Great point!

 

I bought a new HD because I wanted pleasure, enjoyment and satisfaction. That's appreciation any day. Depreciation is only a paper loss, unless you sell. No one buys a new motorcycle as an investment.

 

The video is trying to make a case for buying used considering first year appreciatio only. Any item you buy new (mc, car, truck, boat, airplane) depreciates the second you sign the papers and register it. Especially non-essential pleasure items like motorcycles. Does anyone buy new with the plan to sell or trade after 1 year?
Better comparison is 3-5 years or more depreciation. Harleys tend to hold their value more because owners take more pride and better care of their motorcycles. Especially classics like Springers. I expect my 103 Wide Glide to take a big hit in 2018. But I'll never get rid of it. A few years from now it will be like Springers. My grandkids will be riding it long after I'm gone
People like Harleys for what they are today. People who want smooth quiet motorcycles will buy BMWs.

 

I damn sure didn't buy my bike as an investment.

 

If no one bought new Harleys, then no one would have any!

 

Anyone seen this commercial? The expression on his face at the end is how I feel every time I start my bike. There is no dollar value to it. Only appreciation.

 

Good on one hand, you paid more for your next bike of lessor quality than the one you sold. Such is life.

 

I know a guy that does. All his bikes are old and in as new condition. Shame that he can’t ride any of them...

 

I have no idea what the first year depreciation on my Limited, which I bought new in March of 2014 was. Or any other year. Since I haven't figured out a way to legally deduct the depreciation, it means nothing to me.
I bought a new bike, I didn't "invest" in a new bike.

Sometimes I buy new, some times used. I tend to hold onto things for the long haul, so I don't worry about selling or residual value.

 

Good point.

I sold Harleys at a dealer when I was between corporate jobs. What often amazed me was the debt some were willing to take on. After collecting personal info for a credit app, there were times when I'd look across the desk and wonder how a man would feed his family.