Is there too much money available or is it a trend to trade every 2-3 years? For the initial cost and depreciation I can't imagine why there are so many bikes with 4-8k miles and less than five years old for sale. Am I missing something or is it the repair cost of higher mileage bikes? Irarely seean add with one over 50k miles.

 

Engine size and six speed trans...

that's the word on the street....

[IMG]local://upfiles/11910/8564F71492644E7798348A64742F332C.jpg[/IMG]

 

JMO but the trend is not limited to the touring models and the trend is result of many owners have families, which means their free time is divided between many different activities. With the money in the economy many owners can change bikes for what mightseem likefrivolous reasons to the rest of us.

FBL

 

I see people like some members in my HOG group only ride every so often, I heard once that the average harley rider is less than 1,500 miles a year. I could not believe it, I guess they want to say they own a harley. I ride close to 600 - 1000 miles a month. I am making sure I get my moneys worth, but I do agree with Richard & Fatboylust that the 6 speed and life obligations might be the cause of it all.

 

Life is good these days, lets see if there that many trade ins next year, glad I waited til 07, lucked into the 96".

 

IMHO

The fact that many people bought them for a Status Symbol played into it deeper than the new engine/tranny. Now the engine size affects the Coolness Factor, so they are trading up. SS guys have a tendency to ride less often than guys that really love to ride.

A guy (or gal) that truely loves to ride and wanted/needed more cubes has probably already done the 95ci kit.

Whatever the reason, it is a good thing for me with the glut of low milage bike, the price will come down a bit and I should be able to find one that has not been ridden hard. When I get home, I am buying a used TC 88 Ultra or Road Glide to use as a long haul touring bike.

 

Too many "have-to have" whatever marketing gimmick HD or any other company comes up with. In this case it's an 8" increase in displacement, and 1 more gear. In the 70's it was 4 speeds(car and bikes), 90's it was 5-speeds, 2007+ it's a 6-speed. Stick around, it'll be a 7-speed soon and then they'll sound like rice goin down the street shiftin every 2 seconds....keep what ya got if it runs good..

 

Trust me... I am passing my shovel down to my GrandKids (that are not even born yet)!

The "new" touring bike is just for long haul rides with my lovely bride.

 

Many "owners", fewer riders.

 

Best economy, easiest credit and worst money management I've everobserved in my lifetime.