Which cruisers have the best resale value (retain their value)?

[phatjoe]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and excited to be a member!

I've been in the market now for a cruiser and was wondering which ones hold their value better than others. I don't hold on to things very long, so it's a consideration I'd like to factor in.

From what I've seen the m109 holds its value pretty well. Of course, so do Harley's. What other models do well regarding resale value?

THANKS

[jondan]

If your buying a bike for enjoyment test ride what's out there first, resale value wont make you happy until you sell. I know what the resale value is on my 9 but I can't put a price on the pleasure it gives me. If you do decide to do the test ride make sure you ride the M109 last because it wont fair to the other cruisers if you don't.

[WindyCityDave]

WCD

[CanadianM109R]

Too analytical for me. Its about looks and feel. Resale wasn't in the equation for me. It is what it is.

[LOFLYR]

If you aren't planning to hold on to it for very long, find a used bike of any sort, don't buy new.

Lots of guys buy bikes, put a couple thousand miles on them, then sell them at a huge loss, find one of those bikes.

Buying a new bike doesn't make sense unless you are planning on keeping it for a long time and are not worried about resale.

[g9r]

If you aren't planning to hold on to it for very long, find a used bike of any sort, don't buy new.

Lots of guys buy bikes, put a couple thousand miles on them, then sell them at a huge loss, find one of those bikes.

Buying a new bike doesn't make sense unless you are planning on keeping it for a long time and are not worried about resale.

It seems to me though that HD holds it's value the best because there are so many people that want to ride the name, as opposed to riding the best bikes that are out there, you know, like the M109R.

[antmor69]

If you're planning on flipping it I'd say the m109 is not for you. As stated above, resale was not a consideration for me. Once you get this bike it becomes an addiction. I've already put way more into it than I can ever hope to see in return. But I don't care. That's not why I did it. I did it for the sheer enjoyment the bike brings me. There are other bikes I'd like to have but not at the expense of losing this one. If I can't afford a second bike, then I'm just gonna have an m109.

[HyperPete]

Goldwings hold their value pretty well, but they don't compare to the M109R. Completely different style bikes. And you couldn't pay me to own a Hardly Ableson.

[RicoChet]

There is no way I expect to get anywhere near what I payed for my M109R, and I bought mine USED. I'd be lucky to see maybe even half of what I payed.

This is not a bike for someone to consider as an investment, thats for sure.

[Flanker]

If your buying a bike for enjoyment test ride what's out there first, resale value wont make you happy until you sell. I know what the resale value is on my 9 but I can't put a price on the pleasure it gives me. If you do decide to do the test ride make sure you ride the M109 last because it wont fair to the other cruisers if you don't.

Same, same!

[LEXX1]

Hello and welcome.
If you are going to buy a NEW cruiser then make sure you like it and will enjoy it for a while because after it rides out of the stealership its a LOSS! I will give you a personal example: Bought my 2011 M109rLE last year in August for $13,500 (driveout) today 05/17/2012 (not even a year) the KBB says its worth $ 10,000 and if I even dare to think of trading it in the trade in Value says $7,500! So if you don't want a long commitment buy used. just my 2cents.

Do your homework, try to test ride the bikes on your list, and Enjoy.

Good Luck!

[jimmy450r]

I understand not wanting to lose money on a toy if you don't plan to keep it but I wouldn't pick the bike with the highest resale without considering other options as well
I mean if a vespa scooter holds the best resale is it really worth it if the fun/thrill factor is non-existant?

Any well maintained low use bikes from a major manufacturer
Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki etc. Will hold value
Mods add fun and ease of sale but you normally won't get your money back

You want something to hold value get a rare bike with no miles on it and don't ride it....... just stare at it in the climate controlled garage and think of the money you're not losing

[BigSky109]

I have never worried about resale value since I don't plan on selling my bike........

I have owned 3 bikes since 1975......
1. 1972 Yamaha 250 twin street 2-stroke (paid $300 and sold it for $200)
2. 1975 Honda Goldwing (paid $2500 and sold it for $500, had it since 1980 so I figured it cost me about $77 per year to have....not bad)
3. 2006 Suzuki M109R


That's it! Had the Goldwing the longest....sold it just after I bought my M109R. Don't miss it either...LOL

[blacklightning]

If you aren't planning to hold on to it for very long, find a used bike of any sort, don't buy new.

Lots of guys buy bikes, put a couple thousand miles on them, then sell them at a huge loss, find one of those bikes.

Buying a new bike doesn't make sense unless you are planning on keeping it for a long time and are not worried about resale.

I have been riding for nearly 6 years, and owned 8 bikes (2 of them nines). My suggestion is to be patient and wait for the right deal on a good used bike. I always then attempt to limit my mods (hard to do on the nine) so that I will not loose money when I sale. I am always looking for my next deal. I came across an 06 burple about 3 weeks ago with cobin bags, fairing, and seat. It also had exhaust, crash guards, etc. Probably about 5-6 k in extras. With only 6k miles, it sold for $7200. If my wife wouldn't have strangled me (after all, I just bought another mustang), I would have picked it up and sold my 07. Just keep looking and be patient.

[draggin61]

Which cruisers have the best resale value (retain their value)?

The ones that other people are selling, never the one you have.

[weems109]

Resale, whats that? I think the question for me is , how much money would i loose if i sold it?

[grampi]

It seems to me though that HD holds it's value the best because there are so many people that want to ride the name, as opposed to riding the best bikes that are out there, you know, like the M109R.

I don't know about that. Resale prices of HDs have been falling lately...whether it's because the market has been saturated with them, the poor economy's catching up with everyone, or it's a little of both, but they aren't holding their value like they used to.

FWIW, I bought a V-Max a few years back, did nothing but ride it for 2 years, then sold for $1000 more than I paid for it....

[RicoChet]

I don't know about that. Resale prices of HDs have been falling lately...whether it's because the market has been saturated with them, the poor economy's catching up with everyone, or it's a little of both, but they aren't holding their value like they used to.

FWIW, I bought a V-Max a few years back, did nothing but ride it for 2 years, then sold for $1000 more than I paid for it....

I once bought a 2000 Honda Shadow ACE for $5500 and let it sit in my garage for 1 year, didn't even ride it... sold it that next year for $7500. Some bikes you just get lucky on!

[CBR1000DUDE]

What has been said already is true, buy what you like cause you ain't gonna make any money riding motorcycles of any brand.
But a point worth considering is the dollars vs percentage of purchase price you will lose. You can't eat or spend percentages.
Dollars however, really come in handy.
Say you buy a HD or Goldwing for 25k, pay 2.5k taxes and registration, insurance for a year 1.5k, that's $30.5k for 2years. You sell it or trade it in for 15K (good resale?)
Not really, you lost $15.5K.
Or you buy a 109 or most any other cruiser for 13K, taxes and reg 1.3k, ins for 2 years maybe 1k, that's $15.3. You sell it for 8.3k. You lost 7K.
That's 8.5K less than the "good resale" bikes.
That's a lot of beer and pizza!

[GassGuzzler]

Too analytical for me. Its about looks and feel. Resale wasn't in the equation for me. It is what it is.

besides I have no intentions of selling my 9 and if I was to add to my stable it would either be a vulcan Valcaro or tVictory Crossroad I heve test rode a few harley's and I didnt care for them.

[grampi]

Plus, if you're like a lot of 9 owners, you'll end up spending more in mods than you paid for the bike, and you'll likely not get much of that money back when you sell it...

[rynosback]

If you aren't planning to hold on to it for very long, find a used bike of any sort, don't buy new.

Lots of guys buy bikes, put a couple thousand miles on them, then sell them at a huge loss, find one of those bikes.

Buying a new bike doesn't make sense unless you are planning on keeping it for a long time and are not worried about resale.

Well said.

And with toys, you have to pay to play.

[phatjoe]

Thanks everyone for your responses, very much appreciated.

I'm more of a sport bike rider (CBR600, CBR1000, ZX14, etc). I've been lucky with purchasing them used, and honestly selling them at a small loss. I never did (and probably never will) have a tendency to hold onto them for years. I typically ride a bike for a season or two.

Recently, I've taken a liking to cruiser and wanted to give it a go. I've seen folks trying to sell 2003 HD v-rods for $8-9k. I don't know if they ever sell or not, but seems a bit insane to spend that much on a 2003.

A better question would be of Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda which produces a cruiser that holds it' value better than the others? From what I've seen, the M109 holds it value well. Just curious if there are other models that do as well.

It's NOT the only thing I factor in when purchasing a bike, but it's worth considering to me.

[tkrsmith0329]

I value my toys by smiles Resale value has nothing to do with it !! Paid 6.500 for 03 V-rod but i do like it and it gives me plenty smiles when i out run it with My 9 Steve

[TORQ]

Not sure, however there not and investment! There a toy, get what you want I did Chit I never intended to be, the richest guy in the grave yard Were not here for a long time. So have a good time! If your looking for and investment, Face book just went on the block!? Just saying

[BigGooch]

Thanks everyone for your responses, very much appreciated.

I'm more of a sport bike rider (CBR600, CBR1000, ZX14, etc). I've been lucky with purchasing them used, and honestly selling them at a small loss. I never did (and probably never will) have a tendency to hold onto them for years. I typically ride a bike for a season or two.

Recently, I've taken a liking to cruiser and wanted to give it a go. I've seen folks trying to sell 2003 HD v-rods for $8-9k. I don't know if they ever sell or not, but seems a bit insane to spend that much on a 2003.

A better question would be of Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda which produces a cruiser that holds it' value better than the others? From what I've seen, the M109 holds it value well. Just curious if there are other models that do as well.

It's NOT the only thing I factor in when purchasing a bike, but it's worth considering to me.

Yeah I've DOUBLED my money building Fat Tire sportbikes... buying used, adding a 300 tire kit putting in my own labor, LEDs a few touches. I thought I may do that with the 109 but fuggheddaboutit. Used nines hover from $6K-$10K and mods seem to never get a return, but who can resist this clean solid vehicular canvas to make into a piece of artwork! But in the M109r defense, i think that years from now, a running nine will still bring the dollars while a lesser Jap cruiser won't. The Hardly Davidsons will always hold their value, I have no idea why. Just the name makes people ready to spend. But Hardlys are boring to me and have looked the same since before i was born. The nine is what a modern cruiser should be. And POWERFUL. Buy as low as possible used, and wait for the MOD bug to bite, it can and it will. But seriously, I have only had my M109 3 months and it looks like a whole new animal, and ther is no ther cruiser to consider i my opinion. And i don't bias my opinions based on what i have. This bike is untouchable, can be made in to a bagger, a fat tire chopper, a damn monster bobber if so desired. It is like a Jeep Wrangler or a 94 toyota supra, it is a cult vehicle. Although im not happy with the resale, It's worth its weight in gold to the owner (exaggeration)
In 2007 i saw orange county choppers and had to have one. until i realized custom choppers can run $30K+ easy. So the M109 with a 280 tire gives all the same thrills PLUS COMFORT, reliability, engineering and substance, along with the best owner's manual ever, M109Riders.com!!

[STL-TIGER]

V-max's and Concours 14's hold their value.

[pynikal]

V-max's and Concours 14's hold their value.

these and victory's as well.