I'd cough up a few bucks to go with the financing and get the 1200 Nightster rather than the 883.

 

I agree: $9k is too much for an 883. My '06 Custom 883 (new from dealer floor in April, 2007) was $7,800. I agree with others here: go Harley, and find a good used.

Good luck, and ride safe!

 

You're on a harley forum.. did you think anyone would say buy a suzuki?


If you buy the suzuki you'll wish you had a harley. My buddy bought a honda cruiser and really regretted not getting the harley..


I was on a budget like yours when I bought my bike. I was looking at a new 883 for around $8k at the dealer... I ended up buying a 1 year old (2005) 1200C for $6500 from a private seller. It only had 1600 original miles! You can't beat buying slightly used -- the minute you drive that new 883C off the lot it will only be worth $7k..

 

Get the suzuki

 

The old saying: If you have to ask you wouldn't understand. If you don't have the strong desire to buy a Harley, hell really save some money andbuy a used, recent vintage Suzuiki for around $3,000.00 and enjoy the ride.

 

LOL.....[sm=funnypostabove.gif]No, do not get the suzuki... I agree with the boys that you should not top out at the max of your budget, so look at a SLIGHTLY used certified from the dealer Harley. You can get a 1200sporty with the taxes paid already by someone else for around $8k. Remember it is all about pride of ownership! I have had metrics all my life and have never felt this good about my ride... then again maybe you need to own a metric so that you can relate? Go with the Harley. The 2003's 100th anni models are just now prime for the picking. Good luck and let us all know what way you go.

Lewd

 

What's a Suzuski?

 

Go with the Harley, you'll be glad u did. You might try http://www.hdtrader.com
Good luck in your search.

 

This is just my experiance : Just like you looking at all kinds of bikes and deals. Decided on a used o4 sportster list 7200 talked them down to edmunds dealer retail 6700. No arguments they said no problem done deal. My bank did not want to give me a resonable interest rate so I went with the harley financing. I found out later the credit union would of gave me 7.5% while harley gave me 9.5%. Any way try a credit union first. My 5 year payments per month is $151.09. The bike only had 2600 miles on it and a stage one upgrade on it already with screamin eagle 2 pipes on it. Take a look around and avoid the $99 a month is not forever.Harley or rice burner will depreciate quickly. although I think the 04 - 06 Sportsters will level off at $4000 - $5000 even at five years old because of rubber mounted engines and last of the carb bikes. JMO

 

A used harley beats a new metric every day of the week and twice on sunday. I agree with you HDs dont hold their value like they once did, but the metics are even worse on resale.