The great "Harleys aren't worth that much anymore" observation

[2013r3roadster]

Sucks to hear what you're going though. Got rid of my HD Roadking earlier this year for the R3roadster. Been my experience that I never expect much, if anything from the add ons on a bike in a dealer trade. True to form I didn't get dollar wise what I had hoped as well. As for selling on EBAY you'll be lucky to get half what you paid for the accessories even in perfect condition. Best advise I can give you is get out of your HD quickly and get what you want the first time. Plan on holding on to it...

 

[TRIIICK]

In 2001 some paid more for a used Harley than a new one. I was in on a lottery and was picked to get mine.Those who didn't win had to wait a long time to get their's. I've never understood brand bashing you either like the bike or you don't. Each brand has it's issues. There was a time when my Roadking got just as much attention as the Rocket. Today they don't even look at it..

 

[Tripps]

I love my R3T, but it's not really a "touring" bike, especially with the loud pipes. Probably an Ultra Classic or Goldwing addition to my stable sometime soon.

 

[Molinoman]

Tripps, I may have to disagree with you on your post...a little. Yes, the R3T is not a "true" touring bike (like my present HD or the Gold Wing...the two biggest sellers) but I did two pretty long trips on the Rocket Classic I had and the two 2,600 mile trips on the Thunderbird proved to me they are a suitable touring bike, you just don't enjoy cruise control, an OEM stereo (or a reverse gear in the case of the Gold Wing) or a trunk / tourpak. If anyone has seen my pics when I had my two previous Triumphs loaded up for making those trips then you know with the right kind of luggage you can make it work. As for the "loud" pipes...the Thunderbirds Hogslayers were loud but not that loud where it would make the trip unenjoyable and there is a lot to be said for the relative "quietness" of the Classic or the new R3T.

 

[El Toro Rosso]

I love my R3T, but it's not really a "touring" bike, especially with the loud pipes. Probably an Ultra Classic or Goldwing addition to my stable sometime soon.

I guess it depends on your perspective. In 1965, the detuned single carb Triumph Trophy was a touring bike. In 1972, the Honda CB750 was a touring bike. In my opinion, if you don't care about "listening to your tunes," carrying enough extra stuff to satisfy a pillion, having cruise control and a tach, or having a dealer every 100 miles, then the Rocket is a pretty doggone good touring bike.

If you have a picky pillion, a strong desire for audio diversion, or the need for a button to hold your speed and a dial to tell you the engine rpm, the Rocket's not going to have those things.

I traded my R3T on a K1600 because I had to have all the stuff that goes with a real touring bike. Satellite radio, built in GPS, cruise control, top box and heated grips, adjustable windshield from the factory, etc. etc. etc. I was done with the K1600 in about 7 months. I had another R3T 3 months later, and this time I doubt that I let the R3T go again. Its really a special machine. It reminds me of the Black Prince, or of the Brough Superior. Just an outstanding mount, with very special appointments.

The Rocket is what is is, and if you want what it is, there's nothing else out there.

FWIW, I don't want the R3R because I prefer the K1300S, so to each his own. That's why they make so many different types of bikes. Can't turn a Rocket into something its not, but an R3T is a decent long distance bike if you know how to pack light, and you don't have a picky pillion.

 

[Maelstrom]

One question I am repeatedly asked..."Why didn't you buy a Harley?"...the question itself does not bother me, but the manner in which it is usually asked is often met with a sarcastic answer. Aside from the fact that I simply did not want a Harley, (and multiple sensible/unsensible reasons) there is the matter of "more bang for your buck"...a concept which always led me back to the Rocket when I was considering what bike to get. I've always thought Harley's were overpriced (whether new or used), now with Harley-Davidson's "Rushmore" campaign, perhaps they are broadening their buying base. Now an entry-level biker can afford a used bike with the H-D stamp on it. It could be a marketing master stroke on H-D's part, allowing them to compete with the import saturation. I realize that Rockets generally don't have a very good resale value, but I bought mine for me, not for an investment. Sorry to hear that the value of your old Harley has declined.

 

[rocketpockets05]

I realized my road king was a white elephant the first time I rode a rocket. My grand kids may get something out of the putt putt. Meanwhile I'm enjoining the rocket. Both are enjoyable bikes.

 

[Tripps]

In 1972, the Honda CB750 was a touring bike. In my opinion, if you don't care about "listening to your tunes," carrying enough extra stuff to satisfy a pillion, having cruise control and a tach, or having a dealer every 100 miles, then the Rocket is a pretty doggone good touring bike.

Don't get me wrong, I have a 78 CB750 that I rode to the Upper Peninsula and back, did 500 mile days on it, and I did a 4000 mile round trip to Key West last year on the R3T, I like all bikes, and need a good excuse to get another, Like you, I'd like a few luxuries for long distance trips, I have no intention of getting rid of the Rocket.

PS- I always travel light.

 

[cootertwo]

When they ask me why I didn't buy a harley, I'm lucky/unlucky enough to tell them, "It's at home in the barn"

 

[2013r3roadster]

Is it tripps or is it bungie man? Looks like a good touring bike to me... Just someone in need of some good luggage....IMHO