Trade value? How much do you typically lose?

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Nov 5, 2018 | 04:42 AM

#21

pjb

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On top of the loss in value you take trading in, you also lose all the money you spent on upgrades. Then you have to spend more extra money again, most likely, to do upgrades to the new bike.
I haven't traded, or sold, a bike in a very very long time. Just get more.

Nov 5, 2018 | 06:03 AM

#22

GOV5

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From: Charleston, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zakk13

Lose 10k? I've never lost that on a Harley before. Ever. Maybe if it was super old with high mileage.

I think LP was talking about a 4 year old bike, or in that neighborhood.
The original Poster was talking about a 1-2 year old bike. I think it would be about a $4K difference to trade.

Nov 5, 2018 | 06:07 AM

#23

GOV5

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From: Charleston, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zakk13

I dont Blame you in that situation. For me my 2018 Is Bone stock. Part of me says at this point hold out for the 2020 bikes. But then again they may not have the Midnight blue I want so bad. Plus I just put my bike away for the winter. Once it comes out of hibernation next year I'll only have 5 months till the end of August for the 2020s. Tough call.

CVan't you have your current bike painted the color you want for less than $4000?

Nov 5, 2018 | 06:22 AM

#24

skratch

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From: anacoco, la

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zakk13

I know. I have traded a few bikes over the years myself. Your definitely right. Theres so many different factors. I was just curious if anyone had there finger on the current market being that Harley is having a harder time selling new bikes. I feel like that makes it a bit different then in the past or what I'm use to. I have a 2018 Road King Special and the 2019s now have the 114 engine. So I dont know how much that would effect my trade if I would. Mine is Vivid black. I really love that new Midnight Blue. It's such an amazing color. Looks black in the shade and pops blue in the sunlight. I want it so bad. Lol.

It sucks because when I bought my Road King Special I said it was a keeper and get it paid off and keep it and then buy a new Softail for a second bike to rip around on and through the twisties. Honestly it's that new blue that makes it tempting even over the 114. I know I can build my 107 to a 114 that would make way more power then the stock 114. So that's not really the main issue. But it is a plus.

if its just the color that's got you tempted, how about just buying a new set of tins. lot cheaper than a new bike, and you could recoup some of the cost by selling your old ones.

Nov 5, 2018 | 06:35 AM

#25

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From: Charleston, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOV5

I think LP was talking about a 4 year old bike, or in that neighborhood.
The original Poster was talking about a 1-2 year old bike. I think it would be about a $4K difference to trade.

Thanks. I was talking about any newish Harley really. If we're talking about dealer experience anyway.
Say if you paid 24K out the door for your old bike, dealerships will usually only offer 16-18K in trade a few years later. 6-8k difference typically. Plus any new bike price increase. (?)
That difference gets even higher when you are buying up, say a SG to a Limited or Special. Easily 10K with all factors considered.
I usually trade up to a more expensive bike, so on average 10K is the number I do quick accounting with. I don't expect others to use this number. I do though which keeps me from buying new bikes every year.

Bottom line there is not a hard fast number but do factor in the new bike price increase and parts you have to leave on the bike and what it will cost to buy again for the new bike if that's the case.

Good luck on your purchase OP.

Last edited by lp; Nov 5, 2018 at 06:45 AM.

Nov 5, 2018 | 05:10 PM

#26

shineola

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Joined: Oct 2005

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I would figure a minimum of losing three grand per year in the large touring bike family if not more ..... late model that is. With all the low mileage garage queen’s out there I can’t understand how people would even look at a new bike but that’s just me. As stated if you ever have to sell a 1 or two or three-year-old bike as my buddy Herbie would say ...... You’re going to get your **** tore off. The market won’t get better anytime soon if ever .....and the price of new bikes are going up every year.

Last edited by shineola; Nov 5, 2018 at 05:12 PM. Reason: Add info