Paid $20,000 sold for $14,900. Thats only a loss of $5,100 in 4 years. Compaired to any car, boat or bike, that's called holding it's value. A 4 year old Yamaha that sold for 13,000, might be worth 5-6k. Do the math. Harley's still hold their value better than any vehicle ever made (Name brand wise)...

 

"Only" a loss of $5100.00 ? Actually that sounds like quite a bit to me, especially when you consider that if the guy was the typical Harley owner and poured out another few thousand in chrome in those few years before he sold it.

 

Two words: Capitalism, Stockholders.
Plus, very smart CEO and Board of Directors.

Try this with your vette. I did it when I bought one of my current Harleys new in '95.



I paid $11,400 for a Softail Custom at the time. At the same time I invested $11,500 in Harley-Davidson stock (HDI).

In less than 3 years I sold the HDI stock for a NET GAIN of over $12,000! During the 3 years, while I watched the stock appreciate HDI also paid dividends that I used to buy chrome and perform maintenance. Had I kept the stock a few years longer it would've split a few times and doubled again!

So, in essence, I got my Harley for free! Doesn't matter what I sell it for, I recovered my purchase price a long time ago.

Try that with a vette (i.e., invest what you paid for your vette in GM stock. See what it'll be worth in 3 years, or 5, or 10! I don't think you'll even get all your depreciation back let alone the price you paid for it.)

Moral of this story. Own a Vette. Invest in Harley-Davidson. Ya' see, it's all good!
..rickko..

 

Yes, $15000 give or take, whether it is a 2001 or a 2006. My thinking is most Harley owners buy them as a luxury toy and can afford to let them sit. Plus they don’t take up as much space in the garage, so there is no big hurry to sell.

 

Good points.

 

 

I keep mine both and give the GSXR to my son.

 

Interesting thread!! Your results may differ but here in the heartlands the prices for the Harleys have softened considerably. I had my first bike at the ripe old age of 14 which was well over 35 years ago. I've had a lot of different bikes including some that said H-D on the logo. Bottom line is that I've enjoyed everyone and I still enjoy the ones I ride now even if they aren't a Harley.

I bought my first new Harley in 1989. They were willing to discount off of list to sell it. A few years later and "Harley Fever" hit and the same dealer wanted $5K over sticker for a Fatboy. I didn't buy that bike. I traveled for my job during that time and dealership after dealership had no bikes on the floor. They were still asking (and I guess getting) a few grand over sticker.

Fast forward to today and every Harley dealership I've been in during the past couple of years has plenty of bikes. They are being sold for sticker and I've even heard some cases of some small discounts being offered to move the inventory. I've also been watching the used bike market and I've seen some pretty decent deals out there.

I'll no doubt have another Harley at some point in time but I'm pretty sure that I'll pay what I want to for it and none of the Vettes will be sold in the process.

Ride safe and often!!!

PS. I really like those black cherry Ultras!!!

 

That is a NICE couple you have sitting there!

And I agree with your points. I have done my time on cruisers and they just don't excite me anymore. A funny thing is to swap between a cruiser and sportbike in the middle of a ride in the twisties. It's like going from an old Caddy to a new C6 Z06. Just amazing! The difference in handling is hard to describe, you have to experience it. They're pretty uncomfortable though, but the nakeds (FZ1, 919 etc) give 90% of the performance but a much better riding position.

Oh, I say keep the Vette. A sportscar of that caliber is way more fun than a cruiser. But hey, that's just me.

 

A few years ago I had the chance to buy either a Harley or Corvette.....here I am and have never looked back. The rain and traffic crowds tipped the scales.

 

Harleys Suck!

 

I rode a Harley long before it was 'fashionable' and I enjoyed my many years riding with true enthusiasts, but today way too many riders are just playing dress-up. Nothing I did on the Harley can ever compare to the rush driving our Vette. After the bike started collecting dust in the garage I gave it to my son and never looked back.

 

Neither.....Keep the Vette, Keep the Harley....SELL THE WIFE!!!!

 

So does the Austin-Healy, Jaguar, Land Rover and Triumph!

 

I had two verts and a Harley and loved all of them and being mostly retired , I enjoyed them almost every day. August 30,2006 I was riding the harley on a four lane on the right side and went off on the gravel just a few inches. The bike started fishtailing and I woke up in a ambulance. With some brain damage and spinal injurys I am very happy to only drive a vette with four wheels.

 

What do you expect from someone that drives on the wrong side of the road!

 

Got tired of the morons in Houston trying to kill me, sold the Harley and bought the Vette! Sometimes I miss the Harley, had great times in Sturgis and Daytona Beach, but don't regret selling it!

 

What's the moral of this story? If you can't beat 'em, join 'em? ...hehee

Seriously. I understand your decision.


..rickko..

 

Any chance of keeping the Vette and getting a Harley?

Best of both worlds right there.

 

Harley! Of Course!