If you were in the market for a new bike how much would the dealer have to discount an '08 to make you buy it over an '09?????? I am considering a new Ultra to replace my '05 RK but since I seem to want a new bike every 3-4 years I wonder if I shouldn't get a discounted '08 and then later get a new 2011-ish. What do you guys think??? Give me some ideas about the kind of deal I should be able to work out with the dealer. Keep in mind I think of my bike as a hobby and toy so loosing some $$ is going to happen but I don't want to totally loose my a$$ on the deal. Also, I will want to trade it and I won't be selling it myself. I don't have the time to mess with selling it myself and I don't like prospective buyers coming to my house.

 

This is just my opinion and not intnded to offend anyone, but if you are going to trade in the near future, any money you save on an 08 will be wasted. With the improvements on the 09's it is a no brainer as far as I am concerned. Unless problems arise on the 09 models, (and the could) they will be worth much more than earlier models. So you will lose much more on trading an 08 than you will ever save on one...remember, your buying and trading with Harley. You do the math! Buy the 09.

 

it would have to be several thousand for me to buy an 08 over an 09.

 

Unless the 08 is a steal, buy the 09.

spiz

 

I got $1000 off MSRP on my 08 about 6 weeks before the 09 was announced. So you should be able to get more than that.

I love my 08... The frame changes get lots of discussion. I have not done a test ride of an 09 to compare with my.

I would recommend doing a test ride first on both and then decide.

Good luck.

 

For an Ultra I would look at about $3000 lower for the 2008. If you are going to be trading in every 3-4 years, it makes a lot of sense to buy the year old model and save yourself some green. In ten years time you will have saved yourself a log of money and had just as much fun as those who have to always have the latest. Another smart move is keeping them close to stock. I wouldn't do much more than a Stage 1 on a bike that will be traded often.


Oh, I wouldn't worry about the 08 being worth less than an 09 when trading in. The trade in value difference won't be more than the $3K you saved up front...most likely it will be less. Harley makes changes every year and the 09s will be old hat in a few years just like the 07s are now.

 

I disagree with the above poster.
This year there are some real significant changes. The folks that are riding 09's already are real impressed with the new bike. It is worth more, it will be a better motorcycle to own over time and why bother getting the 08' if all you're going to save is a few grand.
If your going to spend 20 thousand on a motorcycle, IMO, "It's too late to go home early now!"
Buy the 09', you'll be glad you did.

 

Go for the 09, my dealer and the dealers around me weren't discounting the 08s much and the trade values are horrible. I ended up trading on 08 road king for the 09 and am so glad I did, much different and worth every penny.

 

My two cents. Ride them both, if you know your going to loose money ride what you like the best. If money doesn't matter or matter as much then buy the 09. If money matters and you like the 08 then shop a minimum of 3 dealers and get them to compete for your business which they won't want to do but will do to get rid of an 08 and get it off their floor plan. I would look to get 2-3,000 off the price with some negotiating but would never expect if off an 09.

As far as trade goes what matters is the bottom line of the whole deal. Negotiate bike, trade, accessories, financing rate/term as separate parts while watching the bottom line deal. If you don't agree with any part of the deal then politely walk away and most likely you'll get a call.

Most of all enjoy the new ride man!

 

My 2 cents. I traded for a 05 at the end of the year. 1500 less than new model. "cool" I thought however dealer trade in is already 2k-2500 less as a new model was out. Traded again in 08 and was 1500 upside down just about what I saved.

Thought about it, pondered on it a while. Cost me $310 month for 22-24 month.. 6400? plus 1500 upside down plus 10K service cost.

Sold off bike to a friend at dealer offer and paid cash for my 08.