motor build & resale value? does it hurt?
I personally wouldn't buy a bike that was heavily modded unless it was just bolt ons, ie. shiny stuff, and or bolt ons stage 1. Anything beyond that and you just don't know what was done, too much wondering for my taste. Also if you buy a bike that's been modded the owner obviously beat on it, because beating on it stock wasn't fast enough.
Furthermore why would you dump all that money into the engine if you are considering getting rid of it down in a few years anyway?
Furthermore why would you dump all that money into the engine if you are considering getting rid of it down in a few years anyway?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 703
Likes: 96
From: ayer,ma
My opinion.... I would never buy a bike with motor mods. It would always be on my mind, who did the work? Was it done properly? With a warranty? What good would a warranty be if I bought a bike 1000 miles away? Was it done in a garage by a weekend warrior? And I would be inclined not to believe anything involving that anyway. If I'm buying used, I want BONE STOCK. Not something somebody built to hot rod around or beat on. But that's just me.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: NH
Like most mods, cosmetic or performance, your never getting your money back, but a good build with documentation shouldn't hurt you too much. Just like some guys don't even understand why some of us beef up our motors, many do understand and want the power.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
I never worry about resale value. It went down the crapper when HD increased production anyway so why worry? There once was a time when owning a Harley was like money in the bank, but it hasn't been like that for many years.
I wouldn't have any problem buying a bike with motor mods either. I only know of one bike around here that's still being ridden totally stock - they're ALL modded to one degree or another.
I wouldn't pay more for the modded bike, but most mods don't realistically hurt values either. Same goes for what some consider to be 'high' mileage (like 20K+ miles).
I wouldn't have any problem buying a bike with motor mods either. I only know of one bike around here that's still being ridden totally stock - they're ALL modded to one degree or another.
I wouldn't pay more for the modded bike, but most mods don't realistically hurt values either. Same goes for what some consider to be 'high' mileage (like 20K+ miles).
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,889
From: PNW
In my case, I feel the stock Harley is woefully inadequate in the power department for even normal use such as passing and maintaining Interstate speed limits out west at altitude. We were struggling up grades and being passed by minivans just west of Vegas last summer. No touring bike should be that underpowered imo. Because of that, I had the dealership I bought the bike from do a 107 upgrade with associated modifications. I believe that a well documented build by a reputable shop such as FM or a good Moco shop will at least not hurt resale. If I were the buyer, I would consider a reasonably modified bike over a stock one because I recognize the value of $3500 in improvements that I wold have to do anyway. Under the right circumstances, I might even pay a bit more. Obviously I'm not taking about an over the top 150 HP wheelie machine here.
Bottom line - mods are usually money spent that wil not to be returned. Do it because you want it.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
i have a friend that used to work as a saleman at my local moco dealership. i asked him about adding on all the chrome assy and if i would get anything out of it if i traded it in, and he told me that they would give .50cents on the dollar for the cost of the part, didnt matter if you paid to have it put on. he also told me that if i went to a 103, or 107 upgrade that they would deduct from the book value. no matter who put the parts on (HD service dept, or me).