What can I expect from dealer on trade in?
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
You already have one heck of a ride that most guys would kill to have. If you want to trade it that's up to you but I would do a lot research and test riding first. Unfortunately, we can't own all of the bikes out there so you want to be happy with the choice you make. Buying and trading can be a real expensive way to finding the right bike. Dealers are in it to make money so be careful.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
i'm no rocket surgeon, but that works out to 300 miles a year??? you really don't need a bike. renting one when the need arises would be more practical for the miles you put on. sell yours and rent one when the need comes up. that way you aren't affected by depreciation, maintenance, etc, and always have a current model year bike to ride.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 718
Likes: 1
From: Panama City, FL
I see this all the time in my neck O'dah woods...Panama City Florida. When I go ridin' around my area (some call it "advertising"...), I see many Harleys stuffed in the garage of some really nice homes that obviously never get ridden. It's wreaks of "passing phase" of life for older riders looking to rejuvenate their youth. So they have a great bike that sits.
I have a great idea though. Trade in your bike, get totally hosed, and brag to us how badly a beating you took on the deal! Then we can all sit here and say...We told you so! lol!
Good luck...
Dex
I have a great idea though. Trade in your bike, get totally hosed, and brag to us how badly a beating you took on the deal! Then we can all sit here and say...We told you so! lol!
Good luck...
Dex
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Sounds like you got a good deal when you bought the bike. From a business stand point a dealer can probably buy a brand new Ultra Limited from the factory for less than what you want for your bike. He could probably move the hot selling limited quicker than he could your bike. With that being said I think you can expect to throw some "boot" into the deal, if you are expecting to trade even or even get some "boot" back you might be dissappointed. The kind of deal you are looking for doesn't do much for the dealers cash flow and in this economy cash flow is king. But who knows how the transaction will work out. The more you are willing to spend (Limited over Ultra) the better chance you might have of getting what you want out of your bike.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
I just traded a bike two days ago. I figured the dealer was going to try and shaft me but they actually didn't.
Check the Kelly Blue Book for motorcycles (do it online) and see what it says such a bike is worth. The dealer is going to whip out that same book.
The dealer did that to me and actually went much higher than I expected. I got what I thought was a fair price and bought the new one on the spot.
Not to add insult to injury but I rode the bike I traded and it did have mileage on it.
Check the Kelly Blue Book for motorcycles (do it online) and see what it says such a bike is worth. The dealer is going to whip out that same book.
The dealer did that to me and actually went much higher than I expected. I got what I thought was a fair price and bought the new one on the spot.
Not to add insult to injury but I rode the bike I traded and it did have mileage on it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 1
From: SC
Your right for doing some homework first for the price. I would check with at least 3 dealers, each with a different owner, to see which one is going to give me the best deal. One dealer may give 1500 more than the other. I am sorrounded by dealerships in all directions so I have consumer advantage here. Best of luck. Are you sure you don't want to ride the cvo for at least a season or while it's for sale. Looks fun to me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
^^^ I agree......you just bought last October? Get some miles on it, maybe add the RK Tour Pack in the back if you need luggage.
But if your heart is sold on a Limited UC only a couple of ways to go. Put it on ebay with your reserve to see if you get the $$ you need or make the trip into the dealer and see what they say. I would hit at least 2, best 3 dealers though. Different dealerships are hungry at different times and no way for a consumer to know. Most salesman will tell you up front "our new bikes are moving" and "used market is not very strong right now." Their job to sell high/buy low.
But if your heart is sold on a Limited UC only a couple of ways to go. Put it on ebay with your reserve to see if you get the $$ you need or make the trip into the dealer and see what they say. I would hit at least 2, best 3 dealers though. Different dealerships are hungry at different times and no way for a consumer to know. Most salesman will tell you up front "our new bikes are moving" and "used market is not very strong right now." Their job to sell high/buy low.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: In a cornfield
Why not just buy one of those detachable fairings, put a kick butt stereo in it, buy some lowers, hardbags and a tourpack....have it all painted to match your bike. It will be cheaper than trading...and you will have the best of both worlds. A RK and a EG....depending on what you put on or take off....and you will have a bigger engine than the limited and cooler paint. I can't see trading a bike off with at least 50K miles on it or at least 5 years old and not taking a bath.