Topic: Used Harleys

[eigenvector]

This comment isn't directed towards HD (maybe it is depending upon the answers, but that's not intentional).

Why are Craigslist Harleys so dang expensive?
I've been hating on them for so long that I decided that I should just try one and see.  Thing is, I'm looking for a used one and Christ - they're like 15 grand USED?  Not all of them of course - a good number are about 7,500 (quite a bit too), but when a fair percentage are 5 figures except a few in the 2 grand range it makes me suspicious of the lower cost bikes.  Like - they're either scams or they're seriously damaged.  Who in the heck would pay 15 thousand for an early 90's Harley?

Heck, they're even more expensive than BMWs - and BMWs are always way more than they're worth.

What gives here?  Is this a case of seller's market, are the sellers way unrealistic, or are they really that good?

Some examples 
https://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/d/2016-harley-davidson-road/6317969030.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/mcy/d/harley-davidson-fire-fighter/6328415368.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/mcy/d/1982-harley-davidson/6328543148.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/d/1995-harley-davidson-dyna-low/6326819994.html

[754]

 It's driven by demand.. HD prices are low the last few years, unless things have changed.
But they have always held their value better than say most Japanese bikes.

[eigenvector]

Kind of like the BMWs then - which I find odd because there's nothing special about a BMW to make it hold its value (rarity I suppose is a factor).

If people are willing to pay that much - then sure, might as well ask for that much. 

[TwoTired]

I've always been on the lookout for basket case harleys.
Lowest price I found for that was $5000.   

I don't have any Harleys.

[BomberMann650]

Could scoop up a brand new indian with accessories for prices like that.

[Desert-SOHC]

The cheapest HD I've picked up lately was $4,000.  That was a running, driving 89 FLHS, the first Road King.  It needed a bit of work to get it road ready.  If you are vigilant and look everyday, deals do surface, but they aren't around for long.

[Bankerdanny]

I've always been on the lookout for basket case harleys.
Lowest price I found for that was $5000.   

I don't have any Harleys.

I paid about $1k for a barn find half disassembled piece of crap early '70's shovel head FXE Superglide in 2015 and sold it a year later cleaner and with a couple hundred in extra parts for $2k, and that was with a salvage certificate rather than a title.

[Stev-o]

I'd consider this Haldly if I was shopping, it's only $1200...



https://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1972-harley-shortster/6328538714.html

[754]

Gonna be a rough ride to Sturgis on that Spaghetti Hog...

[BPellerine]

many owners put alot of extras on the hds and want big money to recoup their costs,but you still get an old bike for big money,the sturgis is a collector bike to some ,if you want a good buy just look for a plain jane bike and do a little yourself.one thing about harleys at least in my area is that you dont always know what mods have been done,my bike was rebuilt but the guy that had it done cant remember what all was done,but it is a strong bike.bill

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

After owning 2 and customizing the last one with $10K+ to my liking my insight is it's a pride thing. Not necessarily reality or market value. Both Fat Boys were excellent bikes. Never a problem with either. The last was a 2003 Anniversary that I did up. The insurance company took possession of it with 45,000 miles after ~ 9 - 10 years. Totalled. I had +/- $30K in it. They started at $8900. I was insulted!! I ended up with ~ $12,500 on a base price of ~ $18,000 after going back and forth several times and providing a list of every thing I had done to it, the Harley part number and cost. Finally told them if it kept up I was going to charge them for the labor I put into it too.

Be patient, there are many in garages owned by old guys for that one time Harley experience with low miles that are pristine. Stroke their ego, make an offer and walk without getting caught up in the 'glamour' that the owner has. Leave your phone number. You should be able to eventually find a nice one for under $10,000. The market has softened quite a bit so it should be more of a buyers market. Couple more cold months can make a difference.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I was always amazed at how many barely used repos would be for sale at the regional auction (in Poway, CA).  If you had a dealer's license and cash. . .

[MikeSimon]

Even during the days when there was a premium on the price for HDs, there was always a significant difference between "asking" and actual "transaction" price. Most HD owners suffer from the delusion that the bikes are not depreciating and theirs should be worth a lot of money. They are not. Expensive BMWs are mostly GS models. Others are priced right where other brands are.