I think you can do better than than on an older bike, especially now that market saturation is setting in. Harley still has unsold 2007's, and even some 2006's which will affect the used bike market also. Look for a bike in the colder months, that also affects the price.
Holding Value
Harleys are priced on the high side and hold their value well over time. At what point does a bikes age overcome the value to where it doesn't make sense to buy. I'm talking about buying to ride, not collect.
I like the Fatboy styling, but can't afford a new one. The nice ones I can afford, are 10 to 15 years old are run about $12K. For $12K, there are a lot of very nice new bikes I could buy.
Would I be buying an expensive maintenance headache with a well taken care of 15 year old Fatboy with 15K miles? Does it make sense to by one, or should I buy something else newer. What would you do?
I like the Fatboy styling, but can't afford a new one. The nice ones I can afford, are 10 to 15 years old are run about $12K. For $12K, there are a lot of very nice new bikes I could buy.
Would I be buying an expensive maintenance headache with a well taken care of 15 year old Fatboy with 15K miles? Does it make sense to by one, or should I buy something else newer. What would you do?
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Yup, winter or late fall is the time to go buy a new bike. They have inventory they just have to move, so you're in the drivers ... err ... rider's seat.
That depends on what you want. It is cheaper to buy it the first time rather than keep buying better ones in a few years. Winter is the best time as said and a private owner too. shops mark them way up usually.Harleys are priced on the high side and hold their value well over time. At what point does a bikes age overcome the value to where it doesn't make sense to buy. I'm talking about buying to ride, not collect.
I like the Fatboy styling, but can't afford a new one. The nice ones I can afford, are 10 to 15 years old are run about $12K. For $12K, there are a lot of very nice new bikes I could buy.
Would I be buying an expensive maintenance headache with a well taken care of 15 year old Fatboy with 15K miles? Does it make sense to by one, or should I buy something else newer. What would you do?
I bought an Ultra Classic 2000 with 12000 miles on it a year ago, in perfect condition for $13,000.00 at the Daytona Harley shop. It would have been cheaper in the paper but when I saw it I had to have it. I've seen better deals since on newer big Harleys but I'm very happy. I've got 20,000 on it now and a few trips and no issues. I also got a 2001 Sportster six months ago. I knew the owner and it had 6800 miles and was 5200.00 It has a lot of extra's and has been a jewel so far. I only have 10,000 on it now. I like the Sportster for around town and the biggen for the road trips. I'd go for the Harley but thats me. You should be able to get a 2003 or 2004 fatboy, low milage for that money. My buddy just got a 2004 softtail classic really nice with custom seats and extra's for 15,000.00
I have a theory on why Harley's hold their value, it's because of dealerships like the ones in OKC that sell them above retail. 
The 105th anniversery softail custom was $20k and a 2007 fatboy was $22k....both are around 17K from the website. This just pisses me off cuz we don't have any competition in OKC....one dealer owns both stores so they charge whatever they can.
I'm looking for a used one now but it would be nice to trade in my BMW for one. I dunno....the prices these days seem really inflated. Or perhaps, I just haven't bought a bike in awhile and I'm dealing with a little sticker shock.
The 105th anniversery softail custom was $20k and a 2007 fatboy was $22k....both are around 17K from the website. This just pisses me off cuz we don't have any competition in OKC....one dealer owns both stores so they charge whatever they can.
I'm looking for a used one now but it would be nice to trade in my BMW for one. I dunno....the prices these days seem really inflated. Or perhaps, I just haven't bought a bike in awhile and I'm dealing with a little sticker shock.
Keep in mind that (I think) the older big twins that used to hold their value so well dropped quite a bit in the last 2 years where all the big twins got 96 ci. engines and 6-speed transmissions. You should be able to get a used 2006 for a pretty good deal.
I don't think they are retaining their value the way they used to. They used to hold their value better because demand exceeded supply, people who didn't want to be put on a 2 year waiting list to buy a new Harley paid an inflated price for a used one. Now there are still '06s sitting on the showroom floor next to the new '08s. So as the new bikes stack up, the price is somewhat coming down making used ones worth even less. Although you'll always see some one selling a Harley a few years old for more than you can buy a brand new one for because of all the "Harley tax" they've paid. Don't know if these guy's get what they want or not.
I agree that they are not retaining value like they used to. The market is saturated with new and used Harleys. It's a buyers market if you are patient and don't mind shopping around. Do they depreciate less and slower than other makes? Probably. But in many cases you're paying a lot more to begin with than you would for another make. The MOCO is slowing production to help with the abundance of supply.
New 06 07 Bikes Great Incentives
We purchased a 07 Road King the week the new 08s came out and a 07 Sporster in the beginning of this October.
The Dealer offered us a $1000 dollars in store credit for each bike and 20% off motor clothes, parts and accessories for 30 days. That is a total of $2400 of in-store credit at retail. We also are getting free winter storage on one of the bikes. He also slightly discounted both of the bikes down.
Dealers need to move inventory. You'll get more if you ask for an in-store credit instead of money off your bike. You might fight to get another $500 off the bike when you may instead get $1000 in-store credit. It worked for us but you have to judge the dealership and their current used and new inventory.
We purchased a 07 Road King the week the new 08s came out and a 07 Sporster in the beginning of this October.
The Dealer offered us a $1000 dollars in store credit for each bike and 20% off motor clothes, parts and accessories for 30 days. That is a total of $2400 of in-store credit at retail. We also are getting free winter storage on one of the bikes. He also slightly discounted both of the bikes down.
Dealers need to move inventory. You'll get more if you ask for an in-store credit instead of money off your bike. You might fight to get another $500 off the bike when you may instead get $1000 in-store credit. It worked for us but you have to judge the dealership and their current used and new inventory.
I had a 1975 ElectraGlide that cost $3978.00 new. I did a mild restoration with engine upgrades in 1989. I sold that bike for $13,500 cash after "beaucoup" miles and fun along the way. Now I ride '03 WideGlide. I love my new "Glide, but selling my old one was like watching my best dog get put to sleep. They hold their value, but my "value" was in having a good friend that never let me down. Look at the older Harleys. Shovelhead bikes are bringing big bucks. The first Evo's are gaining value. If you are planning to buy and ride, don't worry. Your bike will hold it's value.
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