I haven't had a bike since 03, but back then you could and I did trade in every year for a few years in a row. Can you still do that in todays market without getting your *** handed to you ? Back then being 03,02,01,00 I traded my bike with the goodies got a new bike and new goodies for just about a swap. Yes I had to order the bike for the next year so it cost me a deposit and about another $1000. So back to the question do people still do this or can it not be done anymore

 

It takes me a year just to get my bike where I am happy with it!! I have always sold my bike as a private sale. Way too big of a hit on trade in, atleast here in Florida.

 

For me it depends on the bike. My last one I had for more than 9 years.

I hope to have my current ride at least as long if not longer.

 

It would have cost me around $5k to move to an 09 from my 07. I think the days of trading in with little pain are gone for good. On the bright side, these bikes are a hell of a lot better than they used to be, so hanging on to them shouldn't be a problem.

 

Around here with an average down payment you can usually trade and break even in about 18 months - 2 years. but your still out your down payment plus the down payment on the new bike. I bought my 09 in Sept of 08 and could about trade even now but the $4k I put down would be gone.

 

I guess I was wrong I thought that so many people on this site had new bikes that this was still an option if you wanted.

 

So many people on this site have new bikes because there's so many people on this site. Only you can know how often you can afford to trade. They don't depreciate as bad as cars do but you will still take a hit if you want to trade often. I don't buy a new bike until I can pay cash. I personally don't want to have a payment for a "want" not a "need"

 

I bought the 07 EGC and then when the 09's came out traded in for the full package 09 Ultra. I feel this will be my only bike for a long time.

 

2009 FLHRC Vivid Black

Another factor and one of my pet pevees Sales tax...... Here in Indiana its 7% If you trade you pay tax only on the difference if you buy out right you pay on the whole thing .07* $20,000 = $ 1400 it adds up fast..

 

Did you get hit that bad or is it you just love the bike that much ?