Hi, as you all can see, I'm new to the forum, so I am completely lost for now, but sooner than later I can get the hang of things.

I am twenty seven years old, college graduate & in the process of going back for a Bachelor's. I have no children, I am part of the National Guard Service for about a year now, I own a home but I do live with boh of my parents & younger sisters, & have a full time job at an oil fitting company as a junior engineer. I am pretty sure I am leaving a whole bunch of stuff out.

I love riding every change I get, work, friends, going out, for fun, you name it. Living in Texas being out in about 24/7 on a bike is not too much of a problem weather wise. I own a 2002 Yamaha V-Star 1100 for about four-five years now. I drive a 1999 Toyota Corolla, little cash car. I am not ashamed, never been, I am grateful for what I have but I do believe it is time for an upgrade.

Now before I ask my question, I am very interested in a HD Street Glide, 2008 & up, I like the six gallon tank, six gear tranny which purs on the highway, & the 96ci/103ci. Not to mention the comfort, gauges & infinite accessories. I've seen the Road Kings/Road Glide but they just don't do it for me as the Street Glide. I like big bikes, & I am considering this to be my primary vehicle. I plan on taking care for the next five years as I have done with my Yamaha. I don't mind getting my hands dirty at all.

Now to my question. Is it best to get a new one? Used? How hard is it to be approved for one? What about the payments through Eaglebank? Too high or considerable? Anyone could share what they went through? Is the ARP% high due to my age & lack of credit?

As far as $$$, I can probably come up to four grand as down payment, my credit is in the mid 600, I just opened a credit union account so I want to say that's out of the question, even though I have been in the same company for over seven years & a mortgage of plus four years. I can afford a $350.00 monthly payment, $400.00 would be my max since I still have to think about full cover insurance, etc. I've never had a vehicle financed of any kind at all, this is the first time I am going to try to.

If you made it reading this far congrats, I can get a little carried away at times. Thanks in advance for any input & help!

 

There are a great number of late model HD's out there for thousands off retail price. If I were buying one today, I would probably search hard in the used market before I bought new.

I did search the used market when I bought my new HD's, one in 2005 and one in 2008 but I didn't find anything I really wanted at the type of savings you are seeing now.

I had to finance a small amount on both of the new bikes I bought. My credit score is near 800 and HD's financing was very close to anything else out there at the time. I had zero issues with HD finance, but a lot have reported headaches with them on here.

If I had it to do over, I would've bought an Ultra instead of a SG.


Dennis

 

I'd suggest you wait until you are more secure financially ( we all run our lives differently, I was taught to save up for what I want).

A harley is an expense, not an investment ( except for my '53 FLF), and since you already display an understanding of function, as displayed by your car- put the same logic to use with your ride.
a perfectly functional import can be had for 1/2 the price of a Harley and still have the motor and 2 wheels that we all like.

take your time, enjoy your ride.

keep hanging out here and use this time to define what it is you really think you want..and how you'd like it set up with accessorries.
That way when you do jump in, the pool of debt will be shallower.

I personally have no problem riding with someone cool if they are on a different brand of bike- beats riding with a douche who has same brand as me.

I have had a large number of bikes- I would suggest that by identifying what I wanted, and watching the market I was able to take advantage of deals saving me 1/3 or more each time. cash is king when buying from a private party

mike

 

If you can find a used one at a good price, that would be the way to go. What I am seeing though they want entirely to much for the bike just a couple years old and you have no warranty. There are good used bikes out there if you aren't in any hurry.

 

First, welcome to the forum...lot of smart people here, some smartass ones too...
As for SG, Ultra, RK etc...you are the only one that came make that choice....I'm a Ultra guy, just traded my 2012 SG for a 2013 Ultra...I just like them better, but that's my choice. They are riders that love the SG and wouldnt have anything else...and that's those choice.
I would suggest going to a few bike nights and looki and talk to the riders, keep in mine everyone will most likely say theirs is the best, and why not...it's their ride!
Also check with you dealers for the demo ride program, when the big truck shows up with most of the models to test ride, that's a big plus on making an informed decision...

As for new vs used? Ard choice...
As stated, they are several great used bikes out there, take me for instance, I just traded a 2012 SG with 8000 miles on the clock, I had added lowers and a chopped tour box...could have listed it for sale hear a locally, around 21000-20000 dollars. might seam jig but add the accessories and it's within range...if your paitent you can find a great deal, course this time of year is a sellers market, winter is the buyers market..

Good luck.

 

After you decide if you REALLY need to do this, then consider a 2009-up SG, for the following reasons:

• New 2-1-2 exhaust system
• New engine isolation system
• New Isolated Drive System
• New Black Slotted Disc cast aluminum wheels, 17" front and 16" rear
• New Dunlop 407 tires, 130/80-17 front and 180/65-16 rear

 

I for one, would love to buy new, you get the 2 year warranty piece of mind. But unfortunately for me the payment on new was too rich for my blood. You can find a 1 or 2 year old model that is not yet broken in for 1000's less. When I bought mine it was 4 years old, and I could afford it.

As for HD Finance, I financed my bike with them, and have never had any issues. Make your payments, keep the bike insured, shouldn't have a problem. They will base your rate on your credit worthiness. They used to want a minimum of 10% down. (at least at the local dealer) not sure what they require now.

 

ooops, 2010 FLHX model had a 2/1 system

mike

 

Or find a 2006 that will give you zero problems so you won't need a warranty.

 

Welcome (I'm fairly new here too) Not trying to be a smart *** but I don't think a CS of 600 and 4 G is going to get you a NEW SG.Before buying my '06 RK (cash),I went to a few dealers "sniffing around".All said and done/in the end,a 20 G bike will end up being 40 (roughly).Some deals out there-best deals are early Nov.-early March.