I was looking at a 2008 stock Road King Classic with 5041 miles on it and the price was $17,495.00. Then I went the HD site and saw a new 2009 Road King for $17,999. Why would I pay $17,495 for used bike when I can buy new for few hundred more. I have been seeing alot of that. Stock for Stock little difference in price between new 09's an used 07/08's. What's up with that?

 

Really simple.

People who put $0 down on a new bike, added several thousand in accessories/upgrades on it, roll that PLUS the sales tax and setup fees onto the original loan, and now, a year or two later, think they are going to sell it for what they OWE on it, even though they are asking what a NEW bike would sell for.

Good luck to them.

Also, I THINK they actually lowered the price on some Road King models in 09???

 

Most people that own Harleys dont understand that they depreciate pretty quickly now, and have for the last 7 or 8 years now. They also don't take into consideration that accessories aren't worth chit to the next person.

 

Good resale value?

 

They are worth whatever somebody will pay.

 

Asking price and what you pay for a used bike seam to be two differant things today. That didn't seem to be true a few years ago. You may be able to deal a fair amount on that 08'

 

Simple....The dealers are living in a dream world. Reality is somewhere else.

They think that Harley's are so desirable, that they can sell them for whatever they want...even after sales have slowed down.

f'k 'em.

Buy an '09.

~Joe

 

They are dreaming... reality has obviously not set in. If it does, they'll sell at a realistic price OR if not, the bike will be sitting where it sits now for a very long time.

 

Yeah, thats the price buddy...but I can sell you a new one for almost the same thing.

 

When you take into account the major changes that accompanied the '09s the pricing seems even more ridiculous. Why wouldn't you just pony up for a brand new bike, full 2 year warranty, etc.. Especially when a lot of dealers are hurting and selling with no freight and prep, and even discounting for less than MSRP? The only thing that might justify that asking price is major engine work...