HI There, New to the forum, had bikes years ago, a couple of harley's, and now have the bug back. Have check out bikes and prices around the place and working out the best  way to go. Looking for a late model Road King. There has been a lot of talk about the price of harleys locally and private imports from the US, I have looked into the option , but I'll have to do more reseach, here is my question. While checking out bikes etc, I spoke with a dealer and the topic of privately imported harley's came up. He was quite adamant they would not trade them or even service them at their dealership. Is this true of most dealers!!!  If this is true the import option might have to get the flick. Also the savings you gain by importing them may disappear when you wont to sell. Anyone got any ideas or advice.  Thanks

I am in NSW. Look I know there is for and against , all I wont to do is buy a bike at a reasonable price , enjoy the ride , and when it's time to upgrade or sell don't have any major hassels. The imports seem to have trouble following them

hi,

is a US dealer a "reputable place", or dealer on ebay, as looking at the import option

although the price of the superglide custom is very sharp at the moment

thanks

 

 

Thanks for all the feeback.  With regard the dealer saying they would'nt touch a privately imported bike, you can understand they are only trying to protect their own patch. That being said, I'm leaning towards the imported option after all the comments that have been put up on the forum. I would be a bit more positive if there are a few more members who have' on' sold their privately imported harley, and what was  the experience they had with the sale. Thanks again.  PS,  I take notice of the member who mentioned , "don't dwell on the sell side when buying your harley", But it's nice before you buy anything , that you are aware of all the possible pitfalls. And I hope the bike I do buy is for life as I am getting on a bit, but I still reckon I could ride all day with the younger one's.!!!  

My scooter has a purple sticker.
Bought it off a bloke who had been arm twisted into the Australian Arm of the import business by his USA based brother in law.
He was one of the most honest up front dead set nicest blokes I have ever had the pleasure of doing business with.
My desire for the entire HD experience was that it had to be a good one.

It was a vibe thing for me.  The bike, the bloke and the experience had to feel right.
- and I had a budget which simply didn't match my expectations on the floor of the HD showrooms.
Importing was my intended option - but touchy, feely can't be understated either.

If I could have afforded it I am sure I would have found a Dealer that could have provided me with the same VIBE.
- but it probably would have cost me more.

Hi Scouser, when you bought your 'Grey motor' from the dealer was there any price difference in your opinion on a comparable or similar bike that was was'nt a "Grey motor". Be good to hear about your experience .

Hi all,

Looking at a 2nd hand bike myself.  I have been told that R.A.W.S bikes don't hold their value and are a risk to buy.  Looking around I have noted 2 things, 1: the R.A.W.S bikes are heaps cheaper and 2: major dealers have HEAPS of them on their floors!  So, some one is telling porkies.  Oh, I noted one other thing at the major stealership, most of their second hand bikes are R.A.W.S but they are charging a premium.  Just another rip off for us.

A point for consideration.  HD's are cheap in the USA but expensive here.  So it seems lots of workshops are importing cheap bikes and selling them off to make a profit.  Will this flood the market? Will 2nd hand bike prices plummet?  Lots of dealers who are not HD sellers are doing it.  I'm looking at a Fat Bob from a jap shop, 2010 model under 4k on clock and less than 20 grand.  The same bike with more K's at the stealership is 25K!

Anyway, if more people can buy a bike and get out there the better for us all.

Cheers,

Pete

Geezers in QLD want about $5K all up. What do you guys do it for mate?

I paid 11K for my 09 Muscle with 5000miles on the clock. I'm guessing about another 6K by the time I get it here and on the road.
To buy one here.....I just wouldn't be able to afford it.

I bought mine privately off a guy in LA....via EvilBay. I went as far as 'google streetview' ing his address and found the exact place on the street where he took the pic of the bike for Ebay. Lol!