Howdy from Hershey!
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Hershey, PA
Howdy from Hershey!
Hello everyone, I'm a 'soon to be' Harley Sportster owner and I need some advice. I'm shopping for a 1200 Sportster after recently getting a small loan from my bank.
I know the bank looks at the kbb retail value of the bike [if I buy a bike above kbb retail the bank will tack on an extra 2% interest], often times people will list their bike a few or several hundred dollars above kbb value. Do you take into consideration the upgrades they've done etc or do you usually negotiate pretty close to what kbb says? I don't want to low ball someone but yet I want to get a good deal.
Also, is there a certain year Sportster that I should stay away from? Or anything I should be wary of?
I appreciate whatever help you guys can offer and I'm super excited to be a Harley owner next week!
I know the bank looks at the kbb retail value of the bike [if I buy a bike above kbb retail the bank will tack on an extra 2% interest], often times people will list their bike a few or several hundred dollars above kbb value. Do you take into consideration the upgrades they've done etc or do you usually negotiate pretty close to what kbb says? I don't want to low ball someone but yet I want to get a good deal.
Also, is there a certain year Sportster that I should stay away from? Or anything I should be wary of?
I appreciate whatever help you guys can offer and I'm super excited to be a Harley owner next week!
Last edited by Stargaze; Apr 28, 2013 at 04:44 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 867
Likes: 15
From: South Central Pennylvania
Hello everyone, I'm a 'soon to be' Harley Sportster owner and I need some advice. I'm shopping for a 1200 Sportster after recently getting a small loan from my bank.
I know the bank looks at the kbb retail value of the bike [if I buy a bike above kbb retail the bank will tack on an extra 2% interest], often times people will list their bike a few or several hundred dollars above kbb value. Do you take into consideration the upgrades they've done etc or do you usually negotiate pretty close to what kbb says? I don't want to low ball someone but yet I want to get a good deal.
Also, is there a certain year Sportster that I should stay away from? Or anything I should be wary of?
I appreciate whatever help you guys can offer and I'm super excited to be a Harley owner next week!
I know the bank looks at the kbb retail value of the bike [if I buy a bike above kbb retail the bank will tack on an extra 2% interest], often times people will list their bike a few or several hundred dollars above kbb value. Do you take into consideration the upgrades they've done etc or do you usually negotiate pretty close to what kbb says? I don't want to low ball someone but yet I want to get a good deal.
Also, is there a certain year Sportster that I should stay away from? Or anything I should be wary of?
I appreciate whatever help you guys can offer and I'm super excited to be a Harley owner next week!
I ride an 04 Sportster and one of the reasons is it's rubber mounted engine. Still has a carb and the price was very right, and the bike was absolutely cherry, paid cash. Most bikes carry the highest resale value if they are factory original. Chromed out and lots of accessories does not normally add to the resale value even though financially it made the bike a lot more expensive in the owners eyes. Try and find one you like and if possible take a short test ride. Low mileage is always a plus. Listen for strange noises and slop in the drive train. If the bike seems solid and you think you'd like to buy it, do your research and make an offer. As a buyer start low, you can always raise the offer. The seller will want to start high, he can always go down. Use your bargaining skills, you just might get what you are looking for at the right price.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
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From: Badlands of ND
Welcome to the forum from ND. Look in the Sportster section for the answers to your questions.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
Welcome. My family trip to Hershey Park is one of my favorite memories.
KBB is only a rough guide. Two bikes can be similar, but if one has low miles, good maintenance records, excellent detailing, professional mods, and add ons that appeal to you you might want to pay above KBB. Many sellers ask the same price for retail, that a dealer does. That is too much.
You get get a good idea of values in your area by checking Craigslist, and the HD site.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/used_bikes/UsedBikes.jsp
Good luck.
KBB is only a rough guide. Two bikes can be similar, but if one has low miles, good maintenance records, excellent detailing, professional mods, and add ons that appeal to you you might want to pay above KBB. Many sellers ask the same price for retail, that a dealer does. That is too much.
You get get a good idea of values in your area by checking Craigslist, and the HD site.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/used_bikes/UsedBikes.jsp
Good luck.