Hey Everyone,

I am in the market for my first scoot. I really like the styling and attitude of the Fatboy. Since this is my first bike I am gun shy to drop 20K on new bike. My local dealership has a 2004 with around 4500 miles and some upgrades that I would probably add anyway for around 15K and change. However, it is used...my *** would not have been the first to grace the seat. I have bought used cars before letting someone else take the initial depreciation, but risking that the vehicle was a lemon. So here are my questions:

1) New?

2) Used? If used what should I look for or be wary of? Also, does HD do extended warranties on used motorcycles like some car manufacurers?


Thanks in advance,


fmudge

 

Here's my story.....I love the Heritage Classic and was in the same boat. Found a 97 last year with only 3800 miles, bought it privately for 11K and absolutely LOVE it and avoided the 20K pricetag for new. Being my first ride after many years, I beleive it was the best to do (that is, unless you have more money that you know what to do with). This way, I have fun for a few years, and not feel guilty spending $$$ on dressing up my 97 with new grips, pegs, xtra chrome, and trips to bike rallies !! BTW, I had my local dealer pickup the scoot and give it the once over before I bought it, just to make sure it was not in any trouble........$125 well spent. Can't answer the warranty issue, but I think if you buy a late model, they wiould sell you the policy. HDs are well built these days, so I'm not sure if the extended warr. are worth it......probably a good forum question. Good luck and hurry up while the weather is great.

 

$15K w/4K miles sounds about right.

Heck.....I have an 04 with 17K on the clock and she's just getting warmed up.
Look real close at that inner primary seal. I've had to send mine back twice for this problem, but that was 7K ago. Since then, she's been a great runner with no other issues.

If the original owner took good care of the Fatty, It'll last forever.

 

I'm all for used. Can save quite a bit. Advice is to be patient though... don't get all excited and buy the first one you look at. Be willing to walk away and if something doesn't seem right, go find another. Can do a carfax report on them. Also - other fellow gave you great advice. Ask the owner if he'll take it to the closest dealer then pay them to check it out. Make your decision ONLY AFTER you get a clean bill of health from a reputable dealer/mechanic. If owner won't do it - don't buy it - next guy will take care of ya. Many used ones still have warranty remaining, check that out too.

If you've just got to have one right now, I'd say you're safer to go buy a new one.

I looked 18 months for mine. You'll hear the wildest stories - especially when you start to question the history of the bike.

Dave

 

I went through the same exact dilemma over the last several months. I decided to go used. The clincher for me was when I added up all the "extras" that were already on the used bike that I would have to purchase for a new one. Detachable windshield, saddle bags, backrest etc... It made it a no brainer. To top it off the original owner of my bke purchased the 7 year extended warranty which is completely transferrable (within 30 days).

Good luck.

Aaron

 

I'm all for new! yeah you can save a few thousand and get some extra chrome buying used, but you get a better interest rate on new or a longer time to pay. I don't want a bike that someone else has customized, when someone says nice bike, you know you picked out the parts. plus Im real picky about all the service done to my bike. i have seen some detail shops make a abused ride look like new (no thanks)

my .02 cents

 

I just bought a used o5' Fatboy Black with chrome grips / detachable windshield / detachable backrest w/rack & front & rear chrome fender trims (which i was alittle iffy on because of the small 3 screw holes needed to mount ea., oh well it's always something i guess and they really do look nice.....i just worry about stupid $h!t i suppose..Well anyway it had 4,776 miles cost me $16,000 and has an extended factory warrenty till september of 08' and being an 05' i still got the new car/motorcycle loan interest rate and an extra quarter percent even more by agreeing to electronic withdrawal from my bank to the credit union which put me at 4 3/4 %.I'm 51 and when i was 18 i bought a new 73' SuperGlide (AMF) and paid $2,772 out the door and sold it in 84' for $3,000 even and waited all this time till i could get another scooter (kids/kids/kids.....$$$$) and anyway, i sure as hell wish i'd of done this alot sooner. By the way, it's carb'd and stock pipes with the baffles moved alittle for a slightly rougher sound till i throw some Vance& Hines on it next spring.....I bought it on my 51st. birthday and i can tell you that it was the best birthday gift i ever gave myself...LOL !!!

 

I bought my duece used, just stummbled upon the deal. I saw it on ebay, it didnt sell , called the seller asked him how much he wanted, liked the price and bought it.

Its an 05 with 1800 miles, paid 14,500.00 for it. Thats almost 4500.00 less then an 06. You can buy alot of chrome for 4500.00.

Go on ebay, modify the search so its within 200 miles of you home, follow one that doesnt sell, then call the seller and make an offer.