when to sell based on mileage?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 709
Likes: 0
From: Southeast Nebraska
Well I think we can all appreciate the question and why you're asking it. So to get right to the point, if you're looking for an excuse or permission to buy the '09, you have our approval. As to the mileage part of the whole equation, if you like your bike, the mileage is irrelevent. There are plenty of people with Evo's, panheads, etc who still ride them and when the motor gets worn, they have it rebuilt. So following that model, you would never get your '09. Which is why I say, go ahead and get your '09 because I don't think mileage is the real question here.
Some people change bikes as often as they change their underwear. Having bought and sold 3 bikes just in the last 1.5 years, I can relate.
Some people change bikes as often as they change their underwear. Having bought and sold 3 bikes just in the last 1.5 years, I can relate.
Yep just Do it! Ride or buy
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
I look at the cost factor rather than mileage....but unfortunately, I have too. When a bike of mine is 7-10 yrs old with lots of bling, it'll cost me approx. 15-20k to trade up and get all the new bling vs. a couple k to rebuild an engine or trans. As I see it.....I can keep mine for many many years....spend a few dollars here and there (air ride, 6 speed baker, etc.) have all the new bling and comfort features when I want it....and spend a whole lot less. Just my approach.....I hate changing bikes too....it never feels like my old comfortable one until I have an extra 5 grand + on top of purchase price to make it fit me..... Just my .02.....
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
The last time I delt with moving up in years and saw how much you could lose on a trade-in was the last time I ever tried.Ever since have been building exactly what I want.
The new frame and motormounts has peaked my interest.
The new frame and motormounts has peaked my interest.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Yes, I'm wrestling with this issue, and reading with interest everyone's comments, and I'm wondering when I'll ever get a new bike. Mine's an old 2000 but like dog and bail said, it's hard for me to put all this $$$ in it, and then turn around and let it go. I think I'm good to 100,000, and it's coming up, but that new frame, wide tires, cruise, 6 speed, and 6 gallon tank have got me lookin a lot harder than I did a year ago. Maybe 2010. That's the 10 year mark, and they've made a lot of improvements. Maybe Darren is going to save me from myself with this new BaggerBrace review. "lol" I sure hope so.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 11
From: Right Coast
i had a call from my HD delaer - I have a white Pearl 2008 i picked up in June 2008. They will sell for 20k - i paid 27 with tax. It only has about 1500 miles. HD dealer says advanntage i have a white Pearl which they dont offer for 2009. Now i kind of thinking for the 09 too due to new frame-tire,etc, i wonder if this is just a pitch from sales to have me flip the bike - the new red look good.. but im set on the white - not many around....will decide by end of sept -- looks like my loss may be 7k range -- is it really worth it ??
Not worth trading, not yet. 7K loss for 1 year and only 1500 miles. They would be very expensive miles.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: United States of America :-)
Never get a real good deal on a trade as the dealer has to make some $$ on it too or he wouldn't give you a 'trade-in' price.
If you don't want the hassel of selling it yourself and the idiots questions, etc. from the tire kickers, do the dealer trade and he can have the hassel.
Everything in life has a trade off. The choice is yours.
Over the decades, only traded a bike in twice and that worked for me on them...and knew the dealer would make a few $$. Otherwise, sold them out-right.
If you don't want the hassel of selling it yourself and the idiots questions, etc. from the tire kickers, do the dealer trade and he can have the hassel.
Everything in life has a trade off. The choice is yours.
Over the decades, only traded a bike in twice and that worked for me on them...and knew the dealer would make a few $$. Otherwise, sold them out-right.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,208
From: Ohio
A couple of comments:
- Never, ever, pay more than MSRP with no set up fees.
- If you trade often, keep the bike close to stock.
- The depreciation curve is the steepest the first 3 years and then it will slow down.
- The sweet spot is different for each model but 5-7 years seems about right.
- Add-ons are only worth pennies on the dollar.
- Trade-in values vary tremendously at dealers. Check around.
There are a lot of good clean used Harleys out there. I have seen very clean 02 models with low mileage and tons of extras go for around $12K. Friend of mine just bought a low mileage 02 Ultra for $12.5K and it is completely loaded...probably $4K-$5K of extras. He'll have just as much fun as I will on my 08. I saw a 02 FLHRCI with 9000 miles and completely loaded with chrome everything sell for $12,100. The sad reality is that the owner could have kept it several more years and ridden it for 40k more miles and still probably got $10K-$11K for it.
Now, nothing wrong with trading every year. If you have the money and the desire, go for it. Its all good. It keeps the Motor Co. strong too. The guys who really get burned financially are those that trade every year or two, finance the bike, and still spend thousands on extras. The Motor Co. and the banks are stealing any equity. The rest is burned up with depreciation. Again, nothing wrong with this approach if it makes you happy and you can afford it but there isn't that much of a differnce in Touring on a 2002 or a 2009 for most people. Its all good...
- Never, ever, pay more than MSRP with no set up fees.
- If you trade often, keep the bike close to stock.
- The depreciation curve is the steepest the first 3 years and then it will slow down.
- The sweet spot is different for each model but 5-7 years seems about right.
- Add-ons are only worth pennies on the dollar.
- Trade-in values vary tremendously at dealers. Check around.
There are a lot of good clean used Harleys out there. I have seen very clean 02 models with low mileage and tons of extras go for around $12K. Friend of mine just bought a low mileage 02 Ultra for $12.5K and it is completely loaded...probably $4K-$5K of extras. He'll have just as much fun as I will on my 08. I saw a 02 FLHRCI with 9000 miles and completely loaded with chrome everything sell for $12,100. The sad reality is that the owner could have kept it several more years and ridden it for 40k more miles and still probably got $10K-$11K for it.
Now, nothing wrong with trading every year. If you have the money and the desire, go for it. Its all good. It keeps the Motor Co. strong too. The guys who really get burned financially are those that trade every year or two, finance the bike, and still spend thousands on extras. The Motor Co. and the banks are stealing any equity. The rest is burned up with depreciation. Again, nothing wrong with this approach if it makes you happy and you can afford it but there isn't that much of a differnce in Touring on a 2002 or a 2009 for most people. Its all good...
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 350
Likes: 133
From: Red Deer, AB
Prices up here, on new (and used) bikes are higher than in the US.
A couple of comments:
- Never, ever, pay more than MSRP with no set up fees.
- If you trade often, keep the bike close to stock.
- The depreciation curve is the steepest the first 3 years and then it will slow down.
- The sweet spot is different for each model but 5-7 years seems about right.
- Add-ons are only worth pennies on the dollar.
- Trade-in values vary tremendously at dealers. Check around.
There are a lot of good clean used Harleys out there. I have seen very clean 02 models with low mileage and tons of extras go for around $12K. Friend of mine just bought a low mileage 02 Ultra for $12.5K and it is completely loaded...probably $4K-$5K of extras. He'll have just as much fun as I will on my 08. I saw a 02 FLHRCI with 9000 miles and completely loaded with chrome everything sell for $12,100. The sad reality is that the owner could have kept it several more years and ridden it for 40k more miles and still probably got $10K-$11K for it. . .
- Never, ever, pay more than MSRP with no set up fees.
- If you trade often, keep the bike close to stock.
- The depreciation curve is the steepest the first 3 years and then it will slow down.
- The sweet spot is different for each model but 5-7 years seems about right.
- Add-ons are only worth pennies on the dollar.
- Trade-in values vary tremendously at dealers. Check around.
There are a lot of good clean used Harleys out there. I have seen very clean 02 models with low mileage and tons of extras go for around $12K. Friend of mine just bought a low mileage 02 Ultra for $12.5K and it is completely loaded...probably $4K-$5K of extras. He'll have just as much fun as I will on my 08. I saw a 02 FLHRCI with 9000 miles and completely loaded with chrome everything sell for $12,100. The sad reality is that the owner could have kept it several more years and ridden it for 40k more miles and still probably got $10K-$11K for it. . .
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 283
From: California, Md now Savannah, Ga
Thought I best sell my 02 RK just before it reached 40k miles and did for $12k. I felt in today's market that over 40k miles, I was going to have a difficult time getting my price. Dealer had offered $7800.
Not like a few years ago. My 93 FatBoy purchased new for $12k and drove for 43k miles, sold in 2001 for $14k almost enough to buy the new RK back then.
Those were the good ole days.
Not like a few years ago. My 93 FatBoy purchased new for $12k and drove for 43k miles, sold in 2001 for $14k almost enough to buy the new RK back then.
Those were the good ole days.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
My sweet spot is azz in the seat, face in the wind, and ride it till the wheels fall off. NEXT. There is no way to predict future market. These bikes are money pits anyway. Once you start customizing you have already lost big time. Why spend an ounce of time worrying about something you cannot control. If you have the money to **** away then trade up every year and enjoy, if not then just enjoy what you have until you do. I love new things and it's hard for me not to get a new truck every 3 yrs but i think i am finally tired of giving my money away so i will keep what i have now until i burn it up. It is very hard to keep up with the Joneses and even harder to convince my wife. Only you know when it's time to trade up. While you are at it, Get a boat to. Now thats a money pit. Ain't life grand.
AMEN!!!!
I'm of the same attitude. Ride it and quit worrying. Now if you've got alot of money to play with then heck go for it, but the average guy should just ride it til it's worn out - that's how you get your money's worth out of these things. I log ALOT of miles and plan to run it up into the 100's of thousands of miles. Just keep it maintained and fix things as they happen and ENJOY it. I've thoroughly enjoyed my Electra Glide, it's been the most wonderful bike I could ever ask for. I have no interest or desire for anything new or different.
Of course something NEW has that certain appeal but that'll put you in the poor house if you buy a new bike every year and customize it etc. Now if you have the money to do that sort of stuff then fine, you're in a different situation than the average rider. I give no thought to what my bike is worth, dont really care. I take good care of it, I love it dearly but have no concern for what it's worth really.