I your humble opinion.............
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,475
Likes: 3,001
From: Charleston, SC
To kinda answer the question...
For me, I don't look at bikes over 30K miles no matter if they were in perfect condition and well maintained.
Doesn't matter what they have into it either. I just don't like the mileage. Just me.
Too many garage queens out there with low mileage to choose from.
That said, I sold my last bike at 33K and someone had no problem picking it up. And that bike... was NOT well maintained. I rode the crap out of it.
lp
For me, I don't look at bikes over 30K miles no matter if they were in perfect condition and well maintained.
Doesn't matter what they have into it either. I just don't like the mileage. Just me.
Too many garage queens out there with low mileage to choose from.
That said, I sold my last bike at 33K and someone had no problem picking it up. And that bike... was NOT well maintained. I rode the crap out of it.
lp
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 7
From: Wisconsin
I would not consider a bike with more than 50,000 miles. That's just me. I know there are lots of bikes running well with more miles.
Premium used bikes, in my mind, are under 20,000 miles.
Age doesn't mean too much for me. It's more about the year. Certain years have good or bad features that can make them attractive to me. So as long as it has been maintained and looks good, the year is minor compared to the miles. Me standing next to a 2002 Road King with under 20,000 miles makes my wallet get nervous.
I'm no KBB, the above are just my thoughts as a guy that likes to buy bikes.
Premium used bikes, in my mind, are under 20,000 miles.
Age doesn't mean too much for me. It's more about the year. Certain years have good or bad features that can make them attractive to me. So as long as it has been maintained and looks good, the year is minor compared to the miles. Me standing next to a 2002 Road King with under 20,000 miles makes my wallet get nervous.
I'm no KBB, the above are just my thoughts as a guy that likes to buy bikes.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Every day, and every mile devalues your bikes, cars, planes (each hour).
Generally, the longer you keep the bike, the slower per day the depreciation.
The more miles you put on, the less each additional mile will cost you.
Often the variable is how well the vehicle is maintained, and how close (or over) you are for the next scheduled service.
Generally, the longer you keep the bike, the slower per day the depreciation.
The more miles you put on, the less each additional mile will cost you.
Often the variable is how well the vehicle is maintained, and how close (or over) you are for the next scheduled service.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Papillion, NE
When?
For me it's when the newness wears off and it's time for a new toy.
Being I love my current Ultra (just turned 30K) rather than selling and getting another....I just got another cheaper toy.
90 fxsts softail springer .30 over, stretched tank, 2" primary, drag bars.
Still have the fun of a new toy....but not taking the beating on upgrading my primary bike that I still really enjoy.
Steve O!
Being I love my current Ultra (just turned 30K) rather than selling and getting another....I just got another cheaper toy.
90 fxsts softail springer .30 over, stretched tank, 2" primary, drag bars.
Still have the fun of a new toy....but not taking the beating on upgrading my primary bike that I still really enjoy.
Steve O!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
..best thing to do is put money down on a brand new bike..then when it comes in, change your mind and put it down on a different bike...just keep doing this forever, and you'll always have a zero mile, brand new bike...and never take "the hit"...but seriously..I agree with the guy who said trade it at 100K...in other words...ride the sh*t out of it..don't chase the improvements...they're over-rated...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
As a guy who sold bikes, took trades, etc, I can tell you that along with overall condition, 5,000 miles per year was "acceptable" mileage. Any rate over that and we'd ding the trade in value for it a little.
( I also know Harley's "bottom out" and a '98 Ultra can sell for the same as an '94 Road King,(and always will,) which is why I passed 100,000 on mine years ago and never looked back.)
( I also know Harley's "bottom out" and a '98 Ultra can sell for the same as an '94 Road King,(and always will,) which is why I passed 100,000 on mine years ago and never looked back.)
Last edited by Stiggy; Jan 14, 2014 at 06:26 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
As a guy who sold bikes, took trades, etc, I can tell you that along with overall condition, 5,000 miles per year was "acceptable" mileage. Any rate over that and we'd ding the trade in value for it a little.
( I also know Harley's "bottom out" and a '98 Ultra can sell for the same as an '94 Road King,(and always will,) which is why I passed 100,000 on mine years ago an never looked back.)
( I also know Harley's "bottom out" and a '98 Ultra can sell for the same as an '94 Road King,(and always will,) which is why I passed 100,000 on mine years ago an never looked back.)
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Castle Rock, CO
Dealer told me he can sell my trade with an extended warranty if it has less than 70k - told me my '10 Limited with 107k was a wholesale bike to him. He called the wholesaler while I was there and the wholesaler said 107k was a project bike to him <LOL> Guess I'm keeping it awhile longer - the miles from here on out don't cost me a dime of depreciation...
10k a year, three years old its still worth money... if its older than three years and over 30k might as well ride it. Nothing with wheels on it is an investment, there are a few exceptions but not if you use it.