Opinions on some softails and the numbers we're kicking around
 

Thoughts on two bikes my wife is interested in. Both 2017 models. Both have 1500 miles on them.

Softail slim. Currently lowered with a quick detach fairing. Black with tbars. $15999. We have not negotiated with them yet and know we will need a bar change and add a reach seat. No info on what was done to lower the slim. Had bags. Know the wife will want a paint job. Dealership did show an extreme interest in negotiating though.
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Heritage Softail classic. All the bells and whistles. Teal and white (a color that's harder to find around here and something she's after). Bone stock. $15995 offer was to give her a $1k gift card which will cover install and purchase lower progressive monos on the front, lower rear shocks (422s if memory serves) and a reach seat. Bars are fine stock.

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Wife is less impressed with the slim but still have room to negotiate. Albeit a new seat and bars may reduce that room. Are they asking too much for either model?

I don't know about the cost thing but which bike would your wife be the most happy with, that's the way I'd go but to each their own.

Pretty sure the heritage. She's appendices because she never buys things like this for herself. And it's her deal. I think the heritage numbers are decent. Just don't want her to be taken for a ride so to speak.

Both nice bikes, but if I could avoid the cost, hassle, downtime and uncertainty (of final results) of a paint job, I would buy the Heritage.

I would negotiate on the Heritage. I've seen 2018's sell in the $15,000.00 range.

I'd be all in on that Heritage, beautiful bike. $1k will get her a lot of mods.

Id look at the Heritage over the Slim, but it is all personal opinion. Get her the bike see wants. Has she ridden them ? If not do it before buying.

The prices are on the high side, but you are buying from a dealer, P/P will probably save you a couple thousand . NADA on the Slim is average retail $ 13,800 with a low of $10,515 and Dealer is high retail at $ 18,000 on the Heritage average retail is $ 15,700, low is $11,900 and High retail (dealer) is $18,600. So as always the dealer is marking up to max you should get them to move a little on it or save at least a few thousand and look for P/P. On a 2017 with low miles there is not much that can be bad with it that you need to buy from the dealer. Also you can still buy an extended HD warranty for all the $ you save.

The $1000 gift card is an added bonus on the Heritage but it will not cover Progressive front and rear suspension the 422 list at $499 can be found for $ 425, and monotubes run about $ 250 plus labor and a seat that is $400-600 if you are not a DIYer then you are talking about $1500 + having the Dealer do the install.

On Cycle Trader there are a lot of used 2017-2018 for $12,000-16,000.https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/...sic-5007130177
In the same color you are looking is a little more rare but they are out there

$ 14,900 with 3000 miles https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/...sic-5007786369
Private party sales are $1,000-3,000 less
From a dealer in Florida same color as what you are lookin at with 8,000 miles $16,490

they quoted me at about 1400 in parts and labor. I did a 400 mile search on cycle trader from Michigan and for the miles on the bike, I think it is a solid option. Appreciate you taking the time to dig deeper for sure. She's gonna make the ultimate call. Her down payment and future note. She will see it in person tomorrow. Though I know she will love it in person.

Cycle Trader is always a good comparison tool. I'd print out some similar bikes and take them with you and let them know you are willing to travel to get the right bike at the right price. If they won't budge on price continue to work free labor and gear. If that doesn't work, leave your number and go to lunch and see if they call. Doesn't hurt to play hard ball with them, they aren't going to throw you out lol

For me "bone stock" is a highly desirable condition. If I were looking for a used bike it would be difficult to find a modified bike that suited my tastes or requirements and I definitely wouldn't get anything where someone went inside the engine for mods such as a stage 2+. The 103 is a solid and proven engine that she'll, and you'll, be happy with.

EDIT, OEM paint on the HD are good and I would be hesitant to paint one unless it was a horrible original color and such a deal that couldn't be passed. Pick the bike with an original color that you want. My vote is the Heritage.