Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

First bike, first post

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 9, 2008 | 12:02 AM
  #1  
rsully's Avatar
rsully
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default First bike, first post

I have been lurking here for&nbsp\\;awhile&nbsp\\;and researching HD's for the past few months.&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
In the next couple of days I plan to purchase my first HD, but wanted to&nbsp\\;get some feedback&nbsp\\;about which bike maybe a better fit for me.&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\;I have narrowed it down to two bikes that are available in my area:
&nbsp\\;
1 -&nbsp\\;2005&nbsp\\;Deluxe with new quick release bags, new tires, windshield, passenger back rest, engine gaurd and 12,500 miles.&nbsp\\; Price $15k
&nbsp\\;
2-2005 Fatboy stock with just 4,000 miles.&nbsp\\; Price $16k
&nbsp\\;
I REALLY like the looks of the Deluxe. I plan to do mostly riding a round town (commuting)&nbsp\\;and some light cruising.&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; Both bikes look to be in grest shape and the Deluxe has all service paperwork.
&nbsp\\;
Thoughts anyone?&nbsp\\; Are these comparable deals?
&nbsp\\;
BTW, I am about 6'2"
&nbsp\\;
Thanks
&nbsp\\;
Ron
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2008 | 12:10 AM
  #2  
wiseguy2day's Avatar
wiseguy2day
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
From: Just south of Chicago, Illinois
Default RE: First bike, first post

That's a bit high for the deluxe with those miles, then again it's got quite a few things on it.

The question you gotta ask if you want the deluxe is "is it set up the way you want it to be" If you gotta change a bunch of things to make it suit you then for for the fatboy, it sounds like a clean slate
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2008 | 12:16 AM
  #3  
drummer3278's Avatar
drummer3278
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Bellingham, WA
Default RE: First bike, first post

Dude,
&nbsp\\;
I think that's a bit high for both bikes. Especially for a stock 05 Fatty.&nbsp\\; Is that out the door?&nbsp\\; I paid $16,300 + tax, $100 gift certificate, 1/2&nbsp\\;off 1,000 mile&nbsp\\;service, 2&nbsp\\;T-shirts and a Harley gym bag&nbsp\\;for my 07 Fatty brand new.&nbsp\\; It's a buyers market out there.&nbsp\\; BTW, I'm 6'1" and the Fatty fits perfect.
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2008 | 01:02 AM
  #4  
Tralfaz's Avatar
Tralfaz
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
Default RE: First bike, first post

Yeah, it seemed to me that the price on the Fatboy was less of a good deal (provided, as mentioned by wiseguy2day, the accessories on the Deluxe are ones you want). Provided it was maintained well, it doesn't seem like 12500 miles on a 3 or 4 year old motorcycle is that much.&nbsp\\;
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2008 | 05:57 AM
  #5  
Vikingnomad's Avatar
Vikingnomad
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
From: live in Jackson, NJ
Default RE: First bike, first post

Hell my 07 softail custom was 16k off the floor with 1k off because I bought it in July and the 08s were about to be rolled out....
Bone
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2008 | 06:56 AM
  #6  
tk353's Avatar
tk353
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
Default RE: First bike, first post

I would suggest for first bike to get new as you have a warranty and you dont know what to look for. The prices are high but for a few more you get 2 year warranty. You can get new for 1000 to 2000 below msrp if you shop and yes tell the dealer you are looking for around. They wont want you to leave. Compare prices discreetly then return to deal when you find what you want. get ready to walk if it is not the deal you want. I asked for free 1000 mile service because i was shocked on my first bike how much that cost. I also got 500 under msrp, half off the 800 dealer prep charge and 350 in extras like windshield. The warranty has saved me about 700 in repairs so far.
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2008 | 07:40 AM
  #7  
RockerMike's Avatar
RockerMike
Road Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 927
Likes: 17
From: Spotsylvania, VA
Default RE: First bike, first post

I agree. These are hard times, check and see what the dealer can do for you. Welcome to the board and good luck on your first HD.
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2008 | 08:04 AM
  #8  
jimmers1817's Avatar
jimmers1817
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Default RE: First bike, first post

People want too much for used HDs.&nbsp\\; That's why I went new for both my Heritage and my wife's Deluxe.&nbsp\\; I have the latest technology (good or bad), a warranty,&nbsp\\; and I KNOW the history of the bike.&nbsp\\; Save a few more bucks and go new.&nbsp\\; Unless you can get a decent deal or just want a beater bike to get started.
&nbsp\\;
FWIW, the Heritage is a&nbsp\\;better riding bike and comes with all the things most people are going to want to add to the Deluxe anyway.&nbsp\\; Deluxe sits a bit lower and has a more nostalgic and classic look to it imo.&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; My wife went with it because it sat lower and "felt" like it weighed less. It doesn't actually, just feels that way because of it's design.
&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 9, 2008 | 08:51 AM
  #9  
mysticrains's Avatar
mysticrains
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
Default RE: First bike, first post

Oh great points Vikingnomad and tk353.
I am getting a H/D this month - Heritage is what I am looking at.
Good Luck rsully - let us know what you get.
&nbsp\\;
Ms. Dusty
North Carolina
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2008 | 01:08 PM
  #10  
rsully's Avatar
rsully
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default RE: First bike, first post

Thanks for the feedback.&nbsp\\; I will look into getting a new bike as well.
&nbsp\\;
I am in Seattle and the Seattle economy and real estate market is holding up pretty well compared to the rest of the US.&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; Dealers seem to be&nbsp\\;moving a lot of bikes right now.
&nbsp\\;
Based on my research (ebay, craigslist) it seems that HDs are just a little more expensive in this market.&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
Does anyone else agree/disagree or is that just my perception?&nbsp\\; If I buy a bike off of ebay, shipping to Seattle will run&nbsp\\;an additional $650-$1000, which is still cheaper than used bikes around here.
&nbsp\\;
Ron
&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\;
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:40 AM.

story-0
10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

Slideshow: Not every motorcycle can be a design icon, and these machines prove that bold styling doesn't always age gracefully.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-1
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-9
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE