Pre-Rushmore Values
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
There have been improvements from 09-16 but i wouldn't call it ground breaking. If you ride an 09 with a 16 yes you will notice a difference but if your buying something in the middle find a deal on what fits you.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the " harley-davidson 20XX model year technical forum" is the documentation delivered to dealers pre-model introduction and can be a fun read.
given that H-D rarely makes a "whole new" motorcycle, there is an evolutionary process & a few little parts on your machine still have numbers dating back over 80 years, many over 20 years.
maybe you are tongue-in-cheek, but the more stable temps which come with the liquid cooling allows for higher compression, more timing advance and more aggressive cams- more power from the 103...at no mechanical penalty.
If you can get to your own National Motorcycle Museum, you'll see liquid cooled bikes dating back almost a Century.
air cooled motors are cheaper to build, make less power, wear out faster and pollute more ( less efficient)
many talk about the manliness of an older bike, few have the skills to operate or keep it running. the old challenge used to be "if you can start my bike, you can ride it"
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Dec 27, 2016 at 02:31 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,680
Likes: 22,688
From: North Carolina
Used HD values have really taken a hit, no question about it.
I had a 2008 FLHX that was nice. We rode a 2010 Ultra with the newer frame and larger rear tire and LOVED it. It handled so much better than the 08. About 6 months later we sold the FLHX because we no longer rode it.
Then I rode a 2015 Limited in Daytona and there was again an improved handling and riding bike. Enough that my wife even noticed as a passenger. Add to that the additional seat space, larger tour pack and easier to open saddle bags and the infotainment system with intragrated GPS and WOW.
But I still liked my 2010 Ultra however the wife liked and wanted a new bike. Now that we have a 2016 I am very happy and wish I had done it sooner.
As long as people want to move up the used market will have plenty of bikes and values will stay low.
With that said there are some smoking deals on pre Rushmore's. I saw a 2010 exactly like I had, same color and all with 13k miles sell on eBay last month for $10,900.00. I would have liked to have bought it!
I had a 2008 FLHX that was nice. We rode a 2010 Ultra with the newer frame and larger rear tire and LOVED it. It handled so much better than the 08. About 6 months later we sold the FLHX because we no longer rode it.
Then I rode a 2015 Limited in Daytona and there was again an improved handling and riding bike. Enough that my wife even noticed as a passenger. Add to that the additional seat space, larger tour pack and easier to open saddle bags and the infotainment system with intragrated GPS and WOW.
But I still liked my 2010 Ultra however the wife liked and wanted a new bike. Now that we have a 2016 I am very happy and wish I had done it sooner.
As long as people want to move up the used market will have plenty of bikes and values will stay low.
With that said there are some smoking deals on pre Rushmore's. I saw a 2010 exactly like I had, same color and all with 13k miles sell on eBay last month for $10,900.00. I would have liked to have bought it!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 716
From: Pennsyleffinvania
If you are looking at pre-Rushmore bikes, you will do a lot better buying from a private seller. If the private seller is looking to buy a new bike, they have been given a very low trade in value by a dealer because...."your trade is a pre-Rushmore". Try and figure out the price difference on identical 2013 and 2014 models and you will get the idea.
Other than having the potential to save a ton of money, you'll be enjoying a pre-R 98% as much.
Other than having the potential to save a ton of money, you'll be enjoying a pre-R 98% as much.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 72
From: Harleysville, PA
I agree, look at the Rushmore's are nothing more than a few more accessories that Harley "installed" before purchasing, compared to pervious long standing standard Harley "starter kit", (that includes your choice of bike) with an accessory catalog (you buy the accessories).
Time will tell what years are dominant, I have found absolutely no flaws or reason to trade in my 2012 FLHR in reference to 2017 models, especially when you weigh in what you get vs. $$$ price increase. Besides a wise man will wait a few years to see what recalls or problems crop up, before seriously consider revised version 2019 or wait one more year for the 2020 new larger engine. You know the drill!
I'd hold out passing the Rushmore's by waiting for something exciting with larger engine IMHO.
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
Time will tell what years are dominant, I have found absolutely no flaws or reason to trade in my 2012 FLHR in reference to 2017 models, especially when you weigh in what you get vs. $$$ price increase. Besides a wise man will wait a few years to see what recalls or problems crop up, before seriously consider revised version 2019 or wait one more year for the 2020 new larger engine. You know the drill!
I'd hold out passing the Rushmore's by waiting for something exciting with larger engine IMHO.
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
Last edited by B Bop; Dec 28, 2016 at 05:28 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
My local dealer is REALLY blowing out pre-rushmore Ultra Classics and Ultra Limiteds. Not so much Street Glides. Do you believe this is just year end clearance sales, or is the pre-rushmore values really damaged like pre-2009 touring bikes? I have mixed emotions on this subject and I am REALLY considering buying one of these bikes today. Just wondering what other people's opinion is on the subject.
Don't worry about the pre rushmore years. There is nothing wrong with any of them. They just don't have all the bells and whistles and you will have more after market choices for upgrades. Just spend some time to look over the particular bike you are interested in and make sure it shows now signs of damage and the tires look good.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
2009 to 2014 was new frame fly by wire throttle,2011 RGU 103 standard then 2012 all touring bikes got 103 they are not Rushmore
2014 to 2016 was Rushmore new bags, HYD clutch, Liquid cooled heads on some models 103 hi out
2017 Age of the M8 some models liquid cool some not. Entire head is cooled not just the exhaust ports.
Have not seen any New Pre-Rushmores sitting in dealerships. The 2016's are bring discounts and some packages that should interest some. If a deal is your main goal they could be an option. But you will not turn around and sell it for more than you paid for it in couple years. M8 has already dropped resale on pre 2016 an earlier bikes.
2014 to 2016 was Rushmore new bags, HYD clutch, Liquid cooled heads on some models 103 hi out
2017 Age of the M8 some models liquid cool some not. Entire head is cooled not just the exhaust ports.
Have not seen any New Pre-Rushmores sitting in dealerships. The 2016's are bring discounts and some packages that should interest some. If a deal is your main goal they could be an option. But you will not turn around and sell it for more than you paid for it in couple years. M8 has already dropped resale on pre 2016 an earlier bikes.