40 grand for a CVO, 30 grand and up for a Goldwing, KT1600 or Roadmaster. You can buy a nice loaded up car for this money. Why are bikes so overpriced? Is it because they are wants and not needs and the MOCOs know we will pay? I wonder what it really costs HD to produce a bike. Cost is probably tripled or quadrupled by the time final customer pays.

 

Because they are a luxury item produced in relatively small numbers compared to the luxury car which has economy of scale to help keep it's prices down. There is no shortage of quality, used bikes with low miles that you can pick up for a bargain.

Welcome to the forums

 

Because bikes have a soul and they don't come cheep... most people don't get it and most people never will but some do and that's all that matters.

 

You gotta pay to play.

 

I wish that they were less expensive... but what ever the market will bear I guess.

Welcome aboard.

 

You could ask that about cars, boats, houses, operations...Anything...not just bikes.

 

In fact, if you're just looking for basic tandem two-wheeled transportation and not a CVO or loaded 'Wing, motorcycles are cheap (like $4200 for a brandy new Honda Rebel).

 

Everything is more expensive...

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/pricebasket.html

 

Motorcycle sales is a very small share of the economy, price goes up due to limited, specialized demand. Look at airplanes for the land of expensive.
Some of the cost is product liability. You crash, we sue mentality of the public.

 

Those are top of the line (so to speak) bikes. Go out and look at the other bikes those makers sell and you'll find plenty of affordable bikes. Super Glide, for instance..