Got a dilemma. A friend of mine wants to buy his first bike. He's in his mid 50's and went to a metric shop and saw a 2008 FLHTCU - Ultra Classic Electra Glide. He fell in love with it. The shop is selling it for $15,210 and it has 76,422 miles.

He's not knowledgeable about Harley's but really wants this bike. For me, this is highway robbery and I'd run from it. I explained to him that the engine alone is outdated and for the price, the mileage is to high.

So my dilemma is, do I let him make this purchase, knowing that he'll regret it afterwards or should I keep pushing, letting him know that its a bad deal.

Here's a link to the bike:

http://www.kevinpowellmotorsportscha...OwnedInventory

 

That looks like a CVO bike isn't it?

Probably a CVO engine which back then was maybe a 103, or even a 110ci? Not thatthe engine makes the value or the extra chrome and fancy paint.

But I guess my point is that's a CVO not the standard Ultra of that model year, I think, and that's where they extra bucks are getting asked for. Probably in line with NADA values.

He'd more likely get much more bike for the same money if it wasn't a CVO is the point I think you are making, or should make?

steve

 

JMO, but for a first bike (and resale value) I think he should look at one with lower mileage and the newer ('09 and up).
That price should be about equal with a '10 Ultra or possibly an '11.

Look for a "garage Queen" from a private owner and ask for service records.

 

Nice looking bike but I think he can do a lot better in that price range. There are a lot of bikes out there that are newer and have a lot less mileage.

 

There are better deals out there... As I continue to find out it is definitely a buyers market...flooded with nice low mileage bikes.

 

That is a CVO, which means the price is not out of line. For a first bike however, it would not be my first choice. The mileage is high and there are better options in the same price range.

As to your conundrum with your friend, clearly give him your opinion. Don't beat around the bush but don't get emotionally involved. In the end it is his money and his decision.

 

I bought a 2010 CVO Ultra Classic in Oct for $17K (from a dealer). The bike only had 4,000 miles on it. I think the 76K miles should beat down the price, miles are miles, CVO or not.

 

I would tell him if he can't live without that bike I would offer 11.500 and go as high as 12,500 and don't be afraid to walk out and look at others

 

That's a 2008 FLHTCUSE3 by the look of it and looks close to stock:



Now you know what it is you can drag your friend round the local dealers, to compare prices and see what else is available.

 

Couldn't agree more, but dealers just love uneducated buyers. They see the fancy paint and chrome get all excited and the next thing you know they're riding down the road happy because they don't know what they don't know.