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[CTcvorider]

I've been toying with the idea of trading in my 2011 FLTRUSE on a non-Harley new German top-end bike.  I've gone to two different dealers in two different states and gotten the same story.  They probably both use the same wholesalers that cover the New England area.  But both dealers came back with trade-in offers at least 9K below KBB and NADA.  My bike is in very good condition but with 17K on the odometer may be a little on the high side for mileage.  One of the sales managers confided that he'd gotten the same results on other Ultras and Limiteds in the past month.

Have any of you others run into this situation recently?  If so, what's up?  Is it just that time of year (they don't want to risk having to keep the high priced bikes around during the winter season or what)?

Just for infomation...  both KBB and NADA indicate the high 20's for trade-in and low 30's for retail.  A cycletrader search show 5 bikes (2 private and 3 dealer) all priced over 30K.  Is it just this area or are things looking goofy all over>

[Cosmic Charlie]

http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/2011/Harley-Davidson/FLTRUSE-SCREAMIN-EAGLE-1803cc/Standard-Equipment

Base Price    $36,199    $25,610    $33,695
Options: (add options)
TOTAL PRICE    Low     $25,610    High $33,695

Average Retail Value — An average retail unit should be clean without obvious defects. All rubber and cables should be in good condition. The paint should match and have a good finish. All lights and switches should work properly. The mileage should be within or slightly higher than the average range. This unit should also pass any emission inspection. Bla Bla Bla
 

Just the dealer(s) trying to take advantage ... imho ... mileage not desirable ... not a deal killer either

The Right Bike will sell to the right buyer for average retail +-, but dealer needs 20% or more to operate ... and will 1st  shoot for the moon - then get serious ... will his need be

[porthole]

I'm sure bikes are no different then cars. Dealers do no use KBB or NADA for reference. Their books, as you have found are quite different.

[Racerdj]

I bought a new BMW K1600 GTL in January and with the low trade value offered, I kept my CVO Ultra. I'm glad I did as I really enjoy both bikes and they are very different. When Indiana reached 100's  this past summer, the Ultra set idle. With the BMW water cooled engine, it was a much cooler ride.

[2018_FLTRXSE]

I'm sure bikes are no different then cars. Dealers do no use KBB or NADA for reference. Their books, as you have found are quite different.

I'm glad my dealer gave me KBB trade-in even with 33K miles!

Most will only offer you 60% of trade in on your first go around.... with all kinds of excuses and whats wrong with your trade.

[grc]

It's very common in the auto as well as the motorcycle business to try to steal the trade-in.  Dealers tend to make a much higher profit on used bikes or cars than they do on new ones, and the way they do that is to steal the trade and then sell it for full retail book or higher if the customer doesn't know any better.

In your case, if you're trying to trade a Harley in at a BMW or other brand dealership you will automatically be offered much less than book value.  Many places prefer to only sell their franchised brands, and other brands wind up being turned down as trades or the price offered is low enough to allow them to immediately wholesale the trade and still make a buck.  If you take a Harley to a Honda dealer you will find the same situation, it's not just the Beemer dealers.  I had a Honda dealer just come right out and tell me she didn't want my Harley in trade and that I would do much better selling it to a Harley dealer or privately.


Jerry

[dlaws01]

Having done much research on this topic, it is almost always better to sell you vehicle (bike, car, boat, etc.) to a private party and then take the cash with you when you make a new purchase.  It is common for a dealer to give the "impression" that you are getting more for your trade in than you actually are. This is an old trick used by auto dealers for years.  If you are intent on trading in your ride, leave it at home and go to the dealer, say you have your own financing and get your best deal in writing then bring your trade in into the picture.  There is a reason that KBB and NADA retail figures are higher than wholesale.  Don't let the stealer make the profit from the sale of your bike when you can do it yourself. JMHO  Good luck, whatever you decide.

[JONNIEROCK]

http://www.kbb.com/motorcycle/trade-in/2011/harley_davidson/fltruse-cvo-road-glide-ultra-custom/361734/

      Trade in value on a 2011 cvo Road glide according to KBB is a little over $29K. On the last 4-5 bikes I've bought I have always gotten at least KBB trade in value on my bikes. But I don't live in a metro area, which might help.
        If I read your thread correctly, you where looking for a German bike. If you intend to trade your bike in at a non-Harley Davidson dealer, that might be a problem. For some reason if you try to trade in a bike of a different brand, dealers tend to shy away.                         Jonnierock

[CTcvorider]

Yes, I'm toying with the idea of trading my CVO Road Glide Ultra for a BMW K1600GT or GTL.  I understand the problems associated with cross-brand deals.  Most of the time, if the dealer doesn't want to handle the trade-in bike they'll just dump it with the local wholesalers who usually offer 2 or 3K less than you might get from a Harley dealer on trade.  In this case, the numbers were ridiculously low and I'm just wondering if any others have run into this recently.

[2018_FLTRXSE]

Yes, I'm toying with the idea of trading my CVO Road Glide Ultra for a BMW K1600GT or GTL.  I understand the problems associated with cross-brand deals.  Most of the time, if the dealer doesn't want to handle the trade-in bike they'll just dump it with the local wholesalers who usually offer 2 or 3K less than you might get from a Harley dealer on trade.  In this case, the numbers were ridiculously low and I'm just wondering if any others have run into this recently.

Some dealers also sell across brands... so they just move inventory from one store to another.

The same dealer I buy from also sells BMWs (Has the local PD contract as well) but I dont see anything I like about them. Same goes with 'Wings.

Now.. a Ducati Diavel has my eye.. but not so much I'd want to drop the $20K to own one.

[cvobiker]

Don't mess with a trade in.   Sell it outright or at worst put your bike on consignment somewhere.   Don't give your precious CVO away.... 

[DCFIREMANN]

Don't mess with a trade in.   Sell it outright or at worst put your bike on consignment somewhere.  Don't give your precious CVO away.... 

 

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[tazmun]

 Just one year ago, my buddy found an 11 SERG Ultra on this site for sale in NC.
The bike had 3k miles, air suspension, complete aftermarket exhaust plus a bunch
of other extras and the 7 year warranty. If memory serves he paid just under 31k.
The guy wanted a SESG, and the HD dealer wouldn't give him chit on a trade in!

[JONNIEROCK]

        CT
  I agree, that's not even close to being fair, much less acceptable. I just traded a 2009 vivid black stock Road Glide in with 14,000 miles. I got $14,200 on trade. I paid MSRP, no freight or set up, and saved 700 on sales tax. The only reason I included the other facts, was so you knew I didn't over pay on the purchase end of the deal.
                       Hope this helps Jonnierock

[bmcgc]

I would think very hard about a BMW.  If you tend to sell every couple years you may be stuck with the BMW for a long time.  Around here even the wholesellers will not buy them used because they do not sell.