Retro Harley Davidson
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Texican, that's a sweet dream you're havin' there.....
But take a closer look at all of those 'retro' models you mention. Those were originally designed to be affordable and fast - and they were.
Now just go and try to buy an 'affordable' 2012 Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger. Can't be done. They ALL come with nearly every option that can be had and run $40K-50K minimum. Every one is made like a CVO Ultra, and priced likewise.
It'd be so sweet if you could buy a 400 hp. Mustang (Camaro, Challenger) with roll-up windows, 5 speed, cloth/vinyl seats, steel wheels and dog dish hub caps for say around $25K-$30K. That my friend would be retro AND cool.
Seems to me that HD has been giving us retro styling for 30+ years now. There's the Heritage Classic, Heritage Springer, Road King, 883 Sporty just to name a few.
Owning a 1910-1930's HD would be great - wish I could afford one or two. But I have no desire to ride one of those things across the country, even if it was priced like a Sporty. Sorry.
But take a closer look at all of those 'retro' models you mention. Those were originally designed to be affordable and fast - and they were.
Now just go and try to buy an 'affordable' 2012 Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger. Can't be done. They ALL come with nearly every option that can be had and run $40K-50K minimum. Every one is made like a CVO Ultra, and priced likewise.
It'd be so sweet if you could buy a 400 hp. Mustang (Camaro, Challenger) with roll-up windows, 5 speed, cloth/vinyl seats, steel wheels and dog dish hub caps for say around $25K-$30K. That my friend would be retro AND cool.
Seems to me that HD has been giving us retro styling for 30+ years now. There's the Heritage Classic, Heritage Springer, Road King, 883 Sporty just to name a few.
Owning a 1910-1930's HD would be great - wish I could afford one or two. But I have no desire to ride one of those things across the country, even if it was priced like a Sporty. Sorry.
Couldn't have said it any better. Retro can be cool, but kick starting a stubborn 103" V-Twin is not on my bucket list. Neither are the seats, 2" travel suspensions (if you're lucky), or many other of the things that would make it "retro". Like said, there are plenty of HDs that have some of the retro look, but with modern technology that makes them more user friendly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
Off topic... What would sell is a retro Cadillac, one with fish tails, lots of chrome, a V8 and comfortable ride (no sport suspension). Baby boomers with disposable income would buy this car.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Tried it with the t-bird. Didnt sell very well off the lot.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Poconos, PA
I agree, the 05-07 Springer classic was a great bike.... and they hold their value quite well compared to other HDs of the same years. I know the 07 Springer classic models sell very well, because that was the only year could could get a softail springer with a 6-speed transmission.. but even the 05-06 models command excellent resale.
As far as "collectibility" is concerned though, they don't hold the same "flare" as the 97-03 Heritage Springers, nor the later year crossbones models. Those bikes were made with very specific "special" parts, only available on a few select models, for a few select years.
Unfortunately, those "special" parts are astronomically expensive and hard to come by. Consequently, the collectors who maintain these bikes generally dont ride them much, stockpile parts, or sell them at rediculous prices.
I feel the same thing will happen with the crossbones. Give it 5-8 years, and you will see people paying more for them used (in mint condition of course) than they cost new. Just a speculation.
As far as "collectibility" is concerned though, they don't hold the same "flare" as the 97-03 Heritage Springers, nor the later year crossbones models. Those bikes were made with very specific "special" parts, only available on a few select models, for a few select years.
Unfortunately, those "special" parts are astronomically expensive and hard to come by. Consequently, the collectors who maintain these bikes generally dont ride them much, stockpile parts, or sell them at rediculous prices.
I feel the same thing will happen with the crossbones. Give it 5-8 years, and you will see people paying more for them used (in mint condition of course) than they cost new. Just a speculation.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, Oregon
I believe that the Capt. America bike is actually a resurrected/modified WLA. No idea what year.
Personally, since S&S makes pan- knuckle- and shovelhead motors, I'd think that HD (or your local custom builder) could mount one in a Crossbones. I was sad when HD discontinued that model, it was probably my favorite modern bike. Not that I'd be able to ride such a small bike, but visually, definitely my favorite...