There are some things we all have to accept in this life, and the fact that a new motorcycle will eventually depreciate is one of them. For years, Harley-Davidson motorcycles played by a different set of rules, with some models retaining their value much longer than expected. Today, this is no longer the case.
Although there are some exceptions to this rule, almost every Harley is dropping in value just as quickly as any other motorcycle from any other brand. The side effect of this is that even old bikes have now become significantly less valuable in the secondary market, almost overnight. While this isn’t ideal for those who already own these bikes and are looking to sell them, there are some bargains available for those looking to buy a used Harley.
There is always risk associated with purchasing a used motorcycle, so please do your research and proceed with caution. The motorcycles on this list go from oldest to newest.
10 Harleys with Real Performance Muscle
Harley-Davidson no longer makes bikes just for touring. These 10 models prove that performance is now part of the brand’s DNA.
1995 fat boy
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
Fat Boy is a cultural icon of the 90s. Its brief cameo in Terminator 2 certainly played a part in this, but there’s no denying the fact that the bike has some serious presence. Unfortunately, its bite doesn’t do much in the way of keeping all of its bark intact. With its old EVO motor making only around 66 horsepower, this 700-pound behemoth is, in a word, slow. There are solutions available on the market for this problem, but the law of diminishing returns will apply, with some of these “solutions” costing more than the bike itself.
1998 Dyna Super Glide
Price Range: $2,000 – $4,000
When looking at any Diana from this era, it’s important to address the elephant in the room. The “Diana death wobble” is not a fabrication, it is a legitimate concern. These bikes were not designed to be ridden fast, and their frames are quite rudimentary by modern standards. So, if you hit a bump at speed, or mid-corner, it will destabilize the chassis and cause a very scary speed wobble. The choice of Diana is a commitment to a more comfortable way of riding.
1998 road glide
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
Prices for pre-2000 Harley Road Glides will vary, depending on the condition of the vehicle. The above price range would be for a bike in good running condition, and that’s about as far as it goes. The same old faithful EVO sits at the heart of this bike, so while it will happily take you across the country in comfort, it certainly won’t get you across the country in any great hurry. Unlike most of the bikes on this list, which will appeal mostly to fans of the brand, this one will appeal to anyone looking for a budget-friendly touring bike.
10 Best Evolution Engine Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
The Evolution era saw notable improvements and introductions that updated Harley’s lineup.
1999 Electra Glide Classic
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
At the same price as the Road Glide above, you can also find the Electra Glide Classic. It will certainly appeal to those who prefer more traditional cruiser styling, and it is equipped with the new, ever-injected fuel-injected TwinCam 88. Although the TwinCam was a step in the right direction, it was a relatively small step forward in terms of performance, and with the added weight, it won’t feel any faster than the Road Glide.
1999 road king classic
Price Range: $5,000 – $7,000
While the Electra Glide looks a bit dated, the Road King has more or less the same design as its modern counterpart. Naturally, the new bike has almost twice the power and is a different, more expensive beast. With the same TwinCam 88 engine on a slightly lighter frame, it will feel at least a little faster.
2002 VRSCA V-Rod
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
Harley knew it needed to develop a new, more modern flagship for the 21st century after more than a decade of stagnation. The V-Rod was supposed to be the same bike, but received a much cooler response. It failed to win over older air-cooled fans, and was not at all successful in bringing in new buyers. Today, it’s simply a fun, fast Harley that’s cheaper than many fun, slow Harleys.
2012 iron 883
Price Range $4,000 – $6,000
While an old V-Rod can be a profitable deal for the right buyer, a new Sportster is an altogether more manageable entry point into the world of Harley-Davidson. These bikes offer an authentic air-cooled V-twin riding experience, come with a built-in community and a wide aftermarket. Parts will never be a problem, and if you’re interested in motorcycle customization, this is a great option.
Know here the price of 5 year old Harley-Davidson Iron 883
Everything you need to know before buying the Iron 883
2017 street 750
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
When the Street 750 was first released, a lot was expected from it. Along with the 500, these were the first truly accessible Harleys in a very long time. Unfortunately, the build quality was not up to the brand’s usually high standards, and many riders were left disappointed with the overall riding experience. Today, at this price, these bikes offer pretty good value for those who want to keep an open mind about what to expect from a bike that isn’t like any other Harley from this era. Or any era really.
2021 pan america
Price Range: $9,000 – $11,000
The Pan-America represents Harley’s boldest move yet. The creation of the ADV was a leap into the unknown, and it initially paid off as the model literally sold like hotcakes in its first year of production. This proved to be a double-edged sword, as it inevitably had some teething problems and disappointed many customers. As of now, all these issues have been fixed under warranty. At this price point, the basic base model Pan-America is now a bargain.
Bonus: Any Custom Chopper
Price Range: $1,000 – $3,000
Currently, it is fair to say that choppers are not exactly the most sought-after motorcycles. Even at the best of times, these bikes are personalized to such an extent that they usually represent the character of the person who built the thing, and don’t hold that much in terms of value. For those looking for a project bike, this is the most affordable Harley-powered option yet.
Source: K.B.B.
