I would buy a dealer maintained rental, the price on the other hand I would haggle with.
Back in 09 I picked up a 07 FLHTPI that was dealer maintained with 15k on the clock for 11.5 out the door.

 

As much as you want to buy that bike...its a known fact that rental bikes get hammered. They are treated rough from mile 1, now think about that do you really want to buy a bike that doesnt even get broke in proper regardless of the flat out lies told by dealerships that the bikes are broke in by consciencious employees out of the goodness of their hearts! If I was a dealership employee and loaned a bike with the understanding that it is to be broke in gently, I would maybe get it out of the lot easy then have fun on it.....maybe get it out of the lot. Do you really think a business is going to take valuable bike rental time to properly break in a new bike....draw your own conclusions. Sure we all know someone who has bought a rental bike and had no problems with it but is that really a valid point? You decide.

 

I bought it!!! I contacted the owner who traded it in, and he put me at ease. He bought the bike from a dealership back in 2010 with 3k miles. It was a rental then. He had it since and has done all the maintenance and has not had any issues with the bike. I got the 3 yr warranty for an extra 20 a month on my payment (piece of mind.)

 

Something to ponder. Most rental shops demand a $2,000 or so deposit on your credit card. I have rented a few times and they really went over the scooter when returned. I mean checking rear tire tread, the inside of the rear fender for burn outs, the bottom of the crash bars, etc. So how hard is someone going to ride a Harley with two grand at stake? I'm thinking *some* rental bikes might be in better condition than *some* bikes for sale by a private party. Caveat emptor.

 

I would ride a rental to try, not to buy that same bike. Sorry, that is just me because those rentals get all kinds of riders and use and some abuse.