Buying advice softail
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Netherlands
Buying advice softail
First a short introduction. I am 41y old. Live in the Netherlands, working as a CFO. Have a wife and 2 daughters. Have own several bikes (Harley, BMW, Ducati).
I am considering buying a Harley again. The prices in the Netherlands are crazy compared to the USA. For example. A new softail (de luxe, fat boy, heritage) set you back for appr. $ 32.500.
I am considering:
2005 softail springer, two tone blue/grey,mint condition, 17.500 miles, price $ 17.500 (pro's: mint condition, I find springers cool / con's: color scheme taste sensitive, need some further investment (engine quard and saddlebag)
2006 softail heritage, two tone black/red, mint condition, 6.500 miles, price $17.250 (pro's: mint condition, fully loaded/ con's color scheme a little old fashioned,)
1993 softail nostalgia moo glide, non molested in showroom condition, 4800 miles, price $ 17.500 (pro's mint condition, limited and numbered, cool looks, no further investments needed / con's 1993, future value?, maintenance?, evo in stead of twin cam?)
My purpose:
Drive appr. 2.000 miles a year in nice weather around the block and small road trips (250 miles). I want to drive it 5 or 10 years without depreciate 50% of the amount invested.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance
I am considering buying a Harley again. The prices in the Netherlands are crazy compared to the USA. For example. A new softail (de luxe, fat boy, heritage) set you back for appr. $ 32.500.
I am considering:
2005 softail springer, two tone blue/grey,mint condition, 17.500 miles, price $ 17.500 (pro's: mint condition, I find springers cool / con's: color scheme taste sensitive, need some further investment (engine quard and saddlebag)
2006 softail heritage, two tone black/red, mint condition, 6.500 miles, price $17.250 (pro's: mint condition, fully loaded/ con's color scheme a little old fashioned,)
1993 softail nostalgia moo glide, non molested in showroom condition, 4800 miles, price $ 17.500 (pro's mint condition, limited and numbered, cool looks, no further investments needed / con's 1993, future value?, maintenance?, evo in stead of twin cam?)
My purpose:
Drive appr. 2.000 miles a year in nice weather around the block and small road trips (250 miles). I want to drive it 5 or 10 years without depreciate 50% of the amount invested.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Omaha
I'm partial to the Heritage. That's why I ride one, however if the springer speaks to you then that's your bike.
As for an investment, it's anyone's guess, but I don't recall seeing a Springer or Heritage that's been well cared for priced below $9,000 US regardless of year so if you're spending $17K I think you're safe at not seeing a 50% depreciation on either.
As for the '93 glide; now you're looking at a specific style and year of bike that not everyone will appreciate at $17K but even so, I doubt it will ever be valued at less than $10K even if it's been used a bit.
Of course the prices I mention are in the US market, so the Dutch market may in fact be higher as it seems to be given that the prices you mention for the '05 and '06 are about $5K higher than the US.
So my choice: Heritage, Springer, Glide. But in the end I think you need to lean toward what your heart is telling you and not worry so much about value down the road.
Thanks,
As for an investment, it's anyone's guess, but I don't recall seeing a Springer or Heritage that's been well cared for priced below $9,000 US regardless of year so if you're spending $17K I think you're safe at not seeing a 50% depreciation on either.
As for the '93 glide; now you're looking at a specific style and year of bike that not everyone will appreciate at $17K but even so, I doubt it will ever be valued at less than $10K even if it's been used a bit.
Of course the prices I mention are in the US market, so the Dutch market may in fact be higher as it seems to be given that the prices you mention for the '05 and '06 are about $5K higher than the US.
So my choice: Heritage, Springer, Glide. But in the end I think you need to lean toward what your heart is telling you and not worry so much about value down the road.
Thanks,
Last edited by Bluraven; Mar 24, 2013 at 09:05 AM.
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Intermediate
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From: Netherlands
Blu raven, thanks for the reply.
If I am honest the nostalgia speaks to me the most. The looks, the limited number, the heritage, the carb etc. the only thing I cannot get out of my head is to spend the same amount on a '93 bike, if I can buy a 2005/2006 bike for the same amount. Dealers are saying that the limited number holding its value but in the states I see the opposite (prices of $ 10.000 and lower!)
The softail heritage is a little cheaper here than for ex. A softail de luxe or fatboy. Appr $ 1000.strange because the have the bags and the windshield etc.
The moo glide is 20 years old, what will it do in 10/15 years? Off course I will take good care of my bike with proper maintenance and not a lot mileage, but the bike will be 30/35 years old! Is it worth anything at that moment.
For the other two bikes I have comparison. If I keep that 10 years and keep good care it drops appr. $6.000.
Though but luxury chooses I quess.
If I am honest the nostalgia speaks to me the most. The looks, the limited number, the heritage, the carb etc. the only thing I cannot get out of my head is to spend the same amount on a '93 bike, if I can buy a 2005/2006 bike for the same amount. Dealers are saying that the limited number holding its value but in the states I see the opposite (prices of $ 10.000 and lower!)
The softail heritage is a little cheaper here than for ex. A softail de luxe or fatboy. Appr $ 1000.strange because the have the bags and the windshield etc.
The moo glide is 20 years old, what will it do in 10/15 years? Off course I will take good care of my bike with proper maintenance and not a lot mileage, but the bike will be 30/35 years old! Is it worth anything at that moment.
For the other two bikes I have comparison. If I keep that 10 years and keep good care it drops appr. $6.000.
Though but luxury chooses I quess.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 901
From: Omaha
I think the question of which bike speaks to you is answered.
As you stated the Glide is calling to you so that's the bike you really want.
So the question is; is the Glide worth $17K.
Well obviously the value of something is only at what someone is willing to pay for it.
You say that you will keep it for 5-10 years and put 10-20K on it.
So in 5 years at 15K miles what's the bike's value going to be?
In 10 years at 25K miles what's the bike's value going to be?
Again, the value is what someone is willing to pay and who really knows what that will be in 5-10 years.
I think it's pretty safe to say that either of the three bikes will be a decent investment where-as you will not lose greater than 50% of your initial investment.
Since it's the one speaking to you, I say go with the Glide and enjoy the ride.
If you really love the bike, after 5-10 years you might not be looking to get rid of it, but rather looking to add a sister bike to park beside it.
Then does it really matter what it's worth?
You probably wouldn't sell it anyway.
Good luck on your decision and enjoy the ride.
As you stated the Glide is calling to you so that's the bike you really want.
So the question is; is the Glide worth $17K.
Well obviously the value of something is only at what someone is willing to pay for it.
You say that you will keep it for 5-10 years and put 10-20K on it.
So in 5 years at 15K miles what's the bike's value going to be?
In 10 years at 25K miles what's the bike's value going to be?
Again, the value is what someone is willing to pay and who really knows what that will be in 5-10 years.
I think it's pretty safe to say that either of the three bikes will be a decent investment where-as you will not lose greater than 50% of your initial investment.
Since it's the one speaking to you, I say go with the Glide and enjoy the ride.
If you really love the bike, after 5-10 years you might not be looking to get rid of it, but rather looking to add a sister bike to park beside it.
Then does it really matter what it's worth?
You probably wouldn't sell it anyway.
Good luck on your decision and enjoy the ride.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Netherlands
You are right. Te nostalgia is calling to me. But being a CFO I always want to be sure and try to calculate and motivate etc. for me it is hard to make a decision just on feelings.
Can anybody tells something on the reliability of a softail of considerable age with the 1340 evo motor. I will let the seals check because of the very low mileage. Tires are 4 years old and like new so that should be ok.
Can anybody tells something on the reliability of a softail of considerable age with the 1340 evo motor. I will let the seals check because of the very low mileage. Tires are 4 years old and like new so that should be ok.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
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From: Connecticut
First a short introduction. I am 41y old. Live in the Netherlands, working as a CFO. Have a wife and 2 daughters. Have own several bikes (Harley, BMW, Ducati).
I am considering buying a Harley again. The prices in the Netherlands are crazy compared to the USA. For example. A new softail (de luxe, fat boy, heritage) set you back for appr. $ 32.500.
I am considering:
2005 softail springer, two tone blue/grey,mint condition, 17.500 miles, price $ 17.500 (pro's: mint condition, I find springers cool / con's: color scheme taste sensitive, need some further investment (engine quard and saddlebag)
2006 softail heritage, two tone black/red, mint condition, 6.500 miles, price $17.250 (pro's: mint condition, fully loaded/ con's color scheme a little old fashioned,)
1993 softail nostalgia moo glide, non molested in showroom condition, 4800 miles, price $ 17.500 (pro's mint condition, limited and numbered, cool looks, no further investments needed / con's 1993, future value?, maintenance?, evo in stead of twin cam?)
My purpose:
Drive appr. 2.000 miles a year in nice weather around the block and small road trips (250 miles). I want to drive it 5 or 10 years without depreciate 50% of the amount invested.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance
I am considering buying a Harley again. The prices in the Netherlands are crazy compared to the USA. For example. A new softail (de luxe, fat boy, heritage) set you back for appr. $ 32.500.
I am considering:
2005 softail springer, two tone blue/grey,mint condition, 17.500 miles, price $ 17.500 (pro's: mint condition, I find springers cool / con's: color scheme taste sensitive, need some further investment (engine quard and saddlebag)
2006 softail heritage, two tone black/red, mint condition, 6.500 miles, price $17.250 (pro's: mint condition, fully loaded/ con's color scheme a little old fashioned,)
1993 softail nostalgia moo glide, non molested in showroom condition, 4800 miles, price $ 17.500 (pro's mint condition, limited and numbered, cool looks, no further investments needed / con's 1993, future value?, maintenance?, evo in stead of twin cam?)
My purpose:
Drive appr. 2.000 miles a year in nice weather around the block and small road trips (250 miles). I want to drive it 5 or 10 years without depreciate 50% of the amount invested.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance
I'm currently looking at Softail Springers as well. Just to give you an idea what the prices are around here, I just found a 2006 softail springer (FXSTS) with 10k miles selling for $11,500. Could probably get it closer to $10,500.
Good luck to you!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
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From: Connecticut
Tires have an expiration date, even if they have plenty of thread on them. Usually about 5 years or so. You'll probably want to get new tires by next year.
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Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Netherlands
With the prices I see here I must considering importing. We have to add appr. 30% (customs and vat) and appr 1.000/1.250 for transport.
The springer can be 2.000 less at this way. Hmmm. Start looking in the states I think.
Why is the moo glide not a riders bike? Does it ride bad, or does owners not ride?
The springer can be 2.000 less at this way. Hmmm. Start looking in the states I think.
Why is the moo glide not a riders bike? Does it ride bad, or does owners not ride?