Harley doesn't need to get any message. They set the standard in which all other mfgrs have been trying to copy for the last 110 years. No other motorcycle make has the dealer network, optional part availability, aftermarket choices, and a product people want new or used, no matter how old they are. There are even companies that make their own version of the Harley motor. Nobody would spend the money on trying to rebuild a 20 year old Suzuki or or Kawasaki street bike because to be honest, they're just not worth the investment. Victory tries to put down Harley every chance they get talking about how they are better engineered. We'll see in another 10 years if they are still in business. Even the Indian brand couldn't unseat Harley as the great American motorcycle, and it doesn't look like they gonna be doing it anytime soon. And if Victory's past efforts are any indication of their great motorcycle, how come their value drops like a stone?.,,
Calling all Harley experts..Advice on used Harley
- Thread starter FADEC
- Start date
- Status
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Harley doesn't need to get any message. They set the standard in which all other mfgrs have been trying to copy for the last 110 years. No other motorcycle make has the dealer network, optional part availability, aftermarket choices, and a product people want new or used, no matter how old they are. There are even companies that make their own version of the Harley motor. Nobody would spend the money on trying to rebuild a 20 year old Suzuki or or Kawasaki street bike because to be honest, they're just not worth the investment. Victory tries to put down Harley every chance they get talking about how they are better engineered. We'll see in another 10 years if they are still in business. Even the Indian brand couldn't unseat Harley as the great American motorcycle, and it doesn't look like they gonna be doing it anytime soon. And if Victory's past efforts are any indication of their great motorcycle, how come their value drops like a stone?.,,
Don't preach too proudly how Harley set the standard for 110 years, when the Japanese companies all but put them out of business in about a 10 year period by making arguably more modern and superior products at a better price. Sure since especially the EVO era they bounced back but the AMF days about killed the brand. From my reading and understanding, the Twin Cam definitely has had some issues it never should have with the cam chain system and the press fit crank. But there is a reason there are alternatives like Victory, Honda, Kaw..ect. We all cannot be satisfied with one bike line. So there are alternatives. But what you enjoy is what I say. My only gripe against HD is the harley fanboys that think it is the holy grail of brands, and of course to me they don't have the "bang for the buck". And that is just my view as a Triumph and Yamaha guy.
Harley doesn't need to get any message. They set the standard in which all other mfgrs have been trying to copy for the last 110 years. No other motorcycle make has the dealer network, optional part availability, aftermarket choices, and a product people want new or used, no matter how old they are. There are even companies that make their own version of the Harley motor. Nobody would spend the money on trying to rebuild a 20 year old Suzuki or or Kawasaki street bike because to be honest, they're just not worth the investment. Victory tries to put down Harley every chance they get talking about how they are better engineered. We'll see in another 10 years if they are still in business. Even the Indian brand couldn't unseat Harley as the great American motorcycle, and it doesn't look like they gonna be doing it anytime soon. And if Victory's past efforts are any indication of their great motorcycle, how come their value drops like a stone?.,,
Don't preach too proudly how Harley set the standard for 110 years, when the Japanese companies all but put them out of business in about a 10 year period by making arguably more modern and superior products at a better price. Sure since especially the EVO era they bounced back but the AMF days about killed the brand. From my reading and understanding, the Twin Cam definitely has had some issues it never should have with the cam chain system and the press fit crank. But there is a reason there are alternatives like Victory, Honda, Kaw..ect. We all cannot be satisfied with one bike line. So there are alternatives. But what you enjoy is what I say. My only gripe against HD is the harley fanboys that think it is the holy grail of brands, and of course to me they don't have the "bang for the buck". And that is just my view as a Triumph and Yamaha guy.
Bang for the buck eh, Here's what I found. A 2002 year old Yamaha Road star sold for approx $12,399. In 2012 it has a average retail price of $5,090. A 10 year old Harley Heritage softail sold for $17,399. In 2012 it's average retail price is $9,230.This is for 100% stock bike with no add ons. The Yamaha lost more then half of it's original cost. While the Harley retains more then half. Where's the bang for the buck? These numbers are from today's NADA site online. If your satisfied watching your money disappear, don't cry about it when you have to just about give it away at sale time. There is a difference between cheap, and value.,,
Problem with the numbers is look at the original sale price. For most people 4k is a lot of change to throw down on a recreational vehicle over the a comparable and very capable model from another brand.
And the Victory Hammer I test rode earlier this year was a really pleasant handling bike. I liked it better than my fathers FXDL.
But like I said....to each his own. As long as a model is not a lemon I don't begrudge anyone for picking one brand over another. But a 18k dollar bike should not have issues like a multi piece crank going out of spec or cam chain tensioner failures that can blow an engine. The materials and design should be pretty bulletproof for that kind of cash. Id love to build myself a custom HD bike, but I would more than likely use an EVO motor if I did.
And the Victory Hammer I test rode earlier this year was a really pleasant handling bike. I liked it better than my fathers FXDL.
But like I said....to each his own. As long as a model is not a lemon I don't begrudge anyone for picking one brand over another. But a 18k dollar bike should not have issues like a multi piece crank going out of spec or cam chain tensioner failures that can blow an engine. The materials and design should be pretty bulletproof for that kind of cash. Id love to build myself a custom HD bike, but I would more than likely use an EVO motor if I did.
Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Harley doesn't need to get any message. They set the standard in which all other mfgrs have been trying to copy for the last 110 years. No other motorcycle make has the dealer network, optional part availability, aftermarket choices, and a product people want new or used, no matter how old they are. There are even companies that make their own version of the Harley motor. Nobody would spend the money on trying to rebuild a 20 year old Suzuki or or Kawasaki street bike because to be honest, they're just not worth the investment. Victory tries to put down Harley every chance they get talking about how they are better engineered. We'll see in another 10 years if they are still in business. Even the Indian brand couldn't unseat Harley as the great American motorcycle, and it doesn't look like they gonna be doing it anytime soon. And if Victory's past efforts are any indication of their great motorcycle, how come their value drops like a stone?.,,
Don't preach too proudly how Harley set the standard for 110 years, when the Japanese companies all but put them out of business in about a 10 year period by making arguably more modern and superior products at a better price. Sure since especially the EVO era they bounced back but the AMF days about killed the brand. From my reading and understanding, the Twin Cam definitely has had some issues it never should have with the cam chain system and the press fit crank. But there is a reason there are alternatives like Victory, Honda, Kaw..ect. We all cannot be satisfied with one bike line. So there are alternatives. But what you enjoy is what I say. My only gripe against HD is the harley fanboys that think it is the holy grail of brands, and of course to me they don't have the "bang for the buck". And that is just my view as a Triumph and Yamaha guy.
Sort of like some of the Toyota fanboys on here, huh?
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Harley doesn't need to get any message. They set the standard in which all other mfgrs have been trying to copy for the last 110 years. No other motorcycle make has the dealer network, optional part availability, aftermarket choices, and a product people want new or used, no matter how old they are. There are even companies that make their own version of the Harley motor. Nobody would spend the money on trying to rebuild a 20 year old Suzuki or or Kawasaki street bike because to be honest, they're just not worth the investment. Victory tries to put down Harley every chance they get talking about how they are better engineered. We'll see in another 10 years if they are still in business. Even the Indian brand couldn't unseat Harley as the great American motorcycle, and it doesn't look like they gonna be doing it anytime soon. And if Victory's past efforts are any indication of their great motorcycle, how come their value drops like a stone?.,,
Don't preach too proudly how Harley set the standard for 110 years, when the Japanese companies all but put them out of business in about a 10 year period by making arguably more modern and superior products at a better price. Sure since especially the EVO era they bounced back but the AMF days about killed the brand. From my reading and understanding, the Twin Cam definitely has had some issues it never should have with the cam chain system and the press fit crank. But there is a reason there are alternatives like Victory, Honda, Kaw..ect. We all cannot be satisfied with one bike line. So there are alternatives. But what you enjoy is what I say. My only gripe against HD is the harley fanboys that think it is the holy grail of brands, and of course to me they don't have the "bang for the buck". And that is just my view as a Triumph and Yamaha guy.
Sort of like some of the Toyota fanboys on here, huh?
^^^Ouch. Nice one.
Point is, does anyone here look at resale? I buy what I like. If it's cheap used that's just a bonus for me.
Thank God we're all different or everyone would ride the exact same thing! That would be boring.
Point is, does anyone here look at resale? I buy what I like. If it's cheap used that's just a bonus for me.
Thank God we're all different or everyone would ride the exact same thing! That would be boring.
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
^^^Ouch. Nice one.
Point is, does anyone here look at resale? I buy what I like. If it's cheap used that's just a bonus for me.
Thank God we're all different or everyone would ride the exact same thing! That would be boring.
Thanks, lol.
I agree - glad we are all different too. Variety is a good thing.
^^^Ouch. Nice one.
Point is, does anyone here look at resale? I buy what I like. If it's cheap used that's just a bonus for me.
Thank God we're all different or everyone would ride the exact same thing! That would be boring.
Thanks, lol.
I agree - glad we are all different too. Variety is a good thing.
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Bang for the buck eh, Here's what I found. A 2002 year old Yamaha Road star sold for approx $12,399. In 2012 it has a average retail price of $5,090. A 10 year old Harley Heritage softail sold for $17,399. In 2012 it's average retail price is $9,230.This is for 100% stock bike with no add ons. The Yamaha lost more then half of it's original cost. While the Harley retains more then half. Where's the bang for the buck? These numbers are from today's NADA site online. If your satisfied watching your money disappear, don't cry about it when you have to just about give it away at sale time. There is a difference between cheap, and value.,,
I'm a Harley rider/owner and the math above actually supports the resale of the Yamaha. By my figures the Yamaha lost $7300. and the Harley lost $8100. Bike prices aren't going to be what they used to be. Just too much supply out there.
Bang for the buck eh, Here's what I found. A 2002 year old Yamaha Road star sold for approx $12,399. In 2012 it has a average retail price of $5,090. A 10 year old Harley Heritage softail sold for $17,399. In 2012 it's average retail price is $9,230.This is for 100% stock bike with no add ons. The Yamaha lost more then half of it's original cost. While the Harley retains more then half. Where's the bang for the buck? These numbers are from today's NADA site online. If your satisfied watching your money disappear, don't cry about it when you have to just about give it away at sale time. There is a difference between cheap, and value.,,
I'm a Harley rider/owner and the math above actually supports the resale of the Yamaha. By my figures the Yamaha lost $7300. and the Harley lost $8100. Bike prices aren't going to be what they used to be. Just too much supply out there.
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2002
- Messages
- 4,618
This thread has become funny. I bought my 1979 Honda CBX in 1980 when I was a young 16 year old. I paid $4200 for that thing and it was a huge chunk of change for a high school kid who was working at the local Kawasaki shop at the time. Harley-Davidson was having a hard time giving a motorcycle away back then.
Thirty-three years later my 1979 Honda CBX is worth about $6500 (150% of purchase price). It's old, noisey, incredibly complicated to work on, and it's one of the most fascinating motorcycles I've ever seen. I rode it around for about 35 miles yesterday and I passed a half-dozen Harleys (none bothered to give 'the wave') and a few ricers,,, but certainly didn't see another CBX. They're rare!
I'd never EVER buy a motorcycle because of the resale value.. or because they're 'in fashion'. I buy things because I like them. Sitting beside my 1979 CBX is a 2012 ZX-14R Kawasaki. It's big, green, and ugly.. but OMG will it ever put a huge grin on your face as it rev's through the first couple of gears. Will it be worth anything in 30 years? Probably not. But one thing is for certain, it makes me happy when I'm on it.
If a Harley-Davidson motorcycle puts the grin on your face then it's the bike for you. It doesn't matter what others think. Get it, get out, and get on it and enjoy the time you have.
Thirty-three years later my 1979 Honda CBX is worth about $6500 (150% of purchase price). It's old, noisey, incredibly complicated to work on, and it's one of the most fascinating motorcycles I've ever seen. I rode it around for about 35 miles yesterday and I passed a half-dozen Harleys (none bothered to give 'the wave') and a few ricers,,, but certainly didn't see another CBX. They're rare!
I'd never EVER buy a motorcycle because of the resale value.. or because they're 'in fashion'. I buy things because I like them. Sitting beside my 1979 CBX is a 2012 ZX-14R Kawasaki. It's big, green, and ugly.. but OMG will it ever put a huge grin on your face as it rev's through the first couple of gears. Will it be worth anything in 30 years? Probably not. But one thing is for certain, it makes me happy when I'm on it.
If a Harley-Davidson motorcycle puts the grin on your face then it's the bike for you. It doesn't matter what others think. Get it, get out, and get on it and enjoy the time you have.
If someone doesn't like what I drive be it a motorcycle or car/truck my standard reply is, I'll drive what you like providing you make the payments.
This usually silences them or they'll go away mumbling to themselves.
This usually silences them or they'll go away mumbling to themselves.
Originally Posted By: FowVay
This thread has become funny. I bought my 1979 Honda CBX in 1980 when I was a young 16 year old. I paid $4200 for that thing and it was a huge chunk of change for a high school kid who was working at the local Kawasaki shop at the time. Harley-Davidson was having a hard time giving a motorcycle away back then.
Thirty-three years later my 1979 Honda CBX is worth about $6500 (150% of purchase price). It's old, noisey, incredibly complicated to work on, and it's one of the most fascinating motorcycles I've ever seen. I rode it around for about 35 miles yesterday and I passed a half-dozen Harleys (none bothered to give 'the wave') and a few ricers,,, but certainly didn't see another CBX. They're rare!
I'd never EVER buy a motorcycle because of the resale value.. or because they're 'in fashion'. I buy things because I like them. Sitting beside my 1979 CBX is a 2012 ZX-14R Kawasaki. It's big, green, and ugly.. but OMG will it ever put a huge grin on your face as it rev's through the first couple of gears. Will it be worth anything in 30 years? Probably not. But one thing is for certain, it makes me happy when I'm on it.
If a Harley-Davidson motorcycle puts the grin on your face then it's the bike for you. It doesn't matter what others think. Get it, get out, and get on it and enjoy the time you have.
Back in the day there were some very interesting Japanese bikes for sure. These few models will be collectible no doubt. The majority of the "regular" Japanese bikes just end up junked because parts availability. I remember in the early 80's the Kawasakis where fast as heck. I also remember a Honda with an automatic transmission. I had a Yamaha Virgo at one time and it was a nice bike. I started riding Harleys in 1987 and have ever since because I like them
This thread has become funny. I bought my 1979 Honda CBX in 1980 when I was a young 16 year old. I paid $4200 for that thing and it was a huge chunk of change for a high school kid who was working at the local Kawasaki shop at the time. Harley-Davidson was having a hard time giving a motorcycle away back then.
Thirty-three years later my 1979 Honda CBX is worth about $6500 (150% of purchase price). It's old, noisey, incredibly complicated to work on, and it's one of the most fascinating motorcycles I've ever seen. I rode it around for about 35 miles yesterday and I passed a half-dozen Harleys (none bothered to give 'the wave') and a few ricers,,, but certainly didn't see another CBX. They're rare!
I'd never EVER buy a motorcycle because of the resale value.. or because they're 'in fashion'. I buy things because I like them. Sitting beside my 1979 CBX is a 2012 ZX-14R Kawasaki. It's big, green, and ugly.. but OMG will it ever put a huge grin on your face as it rev's through the first couple of gears. Will it be worth anything in 30 years? Probably not. But one thing is for certain, it makes me happy when I'm on it.
If a Harley-Davidson motorcycle puts the grin on your face then it's the bike for you. It doesn't matter what others think. Get it, get out, and get on it and enjoy the time you have.
Back in the day there were some very interesting Japanese bikes for sure. These few models will be collectible no doubt. The majority of the "regular" Japanese bikes just end up junked because parts availability. I remember in the early 80's the Kawasakis where fast as heck. I also remember a Honda with an automatic transmission. I had a Yamaha Virgo at one time and it was a nice bike. I started riding Harleys in 1987 and have ever since because I like them
Originally Posted By: Loobed
Harleys are a fad like cabbage patch dolls and beanie babies. There were a lot of cults in the past and there will be many cults in the future. Most of the time cultists commit suicide, get send to jail, or lose all their money.
That might be the stupidest thing I've read today.
Harleys are a fad like cabbage patch dolls and beanie babies. There were a lot of cults in the past and there will be many cults in the future. Most of the time cultists commit suicide, get send to jail, or lose all their money.
That might be the stupidest thing I've read today.
Yeah if you are in business for over a century and making vehicles the same year Henry Ford started, I think you are not a fad.
Lots of interesting views on which bike is better. You have the Pro Harley crowd, then everyone else. I get a kick out guys that say for their money they want technology, handling, and performance.So they buy a Goldwing, BMW, or any of the metric flavors of the day and go on about how "advanced' they are over a Harley. Suzuki has a rocketship of a bike that is in competition with Kawasaki for the fastest bike on the road. And it's amazing for all that advanced power and handling, how cheap they are. But after you put a few miles on it it gets dull and boring. Not to mention expensive to own. For the cost of insurance along you could get another bike. Drop one and wreck the plastics, and they usually are considered totaled. I guess that why you see them for sale cheap. Maintenance on just about any brand can be pricey if you can't do it yourself, so that playing field is about even. Don't care about resale? I guess some guys guys just go to a dealer and pay full asking price without haggling. And of course they must live on 50 acre farms where they keep every vehicle they have ever bought.I got a kick out whoever posted Harley almost went under 30 years ago. One thing tho, It wasn't because of low sales, just low quality management. Supply and demand. Harley runs out of supply, before demand. You can still buy 3-4 year old metric bikes brand new from the dealer. Funny they can't sell them new, and you can't sell them used without taking a bath on it. Harley's may not be the most advanced bike on the road but people always seem to want one, and are willing to pay a good price for it.It's a brand that never has to put it's new bikes on "SALE" to get them off the sales floor.,,
Originally Posted By: hal2626
I own a Softail and a Roadking. If I had to choose one it would be the RK. Engine is MUCH more responsive and smoother once underway. It is happy to spin up at higher revs where as my B motor softail is reluctantly dragging along its' 9 pound(!) counterweight balancer setup is just plain unhappy. Both are Twin Cam 88's. The Night Train is fine for plodding around at very low speeds but 60 and up the King is KING!
And for those who just do not "get" the Harley appeal....well a Camry looks way better on paper than a '57 Chevy but I would prefer the Chevy. Sometimes it is not what a machine will do,but what it IS. A Seiko watch is inexpensive and will do everything a Rolex will. I prefer a Rolex. Harleys are one of the few bikes that are fun to ride slow. When I want to go fast or ride in miserable weather or run errands my BMW gets the nod. I ride my Harleys in spite of potentially being lumped in with the pirate crowd. If I gave a darn about what anyone thought about me I would have never started riding in 1962 when all riders were seen as lowlife greasers. You never see a Harley in a junk yard.
you should mention grand seiko , much better than any roley
I own a Softail and a Roadking. If I had to choose one it would be the RK. Engine is MUCH more responsive and smoother once underway. It is happy to spin up at higher revs where as my B motor softail is reluctantly dragging along its' 9 pound(!) counterweight balancer setup is just plain unhappy. Both are Twin Cam 88's. The Night Train is fine for plodding around at very low speeds but 60 and up the King is KING!
And for those who just do not "get" the Harley appeal....well a Camry looks way better on paper than a '57 Chevy but I would prefer the Chevy. Sometimes it is not what a machine will do,but what it IS. A Seiko watch is inexpensive and will do everything a Rolex will. I prefer a Rolex. Harleys are one of the few bikes that are fun to ride slow. When I want to go fast or ride in miserable weather or run errands my BMW gets the nod. I ride my Harleys in spite of potentially being lumped in with the pirate crowd. If I gave a darn about what anyone thought about me I would have never started riding in 1962 when all riders were seen as lowlife greasers. You never see a Harley in a junk yard.
you should mention grand seiko , much better than any roley
Here In Iowa i have seen two year old HD's still on the sale floor before at some shops. And AMF sales did go way down. Hot Bike Magazine published such when they did an article on the AMF era. HD got a tarnished reputation and sales suffered due to low quality and poor management.
And according to one poster your figures on re sale were actually pro Yamaha. Less to buy and lost less money. Once again not Harley bashing, but I am not like some fans of the brand that practice hagiography for the brand. No such thing as a perfect one size fits all bike. And actually some of us buyers do keep many of our vehicles. I still have my first car, and my 73 year old father still has his. Your broad generalizations sir just undermine your position.
And I haggled a good 1k off my last new bike, dont live on a 50 acre farm....I just stick with what I like when I find it until its beyond saving. At that point, Im betting I still come out ahead selling my metric parts bike money wise.
And according to one poster your figures on re sale were actually pro Yamaha. Less to buy and lost less money. Once again not Harley bashing, but I am not like some fans of the brand that practice hagiography for the brand. No such thing as a perfect one size fits all bike. And actually some of us buyers do keep many of our vehicles. I still have my first car, and my 73 year old father still has his. Your broad generalizations sir just undermine your position.
And I haggled a good 1k off my last new bike, dont live on a 50 acre farm....I just stick with what I like when I find it until its beyond saving. At that point, Im betting I still come out ahead selling my metric parts bike money wise.
I just acquired a Yamaha XS650 Twin with a strong motor for $50,that's right,fifty bucks. She's rough but has 150 PSI compression. I do not recall ever seeing a Harley for that price. Yamaha=resale king....LOL....Sayonara
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Harley doesn't need to get any message. They set the standard in which all other mfgrs have been trying to copy for the last 110 years. No other motorcycle make has the dealer network, optional part availability, aftermarket choices, and a product people want new or used, no matter how old they are. There are even companies that make their own version of the Harley motor. Nobody would spend the money on trying to rebuild a 20 year old Suzuki or or Kawasaki street bike because to be honest, they're just not worth the investment. ...
Kawasaki Z1s and two-cycle Mach triples command high prices by collectors today.
Suzuki's were Roger DeCoster's rides in the '70s. Their MX bikes are more noted than their street bikes from that era. Suzuki didn't really get any notoriety until their GS1000. (and later the GS1150 that dominated dragracing)
Funny fact: Kawasaki beat Harley Davidson to the "cruiser" market by a full year. The KZ900 LTD got a stepped seat and pullback bars a year before Willie G's FXS Lowrider made it's debut.
The KZ would flat kill the Lowrider's 74 cu in Shovelhead. Arguably more reliable too. In terms of power, nothing could really match Kawi's big 900 except for their own H2 Mach IV triple. BMW campaigned hard and won with the R90S based on it's low center of mass and handling but couldn't quite match the Kawasakis' power on longer tracks.
Harley doesn't need to get any message. They set the standard in which all other mfgrs have been trying to copy for the last 110 years. No other motorcycle make has the dealer network, optional part availability, aftermarket choices, and a product people want new or used, no matter how old they are. There are even companies that make their own version of the Harley motor. Nobody would spend the money on trying to rebuild a 20 year old Suzuki or or Kawasaki street bike because to be honest, they're just not worth the investment. ...
Kawasaki Z1s and two-cycle Mach triples command high prices by collectors today.
Suzuki's were Roger DeCoster's rides in the '70s. Their MX bikes are more noted than their street bikes from that era. Suzuki didn't really get any notoriety until their GS1000. (and later the GS1150 that dominated dragracing)
Funny fact: Kawasaki beat Harley Davidson to the "cruiser" market by a full year. The KZ900 LTD got a stepped seat and pullback bars a year before Willie G's FXS Lowrider made it's debut.
The KZ would flat kill the Lowrider's 74 cu in Shovelhead. Arguably more reliable too. In terms of power, nothing could really match Kawi's big 900 except for their own H2 Mach IV triple. BMW campaigned hard and won with the R90S based on it's low center of mass and handling but couldn't quite match the Kawasakis' power on longer tracks.
Originally Posted By: hal2626
I just acquired a Yamaha XS650 Twin with a strong motor for $50,that's right,fifty bucks. She's rough but has 150 PSI compression. I do not recall ever seeing a Harley for that price. Yamaha=resale king....LOL....Sayonara
I have. Look around and you will see AMF era Harley Davidson Branded Aermacchi made bikes in the sub 200 dollar range.
I just acquired a Yamaha XS650 Twin with a strong motor for $50,that's right,fifty bucks. She's rough but has 150 PSI compression. I do not recall ever seeing a Harley for that price. Yamaha=resale king....LOL....Sayonara
I have. Look around and you will see AMF era Harley Davidson Branded Aermacchi made bikes in the sub 200 dollar range.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked