I've been wondering at what point my resell value will start dropping with the increased mileage. So I've got a 09 rkc with 32k miles that I just bought for 9k. At what mileage should I consider trading in so I don't lose too much money when that time comes. I have no regrets on the buy and plan on riding her for many miles, but at an investment standpoint where is the line at when the value starts dropping. Thanks

 

Only a fool buys a bike or a car as an investment unless it truly is Vintage, Special in some way or rare. An 09 Road king just like my 05 Fat boy is not an investment....they are toys....sorry but it's just the way it is

 

Well I respect your opinion. But everything I have bought that I know I will eventually trade in I always try to not lose too much when that time comes, toy or not. And I look at anything that I will knowingly trade in as an investment. I know everyone is different on how they look at things, but it's just how I've always made purchases and it's worked out pretty good so far. But I definitely appreciate your opinion.

 

it's harsh but the value started dropping the day it left the dealer
( compare my 09 cost me $15K cash- it was 6 months old- the buyer paid close to $23k)

just get on and ride- the time to think about selling is when you loose interest or confidence in the bike.

you will get your best return in a private party sale

there is no magic number- there are determiners like new frame, new/larger motor/ new forks...that kinda thing where an obvious increase on value from the factory exists
Mike

 

Motorcycles are either transportation, a hobby or a coat hanger.

Ride it and enjoy it. If your are hoping to flip it start now and find someone that wants it more than you do.

 

I agree with all that you said and is why I bought used to let someone else take the hit.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is if my bike was in the classifieds right now with 50k miles would it still go for what I paid or would it be quite a bit less.

 

Less of course. The more miles you put on it, the less it's going to be worth, and all the harder it's going to be to find buyers.

 

I understand your dilemma, but I think you can make yourself crazy thinking too much about this stuff. I'd say if you still like the bike, keep it and ride it. If you trade/sell now, you'll obviously make a little more; but if you buy a replacement, you end up spending money, too. Not to mention all the upgrades you'll undoubtedly do to a new/new to you bike.
I take my own advice. I have one Electra Glide with 98,000 miles on it and another with 90,000. I like both of them; they run well; so I keep them.

 

Market is flooded bud. Your 09 road king like my 13 ultra limited. It's 1 of the hundreds of thousands available.

 

Like others have said, ride it and enjoy it, I don't buy based on resale value, I based on what I like. I will say, if I was to ever buy a used Harley, I'd expect to get it cheap. Read these forums and you know all the torture and molestation they go through at the hands of their owners, who'd want to pay top dollar.