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Truthfully tho the 08 Ultra cost me almost $24k out the door back in July 07. But I really enjoyed putting those 48k miles on it, so ...
Just checked cycle trader in MI and 08 Ultras range from $15.9k - $19k. Maybe I'll send those ads to the insurance guy.
None of my business but a question and a statement:
Question: How did you manage to pay so much above sticker back in 2007 when you bought it? What is included in that "$24K out the door"? Did you finance your sales tax? That has no bearing on value of bike. Did you finance clothing and/or accessories? That has no bearing on the value of the bike either.
Statement: The ASKING PRICE for bikes on Cycle Trader (or Craigslist or whatever) has no bearing on the value of a bike. People can ask whatever they want. What a bike sells for is what determines the value. Ever read the "Craiglisters on Crack" thread?
Not trying to be unkind, but you got a great insurance settlement for your bike. Don't fall into the trap of thinking yours is special or even worse, that all the upgrades and mods you've done to personalize it add to the value.
P.S. More than anything else, I'm glad YOU are okay and making plans for a new bike.
I really appreciate you guys for giving me perspective here. I will accept what the adjuster offers and move on. After reading some of your comments, I pulled out my original sales receipt from the dealer. MSRP was $21,665. Adding in freight, dealer prep, doc fee, sales tax, tag, title license: the total cash delivery price was $23,919 - in July 2007.
So after 5 years and all those miles, the value dropped from $21.6k to $16k. I can live with that.
Someone on this forum just traded in his 50K+ '08 and the dealer gave him 10K for it and he was thrilled because the '08 and prior dropped in value with the release of the new frame in '09. Seems to me like $16 seems correct. Typically insurance companies can be a bit flexible; so if you reasonably state your case you may be able to pull a bit more. Was the $16 including local sales tax and registration? If not you should get that on top of the replacement value. I'm an insurance agent in NV and that's how it works here; your area may work differently being a "no-fault" state.
I feel you pain! I am glad you are basically ok and up and about. I know book value isnt trade in value but recently I have been shopping around for a new bike. I have a 07 ultra classic, stage 1 kit and nice chrome and accessories 2 new tires all maintenance receipts and 33k miles. I was gonna buy a new ultra classic but the dealer offered me 11,800 if I bought that day and only 10,500 if I came back later that week. So I figured screw them and went and looked at a victory vision and that clown offered me 10k. So I had to come to terms with what my bike is really worth, taking into account that I paid 16k literally a year ago tomorrow. I figure I could probably sell it myself for around 14 or 13.5. Yours is a year newer but still the old frame and 15k more miles. I wish I could get 16 outta mine. Good Luck!
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