selling a used bike? be realistic
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 846
Likes: 0
shakeydeal - how long's it been for sale, and how much? if its been for sale for a while (weeks) and no offers, i'd say your price is too high - i waited months to buy my scoot, everyone wanted to 'get their money back'
other than rare classic cars i don't know of any motor vehicle that holds value, much less increases in value - not sure why harleys are supposed to be exempt from that trend, but a lot of owners sure think so (which is fine, they should keep their bikes anyway
)
other than rare classic cars i don't know of any motor vehicle that holds value, much less increases in value - not sure why harleys are supposed to be exempt from that trend, but a lot of owners sure think so (which is fine, they should keep their bikes anyway
)
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,528
Likes: 606
From: Raleigh NC
I know a guy, who bought a bike , gave the 10% down, and while he was at it.... added a stage one, plus true duals, and then out fitted himself and his wife with a complete wardrobe of clothing. All at 8.9%.... They still owe more than the bike's MSRP, 3 years later....
ASKING price is just a starting point. do your research, figure the value of the bike to you. Make an offer, if accepted, fine, if not, keep shopping
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
If you don't like the price ---don't pay it. We don't have fire sales at my house. Everything I own is for sale but at my price. I don't negotiate and a low ball offer gets you an invite to leave. I always state my price with a sign that says firm and cash only. If you don't care if it sells then you don't have to deal.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
[QUOTE=PineyRider;6757416]While I think some people don't do proper research when trying to sell a bike, I also think some buyers are dissillusioned when it comes to prices of new bikes. When you say $500 difference are you just looking at the retail price or are you taking into account what the real "Price out the door" will cost you. Did you take into account Tax, tags, set-up fee, and how about a warranty? QUOTE]
So you exect a person buying a used bike should pay for the original owners tax, title, license and warranty?
You do realize that there will be tax title and license added on to the used bikes as well. Many extended warrantees have a transfer fee if there is any time left.
So you exect a person buying a used bike should pay for the original owners tax, title, license and warranty?
You do realize that there will be tax title and license added on to the used bikes as well. Many extended warrantees have a transfer fee if there is any time left.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
[quote=V-twinSB;6757915]
I guess I should have put in that this is the worst time of year to buy. Bikes always go for more in the Spring and less in the Fall and Winter.
You're right about the overall condition of the market.
You're right about the overall condition of the market.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
Then all of sudden HD's got popular with the mainstream and the product had a waiting list. Sounds like they are tapping the brakes on production numbers these days because of lower sales and to keep the price up on the bikes they do sell.
The older bikes (Shovel or Evo) are still an excellent bike to start out with because of the price and learning how to do most of the work yourself.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
From: Mission, TX
Over the years, I have sold 11 HD's--never traded one in as that is a big loser. I take off everything I can sell and make it stock. Recently sold an 05 Heritage Softail for $12k and the take-off's for $900 so I figured I did pretty good. Then I found a great buy for an 09 Streetglide on E-BAY. Haven't been to a Stealership in a year and don't plan on going anytime soon.
You can ask what you want--buyer is going to lowball you no matter what you do but most will walk into a Dealership and happily get screwed.
You can ask what you want--buyer is going to lowball you no matter what you do but most will walk into a Dealership and happily get screwed.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
Used prices
When I looked for my Ultra I found much of what has been said here to be true. Many of the guys were still financed over what I was willing to pay and or over any NADA or blue book suggested prices. Many wanted full retail which again you never get in a private sale, well at least not from me!
I won't say what I paid for mine, but it had everything done to it already, stage one, extra chrome, trim, new tires, full maintenance records etc., and 4 years of warranty still left. I know for a fact I purchased for 4K under used loan value and my local HD dealer offered me 4K more too trade it already! The original owner had over 30K wrapped up in the bike, my cash deal spoke volumes!
The sales people I know at a dealership I frequent, at least 1 or 2 of them will say the same thing, "They wouldn't buy a new bike and wouldn't buy a bike from a dealer". There are too many deals and too many guys who just thought a HD would be cool and then want to get rid of the bike after 1 year or two.
My buddy just bought an 07 Deluxe with 8K miles for $10K, the loan value was $13.5K. Again cash spoke here as well and the owner just didn't want to ride anymore.
Look hard enough and do your homework, you'll get the bike you want at what you want to pay. For the guys who think they're going to get back their interest and all monies put in to a bike in extras, good luck. You may get your price eventually, but not to someone who has done their homework or knows the market. Agian: PT Barnum once said "There's a sucker born every minute".
I won't say what I paid for mine, but it had everything done to it already, stage one, extra chrome, trim, new tires, full maintenance records etc., and 4 years of warranty still left. I know for a fact I purchased for 4K under used loan value and my local HD dealer offered me 4K more too trade it already! The original owner had over 30K wrapped up in the bike, my cash deal spoke volumes!
The sales people I know at a dealership I frequent, at least 1 or 2 of them will say the same thing, "They wouldn't buy a new bike and wouldn't buy a bike from a dealer". There are too many deals and too many guys who just thought a HD would be cool and then want to get rid of the bike after 1 year or two.
My buddy just bought an 07 Deluxe with 8K miles for $10K, the loan value was $13.5K. Again cash spoke here as well and the owner just didn't want to ride anymore.
Look hard enough and do your homework, you'll get the bike you want at what you want to pay. For the guys who think they're going to get back their interest and all monies put in to a bike in extras, good luck. You may get your price eventually, but not to someone who has done their homework or knows the market. Agian: PT Barnum once said "There's a sucker born every minute".