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So I've had a hankering for a hot rod type bike for a while now. I've been on baggers for a long time and want something that I can tear up the back roads a bit on.
I don't normally buy new bikes and the last one was a Street Glide in 2010. I had some time to kill today so I stopped by the local dealer and took a left over 2024 FXST Standard for a test ride. Damn, I really liked it. With 107 engine it was fairly fast, handled great, comfortable seating position, good brake, smooth and fun. They had a sticker of $13,900 on it. I had a meeting to go to so I told them to call me with an out the door price. In the mean time I talked myself into buying the bike if it was at $15K or under.
Well they call back at $16,500 with tax and BS dealer fees. I tell them my number is $15K and they said he'll see what they can do so waiting for a call back. So, I hop on the ol' internet and start looking at used. They sure are some cheap ones! Mostly older though but did see a 2022 Low Rider S with some nice mods and only 6500 miles for $14.5K asking price. I figure he'd go $14K, maybe a bit lower. Plus, in NV you don't pay sales tax if you buy a used vehicle from a private party. Then there are a ton of 2000 to 2010 bikes with low miles from $5k to $10K.
So the big question is, is it worth it to buy brand new? What year did they go to a 6 speed trans? The Milwaukee 8 was smooth and powerful but how is reliability compared to a Twin Cam? The new bike shifted really nice and smooth too. Not the usual clunk that I'm used to in older bikes. This is going to be a bike that I don't ride often or for really long distances. More of a hop on it and blast around a couple hundred miles, then go home.
The new bike is nice but not sure if it is worth the several thousand dollars over a used one. What do you think is the sweet spot, year wise for a used bike or is it worth it to just buy new?
Here's what I'm looking at:
Last edited by Max Overdrive; Mar 10, 2026 at 06:36 PM.
That is only a decision you can make. Plus's - the new bike has a warranty, and no one has had the mitts on it for you to discover that they are not the mechanic they thought they were and you get to fix their screw ups. Used bikes, if very nice, can save you some good money, but you get what you get in color and added items you may or may not want.
Also depends on your financial situation. If money is plentiful, that bike you test rode pushed your buttons and if the price you are good with is offered = Why not go for it.
I buy both new & used. Just depends on what is available and what I want. Good luck on your decision. Let us know how it goes.
I usually buy used. Deals are certainly out there on garage queens. I bought a 2 year old Street Bob with 1,750 miles on it, a 4 year old Superglide Custom with 4,000 miles on it, and a 2 year old M8 Heritage with 375 miles on it. Yes, 375, not 3750. You have to be OK buying from private sellers for the best deals. Old guys who thought that getting a Harley as their first bike late in life are usually the best sellers.
"What year did they go to a 6 speed trans?" 2006 on the Dynas, 2007 on all other big twins. Air cooled Sportsters never had 6 speed, and I have no idea what the new liquid cooled ones have.
MSRP on a 2026 grey street bob solo with the Gen 2 117 is only 14,999 plus 895 shipping. Tell em to call you when they'll settle for 15.5 out the door for the 26.
I'd be looking for a used bike like this one. It's here on the classified. If I had the cash I'd be seriously interested in this bike. Between the 2 you listed I'd go with the LRS. Go ride the bikes and decide yourself. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/motor...-heritage.html
Last edited by rocksandgiz; Mar 11, 2026 at 11:32 AM.
I'd be looking for a used bike like this one. It's here on the classified. If I had the cash I'd be seriously interested in this bike. Between the 2 you listed I'd go with the LRS. Go ride the bikes and decide yourself. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/motor...-heritage.html
That is a good looking bike and a great price. Too bad it is all the way across the country from me.
Lots of good replies here. Thanks everyone. After thinking about it I'm going to wait and see what else is out there. I am also selling off a few cars and might see if someone wants to do a trade.
My 1948 Chevy sedan delivery will be the first one going and I think there are a lot of Harley guys that might want to trade for a cool hot rod.
Maybe the stealership will trade for it, never know. They could paint their logo on it and park it outside with bikes all around it.
Cool ride for sure.
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New VS Used
