Being a guitarist and being the owner of a few Les Paul and Stratocaster guitars I know that anything done to alter these guitars will adversly affect the value of the instrument. Is it the same with Harleys? I know some things like adding chrome and forward controls, billets and what not can increase the value some, but what about changing the paint or moding an engine to dual plugs (just as an example) or using after-market spruce-ups. Would this have a positive or negative affect on the value of the bike? Does using "Genuine Harley-Davidson" parts make a difference?

I'm just talking in general here... nothing spacific at all in mind, and I have no plans for any mods. I'm just curious.

Mike

 

Near as I can tell the only things that hurt the valve of a Harley is poor maintenance or an accident.

 

Same thing Johnny said ! Guitars whole different story, the more original, the more sought after. That includes cracking paint, etc. Fenders and Gibsons..great guitars. Own a couple and have some from across the pacific. Like my Ibanez guitars.

 

Dunno...I wouldn't pay for some guy's "skull" goodies (I don;t like skulls), and I don't like 2 into 1 sets up, so that would not be any added value to me. See....mods are for the current owner...not for resale value. Maybe I'd like a nice, stock EVO, or, mayube I want a 100 horsepower bone jarring, ear splitting monstor, or...maybe I'd prefer to make the scoot my own, not the other guys.

Value is in the eye of the beholder....

 

I'm with ya on the skulls, I also don't like them on my bike, or body. I do think they look cool.

 

most times it wont hurt the value to upgrade and add chrome but dont expect it to up the value of the bike.

 

I don't know how it will affect the value exactly, but I'm playing it safe. I've bought lots of goodies since I bought my bike in October. They've all been HD parts. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've wanted an HD all my life, so my philosophy is: more bar and shield logos = more gooder. Translated...the more HD stuff I see on my bike...ah nevermind.

Todd

 

high-dollar mods, especially to the engine or drive, seem to increase resale. Insurer only pays first grand usually, though. But you'll never get dollar-for-dollar, like painting your house will do.

bolt-on doesn't seem to add anything

 

look at a 65 panhead. all original vs. modified.
original is always more valuable.
now take your 06 into the future -------------------------------well. you get the point.

 

customizing will almost never hurt value, but don't expect to get a return when/if you sell it.