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[Puma]

Friends have said, and I've read it on one of the Harley forums, that HD dealers give better trades on Harleys than other dealers because it helps to keep up the reputation that Harleys hold their value better than other brands. Well one of the local Victory dealers and one of the local HD dealers both offered me the same trade value on my CVO RK. Both were pretty disappointing offers at that, but I expected it from the Vic dealer. The HD dealer surprised me.

[VaEagle]

I bet lots of variables were in play on your bike. Dealers may not want a lot of used bikes when they are planning and excited over the new bikes arriving soon. You also have the fact that the riding season may be winding down depending on what part of the country you are in and they didn't want a used bike sitting all winter.
I don't know if it still holds true but in my area the local import bike dealers would call the local H-D dealer to get a price on a used/trade-in Harley and to see if they would like to buy it from them (probably at wholesale). That way both dealers are on the same page and would offer the same price to you.
The myth of Harleys holding their value including CVOs has kind of died since the economy tanked in 2009 or so. Harley can no longer sell the mystique of a CVO as being hand built in a separate assembly area now that it is on the regular assembly line it is more of a trim level now.

[tdkkart]

 All of my trade in offers have always been straight book trade-in value, with the exception of one that offered me $1500 over book trade-in, while
asking $2000 over MSRP for the new bike.

This is how you get burnt when you over accessorize your shiny new bike, because when you trade it in, your dealer isn't gonna give you squat for all those goodies you were so proud of.
they wil of course ask more for that used bike on re-sale, "Look at all the accessories already on it!!"

[Puma]

All of my trade in offers have always been straight book trade-in value, with the exception of one that offered me $1500 over book trade-in, while
asking $2000 over MSRP for the new bike.

This is how you get burnt when you over accessorize your shiny new bike, because when you trade it in, your dealer isn't gonna give you squat for all those goodies you were so proud of.
they wil of course ask more for that used bike on re-sale, "Look at all the accessories already on it!!"

Maybe I should ride it out to Iowa. These guys offered about $3000 under book TRADE value.

[chaos901]

Mine have always real close to NADA indicated book value, now $3,000 less is another story. 

[HUBBARD]

My favorite line:  "How will ya' trade on that one?"  "Just like you didn't have nothing!"  There's the truth of the matter.  Sell yours, and buy straight out.  There endeth the lesson.     Later--HUBBARD

[Puma]

My favorite line:  "How will ya' trade on that one?"  "Just like you didn't have nothing!"  There's the truth of the matter.  Sell yours, and buy straight out.  There endeth the lesson.     Later--HUBBARD

I tried. Kept lowering the price every week. Got one offer that was about a thousand more than the stealers offered as trade value. Factor in the sales tax savings (7% in NJ) I'd get on a new bike and I would have been better with the weak trade offers.

[dayne66]

the last two bikes we traded we got what we were asking privately.... with very little interest.  As well, paid msrp minus the deals at the time.

[Puma]

I bet lots of variables were in play on your bike. Dealers may not want a lot of used bikes when they are planning and excited over the new bikes arriving soon. You also have the fact that the riding season may be winding down depending on what part of the country you are in and they didn't want a used bike sitting all winter.
I don't know if it still holds true but in my area the local import bike dealers would call the local H-D dealer to get a price on a used/trade-in Harley and to see if they would like to buy it from them (probably at wholesale). That way both dealers are on the same page and would offer the same price to you.
The myth of Harleys holding their value including CVOs has kind of died since the economy tanked in 2009 or so. Harley can no longer sell the mystique of a CVO as being hand built in a separate assembly area now that it is on the regular assembly line it is more of a trim level now.

I see your first point. One Victory dealer told me he didn't want my trade because he had too much inventory. I also know they don't hold their value like they used to, or maybe that was always a sales pitch, but $10,000 depreciation on a one year old, low mileage bike seems extreme. That's well over 30%. I had a 2010 Heritage that lost about $8000, or approx. 44% in five years and 26,000 miles. That didn't seem as bad.

[East Coast]

FWIW.

I was in the same position when looking to trade in my 2011 CVO SG last year. Dealer offers were not even an option after visiting three places. I committed to selling privately and when and if I sold it I would then pursue a new one. I was very fortunate and sold the bike quickly at a very fair price. The price was less than most others I saw but way more than the dealers would give me including the tax benefit. I know its not easy but don't get caught up in the hype of a new bike and you'll make out much better.

[Fired00d]

I see your first point. One Victory dealer told me he didn't want my trade because he had too much inventory. I also know they don't hold their value like they used to, or maybe that was always a sales pitch, but $10,000 depreciation on a one year old, low mileage bike seems extreme. That's well over 30%. I had a 2010 Heritage that lost about $8000, or approx. 44% in five years and 26,000 miles. That didn't seem as bad.

Nit sure what the percentage is but I have been told you loose the most (IE: vehicles depreciate the most) the first year of ownership. I wouldn't be surprised if 15% was close to (if not) the norm for one year's ownership.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[jaysails]

I had to sell my 2014 Limited CVO with 3,500 miles on it.  One dealer told me he didn't want it, as he could just order a new one if he had a buyer, and another dealer offered me $22,000 for it.  They run around 42,000 out the door.  I sold it myself, but on ebay they go for around 30,000 with make an offer price.  This will be the last new CVO I buy, as they just loose too much value anymore. With the increase in production, Harley managed to kill the used bike market with all their bikes.  CVO's used to be their last holdouts, but no longer.  I think currently, you actually loose the biggest percentage with the CVO's. The years of putting your name on a waiting list for a new bike, and selling your used bike for close to what you had into it, is now just a piece of history.

[HarleyJeffOregon]

I had to sell my 2014 Limited CVO with 3,500 miles on it.  One dealer told me he didn't want it, as he could just order a new one if he had a buyer, and another dealer offered me $22,000 for it.  They run around 42,000 out the door.  I sold it myself, but on ebay they go for around 30,000 with make an offer price.  This will be the last new CVO I buy, as they just loose too much value anymore. With the increase in production, Harley managed to kill the used bike market with all their bikes.  CVO's used to be their last holdouts, but no longer.  I think currently, you actually loose the biggest percentage with the CVO's. The years of putting your name on a waiting list for a new bike, and selling your used bike for close to what you had into it, is now just a piece of history.

Amen!!!

[ultrafxr]

I had to sell my 2014 Limited CVO with 3,500 miles on it.  One dealer told me he didn't want it, as he could just order a new one if he had a buyer, and another dealer offered me $22,000 for it.  They run around 42,000 out the door.  I sold it myself, but on ebay they go for around 30,000 with make an offer price.  This will be the last new CVO I buy, as they just loose too much value anymore. With the increase in production, Harley managed to kill the used bike market with all their bikes.  CVO's used to be their last holdouts, but no longer.  I think currently, you actually loose the biggest percentage with the CVO's. The years of putting your name on a waiting list for a new bike, and selling your used bike for close to what you had into it, is now just a piece of history.

I agree with that.  With a 2 or 3 year old CVO priced nearly the same as a brand new non-CVO with a full factory warranty unless you are a CVO junkie like us here, lol, the choice may very well be to take the easier path and go new.  There difference in new price between a CVO and a non-CVO is just too great imo.  I love my CVOs but I doubt I'll be buying another new one again. 

[Puma]

I agree with that.  With a 2 or 3 year old CVO priced nearly the same as a brand new non-CVO with a full factory warranty unless you are a CVO junkie like us here, lol, the choice may very well be to take the easier path and go new.  There difference in new price between a CVO and a non-CVO is just too great imo.  I love my CVOs but I doubt I'll be buying another new one again.

Never mind another CVO, this might be my last HD (I hate to say it). All the recalls on the Touring bikes, now I just heard the Streets are being recalled. Supposedly there's changes this year to the Softails, so they are next. And when the 120 does go into production bikes, there will probably be problems there, too. My plan was actually to go down to a Fat Bob. Over 100 lbs. lighter than my current bike, and just a simple ride. I'm also not ruling out a couple of Victory products.