Police models,worth less???
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
From: NZ
Police models,worth less???
Just looking around weighing up my options and whether to get a RK or Flhtc and have noticed a significant difference in the cost of the police models.
Is this because they've not come from a loving owner and dont get cherished the same or are there other reasons why even low mileage ones go for less?thanks
Dale
Is this because they've not come from a loving owner and dont get cherished the same or are there other reasons why even low mileage ones go for less?thanks
Dale
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 4
From: Celebration, FL
Its because they have seen hard times. Police bikes are frequently dropped, left running in idle to extended periods, and beat down. I love them because they've been abused, but still serve you well. Reminds me of a stray dog.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Police officers can purchase a POLICE PACKAGE bike from the dealer with a letter from their Chief or Sheriff stating the bike will be used for police work. The bike comes at a great discount, but lacks much of the luster of the stock line. For example, the tank will come in a solid black or white without any badging. Just imagine a RK with very little to no trim. Officers deck them out with department stickers and lights. These bikes are used normally for "part time" work, like funeral escorts and traffic details. Many officers use the bike for work and personal use. Its not any less of a bike, just not all "fancy" up. Think of it as a blank canvass.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
In many cases, buying a police bike is well worth it. My departments' motors are meticulously cared for. They are serviced every 2500 without question. They are ridden hard, escorts and training, but are very well maintained. We usually sell our motors for about $10-12K and they usually have under 15,000 miles on them.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
HD also makes police models available to motorcycle escort businesses--they won't have been used in law enforcement--primarily used to escort funerals. I doubt that these the severe use that some law enforcement bikes see.
I bought an '04 FLHTPI in Feb. 05 and have been very pleased with it for the past 3 years/50K miles.
I bought an '04 FLHTPI in Feb. 05 and have been very pleased with it for the past 3 years/50K miles.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 2
From: Coral Springs, Florida
Whether it is a car or bike, when the title is "branded" as Police Service, it is the kiss of death. The value is significantly less than a unit titled as Private Use.
Almost as bad (but not quite) as a "Salvage", "Rental", or "Recovered Theft" title. Once there is a story attached to any vehicle, the value suffers. Buyers of these units will typically rave about the good deal they got, and how happy they are, and all of that is true. The day of reckoning comes at the time of resale.
OTOH, if a buyer of one of these bikes plans on keeping it, and running it into the ground, the value at the time of sale will not matter.
Almost as bad (but not quite) as a "Salvage", "Rental", or "Recovered Theft" title. Once there is a story attached to any vehicle, the value suffers. Buyers of these units will typically rave about the good deal they got, and how happy they are, and all of that is true. The day of reckoning comes at the time of resale.
OTOH, if a buyer of one of these bikes plans on keeping it, and running it into the ground, the value at the time of sale will not matter.
Last edited by xcelr8; Sep 20, 2008 at 07:12 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 27
From: florida swamp
Look for a low mileage one and check its history just like you would with any other used vehicle. They can be a good buy. Mine hasn't given me any problems except for a front motor mount replacement ( common problem on touring bikes). I think if your buying a bike for an investment, your wasting your money. let someone else pay out the azz for a new one. Then again there are a lot of low mileage civilian bikes out there and you could find a good one that somebody isn't asking a fortune for. Also, if you buy an 07 or later police bike, they have the 103" motor.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Britton, MI
bought '07 back in may with 750 miles on it.. i think it was used as a parade bike for the local station, either that or not ran much at all.. it was in mint condition when i bought it, not a scratch on it, looked brand new.. runs great with that 103 in it! plus it already has the oil cooler on it. glad i bought it, paid 5k less then i would if i had bought a brand new RK, plus it was still under factory waranty.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
From: NZ
Thanks for the replies, I see the police model bags have some kind of round attachment on top of them,what is that for?
I'm not too worried about salvage or rebuilt titles as it'll be getting a new title issued when I bring it back to NZ with me.Cheaper the better as far as that goes.
I'm not too worried about salvage or rebuilt titles as it'll be getting a new title issued when I bring it back to NZ with me.Cheaper the better as far as that goes.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 36
From: Georgia Mountains
The "Hockey Puck" is the bag latch. As opposed to the normal ones on the side of the bag. Officers can open and close the bag while seated. Several companies make chrome covers for them.