Is the used bike market completely dead?
#121
Agreed. Judging from the full class sessions for the Basic Motorcycle Course I took recently...most weekend slots for around the time I took it were full...I don't think there is a lack of interest. But new riders and younger riders are going for sport bikes or if they want to start on a Harley then a Sportster, like I am. A large used bagger is probably a hard sell regardless. Where as a nice, reasonably priced Honda Rebel 250 gets snapped up rather quickly on CL, based on my personal obsvervation anyway.
#122
#123
I'm not sure the used bike market is dead.
This year I've sold two used bikes and bought one. The bikes I sold, sold quickly, but involved pricing from a prospective buyers POV. One had over 60K miles, the other almost 100K. Both had been purchased new and very well maintained. However, they had more miles than the typical buyer would be comfortable with. Both were marketed to, and priced to appeal to a slightly less affluent buyer. Also, both had easily removable add-ons that I didn't think would add to the price and that I removed to sell on ebay. I haven't gotten around to that yet, but I will.
The used bike that I bought was a well accessorized late model with less than 5K miles. I negotiated a price with the dealer just slightly above low retail with no consideration given to the accessories. The negotiation involved no "high-balling", "low-balling" or threats to walk out. In other words, no drama. The dealer made an initial offer and I countered with one $500 less and it was accepted.
I think these three transactions were completed successfully because I tried very hard to put myself in the position of the buyer when I was the seller, and in the position of the seller when I was the buyer. The bike I bought was being sold by a salesman with no emotional attachment to the machine. There was a number he was able to get to, and a number I was willing to pay.
Of course, your mileage may vary.
This year I've sold two used bikes and bought one. The bikes I sold, sold quickly, but involved pricing from a prospective buyers POV. One had over 60K miles, the other almost 100K. Both had been purchased new and very well maintained. However, they had more miles than the typical buyer would be comfortable with. Both were marketed to, and priced to appeal to a slightly less affluent buyer. Also, both had easily removable add-ons that I didn't think would add to the price and that I removed to sell on ebay. I haven't gotten around to that yet, but I will.
The used bike that I bought was a well accessorized late model with less than 5K miles. I negotiated a price with the dealer just slightly above low retail with no consideration given to the accessories. The negotiation involved no "high-balling", "low-balling" or threats to walk out. In other words, no drama. The dealer made an initial offer and I countered with one $500 less and it was accepted.
I think these three transactions were completed successfully because I tried very hard to put myself in the position of the buyer when I was the seller, and in the position of the seller when I was the buyer. The bike I bought was being sold by a salesman with no emotional attachment to the machine. There was a number he was able to get to, and a number I was willing to pay.
Of course, your mileage may vary.
#124
Is it possible you are seeing the impact of Indian to the market place? There does seem to be an overload of used Harleys. Indian giving wholesale trade-ins which lowers the whole market plus Harley lowered the market value when the 15 came out themselves. I wish I was in the market because it is a buyers market for the first time in a long time. Figures I'd be on the wrong side. I see plenty of very good well priced low mileage bikes for sale. Bargains really.
#125
I'm not taking offence. I'm not trying to force anyone to do anything, I just can't believe the complete lack of interest not only in my bike but others as well. I can keep my bike as it's paid for and still gets used. I will tho have to think hard about buying another Harley if resale is this bad. I'm not into the buy high and sell low way of selling things. I'm not saying I want every penny I spent back, but my bike has more features then most, and there not chrome, or paint, or handlebars. Just like when you buy a car, truck, boat or whatever, the more goodies it has should help it resell better/ easier. To spend 24k for a popular bike, and then have to sell it for 75% less then what you paid for it doesn't make sense to me.,,,
Not just bikes; look at cars. Here's an example: I was recently given a car by my brother, a 1995 Mercedes Benz S 420, top of the line body style back in the day, every option, excellent shape, one owner just turned 100,000 miles. It cost about $73, 000 new. It's worth right around 3-4 K now. Things depreciate, no matter how nice they are and what you think of them.
#126
I think that your bike is not selling because the audience for what you have is very narrow.
What I mean is a Road King is sought because it is a stripped down bagger, so-to-speak. You have taken that stripped down bagger and made it a full dress (or almost) bagger which is the opposite of what people are usually after when seeking a Road King.
So, is the market dead? Not the Used HD market as a whole but you are in a sub-market of that market.
This is advice, which you did not seek and was not part of your post...Maybe take pics without the add-ons and price it on 2 levels...X with add-ons, Y without.
What I mean is a Road King is sought because it is a stripped down bagger, so-to-speak. You have taken that stripped down bagger and made it a full dress (or almost) bagger which is the opposite of what people are usually after when seeking a Road King.
So, is the market dead? Not the Used HD market as a whole but you are in a sub-market of that market.
This is advice, which you did not seek and was not part of your post...Maybe take pics without the add-ons and price it on 2 levels...X with add-ons, Y without.
#127
I don't feel the milage is too high heck it's a bike that gets ridden. if youve sold many items on cl you already know you will get alot of window shoppers who will waste your time looking at the most minute things and asking dumb questions. Then want to test drive it with no money in their pocket. Throw a leg over it and kick the bags or tour box, before throwing the low ball of all lowball offers at you because the bike is 10 years old and doesn't look like it just rolled off the showroom floor. My bike is is 10 years old and has normal wear and tear. If someone is really interested in the bike they will get off their *** and come see it. the pictures show enough detail if you have an idea about what your looking at. I put items on my bikes to suit me for how I plan to use it. The lowers while they didn't come on a Road King , But make a world of difference in winter over not having them. Try riding without them in 20 degree weather for 200 miles. Very few guys on here will complain about having a drivers back rest, and a radio is a must for long rides. Listening to just a motor drone on for miles will put me to sleep. If your the type that rides 30 miles to a bar for the day, my bike wouldn't be for you. But do you think adding some of those flashing multi colored lites under the fenders add a couple hundred dollars to the value? .,,
"I put items on my bikes to suit me for how I plan to use it. "
That is part of the issue. Consider at least taking that stuff off and try to sell it. You'll be surprised. The add ons, even HD ones do not add as much value as you would think, especially if it makes the bike look appreciably different than stock.
#128
Nobody ragged your ride. You solicited advice on the general used Harley market.
People here tried to convey to you that your bike was set up for a very specific type of rider. You argued that it wasn't.
People here offered advice on how to spruce up your ad to get any where near your asking price. You argued that it wasn't necessary.
People here offered advice on the general overall Harley used bike market. You argued that isn't what you wanted to know. See above for the contradiction.
You just simply want too damn much money for what your area sees as a used up geezer glider. Plain and simple truth put in plain and simple terms.
What you really wanted from your original post was for someone to justify your overpriced 10 year old bike and argue with everyone else who "has just been riding for 1 year" or some other condescending presumptuous BS because you have done this before and no one knows but you.
Well, a lot of us have done this before with success. I wish you success and I am sure your grandson will love his bike. For me, I just sold a bike for what I asked for it but I used the techniques put forth earlier in this thread including knowing my market.
Much luck to you.
People here tried to convey to you that your bike was set up for a very specific type of rider. You argued that it wasn't.
People here offered advice on how to spruce up your ad to get any where near your asking price. You argued that it wasn't necessary.
People here offered advice on the general overall Harley used bike market. You argued that isn't what you wanted to know. See above for the contradiction.
You just simply want too damn much money for what your area sees as a used up geezer glider. Plain and simple truth put in plain and simple terms.
What you really wanted from your original post was for someone to justify your overpriced 10 year old bike and argue with everyone else who "has just been riding for 1 year" or some other condescending presumptuous BS because you have done this before and no one knows but you.
Well, a lot of us have done this before with success. I wish you success and I am sure your grandson will love his bike. For me, I just sold a bike for what I asked for it but I used the techniques put forth earlier in this thread including knowing my market.
Much luck to you.
#129
How does having supposed low miles on a bike do anything for it it spends its life parked? If it's not milege, it will be something else a prospective buyer will say why whatever your asking is too much. People just want everything for nothing these days. and will throw out bs reasons to try and get it.,,
#130
To the OP:
You're right the bike market is completely dead. You are doing everything right. Your bike's mileage and accessories are what everyone else would want if they knew better. Your ad's pictures look incredible and the comment about no tire kickers is sure to draw in potential buyers. Your price is right, in fact, underpriced. Your attitude sounds like just the kind of guy I want to buy a bike from. EVERYONE else is wrong. There, do you feel better?
You're right the bike market is completely dead. You are doing everything right. Your bike's mileage and accessories are what everyone else would want if they knew better. Your ad's pictures look incredible and the comment about no tire kickers is sure to draw in potential buyers. Your price is right, in fact, underpriced. Your attitude sounds like just the kind of guy I want to buy a bike from. EVERYONE else is wrong. There, do you feel better?