Should I buy that Harley Davidson? Investment or not?
Question:
A cruiser, a Highway bike. I rode alot 20 years ago. But not since. I am single in my 40's and need to keep my spirit pumped. and to have some fun before I am done.
I am quite capable, and I am rigid as a Hard Tail.
My question lies with choice. I like Yamaha, But Harley has a better resale value. But ALAS! Harley is 4-5K more expensive.
I know for a fact that this bike will be with me at least 5 years if not 10 But geez 17K is alot for my choice. I will be paying cash of course/. yowzzzz
Answer:
I got my first Harley in 02.Ive had Japanese bikes off and on since I was 16( I am now 51).I have put more miles on the Harley than all the other bikes Ive owned combined.So Id say if you really want that Harley then get it! There is also a brotherhood among Harley owners you dont find among the metric bike owners.As far as maintenence being a pain I have no clue what that means.I found taking care of my Harley no different than any other motor vehicle Ive owned.And mine has been extremely reliable with over 20K on it right now.I have no doubt I'll be riding this bike 10 yrs from now.And its a Sportster to boot.Ive ridden to FL,OK,and SC from Il and kept up with the touring bikes.
Yes Harley is more expensive but you will recoup more of your investment than with a metric.And you wont be considered a "wanna-be" by riding a "copy".
BTW...Harley has not made a "hardtail" since 1964.
buy it, i say!
Hmm...buy a harley sportster and mod it for better cruising capabilities(ie. better seat, saddle bags, windshield etc). I've seen some 1200Cs, that by looking at them, could never even tell they were a sportster. Plus you could probably get a really nice one, mod it, and still be well under 7-8K. Just my .02
True, a Harley holds it's value better than most bikes just on its name alone. However, I have heard that they can be a pain when it comes to maintenance. So, something to factor in is "how much might you spend on keeping her healthey as compared to another type of bike?" My dad just bought a Harley Davidson Road King and absolutely LOVES it though. I guess there's something to be said about owning an "American Classic" too. Good luck either way you go and most importantly, ride smart.
Harleys hold their value well. Just don't go spending money on customizing it if you plan to sell it and recoup your money.
Don't forget to take into consideration other costs like insurance, maintenance etc. The Harley could cost you more and that can add up.
The real question you need to ask yourself is which bike to YOU like the best, and how much is that worth to you? You may lose out on $2k or whatever over 5 years, but is riding the bike you like not worth the $400 a year (or whatever that figure may be)?
a new Harley is not a investment but it will hold its value over anything else but not the sportsters, the cheapest hard tail that's not not a sporty starts around $14k
All good previous answers. Most important, do you want the Harley to impress others or to impress yourself? Do you want to ride a Harley for feel of straddling a HD for sentimental reasons, or would any reliable, low maintenance bike of similar suffice your need?? I like the metric and european uprights(Triumph Bonnevilles) myself, but most import is to go for what appeals to you, comfort and fit. The investment will be the smile on your face. Ride safe & God bless.
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