When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey out there... I have an '03 Sporty, and I would like to switch to a FAT BOY. Should I trade-in my Sporty or try to sell it? It's a Custom XL, with a 1200 upgrade, and in excellent condition. I'd appreciate any of you veterans out there sending me some advice. GritsEaterFL@aol.com
Take it to the dealer and see what they will offer you for it, you might be surprised. I got a VERY favorable trade for my Fatboy at the dealer. If they do not offer you what you think it is worth.....sell it outright and buy your new bike.
Here is an example for you according to Kelly Blue book: XLH 1200 Sportster-Trade in $4535.00 Retail- $6765.00. Dealers usually stick pretty close to the book on trade ins, I would try to sell it myself. $ 2230.00 is a big difference to me. This is a quote on a 2003 XLH 1200 your particular bike may be different.
The good thing about sportys is that dealers can typically sell them quickly, so they may offer a higher dollar than something else.
I tried trading in a XLC which was one year old back to the same dealer I bought it from. No deal. The dealer had too many sporties and didn't want to take sporties as trade bait. I ended-up selling the bike on craigslist.com. The bike sold quickly on craigslist.com.
another alternative is have your dealer sell it for you, figure what you must get for it, give the dealer a chance to make some money on it and use the rest to lay down on a new bike. if you can handle being with out a ride it could be a win/win situation for you and the dealer.
I am trading my FXDCI for a FLHRI I was planning on selling it out right,but did some figuring on the total picture,by trading in my bike I only have to pay the difference on state sales tax,which in the long run is saving me money.Just my .02 worth[sm=biker2.gif]
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
I would go to all the dealers within the area you live and see what they would give you. I've had good luck trading. In Indiana you only pay the sales tax on the difference.
Hey out there... I have an '03 Sporty, and I would like to switch to a FAT BOY. Should I trade-in my Sporty or try to sell it? It's a Custom XL, with a 1200 upgrade, and in excellent condition. I'd appreciate any of you veterans out there sending me some advice. GritsEaterFL@aol.com
Thank you
You want a vet's advice eh? I say keep the sporty and have someone drive you down to pickup the new fatboy. One can never have too many bike's.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.