try to go for '96 and newer if ya can--lots 'o reasons main one is parts-jmho

 

well everyone here is convinced that metric cruisers have no resale value, _but_ if thats true, you should be able to find a late model used one for nearly nothing.
problem solved, as long as you let the guy who bought it new take this theoretical depreciation.

if it turns out that used metric cruisers are not selling for peanuts, well, then just get the bike you like the most that is in the best condition.

i think a quick read of this forum will show you the value of a used harley... hahaha..

 

He's buying a used metric. The first owner has already taken the big hit. If he buys at a good price he won't lose more than he would on a Harley. Harleys don't hold the value like the used to. Too many people selling unfortunately.

 

It is 6 of one and a half dozen of the other. Either way you go you will be riding, and if your OL is ever into it the bike that you choose can be hers when you get that new king

 

Owning a Harley for me is a religious experience.A well maintained Harley is as reliable as anything on the road,despite anything you read.In all my years and owning dozens of Harleys,never have I lost money.Owning these pieces of history,is like having a good investment,which in todays messed up economy is saying a lot.

 

I agree. You can buy a still new 2007 Honda ST1300 with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty for 10k! You can pick up nice used ones for as little as $7,500. And, if the used one is still under the original 3 year warranty it is transferrable for free! If you look up the definition of bulletproof, there is probably a picture of the ST beside it.

P. S. - If you buy a used one that is still under warranty, you can buy an additional 4 years of original factory bumper to bumper warranty for as little as $450. Honda only offers this warranty on the ST & Goldwing.

 

I want to comment about the Valkyrie. I owned one for about a year (2002 model). I liked everything except the low speed handling. The front fork is raked out and this causes the front end to "flop" in a slow speed turn. It can best be described as "oversteer". I'd look at something else.

I don't totally agree with the HD resale thing. Maybe it's Ohio (the 3rd most registered motorcyles in the nation) but there are always so many used HD's in the market that anytime I've sold a used HD, I ended up taking just a bit over trade-in.... maybe I was too impatient.

 

Not sure 'bout your area, but up here, the metrics are either holding their own, or actually creeping up, a bit.
HDs, are still down, and seem to still be dropping. We did not get the 'normal' spring bounce, that one expects.
IMHO, city ppl are looking for the metrics, peshally 650 or less, as commuters in the Cities.
Not sure what you are looking to spend, but ALL these are <9G. Couple of 'em, have been updated with 96"ers, or 6 spds, etc. (These are ALL 'road' bikes, read that 'tourers') Some are <7G.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1151077268.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1145937741.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1140017031.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1134359865.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1165320561.html
http://sd.craigslist.org/mcy/1166920515.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1153383608.html

Even if you are not a 'wrench', IMFUO, any of these would be a good choice. As posted, the EVOs are stout and reliable. Plus they are easy to upgrade.
Keep 'track' of one, and you are not gonna lose much, if any $$, IMHO.

 

I think that if I were to go back in time when I was first looking for a bike and it was going to be a tourer,I would have tried a BMW for saftey,dependability/reliability,and comfort.Then,I'd try the rest.HD,honda,yam,kaw.whatever.

 

I looked at your profile but nothing about your location. Buddy of mine just bought a 09 ultra and is selling his 98 electra glide classic in cherry condition w/24,000 mi. PM me if interested.