HD VS All
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: plum boro pa
RE: HD VS All
i've noticed certain metrics (magnas, eliminators, v-max) kinda hold thier value. honestly though i tried to buy a STOCK used 03 super glide with 4k miles and the dealer wanted 12.5k + tax, title i went across town and paid CASH 12.6 OTD for a BRAND NEW 06 super glide. made me want to turn around and try to get more for it (kidding). but i really did shop for 2 months and couldn't find anything less than 10k. i could have gotten a used 04 v-star 1100 silverado 8k miles for 6800 ( hey guys check out my new YAMAHA!!!!!) but since i could afford a harley i wouldn't settle for less. i really don't plan on selling it so it was more than worth it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
RE: HD VS All
I've almost always purchased new cars and have never purchased a used motorcycle but right now's a great time to do it.There's a lot of trade-ins sitting at the dealers in this area with relatively low milage and lots of desirable mods.Yes the used HD's are still holding their value,but not as well as they could be,there's simply too many used HD's out there with attractive pricetags.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 0
From: Crown Point, IN
RE: HD VS All
I have noticed 2 things:
1: Harley just came out with a new engine and transmission combo. The staple for many years of the 88 with a 5 speed is becoming a thing of the past. This creates a unique situation - depreciation. How is Harley going to handle the depreciation factor when it comes to the 88 and 5 speed? Time will tell. I don't think the current depreciation curve would have been what it is now if there was no such thing as a 96 and a 6 speed.
2: My neighbor purchased a new Yamaha bike last year - looks like a Softail...I have no clue what the name of it is.....anyway...he took the bike with 700 miles on it to the Harley dealer to trade it in on a Road King - They said they might have a buyer - and told him......Trade in your bike, give us $13,000, and when the buyer purchases it you'll get the difference. He's taking a big loss on his NEW Yamaha that looks just like a Softail Heritage Classic.
IMHO: Buy American. (I know many imports are made here now....) I work in a Union factory and have paid more to purchase American products however, in my mind set, I am keeping people in America working.
1: Harley just came out with a new engine and transmission combo. The staple for many years of the 88 with a 5 speed is becoming a thing of the past. This creates a unique situation - depreciation. How is Harley going to handle the depreciation factor when it comes to the 88 and 5 speed? Time will tell. I don't think the current depreciation curve would have been what it is now if there was no such thing as a 96 and a 6 speed.
2: My neighbor purchased a new Yamaha bike last year - looks like a Softail...I have no clue what the name of it is.....anyway...he took the bike with 700 miles on it to the Harley dealer to trade it in on a Road King - They said they might have a buyer - and told him......Trade in your bike, give us $13,000, and when the buyer purchases it you'll get the difference. He's taking a big loss on his NEW Yamaha that looks just like a Softail Heritage Classic.
IMHO: Buy American. (I know many imports are made here now....) I work in a Union factory and have paid more to purchase American products however, in my mind set, I am keeping people in America working.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Dogtown, Oakland, CA
RE: HD VS All
ORIGINAL: Speedkingnick
...
2: My neighbor purchased a new Yamaha bike last year - looks like a Softail...I have no clue what the name of it is.....anyway...he took the bike with 700 miles on it to the Harley dealer to trade it in on a Road King - They said they might have a buyer - and told him......Trade in your bike, give us $13,000, and when the buyer purchases it you'll get the difference. He's taking a big loss on his NEW Yamaha that looks just like a Softail Heritage Classic.
...
...
2: My neighbor purchased a new Yamaha bike last year - looks like a Softail...I have no clue what the name of it is.....anyway...he took the bike with 700 miles on it to the Harley dealer to trade it in on a Road King - They said they might have a buyer - and told him......Trade in your bike, give us $13,000, and when the buyer purchases it you'll get the difference. He's taking a big loss on his NEW Yamaha that looks just like a Softail Heritage Classic.
...
from what you have written, it sounds like your friend either has very poor business sense, or is in a hurry to trade bikes and doesnt care about the numbers. in particular, the scheme you describe above would not be very attractive to me, but i like to be a little more involved in my vehicular transactions.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From:
RE: HD VS All
Could be that the 06 & later models turn out to be desireable if it matters to anyone...I have a Rolex that I paid $800.00 for in 1970 & today it is worth 15k. At the time I bought it the market was inudated with this particular model but they disappeared. The new 07 Harleys may just enhance the value of our older models.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
RE: HD VS All
ORIGINAL: Bighorse
Could be that the 06 & later models turn out to be desireable if it matters to anyone...I have a Rolex that I paid $800.00 for in 1970 & today it is worth 15k. At the time I bought it the market was inudated with this particular model but they disappeared. The new 07 Harleys may just enhance the value of our older models.
Could be that the 06 & later models turn out to be desireable if it matters to anyone...I have a Rolex that I paid $800.00 for in 1970 & today it is worth 15k. At the time I bought it the market was inudated with this particular model but they disappeared. The new 07 Harleys may just enhance the value of our older models.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,836
Likes: 7
RE: HD VS All
1970 SS Nova,brand new about $4000.
1970 SS Nova today,,,,,,,,,about $30,000.Go figure
1970 SS Nova today,,,,,,,,,about $30,000.Go figure
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 88
From: NJ
RE: HD VS All
I bought my first Harley in December of 1990 an 883 Sportster for 4700.00. Then you could walk into any dealer and pay less then MSRP. Two years later the craze hit and waiting list were 1 to 2 years and prices were 1000 to 2000 over MSRP. Damn movie stars started riding Harleys! This lasted through the rest of the 90's through the early 2000âs. The difference is Harley opened a new factory and saturated the market. You can walk into any dealer and get any bike in any color you want. Difference now is for the most part you pay MSRP. The York plant used to make every model by itself. Now it only makes softails and tour bikes. Buying a Harley is an investment for enjoying your life. 
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From:
RE: HD VS All
ORIGINAL: CraigC
I don't know if I can agree with that. Not while used Harley's at the dealer are priced very close to new ones and used metrics are about half what they cost new. Probably not as good as it was but much better than the rest.
I don't know if I can agree with that. Not while used Harley's at the dealer are priced very close to new ones and used metrics are about half what they cost new. Probably not as good as it was but much better than the rest.