Likes: 6,455
From: Honah Lee
New unless you do your home work. Even then, these roller bearing engines are hard to judge. Also, people fall for tin men BS and make garage queens out of them. Amazing that grown men and women take these 20K+ bikes and act like 15 year olds with their first moped. If that us what you plan on doing and want that, then no big deal.
If not, remember, big bucks to get back right unless you have all the old parts.
If not, remember, big bucks to get back right unless you have all the old parts.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; May 30, 2020 at 06:05 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 201
From: Southern Ontario
The correct answer is always used unless you want to be the first and only person who has ridden it (excluding mechanics).
I bought my Sportster new, first Harley, so I wanted new. The next one will be used.
I bought my Sportster new, first Harley, so I wanted new. The next one will be used.
Last edited by TimmyPage; May 30, 2020 at 06:20 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 38
Likes: 41
From: SoCal
That used Craigslist bargain suffers from various levels of deferred maintenance or neglect. You stare at the thing that's not right, and there's an urge inside you that wants to make it right. You study the problem, plan the course, acquire the tools and parts, and tear into it to make it right.
There's a certain level of satisfaction you get from fixing something that's not right. It's something that a new bike can never provide. You stand in your garage around midnight after you've wiped down your tools with WD40, washed your hands with orange pumice hand cleaner, and stare at the thing you made right.
You go to bed satisfied that night that you'll get to ride your work the next day.
The next day you get up before sunrise, brew a pot of coffee, suit up, ride your bike toward the mountains, and hear the engine echo through the canyons as you enjoy your work.
A new bike that you bought from a shiny dealership with a salesman who tried to pinch you for every dime you don't have won't give you the same satisfaction.
There's a certain level of satisfaction you get from fixing something that's not right. It's something that a new bike can never provide. You stand in your garage around midnight after you've wiped down your tools with WD40, washed your hands with orange pumice hand cleaner, and stare at the thing you made right.
You go to bed satisfied that night that you'll get to ride your work the next day.
The next day you get up before sunrise, brew a pot of coffee, suit up, ride your bike toward the mountains, and hear the engine echo through the canyons as you enjoy your work.
A new bike that you bought from a shiny dealership with a salesman who tried to pinch you for every dime you don't have won't give you the same satisfaction.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 952
Likes: 528
From: Richmond TX
It seems like Harley is always making very small incremental mechanical improvements year over year. I'm not afraid to buy used, but would attach more value to a newer model year, even if it has more mileage than something a few years older. Let your budget dictate and shop with patience. And, maybe a knowledgeable buddy if one is available.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,874
From: Upstate New York
Seems I always buy new. I tend to keep vehicles long enough that depreciation is a moot point. I kept my last Harley-Davidson for 25 years. I figure my current Harley will last me if Im still riding at 80. Thats only 12 years away!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 7,150
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
I always buy "new."
I can afford it, and I know what I'm getting.
I've seen some pretty hair-brained iseas for mods on bikes, over the years. Some/most damage the bike.
I can afford it, and I know what I'm getting.
I've seen some pretty hair-brained iseas for mods on bikes, over the years. Some/most damage the bike.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,137
Likes: 51,477
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Personal choice for either, been riding since 1970, first and only new bike I've ever bought was 2017 and I usually buy beaters or basket cases literally and build them the way I want. It's all in what it means to you. More good used iron out there than interested buyers if it's a cost verses return thing.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,985
Likes: 6,124
From: Florida
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 279
From: .
Used, let someone else work the bugs out & take the depreciation. Plus theyll buy some nice accessories. And you wont be on HDForums complaining about the extended service plan disappointments. Never had a bike with a warranty so not something I ever gave any thought to.
Wasn't there a very long thread about this recently?