First Ride of the Year

[Tony C.]

After reading Ed Norton's post this morning about his first ride of the year, I decided to take the afternoon off and go for a ride. So thanks Ed! There's been a string of good weather days that I didn't take advantage of.  Today was different. I e-mailed my boss and told him I was taking the afternoon off. He said no problem.

Did a total of 94 miles. I rode the Valkyrie to two Honda dealerships to have them look it over and talk about potential trade in value, should I pull the trigger on the 2018 Wing. The hang-up at both dealerships was the high mileage. At this point ~100,400 miles. They both used the NADA guide. I compared the NADA guide with the Kelley Blue book values on-line and the Kelly Blue Book prices are higher.

Motosports International in Auburn, MA looked it over and started the bike. They balled parked the trade at ~$2,400 or less. That price seems reasonable with the NADA guides. They wanted me to leave it so they had time to go over it completely. I said not today.

Next stop was MTR Racing in Woonsocket, RI. That's where I bought my Valkyrie 18 years ago this April. They spent more time looking at the Valkyrie and came up with a trade in value of $1,800. That seems low compared to the NADA guide. MTR does offer consignment. They take a 10% consignment fee if you by a bike from them. Consignment is attractive because it's like a private sale without the hassle. A consignment price could be in the $3,700 range.

Motosports had a white GW Tour DCT. I didn't ride it because I'm not interested in the DCT. MTR had no GWs.  I'll probably visit at least two more Honda dealers before I make the decision.

Regarding the new Wing, I understand why Dan decided to pass. I hope that Ed tells us why he passed. Come on Ed!

I've yet to ride the new Wing. I told both dealerships I'm not spending $27K plus on a motorcycle unless I can ride it first. We'll see what happens.

Bottom line, it felt great to get out and ride today. The Valkyrie continues to put a big smile on my face


P.S. No the picture below is not from today. I just had to do it because of Ed's many posts. 

[GaryC]

$1,800 trade in! Maybe it's just sentimental value but damn no way should these bikes be going for that price. I though 5k was a steal.

[Tony C.]

$1,800 trade in! Maybe it's just sentimental value but damn no way should these bikes be going for that price. I though 5k was a steal.

Gary I'd love to get $5K for it, even in consignment. But with the mileage, it's not likely. 

[ybnorml]

Nice to hear you was able to play hooky this afternoon
and squeeze in a ride Tony....