KBB and actual bike pricing
KBB and actual bike pricing
So I'm looking for a bike and appreciate the advice that you guys have given me as far as which direction to go. I have purchased many cars in my life, I went through a buying and restoring phase, so I'm really used to negotiating and what things go for.
With the bikes, I have noticed that almost every single ad whether by a private seller or from a store is above retail. I don't understand this at all. I am willing to pay above trade but below retail to a private seller and don't want to pay more than retail to a dealer.
Am I missing something here? The best deal I have seen is for a Honda Rebel that is actually a few hundred below trade in mint condition, but I really don't want a Rebel as my first bike. Thanks guys!
(If anyone would like to sell me a starter bike in the central PA area, is fair, and doesn't mind getting it to me, let me know)
-JEN
With the bikes, I have noticed that almost every single ad whether by a private seller or from a store is above retail. I don't understand this at all. I am willing to pay above trade but below retail to a private seller and don't want to pay more than retail to a dealer.
Am I missing something here? The best deal I have seen is for a Honda Rebel that is actually a few hundred below trade in mint condition, but I really don't want a Rebel as my first bike. Thanks guys!
(If anyone would like to sell me a starter bike in the central PA area, is fair, and doesn't mind getting it to me, let me know)
-JEN
Last edited by jmalmsteen; Aug 4, 2013 at 05:56 PM.
the thing with pricing is most people take the trade in value of a stock mint bike then add what it cost them to "customize" it with all the chrome and goodies they put on to the askign price so MANY times you get a bike priced well over retail new tthats got more miles on it then a $10 shanghai hooker. shop around keep an eye on the listings, look aroudn for areas/locals that shwo signs of a big economic downfall as you can often get really good deals.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
patience! that's the key
buying from a private party should be about midway between retail and trade in, but you need to take into consideration condition and mileage, KBB has a chart for average milage for size/type of bike to give you some idea what their prices are figured off of, as far as accessories go, that's generally a lost cause for the seller and don't add much value for the bike.
keep in mind, that what all those people are asking for their bikes and what they are selling for, are 2 entirely different prices.
a good way to see what the bike you're interested in is selling for is e-bay motors, put in the year, make & model you are considering, then scroll down the left side, check completed listings, and you can see what prices they have sold for (green font) as well as how high the bids went on what didn't sell (red font)
....another way would be to google craigslist for what you are considering, to compare ASKING prices, eg: 2007 honda shadow site:craigslist.org
... you can also use http://www.searchtempest.com/ to search Craigslist ads in your immediate area
good luck with your search!
buying from a private party should be about midway between retail and trade in, but you need to take into consideration condition and mileage, KBB has a chart for average milage for size/type of bike to give you some idea what their prices are figured off of, as far as accessories go, that's generally a lost cause for the seller and don't add much value for the bike.
keep in mind, that what all those people are asking for their bikes and what they are selling for, are 2 entirely different prices.
a good way to see what the bike you're interested in is selling for is e-bay motors, put in the year, make & model you are considering, then scroll down the left side, check completed listings, and you can see what prices they have sold for (green font) as well as how high the bids went on what didn't sell (red font)
....another way would be to google craigslist for what you are considering, to compare ASKING prices, eg: 2007 honda shadow site:craigslist.org
... you can also use http://www.searchtempest.com/ to search Craigslist ads in your immediate area
good luck with your search!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
without knowing what part of central PA you're in, or your budget, a quick look brings up these and quite a few more... the 1st one seems like a really good deal....
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/3940858275.html
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/3946813304.html
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/3969429470.html
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/3966895006.html
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/3940858275.html
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/3946813304.html
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/3969429470.html
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/3966895006.html
I have a month before I need to start working again, so I do want to get something now. I am totally willing to be fair, I don't have to get the best deal, I just don't want to get ripped off. I just got off the phone with someone who did in fact say that they want above the retail because they spent $1200 on a V&H exhaust- I don't need that exhaust for my first bike, if I did, I could get it after. This has been a party...hah
How you just found that first one is a mystery! I have been looking at Craigslist for days now
I'm near Lancaster...I don't know where Williamsport is. Whoever is selling me a bike is going to have to get it here, so the closer the better with these motorcycles!
How you just found that first one is a mystery! I have been looking at Craigslist for days now
I'm near Lancaster...I don't know where Williamsport is. Whoever is selling me a bike is going to have to get it here, so the closer the better with these motorcycles!
Last edited by jmalmsteen; Aug 4, 2013 at 06:45 PM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 809
Likes: 23
From: Olathe KS
Even for a stock bike you're going to over pay. Most people that sell Used Harley's for **** loads of money do so because that's what they owe on them. The market is HIGHLY over inflated. I mean, I knew a guy with an 07 Fatboy that wanted 15 for it when he sold it in 2011. That's damn near new prices.
Try to find one box stock, or just buy a new one. Depending on your dealer, you might come out ahead that way any way.
Try to find one box stock, or just buy a new one. Depending on your dealer, you might come out ahead that way any way.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
Lancaster ....
ok, this one was just listed, aprx 14 miles away and
she's just a bit under KBB for it
2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON - $3800 (MARIETTA)
Female owned 7,000 miles
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/3980636742.html
ok, this one was just listed, aprx 14 miles away and
she's just a bit under KBB for it
2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON - $3800 (MARIETTA)
Female owned 7,000 miles
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/3980636742.html
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Yeah, saw that...thanks...yellow with green metal flake..can't do that...black bike or maybe blue...I know I'm a pain....hah.
It just blows my mind that the best deal so far is at my dealer, $4800 for a 2007 883 Sportster, go figure.
It just blows my mind that the best deal so far is at my dealer, $4800 for a 2007 883 Sportster, go figure.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 771
Likes: 15
From: Cartersville, Georgia
Patience, patience, patience and know the market .... search Craigslist & Ebay and watch the same models you are interested in. The ones that don't sell are way too high and the ones that sell are the ones to remember. It takes alot of time and research to get that smoking deal, but you should be able to recognize that smoking deal when it comes your way. If you call a seller and the bike has sold, don't be afraid to ask what it actually sold for.
As already mentioned by another member in this post, the riding season is the time to sell and the winter is the time to buy, especially just before X-Mas. I have always been fortunate to be able to buy my "new" bike in the winter before I sell my current bike the next riding season.
Also, don't rule out traveling for that deal. Search areas that you are willing to drive to and buy. I bought my SG in Myrtle Beach, my Hummer in Akron and my wife's G in Jacksonville and my previous rides and drives are no different.
Lastly, cash is king, but be smart when buying from a seller that has a lien or doesn't have a title in hand.
As already mentioned by another member in this post, the riding season is the time to sell and the winter is the time to buy, especially just before X-Mas. I have always been fortunate to be able to buy my "new" bike in the winter before I sell my current bike the next riding season.
Also, don't rule out traveling for that deal. Search areas that you are willing to drive to and buy. I bought my SG in Myrtle Beach, my Hummer in Akron and my wife's G in Jacksonville and my previous rides and drives are no different.
Lastly, cash is king, but be smart when buying from a seller that has a lien or doesn't have a title in hand.