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I'm considering buying this 2007 Deluxe. 20K original miles, original owner. Current engine is a procharged 120R with 6500 miles on the engine, air ride, Ride Wright wheels, stereo, custom graphics which are very nicely done. The bike needs new tires, maybe brakes too. He's asking 19K.
Almost 20k for a 15 year old bike? That's brand new 2022 Road King money. Obviously I understand the extensive motor work, but if that's what you want it's your money. I'm just not seeing a 19k bike there.
I have a 07 deluxe with all the chrome in the world and similar wheels and a slightly worked over motor and I would, same miles, I be lucky to get 11K for it. That is 50% over what I would even pay on my nicest days. That is somebody else's project
It has an average retail value of $8,980. That number includes a premium for today's upside down, seller's market. It's low mileage, looks to be in good shape, so maybe add a grand to that... so let's say $9,980....
Now, if you like the paint, like the wheels, and like the engine work he's done..... Have him supply receipts for accessories and engine work. Add up those receipts and figure up to 20% of that. That is 20% of what he paid for the accessories, not what they go for today... Then add that 20% to the $9,980, if you like the accessories.. If not, they add nothing to the value of the bike for you...
As long as I've been riding and buying motorcycles (since 1978), it's always been known that you don't get your money back on accessories or extras.... Just because this owner chose to pay for high dollar accessories, IMHO, that does not change the that basic rule...
He may find someone to pay that, but it wouldn't be a knowledgeable buyer.... I see a lot of emotional buyers in today's market... Some buyers remind me of that great line by Homer Simpson, "That's impressive and I'm not easily impressed.... Oh look, a blue car!"
Additionally, I must ask if you have ever owned a supercharged vehicle....??
They are wonderful, and possibly fragile vehicles... I owned a 2004 Corvette Z06. I put a Kenne Bell supercharger on it. It dynoed at 537 HP & 500 TQ... It was stupid fast. I had a conservative tune and ran conservative boost... The set-up, the maintenance, and especially the tune are critical for a well running FI engine that will also be reliable.
Even if the supercharged engine is perfectly set-up.... You have to consider the other drive train components. Aftermarket Forced induction puts a vehicle at power levels that were never considered during it's engineering and development.. If the rest of the drive train is not addressed, or considered during operation of the vehicle, it could lead to premature failure of components downstream of the engine.
With all things done perfectly, then Driver Habits become the wild card. A supercharged vehicle, in the hands of someone not well versed with supercharging, can quickly turn a perfectly set up vehicle into an expensive boat anchor in short order..
Please understand that I LOVED my supercharged Corvette. I drove it, and maintained it conservatively, and it never let me down. I am a fan of Forced Induction as a power adder to vehicles, but I also know that aftermarket forced induction cam make for a vhicle that can be reliable, or a ticking time bomb... there are many variables to that equation.
Just something to consider of you want this bike as a driver... not just a show bike...
Good luck with your decision..
Last edited by hattitude; Mar 30, 2022 at 12:09 AM.
Hattitude, thank you for that very well thought out, informative post. You and the rest of the group here has changed my mind on that Deluxe. His asking price is not realist and my offer was too much. Although that bike is cool as hell I've moved on.
As for ever owning a supercharged vehicle, not a bike but I do have a 2016 Corvette Z06 3LZ. I also had a Camaro ZL1 It is powerful and that power does command restraint and respect.
Hattitude, thank you for that very well thought out, informative post. You and the rest of the group here has changed my mind on that Deluxe. His asking price is not realist and my offer was too much. Although that bike is cool as hell I've moved on.
As for ever owning a supercharged vehicle, not a bike but I do have a 2016 Corvette Z06 3LZ. I also had a Camaro ZL1 It is powerful and that power does command restraint and respect.
Thanks guys!
I'm jealous.... I sold my supercharged '04 Z06 about 5 years ago, and miss it more than I would have guessed...
I will ad a caveat to my comments..... IMHO... there is a big difference, in terms of reliability, between an engine/vehicle that comes with a production supercharger and one that was never produced with a supercharger, and has had one added as an aftermarket set up.
Both can be spectacularly wonderful... and both can go "boom" rather quickly...
However the production supercharged vehicle has had the power considered by the engineers in its design.... I believe that gives any production supercharged vehicle a head start on reliability...
I have looked hard and long at a couple production supercharged corvettes, I suspect someday I will own another one... they are a TON of fun...!
Good luck in your bike search, while it's a seller's market, there are still some really great bikes out there with realistic owners.... may take time, but you'll find one..
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