HD vs Kawasaki prices.

[patmahoney]

Was doing some window shopping and noticed that the gap in starting prices between HD and Kawasaki seem to be shrinking. Not that it matters as I just had to get a car so I can't afford either one, but thought it was interesting.

Vulcan 1700 Voyager $17,499.00 vs Electra Glide $18,999

Vulcan 1700 Vaquero $16,499.00 vs Street Glide $18,999

Vulcan 1700 Nomad $15,499.00 vs Road King $16,999

[cactusjack]

Interesting observation, although I'd compare the Vaquero to the Road Glide, which is more similar than the Street Glide.

Road Glide Custom $18,999

[patmahoney]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Interesting observation, although I'd compare the Vaquero to the Road Glide, which is more similar than the Street Glide.

Road Glide Custom $18,999

Either way, I have heard some many people say they went for a Japanese bike over a Harley because of the difference in price. If you are not paying cash, the difference in the payment would be minimal. And the Harleys seem to hold their value longer.

[asterix]

I bought my 04 Nomad with Harley trunk for $4000 with only 30,000 miles. Find a '04 road king for that same amount.

[wiz]

Those are MSRPs. Many Kaw dealers will deal quite a bit while most H-D dealers don't do much if any off of MSRP. Of course if you really like the H-D better, the price difference is not really going to be a factor. There has to be some reason there are 300 ElectraGlides on the road for every one Nomad (statistics source, pulled out of my butt).

[oldbikers]

Originally Posted by Wiz

Those are MSRPs. Many Kaw dealers will deal quite a bit while most H-D dealers don't do much if any off of MSRP. Of course if you really like the H-D better, the price difference is not really going to be a factor. There has to be some reason there are 300 ElectraGlides on the road for every one Nomad (statistics source, pulled out of my butt).

You are right there is a reason it is called image that could be why you have 10000 people that don't ride wearing HD shirts and none wearing Nomad shirts.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by oldbikers

You are right there is a reason it is called image that could be why you have 10000 people that don't ride wearing HD shirts and none wearing Nomad shirts.

Very good observation

[usranger74]

What about the difference in "quality"/reliability?

[bigmacbkr]

Originally Posted by usranger74

What about the difference in "quality"/reliability?

I have a good friend ridding buddy who's owned three Electric Glides in the last four years which is as long as I've known him. He puts thousands of dollars of accessories on each bike he purchases and the 2010 is no exception. I didn't even know they made so many accessories for one motorcycle! Now the bad news; his 2010 has had so many problems that have sidelined him that at the last oil change he was having a shifting problem repaired and was told a bearing? was installed incorrectly at the factory and was the source of an unrelated whine he's experienced. Of course they have all been repaired under warranty but he got snake bit this last time and traded for a Victory Cross Country. He only got $11,500 on trade for the Harley! In his defense, the Harley had 40,000 miles on the clock, and he was simply sick of it and didn't trust it anymore. He loves the Victory and can't believe the difference in power over the Harley. He's also well over six foot tall and must have size 12 boots and now he admits he was always cramped on the Harleys but kept riding them which I guess says a lot for that Harley mentality. He's always liked my Nomad but felt it may have been a little cramped for him and I agree with him. My Nomad fits me perfectly but my 5' 10" frame is somewhat shorter than his and my boot size is 9 1/2" wide. :-/

[ringadingh]

Thats not a huge price gap like it used to be, but as mentioned those are list prices also. I think if it was me, and the pricing was rather close Id go with the HD. It does hold its value a lot better and from the bikes my freinds have they don't have any more reliability problems than I do. Those are american prices and they are a lot lower than what we pay here.The difference between HD and the metrics is considerably more in Canada.

[Jared]

I too have noticed this. If I was ever going to buy New, HD is not much more at all. But I always buy used and I try to take advantage of the quick depreciation.

[usranger74]

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

I too have noticed this. If I was ever going to buy New, HD is not much more at all. But I always buy used and I try to take advantage of the quick depreciation.

My last bike I had for 22 yrs before this Nomad. I doubt I will own another bike. However, if I win the big one, I still would not buy a HD. I just do not like them

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Not a lot of difference between them. But when money is tight just a few dollars can make a difference. I'm with Bill, unless I win the lottery my Nomad is the last bike I will ever own.

[drno]

It costs that extra thousand or two to get the massive vibration option. Also, it costs more to make a smaller bike than the Kawasaki both in engine and in overall size. If youd like a bit bigger ride, with more power, smnoothness, and ultra reliability you have to pay alot less. Its too bad your having to pay less for quality. Suck it up.

[ponch]

Yeah, but there will be flex with the kawasaki pricing and HD will be a starting point most of the time. The real price difference is greater than you think.