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I am about to make my first Harley purchase. I have finally narrowed it down to the Softail Deluxe. I have found a 2006 (6k miles) that I really like with some nice upgrades (SE 211 cams, Thunderstar wheels, chrome front end kit, performance exhaust, etc. It is Black/ Glacier White which is not available for 2010. The price though, is within 2k of what I could buy a new one for. I know the new models have a bigger engine and six speed transmission etc. Are the benefits of a new bike worth slowly upgrading over time vs. an older model already done?
I bought a brand new 883 (2010) and traded it in with 1300miles on it for an 05 fatboy w/ 3k worth of chrome and a mustang seat. motor except valves and pistons all replaced before I bought it. Its 88B motor. I like the 88B. Plenty of power for me ( I ride 80-125 miles everyday).
I would more than likely buy the 06 with the gear you like on it. Unless you have a different theme in mind.
I would defiantly buy used, however you are paying to much if you get a used 2006 for only $2000 less than new. You never get back your money on Chrome and engine mods unless you are a HD dealer. If a bike has a lot of mods and I mean a lot of mods (Show Quality) I would maybe consider a higher price then. Look else where unless you got money to burn. Its a buyers market and I see used 2008 and 2009 Softail Harleys for $12000 to $14000 all the time on cycletrader.com .
i had the same decision to make when buying my dyna. i knew i wanted a dyna with forward controls, stage 1 and nice sounding pipes, and a passenger seat. my original choice was to buy a street bob brand new then add all the extras, but by the time id done that i was onto a lot of money. For 9 grand i got everything i wanted in a used bike and all the mods had already been done. in the uk harleys are a luxury item, even though its my daily ride to work, and you can count on the fact that people value them and look after them getting the proper services done at the right intervals etc. so i was happy to buy used.
it was my first big purchase ever, id never spent that sort of money even on a car, so i wanted it to be perfect, so i was cautious as i had the choice to go new and get the ful warranty. one thing stuck in my mind the whole time i was trying to decide. my dad has a harley and its his first one, although hes wanted one all his life. and he said to me "tom, whatever harley you get, youll be happy with it"
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