New vs Used Harley, which one should I buy?

Question

I can't really find a good reason to buy new. The bikes don't change, and the only new feature I want is ABS, which I can live without.

Any other reasons I should spend 10K more just to have the latest bike?

Answer 1

I have to share my story about new vs used.  

This is how I met my 2001 Sportster1200C, My sweet Alma Jean...

My wife and I discussed what I would like most after I finished nursing school and all I asked for was a motorcycle.  Deep down, I knew that I wanted a Harley even though I window shopped at the other shops.

I went to the Harley dealer every week and walked among the new bikes, sat on a few, talked to a few dealers and drooled over many.  I started playing the PowerBall in earnest because I also knew that she would never let me spend 16K on a bike.

One day, the pre-owned row caught my eye as I was, yet again, despairing over the prices of the 2008's and that is when I saw her sitting there.  The sun reflecting off her Ape-hangers and dancing off the metallic flecked paint on her two-toned tank.  She was the prettiest girl at the dance....

I mosied over and tried to be cool, even though my heart was racing.  I calmly looked her over, trying not to look too eager.  She was built like a brick $hithouse and not a brick was out of place.  She was tastefully, yet erotically chromed and her crystal ice on arctic blue paint was mezmorizing.....

Then, I reached out and touched her price tag.  Only $5200.00!!

This past Father's Day, George Throgood's Bad to the Bone blasted from the car stereo as I watched a salesman from the dealership where I first met my sweet Alma Jean ride her up my driveway.

Once upon a time, another man loved her enough to transform her into the queen that she is today.  Maybe his life changed and he needed some quick cash or maybe he traded her for something new.  My heart still skips a beat when I first lay eyes on her.  There may be a new bike somewhere in my future, but me and my sweet Alma Jean are gonna grow old together.

Answer 2

I now have my very first new Harley, but I have owned used Harleys in the past and I talked my husband into buying a used Harley instead of a new metric. Not because metric are not as good a bike, but because their rate of depreciation is greater. My buds and I joke that when you buy a new Harley, you are $3000 away from having a perfect bike. When I bought new I had to get different pipes, put on engine guards, change the seat, and change the handlebars to make it fit me and my personality.  If we both sold our existing bikes in 10 years (his will be 20 years old and mine will be 10), I bet we'd get about the same amount for either of them (all things being equal). I only bought mine because I knew last year was the last year for a Deuce- and I think they are the prettiest stock bike Harley ever made, and it's a Softail.

Something to think about.

Answer 3

I can think of more good reasons to buy used than new.

- Initial a/c and exhaust upgrades probably already done.

- Lower price than new (while Harleys don't depreciate as much as some other bikes, they still do)

- In some states (IL where I live) you don't have to pay sales tax on a purchase from a private individual. This can save as much as $1000 on a bike.

Answer 4

Neither buy a Victory. You are correct Harley has not changed since the 1930's. JD Power ratings will prove me correct. Sorry Harley owners the truth is a *****.

Answer 5

Except for a very very limited few models/ABS is not availabe for HD as stock item. It is available as an upgrade however on most models and you will pay for it...Interesting to note that you said..."I want ABS which I can live without...Not to sound morbid but just maybe you cannot. Very very good braking system and just maybe it could mean life or death versus the other braking systems. The 08 HD have overall improved their brakes in general -big time/ ABSssss aside.They now have Brembo brakes which are good in their own right.

If you are hopelessly lost in the mechanical field then it is wise to purchase new...Warranty and a known history (your riding history ) Anything else will be a c**p shoot . sellers promises. and the like....Not to say there are not any good used deal. There are plenty of them out there, but you should be mechanicaly inclined to be able to sort the wheat form the chaff. Many many good HD on the used market but also many HD that have been treated very harshly and a little bit of polish and shiny chrome can easily outwit those of us who are not mechanically inclined. Be crareful but whatever you buy, enjoy it. The summer is not going to be here forever so go out and ride

Answer 6

Used, the older the better. Panheads forever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

abs is pretty new, finding a used harley with it will be tough, personally, i buy used instead of new.... but it depends on how important abs is to you personally.

Answer 8

I prefer new seems to me new are about the same price where i live and the warranty factor

Answer 9

new for warranty used for savings!! and CNC is a harley basher isn't he? must can't have one??

Answer 10

Buying new is the only way to go. Who knows how much stress cracking the motorcycle frame has on it. I mean, have you seen some of these riders before? I have seen quite a few that weigh over 160 pounds!  This really stresses a motorcycle frame, wears down the bearings in the motor and rubs down the tires. Better to go with a new bike and avoid all these hassles.

Plus you really need to make sure that your Halry outfit matches the bike. Dealers will typically have a color palette wheel to ensure that you match up the colors right and the accessories match perfectly.

Answer 11

always new over used

you dont want someone elses problems

Answer 12

CNC is just a jealous young lad that knows absolutley nothing, Joe B every now and then can at least answer a question. By not changing since 1930 still keeps them the number 1 seller in the USA.

Answer 13

The market is really soft for used Harleys right now. There are some incredible bargains out there if you keep your eyes open. It also helps to not have any sort of really specific bike in mind.

One other thing to think of:

Harley police-fire dept. bikes can be purchased for a really reasonable price. Just be careful to see that it wasn't abused. They had ABS before the civillian bikes did.

I have a friend who bought an '06 Police Roadking last year for $12,000.00 (Mischler's HD in Beaver Dam, WI). It had only 1,600 miles on it. The dealer threw in a few extras too. That bike had ABS.

Good luck.

Answer 14

The only reason I can think of is you get to break it in, and know that is was done right.

To know than only YOUR backside has put its print into the seat.

To know it runs properly, so when it fails to run properly you will be able to recognize that fact and take it in to the dealer for service.

Not any good reasons I can see.