I've spent about 3 months looking for a recent model (2004-2007) used touring/sport touring/cruiser to hang a hack off of. I'm looking for more horsepower than my current 650 scooter/hack has, as I want to build my own cargo tub on one of Dauntless Motors frame/rigging. Very slim pickens in my area (Puget Sound in Washington State) for BMW's and Honda's. Seems like the market is flooded with Harley's though. I'm wondering if this is pretty typical? I don't want a Harley (great looking bikes) as I said, I'm looking for HP, and looking at independent tests, the Sportster 883 has less HP at the rear wheel than my Burgman scooter, and the Sportster 1200 doesn't have much more. So does Harley sell more bikes than BMW or Honda (hence the greater availability of recent model used bikes) or are people just hanging on to their BMW's and Honda's?
There must be some listed in the Cycle Trader there. Unless you're looking for a bargain this time of year (NOT).
Naturally the prices are high all over due to the season and gas prices.
Buy high now or wait until the snow flies.
Lonnie
Harleys dominate the For Sale adds around here too. Judging by the ages of the bikes for sale, I draw two conclusions. One is that a lot of these riders think they have to have the newest one on the block. An example of that is a friend of mine who is on his fourth Vrod since I met him in 2002. Hasn't wrecked or lost any, he just gets tired of it and buys a new one.
The second scenario, and judging by the ads the more common, is somebody buys more than they can afford and gets in trouble. It amazes me as to how many I've seen lately advertised as "no money down, just take over payments". Unfortunately, most of these guys owe more than the bike is worth. An example is a guy who has a 2005 Sportster 883cc for sale locally. He bought it new. It had only 215 miles on it. He still owes $5959! The dealers here will sell you a new 2008 for $600 more.
Seems like there's a ton of BMW activity up your way- but maybe it's the older models I'm thinking of? It's hard for me to imagine anyone wanting a new BMW, but try Cycle Trader, BMWMOA ads (you have to join), Craigs list, IBMWR (usually a good selection), and good ol Ebay.
Honda, seems like there are a lot of them too. An ST1200 or 1300, or Valkyrie would be great... Do they make any normal "standards" any more?
Personally, I'd consider a Bonneville or W650, maybe a Guzzi...
Check the seattle craigslist - there's plenty in there.
Maybe Lonnie hit the nail on the head, though? Ya' gets whatcha' pays for, remember!!
8^D
