I agree when I knew I was finally gonna buy my crossbones I was getting a brand new one! Like the others said do not tell them you have x amount of cash never ever do that. Also seeing their is no difference from last years rockerC get an 09 new for much less! Put that extra 3 grand into the parts you will no doubt add to it. If I could have found an 08 bones last march I woulda jumped on it. Could have gotten my fender kit right away haha. None the less congrats and best of luck with your new ride!
It sounds like you are borrowing 23k to buy the bike. I would buy one that I could afford and pay cash for and work my way up to the bike of your dreams over time. What would the final cost be after interest? Do I sound like your parents? On the other hand , investments are down the tubes and I should have bought two harleys instead of some of those mutual funds.
All the negative posts here (don't buy new unless you can pay cash and buy used and let someone else pay for the depreciation) probably scared him off. Hopefully he returns. I would like to see pics also.