Trying to convert

[dan90638]

Hello, folks, newbie here. I'm trying to convert from a Harley Street Glide to an R1200RT. I'm having trouble getting a decent price for my Street Glide, so it's delaying my R1200RT purchase.

My 06 Steet Glide has all the bells and whistles (95" engine, enough chrome to blind you, 90 HP, Black Cherry, etc.). Hang on to your beemer seats now....I paid nearly $27K for that bike 2 years ago. Great bike and I enjoyed riding it, but I'm ready to switch over to something quieter, smoother, nimble and quicker and definitely more comfortable. Did a lot of research of Sport-tourers, and it's evident that R1200RT reigns above the FJR's and ST1300's. Here's where I want to pick your brains, so I'd like to hear some sound advice from everyone.

The best purchase offer I got was $13,500 from a dealer (I know...it hurts to know what it's worth now). The next option is to consign it at $16,955 sticker price with my take being $15,400. The first option, I get quick cash in my hands so I could go get the remaining 08's for a great deal. The next option, not knowing how long it'll take to sell, will give me more cash, but will delay the purchase of the R1200RT. I may have to purchase the 09 models and pay more. Although the latter option will give me more cash to perhaps buy a used 07 or 08 model and have some change left to buy new clothing and accessories (after all, can't ride with Harley stuff on...would look silly). And I don't want to sell on my own and deal with all the inquiries, showing the bike, flakes, etc.

Given these options, what would you guys do? If I were single, I'd keep both bikes, but I promised my wife that I'll try to keep from paying out of our pockets.

Your thoughts, please......

[Ted]

Guess one factor is how soon you want it, and how long your riding season is. Are you in California (90638?)

How long is the $13,500 dealer offer good until? I'd probably go see what I could do on a new '08, before that offer becomes obsolete.

I've never done a consignment sale, but if you can cancel the consignment (or specify a short-term) then perhaps put it on consignment now - you might get lucky. Go negotiate your '08, and if you can get an acceptable deal on the '08 and the consignment hasn't sold - then take the $13,500.

Hope this helps -

[CDNBKR]

I'm in the same boat but with a different bike. I have a 2007 Kawasaki 900LT that will only be worth @ 1/2 the purchase value on a trade in (from @ CDN $10,000 to $5,500). Depending on where you are, tax savings may be an issue. Here in Ontario, Canada, the taxable amount of the new bike is reduced by the trade in value of the old bike. Another consideration is that the trade in value is calculated on the basic stock bike - meaning anything extra that you have put on can be taken off and sold on ebay or elsewhere. So in my case, the tax savings on the new purchase is worth @ $1,000 and if I return the bike back to stock I'll be able to sell the aftermarket parts for another $1,000. That gives me an additional $2,000 for the bike (a total of $7,500 or 75% value of the original purchase price).

Every place is different but there could be other ways of doing the math.

[maccycle]

I agree. I've never had good luck consigning a bike. Consider how many people will throw their hoofs over your nice painted unscratched saddle bags, how many will crawl all over your bike not caring what they do to it. I traded my Street Glide a year ago and got about $13500 for it. There are a ton of them around, if it was me and knowing what I know now having owned an RT,
I'd dump that HD asap. You will find the RT much different at first, but once you spend time with her, you'll realize why so many love these bikes. The Street Glide is one of the coolest bikes HD ever made, but it can't come close to the refinement the RT has. Good luck with your decision.

[dan90638]

I'm in southern cal, so the riding season is pretty much year around. Consignment is worth a try, and I probably will give it a try, but I'll need a lot of patience to fight the immediate urge to get the RT. I spoke with a BMW dealer in San Diego, and they quoted a new 08 RT in blue with ESA, heated grips/seats, cruise, for about $18,832 OTD. I think I can bring it down a notch to $18,000 even. What do you guys think of this price?

I've also seen a few used 07's with 10K miles for about $13-14K, which I'm thinking might be a better idea as it's barely broken in.

I also considered an ST1300 and FJR, but it seems like the ST still has the heat issue, and FJR is more a sport bike and less weather protection/comfort.

I had two sportbikes a while ago, so I think I'll be ok riding the RT. I've studied some techniques about clutches and gear shifting on the forum. BTW...great info on this forum.

[ArthurKnowles]

Well my '06 LT is on consignment right now at the SD BMW dealer. You probably saw it whiule you were there. Since I plan to trade my '96 RT in when I buy my R1200RT you can guess what my choice was.

I figured I'd try consignment first, then if that failed I'd try Craigslist and/or eBay. It's worth the time for me to get a better price on my LT to pay off the loan and get a few bucks back. I'm selling my car (Ford Escape Hybrid) as well, but I'm going to try Craigslist first or other private sale methods before considering selling it to the dealer.

I'm also looking to make my purchase toward the end of the year or early next year. I do have a specific feature set that I want, so we'll have to see how it goes.

[tpd143]

Dan, I went the consignment route with my Road King and it worked great. I had nearly $30K in my '04 RK and ended up selling it for $15,995. It put $14,400 in my pocket which went towards my "08 sand beige RT. My bike sold in one day after several months on craigslist and cycle trader. I started out asking $19K and went down to $15,500 before going consignment. Loved my RK, but my RT is a vastly superior machine to ride. I had a little trouble with it at first, but that was quickly taken care of by my dealer. It sucked taking such a hit on my RK, but with the economy and HD producing a higher quantity of bikes, an adjustment in HD used values was inevitable. Good luck and I'm sure you'll be happy with your RT when you get it.

Marc

[hopz]

Welcome on board.

I moved from my wonderful Road Glide to the fantastic R1200RT. You will not regret the change. It will be a fun learning experience... no joke that... just have an open mind and learn the differences required of you- the rider.

IMO a used RT is a great way to start. There are good ones out there. Do not short change them at all. There is great financial advantage in that route.

You may not have written all that you have done to sell the Street Glide, but I have had success with Craigs List, or the local paper, and although I have not done it, the trade or consignment at the BMW dealer is not out of the question.

Also, while it is a long shot, a trade plus money may work on Craigs list. A lot of people would like the Street Glide... do not overlook that option.

Good luck.

[dan90638]

Thanks for all your input, folks. I'm going to put it up for consignment at Laidlaw Harley. The manager I spoke with thinks it'll sell fast, because it's a popular bike, price will be lower than new ones and it's got all the bells and whistles. So hopefully I'll share the same experience as Marc and sell it quickly......can't wait until I get my hands on the RT.

Another question: I stand at a towering 5'5", so obviously I'll be getting the lower seats or a custom seat (Corbin, Rick Mayer, Russell, Sargent, etc.). I don't mind being on the balls of my feet with this bike as it's lighter...I'm used to it with most bikes. I don't want to lower the bike and modify its performance in any way. I'll only be concerned when my wife rides with me. Altho, with the Harley weighing 870 lbs, it was close to 1000 when my wife rode with me, and I handled it well. So I don't figure on any problems with a lighter bike, but I realize the CG will be higher.

Has anyone had problem being on the balls of their feet with this bike riding solo? How about with a passenger? Does puttin the ESA on comfort help at all?

[ATDRS]

Welcome Dan.
If you go new on the RT try out one of the new factory lowered ones. In the Phoenix area the 2 dealers are loaded with them but very few used.
I just picked up a loaded 07..
Good luck.

[dan90638]

I heard that the factory lowered RT's cannot be optioned with the ESA? Is this true?

[Ted]

Has anyone had problem being on the balls of their feet with this bike riding solo? How about with a passenger?

Trust your balance and try to keep your feet on the pegs until the bike stops - then put your left foot down first. Once stopped with left foot down, then switch to right foot down so you can switch gears to neutral or 1st.

I'm guessing you might have to break the habit of putting both feet down or trying to use your feet to come to a complete stop. I know I did when I switched from my Ninja to the LT. It's not a big deal - you just have to be aware that if you can't quite reach - the bike's momentum and girth will make your foot roll to the outside and you'll lose your footing.

The other suggestion would be if you don't already have - get some full boots with good ankle support and grippy soles.

Good luck - hope you can sell quickly and get that RT!

[hopz]

I'm 5'6"... Low seat in Low Position... no big deal to be on the balls of both feet.

When we go 2-up (which is frequently) it is not an issue since I have an experienced passenger. She knows how to stay centered and to let me do the driving. At stops she does not move around which might throw us off balance. It is not restricting- she is just aware... but I digress... 2-up my feet can flat foot.

Regarding ESA... no intention of starting a war here but in my personal opinion it is not that big of a deal for me. Not a big draw for me. Have I ever wished I had ESA. Do I adjust pre-load and rebound? Yes I do before trip I do that... it may take maybe 2 to 5 minutes. I also adjust my tire pressure depending on the load too... that's a good habit to get into.

[rferna12]

Hello,Dan,here is my two cents on this subject,I bought a 2007 LT on March 2007,paid a little over $22,400 for it fully loaded,put about 7300 miles on it,then after a few long trips I decided to traded in for an RT,the dealership suggested to leave it for consaignment,that I would get more $ instead of a trade in,while I was trying to decide what to do,I met this older gentleman riding a K1200s and we started talking about bikes,he had traded an Augusta for the beemer and prevously a Harley for the Augusta all within one year,so I asked him if he had lost some money,he said yes but he did not know how much longer he had to keep on riding,went on to explain he`s had two heart attacks and survived a bout with prostate cancer,he said give yourself the pleassure,bikes are not for business,the following week I went to the dealer on the showroom there was an 08,blue,no radio,esc,added the topbox,out the door for $18,455,they gave me $16,500 for the LT,have not looked back,I`m enjoying riding the RT and glad I made the decision,hope this helps with yours,Rolando,08RT blue

[harleydog]

I found myself in a similar situation. Bought a new 2009 LT in June paid $20400.00 Plus tax,and fees. I decided the first of August that the LT was overkill for my biking needs. I called 4 diff dealers to see about a trade for the 2008 RT. I was kinda avoiding the original dealer as I felt kinda dumb trading in so soon. Long story short if at all possible stick with one dealer. With only phone conversations about price to all four dealers the original dealer was about $3000.00 cheaper to do the trade. Each dealer said they would not miss the deal because of the trade, indicating they would give me top dollar. Well they did not even come close. I got the RT at Chicago BMW and paid only $500.00 to trade including a large top case and half the 600 mile service. Great guys at Chicago BMW.... Did I mention how much I love this RT? :) It goes in tomorrow for the 600 and the factory speaker install. What a great bike, as they said earlier life is too short, just call the lost $'s "tuition" and enjoy... Just my 1 cents worth...
David

[ArthurKnowles]

Just an FYI. I had my '06 up for consinment at my BMW dealer. It sold in just over a week at my asking price. I will admit it was a good deal. I asked for more than blue book, but include an aftermarket warrenty and all the accessories I had for it including three BMW intercom ready helments. All less than 2 months old.

Point is, I made more money from a consinment sale than I would have on a direct trade-in. Not as much as a private sale, but then again my dealer did the work to sale it not me. And I think their expertise was worth the consinment fee, plus my dealer gained a new customer. I like my dealer and plan to buy my next motorcycle from them too, so keeping them in business is important to me too.

Good luck in your purchase.

[dan90638]

Great news, guys. Sold the Harley on consignment in one week. Could've sold it in 2 days, but the first guys backed out. After the dealer's cut, I'll keep about $15,200 in my pocket. Even greater news is that I found a used 06 R1200RT with only 62K miles, 49liter top case, Rick Mayer seat, tank bag, extended warranty til 2013, new rear tire, 6K service done and CeeBailey windshield for $13K. Cosmetic damage from it having rolled off the sidestand, but just a few scrapes which should be easily fixed. I'll have it in my hands by the end of the week. Can't wait.......

Thanks for all the sound advice. Having studied all the posts on the forum so much, I feel like I've already owned an RT for a while.

I'm already planning for a 3-4 day ride perhaps into Oregon within the month. Like a kid in a candy store.........

[OU812]

Used is the way to go! Congrats on you RT purchase. I ride a V-Rod for show and a RT for real rides. :D