Is it worth the asking price? How to know used value?

[Metal_Bob]

Since I don't have an unlimited budget, I'm trying to find a used 1500 trike without OVERPAYING for one.

Besides buying what you like, find comfortable and affordable how does one value a used 1500 trike?

I know used 1500s are listed between 2k an 10k on various sites and at dealers. I know most trike cost over 10k installed. I know or can figure out what most farkles and trike add-ons cost. However, how do we figure out realistic depreciation if I'm on a budget?

If it matters, I THOUGHT I might get lucky under $15k. However those sell fast during summer and/or are in poor shape/scams.

I recently found another one I want to visit and hope it doesn't sell before I can get there on Saturday.

Does this sound like a good deal?
$15,000 appears to be on consignment at a small shop.
1998 GL1500 probably an aspencade
45k miles
Minimal chrome addons (my style) plus passenger arm rests.
CSC kit with aqua floor boards and hitch kit/tongue
Color matching trailer (pricey brand probably $3000+ with options installed)
Unknown add-on gps unit
2 helmets (I don't use other people's used helmets)
10% sales tax in my county in Tennessee at point of sale or when titled/plated

The ad's pictures are small and I can't see any other options on the trike rear end yet or any minor imperfections. Also the trike is 2.5 hours away.

I have a 94 Interstate and I've test ridden 2 Solid axle trikes, so I sorta know what to check for mechanically. I'm just not sure if this is a great or meh deal.

Thoughts and feed back on depreciation and this particular trike welcomed.
TIA.

 

[Gorilla]

When you are dealing with an 18 year old bike/trike it is what the market will bare with that being said that might be a little high unless it is exceptionally clean IMO

 

[Keystone]

First off, Welcome to TT!

I have a 94 Interstate and I've test ridden 2 Solid axle trikes, so I sorta know what to check for mechanically. I'm just not sure if this is a great or meh deal.

I wouldn't call it a great deal. As you put it more along the "meh" deal. Worth looking at. Perhaps you will get a better feel of how motivated the seller is. For comparision my sister purchased a 2005 GL1800 with a Motortrike kit that had 36k on it for $18k.

 

[JaysGone]

As someone who had rebuilt a 1999 Valkyrie to trike. Keep in mind new parts for 1500s are for the most part zero. So getting an older 1500 is a crapshoot.
Personally I believe your money is better spent on an 1800.
Most trikes are the current value of the bike itself plus the full at the time new value of the trike kit.
Most trike owners reselling seem to believe the trike package looses no value while the bike does.
I might be wrong but if I were to sell my current trike.
Id be applying that theory.
A higher asking price with a much lower realistic price being taken.
Its a buyers market now. If I were to get an offer, Id give it a good consideration.

 

[Pegasus1300]

So what are you willing to pay for your trike? If you know that then I would go out looking for the best trike that matches that price. You'll have to decide what that is. But if you're in the $15000 market there are some older 1800's in that area. There are also Yamaha Royal Star Ventures in that area. I would look for an independent rear end,disk brakes on the rear and a rake kit on the forks. If you have a bike you know and like consider triking it,I don't think it will cost you any more.If you don't have to have a Goldwing look for a 2011/2012 Spyder RT. They are under 15000 and there are many with low miles.

My first trike was a 2000 1500 with a TriKing conversion. I payed $6500 for it,rode it 4 years and 50,000 miles and sold it for $6500. It still had under 100,000 miles on it. I now ride a 2012 Spyder. It sold for $30,000 new and I paid less then half of that when I bought it in 2015 with 8500 miles showing. Good luck on your search, don't get in a hurry,stick to your budget,and hold out for what you want.

 

[kybigmac]

Think I would shop around some more, I just sold my 93 GW with Motortrike kit for $9000. It only had 61k miles on it. I finally sold it after I listed it on Cycletrader.com, if I remember correctly their were 6or7 thousand on there for sale,might want to check that site out! Good luck with your search!

 

[Metal_Bob]

I'm not holding my breath, but I'm drooling over a new find.

$17,000 2005 Hannigan with IS, rake kit, aqua and whale tail. Plenty of chrome that actually looks good even thought I'm not an excess chrome guy.

I've been emailing and getting voicemail from seller's wife, so if I'm real lucky it won't sell before Saturday AND its as good as it looks online.

 

[Haste Maker]

I have this one listed for sale on ebay ...http://www.ebay.com/itm/401154200756?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

[kybigmac]

You won't go wrong with the Hannigan kit,that's what I have on my 08 Royal Star Venture. Well made,great ride and good customer support. (It does help that I live where their made).