Trade Up for ABS
Advanced
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: NC
I didn't trade up specifically for ABS, but when I decided I was trading in my 09 FLHX (non-ABS) for a new FLTR, I was pretty firm on either getting the powerpak or stepping up to the full blown FLTRU which has ABS standard.
I've owned a few sportbikes, and I feel pretty confident in my braking abilities - but you never really know in an emergency situation. You'll never be 100% ready when something goes wrong and I prefer the extra peace of mind.
I've owned a few sportbikes, and I feel pretty confident in my braking abilities - but you never really know in an emergency situation. You'll never be 100% ready when something goes wrong and I prefer the extra peace of mind.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
Thanks.
Dealers are in a different situation than most of us...in that they can sit on a bike for awhile and wait until they sell it for what they want.
For some reason, it's different selling it private party.....see, the dealer can FINANCE a used bike, and it's damn hard to get someone to try and finance a used bike from a permanent party.
So, I took the hit, and live with the justification that it was the cost of letting someone else deal with the headache of trying to sell off a used bike.
Ever seen how many used bikes are on eBay without a single bid? I wanted a new bike NOW...not someday when I sell my bike myself.
When you go to the dealer, have in mind already what you will take for the bike. Know what you are willing to spend in advance. If they meet it, then it's a good deal, and do it.
When I traded in my '05.....I knew what I would accept in trade. They offered a grand less....and told me they "couldn't go under MSRP" so, I figured, ok, I'll get the difference by demanding a grand more on the trade. They bit. I have a bike that is TWICE the bike my '05 was, and am VERY happy.
So, PLEASE, know what your bike is worth and what you are willing to do BEFORE you go to the dealer. If he is SERIOUS, and will meet what you already decided you will accept, then do it. IMHO
Wish you the best on this. Not preachin'....just letting you know what I did, and I can live with it....in fact, I can't wait to go to for another ride on the new scooter!
I'll die happy if I die tomorrow!
~Joe
Dealers are in a different situation than most of us...in that they can sit on a bike for awhile and wait until they sell it for what they want.
For some reason, it's different selling it private party.....see, the dealer can FINANCE a used bike, and it's damn hard to get someone to try and finance a used bike from a permanent party.
So, I took the hit, and live with the justification that it was the cost of letting someone else deal with the headache of trying to sell off a used bike.
Ever seen how many used bikes are on eBay without a single bid? I wanted a new bike NOW...not someday when I sell my bike myself.
When you go to the dealer, have in mind already what you will take for the bike. Know what you are willing to spend in advance. If they meet it, then it's a good deal, and do it.
When I traded in my '05.....I knew what I would accept in trade. They offered a grand less....and told me they "couldn't go under MSRP" so, I figured, ok, I'll get the difference by demanding a grand more on the trade. They bit. I have a bike that is TWICE the bike my '05 was, and am VERY happy.
So, PLEASE, know what your bike is worth and what you are willing to do BEFORE you go to the dealer. If he is SERIOUS, and will meet what you already decided you will accept, then do it. IMHO
Wish you the best on this. Not preachin'....just letting you know what I did, and I can live with it....in fact, I can't wait to go to for another ride on the new scooter!
I'll die happy if I die tomorrow!
~Joe
not to mention, even if you get a little more on the sale private party, you end up paying all the sales tax. at least on a trade, they only hit you with sales tax on the amount over and above the trade in.
at least in some states, don't know if you're state does it that way, but it wouldn't hurt to check. its not a deal if you get a grand more on the sale private party, but have to pay a grand more in tax..... plus all the time you will have invested.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
three key buying points when I walked into a dealership back in '09... cruse, ABS and black. They had a SG there with limited paint (strike 1), pewter denim regular tins (strike 2) and no ABS (strike 3) so I saved 6 grand and bought the black standard sitting next to it with cruise AND abs. Added a couple options and drove it home.
ABS saved my bacon later that year when my wife decided she needed to make an emergency stop in rainy weather and I had to lock everything up... LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
ABS saved my bacon later that year when my wife decided she needed to make an emergency stop in rainy weather and I had to lock everything up... LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
I just bought a 2011 Ultra Classic. Even though there were two bikes sitting in the dealership that were exactly what I wanted...except for ABS...I had them locate one that did have it. I had learned enough about the system to know that it's something that I want on any bike I ride. There is a DVD that comes with the ABS-equipped bike that shows a demonstration of ABS-equipped vs non-ABS-equipped. It's pretty convincing...
I've been riding for 25 years and have only gone down one time. That was 2 years ago. If the bike I was riding at that time had been equipped with ABS brakes, I feel that I would not have gone down.
Is ABS a substitute for riding skills.....absolutely not. However, I think that, in an emergency situation, it might give you the edge of safety that keeps you upright. I always wear a full-face helmet and either leathers or a Joe Rocket mesh jacket. I want every possible thing stacked my way if I'm facing an emergency situation. ABS is just icing on the cake...
I've been riding for 25 years and have only gone down one time. That was 2 years ago. If the bike I was riding at that time had been equipped with ABS brakes, I feel that I would not have gone down.
Is ABS a substitute for riding skills.....absolutely not. However, I think that, in an emergency situation, it might give you the edge of safety that keeps you upright. I always wear a full-face helmet and either leathers or a Joe Rocket mesh jacket. I want every possible thing stacked my way if I'm facing an emergency situation. ABS is just icing on the cake...
I would not buy another bike with out ABS. And yes I would take a hit to buy a bike that had. It is that good.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,926
Likes: 138
From: NE Ohio
Everyone needs to do what makes them feel safer, myself I'm still fine riding my 06 Ultra. I could walk into the dealer today trade in my 06 and write them a check for the balance. ABS and any changes since 09 isn't worth it to me, I'm still happy with my 06. Over the last 5 years I've had a good 6 or 7 close calls where an old lady turned left in front of me, an old man pulled out in front of me, a soccer mom with her head in her *** and a phone to her ear has pulled out in front of me, and a large dog has run out in front of me just to name a few. Still like the 06 and though ABS would be nice just not interested with all the EPA baggage that comes with the new bikes, my trike put me though enough of that BS.
Advanced
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: NC
Like traveler said, you might be surprised what you can get for trade in. I traded in a 2009 FLHX with nearly 30k miles for $16,500. I was the second owner, having her for the last 15k miles. I bought her bone stock (laced wheels, security, and CC) with 15k miles in Aug 2009 for $16000 (I realize that was a pretty decent deal). I added pipes, PCV, air cleaner, and a few other parts. I was expecting to get low-balled on trade and was pleasantly surprised. But then again, the FLHX is popular around here, and they knew I was in love with a $23000 bike on the showroom floor...and it was the last week of the month.
Things I gained in trade:
-Better handling bike
-2 years warranty
-103 motor, better compensator, oil cooler, auto compression releases
-Tour pak and fairing lowers
-better looking bike
-ABS brakes
NO BRAINER.
Things I gained in trade:
-Better handling bike
-2 years warranty
-103 motor, better compensator, oil cooler, auto compression releases
-Tour pak and fairing lowers
-better looking bike
-ABS brakes
NO BRAINER.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,208
From: Ohio
I have been going through the same dilema...trade a perfectly good 08 Ultra to get a new one with ABS. I had one close call that made me want ABS but I am still waiting for the right new one. My 08 is Candy Red Sunglo and I have been totally disapointed in the new colors so I am going to see what 2012 brings. I want ABS but not at the point of abandoning all other factors. About 2 weeks ago, I almost sold mine to buy a new CVO FLHXSE2 in orange/black but ultimately decided to just wait on the 2012 models.