I've always traded up - it's never been about miles.
First HD was a 2004 Wide Glide 18K
Traded up to a 2006 Road King <9K
Traded up to a 2007 Road Glide (better fit, 96/6) 34K
Traded up to a 2011 Road Glide Ultra (better fit, brakes,103, com, lowers, frame....)

The FLTRU I have now is the first bike I've ever owned that I'm happier with six months down the road than I was when I bought it. I can imagine riding this one until I quit riding - I can't imagine a substantial improvement on this bike in the future.

 

I traded my 05 classic for 07 UC at 28K miles after 1 1/2 year, because I wanted UC to begin with but my UC now has 59K and I'm keeping it till wheels fall off just kidding it's perfect running machine and I'm very happy with it.

 

Until something else catches my eye it's cheaper to switch bikes than wifes.

 

True, but I picked the touring forum because I generally ride/buy touring bikes, which is the nice way to say I don't give chit about other bikes since I won't be buying them.

 

Cannot vote as I do not trade or sell because of mileage.

 

I'm planning to sell or trade mine this year. It's got 105,000 miles on it and it's getting to require to much time on the lift. I've already spent over $2,000 on it this year and it needs probably $500 or more spent on it. An that is with me doing all the work myself.

 

Some folks are compelled to run out and buy a new bike whenever a new feature is introduced. God bless em'. They're contributing some clean, low mileage bikes to the used market. I've never bought a new bike. I bought my '08 Ultra Classic when it was 1.5 years old with 7K miles. Saved about 4K compared to a new one.

For top resale value, many people sell before 20K miles. I once sold an '83 FLT with 84K miles. The bike was well maintained and continued to run strong well past 100k.

 

I usually ride until it is wreaked or dies. I did have one stolen. I have traded my 1982 I bought new after only three years. I had to trade it in when the new Rubber Glides came out with the EVO motor.

I usually put 100,000+ miles on before it is replaced.

 

I think this is a good general rule. Its not that you can't sell a bike after 19999miles, you just cut down the number of lookers by a lot. I sold my 02 RKC a couple years ago with 25000 miles. In the four weeks time I advertised the bike, only one caller out of 20 wanted to know more about the bike after I gave the mileage. He also bought the bike at my asking price.

Unless you think you will keep the bike forever, its best to sell before 30000 miles. The general rule is folks just don't want a bike with 30000 miles no matter how well you take care of it.

I was talking to a rider the other day who buys a new Harley about every year for the past 20 years. He puts his bike up for sale after he puts 9000 miles on it. He found over the years that he gets the most back on the bikes when he sells before the 10000 mile mark. 2000 or 9900, its the same return.

Beary

Beary

 

My 09 Ultra Classic has 34k miles on her without a hitch of any kind. I've dumped a extra $10k on her ie; pipes, speakers, cams, etc, etc...you all know the story. No reason to buy a new bike unless there is some compelling reason which I cannot think of one right now. I agree with one of the other post here, tried of giving my hard earned money to the dealers who don't give a dam about you after the sale is made. The 09 new frame, ABS brakes and the extra dough I put in this one is enough for a while...a long, long while.