Ideally, I'd love to buy a 2009 or 2010 Road King and that might happen but if I can't swing it financially, I guess there's always the option of trying to score a good older bike.

I've noticed that a lot of older Harleys (1997-2003) that are for sale in my area are still pretty pricey but if I did find a sweet price, I'm just wondering how much I'm missing out on as far as the newer and bigger Harley motor, now with improved cam chain tensioner and better frame, etc.....

Are you really going to notice a big difference riding one of these older models compared to the new ones that are out there now?

 

I think that if you can find a 10 year old bike for 40-50% of it's original value and that's including the extras as well. They did cost too, then you would have a good deal.

For example my sig pic is a 99 Fxstc. I have 23.8 invested in it, or replacement value. I am currently asking $11.2-10.8 for it. This is right in the 40-50% range and I believe that this is a fair price. Everyone that I have spoken with feels that this is a fair price as well.

 

My first bike was a '74 XLCH, it's kick start only, leaks some, and requires constant maintenance.
Next we bought an 04 883C for my wife, it's a nice bike, it starts easier and doesn't break down.
Then I bought an '06 FXDBI, the fuel injection meant I didn't have to mess with the choke.
However, long story longer, the wind was the same.
Just get on a bike, the nicest one you can.

 

23.8 for sale for 11.2 sounds like an AIG 'investment' strategy.

There are plenty of good bikes out there used for half of what a new one cost. I would never pay the depreciation hit of a new bike myself. After all, isn't one of the big marketing ploys of HD the fact that they last so long?

 

Both my bikes I bought used. My 2006 Heritage had 670 miles on it and it was 2 years old - I paid $14,500 for it in 2008. Last fall I bought a 2002 Lowrider with 4600 miles for $5,600. The Lowrider is a great bike - carb, not EFI - but a great bike. I rode the entire H-D line last summer during their demo days, and I could not see/feel a significant difference.

There are alot of bikes out there that have not been ridden, scared riders or loss of enthusiasm, --- kind like used boats. But unlike boats bikes generally haven't deteriorated over time.

 

My Fatboy is a 93, I brought it last summer for $9,500. You might think a bit pricey but as you can see from my signature it is a full custom, there is not a stock part on it (including the frame). I saw it advertised and was a bit concerned it was a 93 but when I went and had a look I was blown away, it looks brand new, not a mark on it, chrome perfect and engine recently been rebuilt, paid the man the money and left smiling from ear to ear. The first show I took it to it won Best Bike and when asked about it MC was surprised it was a 93

 

Lots of people bought a Harley as an investment and have a hard time facing the realities of supply and demand along with the current economy. They are asking way to much for older used bikes. Keep looking you'll find someone who wants to sell.

 

Yeah, but you ride a green bike.

 

do your home work, and keep looking theres nothign wrong with a 10 or even 20 year old harley if it was maintained regularly and properly, hell i ride a 1969, and yes it does require you to fiddle and fart wit hit * maintenence etc* but it'll keep up with the big boys and can sell it on par with a newer bike price wise.

 

Look into a FLHS, electra glide sport.