New or used
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 22
Likes: 5
From: CA
New or used
For the past few weeks I have been looking for a new (new to me bike). After looking and testing used bikes I now think that maybe a new bike is the best way to go. I just started back to ride after a few years took my safety coarse got my California license. Not that money is not an issue but does the risk of buying a used bike for less out weigh buying a new bike for more. Plus what I think it is worth and someone else thinks it is worth are usually different. It seems like everyone like the extras on their bike and they like the person buying to pay for them. A new bike you can buy just "meat and potatoes" and put what you want on. Plus most people feel like they are getting low-balled if you make an offer that is not what they are asking for. Maybe I have not found the rite used bike or the rite person to buy a bike from. Any help would be great.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 856
Likes: 373
From: Duke City, NM
If you find a good deal, get it. With that said a few things are happening in the vehicle market. Used prices are dropping after the Covid bump. You also have winter coming soon, bike prices drop even more. Take your time and get what you want at what you think is fair.
New vs used really depends on a lot of things. I prefer used and out of warranty. I like to tinker.
New vs used really depends on a lot of things. I prefer used and out of warranty. I like to tinker.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
In buying used you can save some bucks IF you can find a bike that you like and want in excellent condition.
The upside (IMO) in buying a new bike is getting the model, color, accessories, etc. and getting a warranty (that can be extended at a fair price) and some assurance that you will be able to get it serviced and repaired for a decade or so into the future.
IF you are mechanically inclined and are not planning on taking cross-country trips an older, used bike could be a perfect choice for you.
However, trying to (if possible) get an extended warranty on such a bike will give you "sticker shock"!
The upside (IMO) in buying a new bike is getting the model, color, accessories, etc. and getting a warranty (that can be extended at a fair price) and some assurance that you will be able to get it serviced and repaired for a decade or so into the future.
IF you are mechanically inclined and are not planning on taking cross-country trips an older, used bike could be a perfect choice for you.
However, trying to (if possible) get an extended warranty on such a bike will give you "sticker shock"!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,341
Likes: 982
From: Trinity NC
I like to buy a new bikes for a couple of reasons already mentioned, warranty and I not buying something that someone messed with and are trying to dump their problems on someone else.
That being said when I bought my current bike I decided to look at used. This was earlier this year and I just didn’t like the fact that HD continues to add a surcharge and extremely high freight. So I started my search and found several bikes that I felt were a good deal, at or below book value, with some upgrades included.
The bike I decided on was a 2021 Ultra Limited with 215 miles on it. The bike was about 18 months old and had over a 3 page parts list including a HD 131 and chrome from front to back. Original cost to build was over $55k and I bought it for less that $30k, book at the time was $32,xxx. Still under factory warranty and not a scratch on the bike. I did not buy from an HD dealer, but I did have a dealer run the VIN to ensure the warranty was in place.
Short story, deals are out there, be patient and you’ll find one that fits.
Good luck in your search!
That being said when I bought my current bike I decided to look at used. This was earlier this year and I just didn’t like the fact that HD continues to add a surcharge and extremely high freight. So I started my search and found several bikes that I felt were a good deal, at or below book value, with some upgrades included.
The bike I decided on was a 2021 Ultra Limited with 215 miles on it. The bike was about 18 months old and had over a 3 page parts list including a HD 131 and chrome from front to back. Original cost to build was over $55k and I bought it for less that $30k, book at the time was $32,xxx. Still under factory warranty and not a scratch on the bike. I did not buy from an HD dealer, but I did have a dealer run the VIN to ensure the warranty was in place.
Short story, deals are out there, be patient and you’ll find one that fits.
Good luck in your search!
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 309
Likes: 172
From: Western New York
I like to buy a new bikes for a couple of reasons already mentioned, warranty and I not buying something that someone messed with and are trying to dump their problems on someone else.
That being said when I bought my current bike I decided to look at used. This was earlier this year and I just didnt like the fact that HD continues to add a surcharge and extremely high freight. So I started my search and found several bikes that I felt were a good deal, at or below book value, with some upgrades included.
The bike I decided on was a 2021 Ultra Limited with 215 miles on it. The bike was about 18 months old and had over a 3 page parts list including a HD 131 and chrome from front to back. Original cost to build was over $55k and I bought it for less that $30k, book at the time was $32,xxx. Still under factory warranty and not a scratch on the bike. I did not buy from an HD dealer, but I did have a dealer run the VIN to ensure the warranty was in place.
Short story, deals are out there, be patient and youll find one that fits.
Good luck in your search!
That being said when I bought my current bike I decided to look at used. This was earlier this year and I just didnt like the fact that HD continues to add a surcharge and extremely high freight. So I started my search and found several bikes that I felt were a good deal, at or below book value, with some upgrades included.
The bike I decided on was a 2021 Ultra Limited with 215 miles on it. The bike was about 18 months old and had over a 3 page parts list including a HD 131 and chrome from front to back. Original cost to build was over $55k and I bought it for less that $30k, book at the time was $32,xxx. Still under factory warranty and not a scratch on the bike. I did not buy from an HD dealer, but I did have a dealer run the VIN to ensure the warranty was in place.
Short story, deals are out there, be patient and youll find one that fits.
Good luck in your search!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 4,362
Likes: 1,348
From: Westland, Michigan
I don't like owing money on anything and I've always been that way. If you can't pay cash don't put yourself in debt. I've never seen the world this unstable in my life.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 497
Used! Final answer.
Simply put, new is too expensive and the juice ain't worth the squeeze. There are so many low mile/late model bikes out there with the "Harley taxes" already paid for. Spend a Fri evening online shopping and then go see on Sat. Too easy!
Simply put, new is too expensive and the juice ain't worth the squeeze. There are so many low mile/late model bikes out there with the "Harley taxes" already paid for. Spend a Fri evening online shopping and then go see on Sat. Too easy!
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 952
Likes: 528
From: Richmond TX
I've bought new and used and both ways have worked out for me. If I were ever going to buy another HD it would be used. One thing to think about, Harley typically makes minor improvements over the years so all things considered, a bit newer is likely going to be a bit better for you. For the right deal I wouldn't hesitate to buy a model year with 'known problems' reported. I would plan and budget for a bit of upgrade work.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,207
From: Ohio
I have bought both ways. For me, I don’t see myself buying another new one. Prices have gone insane and surcharges, etc. has taken the value out of it. There are lots of garage queens and unless you need the absolute latest design, you can save thousands buying used. It will take more time and you cannot be afraid to make offers and get told no. I have bought 2 used bikes in the last few years in this crazy market and gotten great deals. One of them I bought for $11,500 and sold for $18,000 this year.