Question?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,391
Likes: 10
From:
RE: Question?
First, you have to decide on the style of bike you want. The best way to do this is to rent a few different models. If that that is not feasible to you, at least find a dealer you can test ride a couple. I rented several bikes, before I bought. It was the best decision I could have made. I had my heart set on a fatboy, then I rented one, and knew it was all wrong for me. I ended up with a used '05 rk custom. I bought it online, site unseen. I paid cash for it, and had it shipped to me. It was just as described, and I felt like I got a good deal. Not a smokin' deal, but one I could live with. When you find your bike, you will know it. Just looking at pictures of mine, and I knew it was my bike.
As far as financing goes. Going through your local bank, or credit union, will most likely get you the best rates. However, if you have to go through a dealer, it is not a big deal. My local dealer loves these because they make money on a bike that they never had to put a dime into.
I do agree with buying a used bike. You can get a lot of bike, for less money (most of the time). The thing with chrome is, not everyone likes the same thing. So, if you find a bike that has a theme you like, great. But if the PO put a bunch of crap on you don't care for, it could get expensive. One mod is an exception to that. A big boar kit. If you can find a bike with a stock motor, versus one with an engine enhancement, for the same price, go for the worked one. You will most likely do it anyways, and will save you some money. Since you are going to finance, you may not have all the extra cash to do performance mods, just a thought. Even though I paid cash for my bike, I am having a heck of a time coming up with enough coin to do this type of work. Just my $0.02.
As far as financing goes. Going through your local bank, or credit union, will most likely get you the best rates. However, if you have to go through a dealer, it is not a big deal. My local dealer loves these because they make money on a bike that they never had to put a dime into.
I do agree with buying a used bike. You can get a lot of bike, for less money (most of the time). The thing with chrome is, not everyone likes the same thing. So, if you find a bike that has a theme you like, great. But if the PO put a bunch of crap on you don't care for, it could get expensive. One mod is an exception to that. A big boar kit. If you can find a bike with a stock motor, versus one with an engine enhancement, for the same price, go for the worked one. You will most likely do it anyways, and will save you some money. Since you are going to finance, you may not have all the extra cash to do performance mods, just a thought. Even though I paid cash for my bike, I am having a heck of a time coming up with enough coin to do this type of work. Just my $0.02.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 790
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Question?
A lot of dealers have demo bikes. Find the model you like even if you don't buy it from them. A good source is www.cycletrader.com
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 2
From: South Fla.
RE: Question?
Ebay loanrates are crazy.Use your local bank for the best rates to buy a "Bagger". I love my bagger because chicks have to lift their legs real high to get on and if your lucky you will get a good view.I really need medical attention. [
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 6
From: Livingston, Texas
RE: Question?
Don't know how tall you are or what kind of riding you do. And if you are going to ride solo or 2 up. I would see if the dealer had some bikes I could demo. I would try a couple of different dealers too then you might git to ride more. They usually take you on a 7-10 mile ride. If you have to Rent a couple of bikes.
If you are a new rider, what you like and what fits you might be different. The bike you like might not ride as well as a bike that fits you better. It would be pretty tought to git a bike and later on down the road not be happy with it. That's another reason there are so many different styles of bikes.
If you are a new rider, what you like and what fits you might be different. The bike you like might not ride as well as a bike that fits you better. It would be pretty tought to git a bike and later on down the road not be happy with it. That's another reason there are so many different styles of bikes.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
RE: Question?
cardboard, I'm 6' even, I'll do a mixture of both solo and dual riding, probably more solo though. I've been racing motocross all my life,so I'm familiar with bikes, I'm new to the road though and I'm sure it's totally different. I like the idea of testing bikes out before making the commitment, never thought of trying that. I have 3 dealers between 25-50 miles away. The closest one has a bad rep of being customer unfriendly, the other two are pretty cool, so I'll hit those two up for a test. Thanks for the ideas....
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
RE: Question?
ORIGINAL: Harley_Dude
If you buy used look for an unmolseted engine. Carb, exhaust upgrades are fine, but if they have messe with the engine, keep looking.
A stock HD will last forever, well almost.
If you buy used look for an unmolseted engine. Carb, exhaust upgrades are fine, but if they have messe with the engine, keep looking.
A stock HD will last forever, well almost.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
RE: Question?
I'm almost fully decided to go used....I can already tell that dealer pre-owned isn't the way to go. I'm sure they've all been checked out and stamped good to go, but the prices are far higher than individual sales.