Legends Get Better with Age: Used Harley Prices Reportedly on the Rise
If you’re looking for a good deal on a pre-owned Harley-Davidson, now may not be the best time to shop.
Barron’s, a weekly financial newspaper published by Dow Jones & Company, recently published an article about Harley-Davidson. Instead of the usual doom and gloom peddled in stock market rags, this article focused on the positive: used Harley prices.
Since Harley-Davidson is notorious for not discounting new bikes, used bikes are where deals are often found. Many used Harleys have very low miles and live pampered lives. Most are dealer serviced, and since many Harley owners love to keep their bikes sparkling clean, they look as good as new.
Barron’s has confirmed a lot of what we’re seeing out in the real world: prices for used Harleys are going up. This is bad news for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts looking for a good deal. On the other hand, it’s good for the company for a couple of reasons.
Since Harley-Davidson is notorious for not discounting new bikes, used bikes are where deals are often found. Many used Harleys have very low miles and live pampered lives.
High prices for used bikes might convince some buyers to buy new. In addition, higher prices are often times a sign of low supply. Some shoppers may find themselves having to buy new to get what they want. Both of these result in more bikes sold, and a healthier bottom line for Harley-Davidson.
According to Barron’s, the price difference between new Harley-Davidsons and one-year-old used bikes has effectively halved. This time last year, buyers could expect a 14% discount off the price of a new bike for a comparable used one. Now, that margin has shrunk to a mere 7%.
If you’ve already bought your new bike, make sure you keep up on those payments. Towards the end of their article, Barron’s explains that Harley-Davidson is facing issues with its in-house finance department. Apparently, glitches in their new software have resulted in an 8% loss in income. Once their systems are back online, you can be sure that Harley-Davidson Financial Services will be out for blood to make up for lost ground.
Join the Harley-Davidson Forums now!
