Will our Harleys be collectable ?
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Joined: Mar 2010
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Will our Harleys be collectable ?
Once the EPA restrictions go through the roof, will the new Harley motors be little girly bikes similar to muscle cars after 1974 ?
If so, will our pre 2012 or pre 2020 Harleys go up in value over the years similar to pre 1974 muscle cars ?
and of course, I'm assuming the more original the more it would be worth.. ..
Just a thought. .maybe the best thing to do to a harley is to NOT add bolt on chrome or modify anything. .. too late for me though
If so, will our pre 2012 or pre 2020 Harleys go up in value over the years similar to pre 1974 muscle cars ?
and of course, I'm assuming the more original the more it would be worth.. ..
Just a thought. .maybe the best thing to do to a harley is to NOT add bolt on chrome or modify anything. .. too late for me though
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 671
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Bend Lake Texas
I have kept all my bike basicly stock except one. If I do make any modifications, I keep the stock parts.
I bought a 1980 Flame Wide Glide in 1980 for $4795. I rode it for 15 years, 1 top end and 1 complete rebuild. Left it stock and in 1995 sold it fot $12,500. Now I wish I hadn't sold it.
In answer to your question, I do not think that your EFI bikes are going to be considered "classics", in the sense your speaking of. I feel the last "classic" Harleys went out with the carb.
I know I'll most likely get ripped for that statement, but, I feel it's true. When Harley "civilized" their bikes and added the EFI, the bikes quit having "indivual" qualities. Individual "qualities" like, no two bikes ran the same, some had to be choked, some half choke, they idled lower with the old "classic Potato,Patato,Patato" sound. Your options for Hop-up were simple enough that anyone with any mechanical skills at all, could change carbs, jetting, lifters easily.
The new bikes are "cookie cutter", and "Shade Tree" mechanics are useless as **** on a Boar Hog! I'm not saying they won't hold thier value, I just don't think they will be "classics" in the same way "Muscle Cars" are.
Just my $.02 worth
I bought a 1980 Flame Wide Glide in 1980 for $4795. I rode it for 15 years, 1 top end and 1 complete rebuild. Left it stock and in 1995 sold it fot $12,500. Now I wish I hadn't sold it.
In answer to your question, I do not think that your EFI bikes are going to be considered "classics", in the sense your speaking of. I feel the last "classic" Harleys went out with the carb.
I know I'll most likely get ripped for that statement, but, I feel it's true. When Harley "civilized" their bikes and added the EFI, the bikes quit having "indivual" qualities. Individual "qualities" like, no two bikes ran the same, some had to be choked, some half choke, they idled lower with the old "classic Potato,Patato,Patato" sound. Your options for Hop-up were simple enough that anyone with any mechanical skills at all, could change carbs, jetting, lifters easily.
The new bikes are "cookie cutter", and "Shade Tree" mechanics are useless as **** on a Boar Hog! I'm not saying they won't hold thier value, I just don't think they will be "classics" in the same way "Muscle Cars" are.
Just my $.02 worth
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,748
Likes: 0
From: NC
Classics hhmmm not so sure about that as in a classic car. Reason why I say this is because there so are many of them produced.
The 88ci motors and before I believe at some point will become more desirable though. Reason being is the EPA and sooner or later new laws concerning noise and motorcycle pipes will one day restrict harley owners to the point they will sound like a Honda.
I have a 2006 Heritage and I have no plans to trade it. It may be one of the last year models that the government will not control noise or EPA standards. I expect it to be grandfathered when all the above laws are passed.
The 88ci motors and before I believe at some point will become more desirable though. Reason being is the EPA and sooner or later new laws concerning noise and motorcycle pipes will one day restrict harley owners to the point they will sound like a Honda.
I have a 2006 Heritage and I have no plans to trade it. It may be one of the last year models that the government will not control noise or EPA standards. I expect it to be grandfathered when all the above laws are passed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,110
From: Florida
Well, when Fender started making their guitars in Japan in '82,the value of the REAL Fenders (pe '82) went through the roof & is still going strong. My original '73 Stratocaster & P-Bass are worth 10-15 times what they cost new (around $250) in '73 & growing higher every year. A '58 Stratocaster will buy you a house in some areas. Bikers are like guitar players--they don't like change, so I would think YES, the value will go up. ESPECIALLY my CARBED Fatboy!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 348
From: Ione, CA
Fender Japan made guitars for the American market for a few years until the new ownership could get out of Fullerton. All vintage guitars are expensive although they have come down in recent years.
When i lived in tokyo, i had 47 vintage guitars. all gone... :- ( -L-
When i lived in tokyo, i had 47 vintage guitars. all gone... :- ( -L-
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 277
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From: Central Ohio
The really valuable Fenders are from when Leo was still in charge (1964 and before), that is why the vintage collectors get all excited about 'pre-CBS' instruments. Yes, you read that right. Leo Fender has had nothing to do with the company called Fender since the end of 1964... 
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 5
From: warner robins, ga
for something to be "collectible" (in terms of classic cars), they have to be rare to begin with, and they have to be in demand in the present. despite harley's wait-list ordering business practice, i dont think the bikes are rare enough to warrant an *increase* in value over time. and i also highly doubt the demand will be there.
as an example, take the honda cb750. introduced in the '70s for $1500, now a highly collectible (and moderately rare) bike... but you can get one decked out and shiny for under $3500. to increase value by only two grand after three decades is not a "good investment" financially speaking. (and thats not taking into consideration inflation -- $1500 in 1970 is about $8000 now, so in reality to "make" money, a cb would have to sell for more than $8k. which isnt likely.) i cant imagine a harley faring much better, even if it's a special model.
just my opinion, though.
Unofficial HDF Chaplain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21,160
Likes: 18,082
From: san diego
yes they will be collectable....as soon as hell freezes over!!! made way too many of them, most all have same options, if you want to compare with cars look at the collector cars. ZL1 camaro, 50 give or take, hemi cuda, couple hundred. conv hemi cuda, 70, daytona charger hemi give or take 100 out of 500, screamin eagle anything, 3500 for each model and the non cvo bikes can get all the same or similar equipment, there is nothing collectable about our bikes, that 70-80 years won't cure, I am not to concerned about it by then, ride em, customize 'em, make 'em your own, and enjoy them. If you want to make money, sell drugs!!