I know it's winter. But I'm currently in California. No winter. People still ride around. Was thinking of putting my bike for sale.

But I can't help to notice that bikes that were going for 12k ,or so, a year or two ago are now struggling to sell at 9k.

Is this the used market finally coming to its senses? For a few years there, I thought I was holding on to gold with this bike lol.

 

I think that the used market is depressed due to a lack of discretionary cash because of the economy. It costs more for necessities and there isn't much left after the bills are paid.

 

The dealers around here in NC still have their (large) inventory of used bikes priced much higher than I think any of them are remotely worth. I’ve been shopping some used bikes owned by private sellers, and every time I try to pursue one, it’s like they really don’t want to sell them, even before any discussion of price comes up. Just a lot of foot dragging.

 

I think the really good deals go fast, and a lot of what we're still seeing are the pound puppies that can't find a home for a variety of reasons- pricing being a major reason. IMHO.
I can't blame the owners for wanting to get as much as possible. We've all been there. I think we've also been partially conditioned to higher pricing, so when we see something that we considered crazy high a few years ago, we could easily think, "That's not too bad!"

I save a LOT of ads on FB marketplace. When I go back and look at some of the pricing from a couple of years ago, it's like reading old classifieds from the '70s full of hemis, big-blocks, and six-packs all priced to where we'd love to buy two!

 

^^^^^ 💯

 

I have not been looking in the CA market. So I would say look at what people are asking.

 

Go here and take a look, https://469cycleshop.com. 23 Road Glides and Street Glides all under $20,000. 2 more Independent Dealers within 50 miles of here with similar prices. Harley Dealer is Wall to Wall with Bikes their not selling.

 

100% Everything has gone up due to high inflation. Basic necessities like food, and gas are up. Wages are stagnate or up very little. Interest is way up. So many can not afford the luxury of buying a bike. Those that can not many are because they worry about whats to come, and don't like the high interest rates.

Cars and trucks that were selling over MSRP 6 months ago are now at or below MSRP.

 

I've purchased two used bikes in the last few months here in SoCal.

My '17 softail slim, I paid what it's worth stock. Miles are unbelievably low on it and it's done exactly how I would have done it myself. The only things needed are to black out a few small parts which I will be taking care of soon. The look and the low mileage sold me. I traveled about two hours to pick it up with a uhaul trailer so I knew I was buying it, but I did have my limit.

My '10 SG also had very, very low miles. Total different story though. Guy posted it up for sale a few months before I was ready to buy, but I saved it on the marketplace. I got in contact with him asking questions, blah, blah. Never made it out to take a look at that time. As I'm still looking I see he's continuously lowering the price over a few months. Finally he adjusted the price to something I feel I could do so I went out to take a peek. I had my limit on the price I would pay as well. Went out, made a deal $2K lower than what he was asking. He even threw in unpainted lowers and a few nice black and carbon fiber pieces for the dash. I just finished my bike after a lot of upgrades and the money I spent added to the price I paid ended up being close to what the bike is worth stock, but I paid no where near that price.

I feel it's a buyers market! Deals are out there to be had.Cash is king! I paid cash for both bikes and I feel when they see it in your hand, it definitely tilts in your favor.

 

All great comments and I agree with the assessments as they are based on SOLID data and information.

Enjoy Californication.