My husband let me know recently that he wants (needs?) to sell his chromed-to-the-gills, custom paint 99 Road King Classic. He's only put 200 miles on it in the last four years because we had twins in 2004. BUT--I know he is conflicted and it gives him the yuck-in-the-pit of the stomach feeling to work on this project, so I am trying to get it started for him.
My question (if anyone is feeling generous with being a resource person) is how much market value does literally EVERYTHING on the thing being chromed add? I checked the Kelly Blue Book retail and trade in values, so I know a rough range, but I believe he spent between $10 and $15K above the basic price of the bike in the two years after he bought it (on accessories, chrome, custom paint, etc.). I am not informed enough to "talk shop" on it, but I can tell you that he often got in to 15-20 minute conversations with strangers about the bike's unique features when we were out. I know one can't expect to get out of chrome what one puts in to it, but I figure it ups the market value SOME amount (?).
Thank you for any insight anyone can offer. I know folks are probably rolling their eyes at how little I know, but (as I said) this wouild be painful for my husband to get in to, so I'm trying to get the process started.
HEY,TAKE THAT BLUE BOOK PRICE AND ADD 20 K TO IT.PUT IT ON EBAY,CRAG'S LIST,AUTO SHOPPER,AUTO TRADER...ECT...THERE IS A SUCKER BORN EVERY MINUTE...IT DON ' T HURT TO TRY...SOME RICH URBAN BIKER "R.U.B." MIGHT JUST HAVE TO BUY IT...A DOCTOR,LAWYER,OIL MAN...MY GRAMPA USE TO SAY "HALF THE WORLD IS MADE TO SCREW THE OTHER HALF,IF YOU DON ' T GET YOUR SHARE IT ' S NOBODIES FALT BUT YOUR OWN...HE ALSO SAID "YA,YOU NEED TWO OF THOSE,ONE TO S#!+ ON AND ONE TO COVER IT UP WITH...
I think part of the question is how bad,fast,or if you need to sell will help get your answer. I know you dont want to give it away but you may not want to price yourself out of the market. also what part of the country is the bike in? Here in Wisconsin we have a short season to ride for the novice rider and its half gone, where it may not be worth as much, like in Texas they can ride about10 months of the year and my be worth more. But now is the time if you wait much longer people will think about storing for the winter and will only go for a steal. I hope this will help you get your answer.
I have always been told, and it is the truth, that you never get your money back for chrome. I am as guilty as anyone about it! God help me, I love it! I have spent way too much on it. Some of my riding buddies call me a chromoholic. (I have also been called a chromosexual, but that isn't accurate at all!) Anyway, getting back to your answer; the advice above is good. It is what the market will bear in your area. It is more about the condition and age of the bike itself more than the 'goodies' on it. Check the local newspaper for comparable bikes. Look on eBay also. Good luck and don't ditch the twins! I have twin boys and they are a blast!
Thanks for all the answers -- I figured I'd have to be a little thick skinned to if I wanted to barge in and post here, but this wasn't too bad!
The answers about chrome make a lot of sense... we have business in L.A. soon, so I'll probably market the bike on Ebay and Craigslist in L.A. Maybe I'll find someone with deep pockets who wants to go to South Dakota in a few weeks...(?)
Last question (if everyone hasn't lost patience with this) would modifications like a "Stage 4 Screamin' Eagle" engine and/or "Screaimin' Eagle racing clutch" boost the market value past blue book?
Thanks again. ETA: carburated (sp) bike not FHLRci
WHY YA ! DON 'T THINK ANYTHING ABOUT IT...WE ' RE GLAD TO HELP...HEY,WHY DON ' T YA BUY SOMTHING FROM MY FRIEND DYNAGIRL2007 ? CHECK OUT HER COOL STORE..RIDE FREE !
Hey annee-You're right...You just gotta jump in & take the hazing....but for the most part, speaking for MYSELF...we just wanna see how ya react--hopefully the need to be thick-skinned will dissapate some....//but Ms Traci, (she's fkkkn nuts.)
All the chrome all the money and the twins, aside. If this bike is His dream and you can find a way, maybe ya'll should keep it I am on the far side of the hill and wish I had said no to selling the bike 30 plus years ago and figured how to keep it Hate to say this but I am happiest on the scoot and easier to live with after some two wheeled therapy
Vet's point makes me think of ....greybeard-yea, that's his name..!! He's got several bikes & just as vet stated, I wouldn't & couldn't ever really see Him parting with any of them...//Oh, jeeez thanks jess....
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