USED vs. NEW
Both of our bikes were used, bought them off of eBay. The Deuce was being sold to finance a honeymoon, and the Ultra was traded in for a new Ultra. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the Deuce. There were a few things wrong with the Ultra, but we got it for less than 9g's and used the money we saved to add what we wanted to it. The only thing we needed to replace that we weren't going to anyway was the stator, but we just used the oportunity to put the more powerful stator in to support more gadgets.
If your one that likes to wrench on your own bikes, and/or you have plans to add stuff to it to make it customized, a used bike is definitely the way to go. You can get a great deal on one by buying it through a private sale.
If your one that likes to wrench on your own bikes, and/or you have plans to add stuff to it to make it customized, a used bike is definitely the way to go. You can get a great deal on one by buying it through a private sale.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Used bikes at the dealer are a bit high in my opinion. If you know how to shop for a used bike using means like ebay, Craig's list, ETC... there are some incredible deals out there. Friend picked up a 07 Dyna for $8500 with only 3200 miles. The economy is what it is. I almost feel sorry for the guy that had to sell!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 3
From: Alaskan transplant to Florida
Never had a problem buying used HD's and I've bought a few over the years.
Always below retail and with what I consider low miles (under 3000 per year)
If you are able to check the bike in person you should be able to tell if it has been well cared for. If you can only save 2K, then I would buy new but if you can save 5K or more and find a good used 2000 or newer with low miles, I would go used. My 2 cents!
Always below retail and with what I consider low miles (under 3000 per year)
If you are able to check the bike in person you should be able to tell if it has been well cared for. If you can only save 2K, then I would buy new but if you can save 5K or more and find a good used 2000 or newer with low miles, I would go used. My 2 cents!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia
The last 8 bikes I have bought were used. I got each one at a great price.
Take your time looking. You will find the bike you want, with the stuff you want already on it...maybe even more, for the price you want to want to pay.
Take your time looking. You will find the bike you want, with the stuff you want already on it...maybe even more, for the price you want to want to pay.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 892
Likes: 0
From: San Diego (Poway), CA
Cars, motorcycles and houses = I never buy new.
Keep looking for the right deal/price.
Most used HD's already have add ons, if they aren't the ones yu want, buy the ones you do and E-Bay the rest.
Dealers usually won't let you test ride a new bike, a used one-yes.
Keep looking for the right deal/price.
Most used HD's already have add ons, if they aren't the ones yu want, buy the ones you do and E-Bay the rest.
Dealers usually won't let you test ride a new bike, a used one-yes.
Both my xlh and fxdl were bought used from my local dealer, (Racine HD, great people who treat you right) They have stood behind both bikes and have done some repairs that maybe they didn't have to do, like a bad voltage regulator a month after I bought the sporty. I met the lady, and her husband, that owned my sporty at a party at the dealer today. She was worried that the person who bought the bike would be someone who wouldn't take care of it. She knows different and I now know the bike was well cared for before. I have no problem with used, or as the dealers say, pre owned. Ask question, see the maintenance records if possible but remember, they are still used
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: A Boston Yankee in Surrey, England
I bought my Sporty with 1700 miles on it, 18 months old, 6 months still left on warranty, original owner took care of a few warranty items so I didn't have to bugger around with them, and I got basically a brand new bike for 2/3 price of new. Let him take the depreciation. With so many well-cared for, late model, bikes out there for sale, some still under warranty, it's beyond me why anyone would ever buy a new one.
Oh, and I bought my car the same way. Found both of them through ebay on failed auctions. I let the auctions run out, then called the owners and made them offers. Everyone won.
Oh, and I bought my car the same way. Found both of them through ebay on failed auctions. I let the auctions run out, then called the owners and made them offers. Everyone won.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 56
From: California
I was always looking for 6th gear on my 06 softail I'd go new if I could. Wish I had looked into the tour line first too. Just my experience.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,231
Likes: 6,168
From: Black Hills
Do any of you know anyone who paid the premium price of a Harley over another less expensive make that hasn't taken care of their bikes? They busted their asses to get the Harley - why wouldn't they pamper them? I honestly cannot remember looking at a newer (5 years or less) bike that wasn't in very good or better condition. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used bike if it looks good. I've bought bikes that are in fair condition when the price is right, it just depends on what you want to do with them.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: nc mountains
jstr1511, Buy used, to many great bikes at reduced prices. Take your time look'n. Get a carb bike and it will not need a dealer or computer to tune . And if you really want to save start look'n around 1990 and newer. Nothing wrong with the mid year evos bikes and still alot of them with lower miles. Most of anything you might want for it can be bought cheaper than the newest bike too. I have seen some nice softies for 6000 and up. You can aford to upgrade for those kind of prices and the evos will run with the tc's. Motors are way cheaper if you get horse power fever too. And NO need to go to the hd store for stuff,they don't work on them anymore but do have some parts, go to your independent shop.cheaper again.
Last edited by hardluk1; Dec 13, 2008 at 06:40 PM.