Hi everyone. I'm new here but hopefully will be spending a lot of time on the board in the future. I'm looking at buying a Softail Deluxe and hoping to get some input and feedback from you to help me decide. I know very little about the Deluxe. Here are my two choices: An '05(nice color, but not first choice) with about $2000-2500 in accessories/chrome but also with 23,000+ miles that I can get for about $3000 less than a '07 Deluxe (and in the color I want). Any thoughts or opinions. I now what the differences are (for the most part), but have no real world experience to make an educated decision. Thanks a bunch.
Greg

 

Two years old, 23K miles, not the color you'd prefer, and only three grand less than a new bike in the color you want? I'd opt for the new bike. A couple grand in accessories is not that enticing a deal to me. It's just not that much; considering. You'll likely find that you'll spend that up (and much more) sooner than you think. Good luck.

 

THere is nothing wrong with buying used. Most Harleys have had wonderful service, and most people purchase the bike with service package anyway. If you can get a bunch of accesories, what's wrong with someone breaking it in for you? Especially if you save 5-6 thousand dollars?

 

If you liked the used one better than the 07, get it and repaint it someday. Otherwise new is quite nice.

 

I bought my 05 Deluxe used, but I got a much better bargain than you are describing. Mine had 12k miles with the 95 inch kit (and a bunch of other motor upgrades) installed at 8k miles. The 07's were about 19k at the time.

I have receipts for just under 25k and I gave 14 for mine. I think you can do alot better on price for 23k miles, especially if the motor is stock. Look around more, look on ebay (completed auctions) and you will get a general idea of good prices. Mine was private party in the local paper. BTW, mine had 8 months warranty left.

Good Luck.

 

TX has the right idea. Besides, is the bling-bling what YOU would put on YOUR bike? Or is it just bling-bling. You can get a lot of goodies for 20% off. I'd go new in a heartbeat. BTW.. the wife has an 07 Deluxe... and I've enjoyed putting about 1200 miles on "HER" scoot. GREAT choice in a ride! What color do YOU want??

 

I would most likely do the new bike. The big thing for me would be getting exactly what I wanted. thats a lot of money, might as well be happy. last thing you want to do is being in a position where you wish you did something else. plus the warranty. you don;t have to do everything all at once. It's kinda fun going to the Harley store and picking something else up to add.

 

No second thoughts here. I don't consider the used bike a bargain. For the difference you're talking about I would buy the new.

 

Bigger motor, new 6 speed, the color you want...............no brainer. The 05 is no bargain and when you go to sell it, you will easily lose that $3000 that you save. Buy the 07

 

Between the two bikes you mentioned, I would go for the new bike (3 grand ain't that much of a discount for the used bike) break it in myself and add whatever I wanted as time went along. I bought my 2002 Heritage Classic new and didn't even look used because I was buying a bike I would never sell. Now I want an ultra classic, but I'll keep my Heritage for all time. My first Harley.
Tnicean