1996 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Special

malibu_adam

malibu_adam

Yes.
Hey guys, I am considering trading a fifth wheel trailer I've got for a '96 Softtail, but know absolutely nothing about them. I currently ride a Yamaha Roadstar... and have been a Yamaha guy for a long time... Any advice on what to look for in the 96 Harley Softtail? Is it even a good bike? I appreciate the help!!

My Current Yamaha Roadstar (I would customize the softtail similar)

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The Harley and Trailer Trade Option.

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gnstalodz

gnstalodz

Well-known member
Don't IMO. You can get a softail all day long for next to nothing. Plus the ride on them isn't that great unless you're just putting around town or on the freeway.

But that's a slick roadstar
 
aminalmutha

aminalmutha

Well-known member
I dunno, how old is the 5th wheel? Could be worth next to nothing as well. I wager the Hawg will maintain value better over the long run as the trailer will eventually go to essentially zero.
 
malibu_adam

malibu_adam

Yes.
The trailer is a 2000 Wanderer by Thor. It's a 24' and super clean inside... Like new minus a couple dented blinds from driving with them down.

Thanks for the info guys.. I appreciate it... animal you're probably right about the value depreciating quicker on the trailer than the bike, but I would plan to keep either for a long time anyway, so depreciation doesn't really bother me...
 
D

DReg350

Well-known member
It's not really my thing; it's your thing. You seem to have a vision of what you want. If you have the time and resources to realize that vision... I say do it. :thumbup

I had a blast building my bike up. Will I ever get out of it what I put into it? Nope. I'm good with that. Sometimes a man needs a project. :teeth :ride
 
V

vizcarmb

Well-known member
Do it. I don't see nothing wrong with it. If you can do that with the Yamaha imagine what you can do with the softail. It's not like it will stay that way for long.
 
corndog67

corndog67

Pissant Squid
The main thing I would consider, what 8s the trailer worth vs what the Harley is worth. And have someone like an H-D dealer do a pre purchase Inspection of the Harley.
 
augustiron

augustiron

2fast 2live 2young 2die
the HD is worth about $5500 really, if in good shape and decently low mileage. People ask up to $10 for 90s softails but I don't think they sell for that.
You figure out if you want to trade your trailer for that.

HDs are a dime a dozen and a buyers market as there are 1000s for sale every day. Guys dump tons of money into them buying bling and pipes then expect that cash back. no way.

I tried to sell my buddy's 2013 HD on here, he paid $18k, rode it for less than a year and 3k miles, asked $12.5, couldn't sell it and brought it to Oakland HD and got $10k cash. Rolled over a barrel.
 
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aminalmutha

aminalmutha

Well-known member
augustiron said:
the HD is worth about $5500 really, if in good shape and decently low mileage. People ask up to $10 for 90s softails but I don't think they sell for that.
You figure out if you want to trade your trailer for that.

HDs are a dime a dozen and a buyers market as there are 1000s for sale every day. Guys dump tons of money into them buying bling and pipes then expect that cash back. no way.

I tried to sell my buddy's 2013 HD on here, he paid $18k, rode it for less than a year and 3k miles, asked $12.5, couldn't sell it and brought it to Oakland HD and got $10k cash. Rolled over a barrel.
Click to expand...

If you think that is bad, ever try selling a Japanese bike of similar vintage? :laughing

And if you think THAT is bad, have you ever tried selling a travel trailer that is not an Airstream? :rofl
 
augustiron

augustiron

2fast 2live 2young 2die
aminalmutha said:
If you think that is bad, ever try selling a Japanese bike of similar vintage? :laughing

And if you think THAT is bad, have you ever tried selling a travel trailer that is not an Airstream? :rofl
Click to expand...

Yes, lots. But sellers for the most part realize their 20 year old bike is worth 10 to 20% of what it was new. Most harley owners believe the hype in the specialness of their bike.

Lol 1994 heritage softail classic sellers....
 
mrmarklin

mrmarklin

Well-known member
aminalmutha said:
I dunno, how old is the 5th wheel? Could be worth next to nothing as well. I wager the Hawg will maintain value better over the long run as the trailer will eventually go to essentially zero.
Click to expand...

This is true.

But the vibration on pre 2000 Softails can be problematic. Try it before you make the deal. Otherwise, Softails are good road bikes.
 
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