View Poll Results: Buy The 2014 Ultra Limited or keep my 2011 Ultra
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2014 Dilemma, Upgrade Thoughts
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: St Johns
2014 Dilemma, Upgrade Thoughts
I have been struck with the 2014 bug.
Last Spring I purchased an 2011 Ultra Limited which included 1500.00 of upgrades to it including running boards front and rear, shift levers, highway pegs and a color matched inner dash all for 18000.00 the bike only had 1940 miles on her. I installed Rush slip ons, found a set of used Boom fairing speakers for 90.00 and installed 6 LED light strips and a powered antenna inside of the wing. I spent about 750 on these upgrades so I have a total of 18,700. plus sales tax into the bike. I've put 7300 miles on the bike since Late April here in Michigan.
Recently I've been wanting to make a few more upgrades to her and she is to the point where I will need new tires by spring. I've wanted to install a LED Headlight and spotlights across the front (Harley Price 1350.00) including bullet style turn lamps and the chrome brackets to match the 2014 style. I've also wanted to install a AMP for the stereo and she certainly will need tires very soon.
Now last weekend I see the 2014 Ultra Limited with all of these items that I was going to lay cash out for my 2011 and I got to thinking that if I put that cash towards a downpayment that I could have all of these items on a brand new bike.
So I went to two dealers and they basically were going to SCREW me on my trade (16000) and sell me the 2014 at full retail and I pretty much decided that that was just bad business. I gave it one last try yesterday and the (Flint MI) dealer was actually going to give me 18,000 for my trade thats what I paid for her and I've put 7300 miles on and they were actually coming off of list price a little bit and seemed to really want to work with me.
I had them figure the bike with all the extra options on it that were made to the 2011 with the exception of the color matched dash. But HD now paints those black which actually goes okay with the Whisky/Silver color. The trade difference is now at 13000 including V&H Slip Ons and the 1400.00 worth of options to make it like the 2011.
My 2011 bike is paid off with a free and clear title. I have 5 grand to put down so I would need to finance 8000.00 which at a reasonable interest rate the payment would only be 100.00 per month. I can swing that with ease and would not notice it in my monthly budget. The problem comes when HD came back with a 17% interest rate. Like holy smokes I am not stupid and with the trade I am putting 23000 down on the new 2014. I think that their risk factor here is relatively low.
The dealer says that they might have a credit union that will go 8.00% and that would put my payment at 100.00 I also should be able to pay the 8 grand off in two years by using my tax returns.
So I'm wondering if I should just keep my 2011 and put my cash towards tires and the upgrades or go with this 2014 which has all of the new stuff and has zero miles. Do you think the older style bikes are going to start loosing tons of value due to the big changes with the 2014's out now.
I am a working man just trying to make a good long term decision. I think they are giving me good money on my trade at 18,000 I could sell the bike outright but will I get that amount next spring as I doubt that it would sell right now with the riding season coming to an end by November? I have a 630 credit score because of lack of credit not due to bad credit. I do not have any debt besides my car payment and normal living expenses. I usually only pay cash for all luxuries in life.
What do you think would be the best decision long term? Your constructive thoughts will be appreciated ?
Last Spring I purchased an 2011 Ultra Limited which included 1500.00 of upgrades to it including running boards front and rear, shift levers, highway pegs and a color matched inner dash all for 18000.00 the bike only had 1940 miles on her. I installed Rush slip ons, found a set of used Boom fairing speakers for 90.00 and installed 6 LED light strips and a powered antenna inside of the wing. I spent about 750 on these upgrades so I have a total of 18,700. plus sales tax into the bike. I've put 7300 miles on the bike since Late April here in Michigan.
Recently I've been wanting to make a few more upgrades to her and she is to the point where I will need new tires by spring. I've wanted to install a LED Headlight and spotlights across the front (Harley Price 1350.00) including bullet style turn lamps and the chrome brackets to match the 2014 style. I've also wanted to install a AMP for the stereo and she certainly will need tires very soon.
Now last weekend I see the 2014 Ultra Limited with all of these items that I was going to lay cash out for my 2011 and I got to thinking that if I put that cash towards a downpayment that I could have all of these items on a brand new bike.
So I went to two dealers and they basically were going to SCREW me on my trade (16000) and sell me the 2014 at full retail and I pretty much decided that that was just bad business. I gave it one last try yesterday and the (Flint MI) dealer was actually going to give me 18,000 for my trade thats what I paid for her and I've put 7300 miles on and they were actually coming off of list price a little bit and seemed to really want to work with me.
I had them figure the bike with all the extra options on it that were made to the 2011 with the exception of the color matched dash. But HD now paints those black which actually goes okay with the Whisky/Silver color. The trade difference is now at 13000 including V&H Slip Ons and the 1400.00 worth of options to make it like the 2011.
My 2011 bike is paid off with a free and clear title. I have 5 grand to put down so I would need to finance 8000.00 which at a reasonable interest rate the payment would only be 100.00 per month. I can swing that with ease and would not notice it in my monthly budget. The problem comes when HD came back with a 17% interest rate. Like holy smokes I am not stupid and with the trade I am putting 23000 down on the new 2014. I think that their risk factor here is relatively low.
The dealer says that they might have a credit union that will go 8.00% and that would put my payment at 100.00 I also should be able to pay the 8 grand off in two years by using my tax returns.
So I'm wondering if I should just keep my 2011 and put my cash towards tires and the upgrades or go with this 2014 which has all of the new stuff and has zero miles. Do you think the older style bikes are going to start loosing tons of value due to the big changes with the 2014's out now.
I am a working man just trying to make a good long term decision. I think they are giving me good money on my trade at 18,000 I could sell the bike outright but will I get that amount next spring as I doubt that it would sell right now with the riding season coming to an end by November? I have a 630 credit score because of lack of credit not due to bad credit. I do not have any debt besides my car payment and normal living expenses. I usually only pay cash for all luxuries in life.
What do you think would be the best decision long term? Your constructive thoughts will be appreciated ?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,626
Likes: 98
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Normally I would have said to hell with it and just go get the new bike but that interest rate is ridiculous. Have you tried shopping that around at all? Maybe with a local credit union. You low credit score is killing you, as you know, work on getting that up.
I think they are treating you good with the trade in and all but I would sure shop around for a better rate. Seems to me you should be able to get something for around 6 or maybe 6.5.
I think they are treating you good with the trade in and all but I would sure shop around for a better rate. Seems to me you should be able to get something for around 6 or maybe 6.5.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 211
From: Independence, Missouri
I think bottom line is would YOUR grin be bigger on the '14 or your '11. Aside from potential financial second thoughts, what's your gut say you want? You only live once, why not be happy?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
At 6% maybe, at 17 no way. Unless you were dissatisfied with your current bike before you got pulled in by the 14's tractor beam, I'd stick with what you have it sounds pretty nice to me. Don't kid yourself, that 100 is going to turn into 200 for at least the first year when you want pipes and an intake and tuner and this and that and the other thing!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 25
From: se michigan
Keep the bike, fix your credit score. When the 15's come out and if you're still hot for a new one buy one for a lower interest rate thanks to your better credit score. There's going to be issues with any first year updates let them sort them out. And hold off on upgrades if you can and put that money away for lowering what you'll need to borrow if you decide to buy one in 15.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 1
From: Orangetown, NY
Keep the bike and save your money. Wait a year or two and get your credit score down. Just my $.02
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 14
From: navarre ohio
normally i would say to keep what you got, payments are never good.. but them 14's are pretty nice, and your real close to getting the deal done. if you could get a loan from a bank or credit union at under 10%,and your not really even going to notice the new payments, if i was in your position i would go for it.
older bikes values have been dropping pretty fast since the 14's came out. i think the mid 00-13 bikes just dropped into the same category as evo's, still pretty good bikes, but not as desirable as other years.
also,making the low payments for a couple years is the best thing you can do to build your credit score up.
older bikes values have been dropping pretty fast since the 14's came out. i think the mid 00-13 bikes just dropped into the same category as evo's, still pretty good bikes, but not as desirable as other years.
also,making the low payments for a couple years is the best thing you can do to build your credit score up.
Last edited by j1mmy; Aug 30, 2013 at 10:16 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 431
Likes: 39
From: Marysville, Ohio
Just my $.02, but I work in the automotive world and the first model year of a new vehicile has some 'bugs" to work out. Give Harley a year or two to work things out with this 2014 model then get one if you still feel the need. I would never buy the first year or a new model change such as water cooled........ unless you like your bike spending time at the dealer for repairs. Plus in a few years you can save up the money to pay for it rather than finance.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
From: Republic of Tejas
Keep the paid off bike. If there is something that you really like about the new bike just add that mod/change to your current bike. That $5000 will go along way towards mods. Plus put that in savings and keep adding to that for when you need to so something major to your bike or have to get a new bike.
My dad does that with his truck. He was looking at a new truck and then saw the price and then just painted it.
My dad does that with his truck. He was looking at a new truck and then saw the price and then just painted it.