With reference to 14's and 15's. In the past you could justify the added upfront cost of a CVO knowing that it would retain some of that higher cost in higher resale.
Now you can buy a 4-5 year old CVO within a $3k of non-CVO edition.
A used $40k CVO sells used for $20. A used $22K ultra sells used for $17K.
Just pulling numbers out of my backside, but you get the point.
Well, actually...just pulling numbers "out yer backside" doesn't really bolster your point when they are way skewed... or just totally made up.
The reference one uses should be a bit more accessible. Comparing NADA "average retail" argues against your assertion.
Now, maybe you're talking trade-in? Anecdotal evidence? I dunno, what you're working with, but the numbers I can research at NADA say that the CVO differential remains intact.
Example:
2010 Ultra: 17,700
2010 CVO: 30,700
2013 Ultra: 21,600
2013 CVO: 37.200
Now, you can say that they don't sell for that, (NADA is lying) or you didn't get offered that on trade, but that's where the numbers are right now, according to NADA online. NADA numbers are said to represent actual selling history. Their numbers are based on DEALER sales and are likely higher than what individual sales prices run but the differential would still be there.
If you're talking trade-in a similar differential still applies though the numbers will of course be lower.
I keep hearing folks cynically saying that they aren't selling CVOs for CVO prices...
But I'll be damned if *I* can find those 40,000 dollar bikes being offered for 20K in MY town. Where are these phantom deals?