So now harley has gone and done it. Water cooled engines. The Harley crowd is split. Some embracing change, most reluctant to accept it. Fact is, it's here to stay, and will likely make it to more bikes next year.

So what does it all mean?

Initially, air cooled models that are now water cooled models will be sold in droves, in the hopes of snatching inflated prices (see eBay for proof) or maybe they are being sold to make room for water head bikes (I prefer the first suggestion) The value of the previous air cooled models seems to have risen, but I surmise it's a temporary situation. People capitalizing on the fear of significant change.

My thoughts...

I wouldn't buy a water head bike right now for any price. New design, surely will present lots of bugs to work out.

Older parts availability is going to decline sharply. My old relic (2006) will become more and more difficult to secure parts for. Very little of what's on these new bikes, if anything will interchange.

People will eventually accept the element of change, and older models will lose some value as antiquated designs.

I saw someone comment that an ultra limited is now pushing the $30k price tag pretty hard.

As I told my ol last night, I probably own the last harley that will ever occupy my garage. My seuc was only 3500.00 more than that when it was purchased new in 2006.

And last but not least, the dreaded oil threads will continue, but largely to be replaced by the Even more dreaded 'coolant thread'

God help us...

 

God help us is right!

 

On the upside, I don't have a dilemma, my wife isn't going to kill me (don't have one) no one is going to low ball my bike for a trade, and no dealers are calling me wanting to sell me a new bike.

So I guess it could be worse....

 

My 2009 and I are happy together !

 

AMen!

 

nothings going to change for me. 14's are here and really don't care,

 

My 10 bike paid for my wife loves me. I kind of like the 14 street glide. So why not go for it...........

 

I am really enjoying my '09 and most importantly I just paid it off. The changes on the new bikes are not even near nice enough for me to go in debt again on a '14.

I like do like some of the changes but just not that much.........

 

I agree the 14's don't do anything, as for being paid off, that never bothers me one way or the other.

If you like it, do it

Same here

 

This portion of the "Harley Crowd" is not going to worry about it or give it a second thought until if and when I'm ready for a new bike.
I'll spend my energy on things I can actually do something about.