First bike, first post
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
First bike, first post
I have been lurking here for \\;awhile \\;and researching HD's for the past few months. \\;
 \\;
In the next couple of days I plan to purchase my first HD, but wanted to \\;get some feedback \\;about which bike maybe a better fit for me. \\; \\;I have narrowed it down to two bikes that are available in my area:
 \\;
1 - \\;2005 \\;Deluxe with new quick release bags, new tires, windshield, passenger back rest, engine gaurd and 12,500 miles. \\; Price $15k
 \\;
2-2005 Fatboy stock with just 4,000 miles. \\; Price $16k
 \\;
I REALLY like the looks of the Deluxe. I plan to do mostly riding a round town (commuting) \\;and some light cruising. \\; \\; Both bikes look to be in grest shape and the Deluxe has all service paperwork.
 \\;
Thoughts anyone? \\; Are these comparable deals?
 \\;
BTW, I am about 6'2"
 \\;
Thanks
 \\;
Ron
 \\;
In the next couple of days I plan to purchase my first HD, but wanted to \\;get some feedback \\;about which bike maybe a better fit for me. \\; \\;I have narrowed it down to two bikes that are available in my area:
 \\;
1 - \\;2005 \\;Deluxe with new quick release bags, new tires, windshield, passenger back rest, engine gaurd and 12,500 miles. \\; Price $15k
 \\;
2-2005 Fatboy stock with just 4,000 miles. \\; Price $16k
 \\;
I REALLY like the looks of the Deluxe. I plan to do mostly riding a round town (commuting) \\;and some light cruising. \\; \\; Both bikes look to be in grest shape and the Deluxe has all service paperwork.
 \\;
Thoughts anyone? \\; Are these comparable deals?
 \\;
BTW, I am about 6'2"
 \\;
Thanks
 \\;
Ron
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
From: Just south of Chicago, Illinois
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
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
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Bellingham, WA
RE: First bike, first post
Dude,
 \\;
I think that's a bit high for both bikes. Especially for a stock 05 Fatty. \\; Is that out the door? \\; I paid $16,300 + tax, $100 gift certificate, 1/2 \\;off 1,000 mile \\;service, 2 \\;T-shirts and a Harley gym bag \\;for my 07 Fatty brand new. \\; It's a buyers market out there. \\; BTW, I'm 6'1" and the Fatty fits perfect.
 \\;
I think that's a bit high for both bikes. Especially for a stock 05 Fatty. \\; Is that out the door? \\; I paid $16,300 + tax, $100 gift certificate, 1/2 \\;off 1,000 mile \\;service, 2 \\;T-shirts and a Harley gym bag \\;for my 07 Fatty brand new. \\; It's a buyers market out there. \\; BTW, I'm 6'1" and the Fatty fits perfect.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
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. \\;
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
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.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 927
Likes: 17
From: Spotsylvania, VA
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.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
RE: First bike, first post
People want too much for used HDs. \\; That's why I went new for both my Heritage and my wife's Deluxe. \\; I have the latest technology (good or bad), a warranty, \\; and I KNOW the history of the bike. \\; Save a few more bucks and go new. \\; Unless you can get a decent deal or just want a beater bike to get started.
 \\;
FWIW, the Heritage is a \\;better riding bike and comes with all the things most people are going to want to add to the Deluxe anyway. \\; Deluxe sits a bit lower and has a more nostalgic and classic look to it imo. \\; \\; 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.
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FWIW, the Heritage is a \\;better riding bike and comes with all the things most people are going to want to add to the Deluxe anyway. \\; Deluxe sits a bit lower and has a more nostalgic and classic look to it imo. \\; \\; 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.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
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.
 \\;
Ms. Dusty
North Carolina
I am getting a H/D this month - Heritage is what I am looking at.
Good Luck rsully - let us know what you get.
 \\;
Ms. Dusty
North Carolina
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
RE: First bike, first post
Thanks for the feedback. \\; I will look into getting a new bike as well.
 \\;
I am in Seattle and the Seattle economy and real estate market is holding up pretty well compared to the rest of the US. \\; \\; Dealers seem to be \\;moving a lot of bikes right now.
 \\;
Based on my research (ebay, craigslist) it seems that HDs are just a little more expensive in this market. \\;
 \\;
Does anyone else agree/disagree or is that just my perception? \\; If I buy a bike off of ebay, shipping to Seattle will run \\;an additional $650-$1000, which is still cheaper than used bikes around here.
 \\;
Ron
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I am in Seattle and the Seattle economy and real estate market is holding up pretty well compared to the rest of the US. \\; \\; Dealers seem to be \\;moving a lot of bikes right now.
 \\;
Based on my research (ebay, craigslist) it seems that HDs are just a little more expensive in this market. \\;
 \\;
Does anyone else agree/disagree or is that just my perception? \\; If I buy a bike off of ebay, shipping to Seattle will run \\;an additional $650-$1000, which is still cheaper than used bikes around here.
 \\;
Ron
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