2016 Street Glide Special vs CVO...?

[dwagent]

Hi folks--

Great to hear everyone's opinions. Here's an update on my particular situation...I think I've decided to go with a CVO. I know that the customization options are better and cheaper by starting with a SGS, but I do think that for what I'm looking for, a CVO gets me there with less work (and maybe even less money, since I don't think I would go as far as some of the folks on here have, in terms of personalization).

So I've started talking numbers with a few dealers around here...

The first one told me that a CVO Street Glide NEVER sells below MSRP, and I can check around, but no dealer would go below MSRP because they don't need to...the supply is so limited and the demand so high. But said he was willing to "work with me"...I assume that means maybe a break on warranty or service or something...? Not sure, exactly, if the price is always going to be MSRP, but whatever.

The second dealer was quite a disappointment. The sales guy got all kinds of things wrong about the bike...I knew more than he did (he didn't even know they made it in 4 colors, for example). He also told me it had heated seats (it doesn't). And a few other things. But I stuck around, thinking maybe they'll be competitive on pricing...I wanted to see if the "no dealer will deal on a CVO" story was true. The sales guy went to talk to the finance guy, and they came back with $41,799 as the sales price. $5K over MSRP. I told them I had to think about it, and I'd be back. I won't be back.

The third one that I talked to is about 2 hrs away from me, but a friend referred me. The sales guy was excellent--he knew everything about the bike, including stuff not on the website, and he knew a lot about the sales process and financing options, too. I felt really good about this sales guy, and he quoted me a price of $1,500 off of MSRP. So both of the other dealers were wrong about nobody dealing, apparently.

So my question to the board here is:

1) *IS* that a good price? It's a 2016 CVO Street Glide with 7 miles (so brand new, never titled, basically) Carbon Black with Phantom Flames (black on black, basically). I've never bought a new bike. With a car, you usually try to work up from invoice price, but I don't think that would work here...since it's new, and since it's a CVO and supply/demand is different than a mass-market car...right? Or should I be trying to work from invoice price up?

2) I'm a little worried about buying from a dealer so far away (2 hrs)...I will probably end up taking to a closer dealer for service. Are dealers usually cool with that, or are they going to be..."difficult"...because I didn't buy from them? Since it's a CVO, and certain parts won't be available or cheap anywhere else, the dealer/service experience has to be a factor.

By the way, I was told that Red ones were super hot sellers...according to the third dealer that I talked to, they have 1 red one on order, no ETA, and they already have a $5K deposit on it. They cannot find any other red one to trade for in the Midwest. On the other hand, he was
REALLY trying to sell a white/purple one (so was the first dealer that I went to)...I'm guessing that has been a slower seller.

 

[dwagent]

One of the dealers that I went to had a "Storm Trooper" SGS, too. It was trimmed with gloss white and gloss black parts (and chrome, too, of course). It looked cool, but I don't know if I would like it for a long time...it's cool and trendy now, but a "classic" color scheme might stand the test of time better. I do think a CVO is more likely to hold it's value better than one of these "magnet" bikes...but it's definitely a great option for someone who is looking for something like that, though...definitely a good way to get a bike with character without having to spend the time and work to do it yourself.

 

[dwagent]

Yeah, it's always hard to tell what's true and what's BS when sales guys start talking about resale values, but for what it's worth, the sales guy that I was talking to said that in the Kelly Blue Book, CVO Street Glides are their own "line item"...meaning that their value is tracked separately from other Street Glide models (the base model and the Special)...and this helps to keep their value up.

He gave an example that he said he was personally familiar with, in which a 2012 CVO SG was purchased for $32500 and recently resold for about $30K...if true, that's $2500 depreciation in 4 years...which does not seem that bad at all.

On the other hand, he said that when you start with a SG or SGS and personalize it...at trade-in or resale time, everyone goes to KBB for the average value, and they very rarely account for after-market accessories or personalization (or when they do, it's inconsistent).

So I don't think the CVO "holds its value" literally...but it might be true that it drops in value more slowly. And there are always the ultra rare cases where you hold on to something for so long, and in such perfect condition that it actually goes up in value...

 

[danoday]

I'm not certain how things are NOW, with the MoCo and their CVO's.
I had a 2001 carbed CVO Dyna Wide Glide 2 (first CVO to be manufactured at the "then CVO only York, PA. plant"), that I bought ((#2 of 1,457 made)) as a retirement present to myself back in Nov. 2000 (actually took delivery)... I had paid cash for it when we ordered it in March of 2000.

When I retired in July of 1999 & wanted a new Harley (always wanted one but couldn't afford them), the owner of the Harley dealer in my assigned patrol zone suggested to me that I wait awhile, if I could, as there was a SPECIAL surprise model coming out the following Sept. ...that's all he would tell me. He said it would be a great retirement present that I would be very proud to own. He called me in January after waiting over a year and riding my YAMAHA Star, and showed me pre production pics in Jan. 2000. I waited again after seeing the factory photos (this time 9 months), and he got me the 2nd one produced. The first went to a well known late night TV host. It was My First Harley. After a couple of my buds saw it, they tried to purchase the 25 carat gold leaf FLAME graphics set from SEVERAL different dealers. Could not get the hand applied graphics unless the ordering Dealer's had a verifiable CVO V.I.N., and the registered owner had to sign documents. I, of course refused to help them cheat the system with my NEW CVO.
Here's a pic after I got her back home. Spent 2 weeks at my buddy's shop taking the 131" motor and Baker 6 spd out (that I put in her in 2009) Put the orig. 88" (now built to 95 inch with a Mikuni 42 mm flat slide carb, SE 258's, re-ported SE HTCC heads and all the SE goodies (lifters, pushrods, valve springs, etc. and dyno'd at 109/111). The 131 was simply a timebomb! ...re-built it 3 times after going BOOM! At MOROSO drag strip.
View attachment 9359

I sold "Scarlet" at a well known auction in June of 2015 as I was preparing to buy my Street Glide. Made more at auction than the $24K I paid for her in Nov, 2000. A collector bought her. He had been looking for a perfect example of this model for 5 years. I gave him every stock OEM part I had taken off of her.

Here's a short video taken the day I got her home after removing the 131 and 6 speed tranny, and putting the original 88" / 95" back in her, along with the OEM 5 speed tranny. Way more fun and very reliable, but she was basically a "First Harley" trophy that I only rode to bike shows and bike nights. She served me well, though.
I still have the framed Dealer Poster of my CVO model that the late Phil Peterson of Petersons Harley Davidson of Miami gave me after they had sold their last allotted one. It's hanging on the wall in my home office. The caption on the poster reads ,"CARS HAVE TO BE ON FIRE AND UPSIDE DOWN TO GET THIS MUCH ATTENTION"

http://youtu.be/NstSAxCLn0s

Glidelife, that's a pretty cool story. Maybe one day you will reconnect with the bike. thanks for sharing

 

[scharrin]

I just added the things I liked about the CVO, like the bags. I purchased it in may of 2015 for around 20,500 out the door. It is just a regular SG this is the only way it came in blue for 2015. I have spent close to 7000 since I purchased it but I have made it my own. Enjoy and build what you want and like

 

[2016HDCVO]

dwagent, was wondering if you where able to find the bike your where looking for? I was in Dallas over the past weekend and they had a red CVO at Dallas Harley. I was really excited to see it but personally a little to much red for me. I didn't like the dash. The sales guy said they haven't seen the amethyst white one yet.

 

[dwagent]

dwagent, was wondering if you where able to find the bike your where looking for? I was in Dallas over the past weekend and they had a red CVO at Dallas Harley. I was really excited to see it but personally a little to much red for me. I didn't like the dash. The sales guy said they haven't seen the amethyst white one yet.

Hey man, thanks for checking...Yes, I have a deposit down on a 2016 carbon black / phantom flames CVO Street Glide from a dealer up here, about an hour or so outside of Chicago...planning to close on it next week.

I would love to see the red one...I had a concern that it might be a bit much, too, actually--especially in person. But from the pics on the Internet, it looks amazing,..the vibrant red, the candy apple flames, and the chrome all play together nicely. Of course that's how they get you...with professional photography.

One of the dealers that I had checked with told me that they had a red one coming in mid-March...it had already been spoken for, but he said he would call me so I could see it before delivery (he said that they had another red one coming, so if I liked it, I could put a deposit down on the second one)...but he never called, and I decided to go with the carbon black one at the other dealer, before it went away. Despite the price, these things DO seem to sell fairly quickly, in general.

Over the course of my shopping, I have seen the black one, the white one, and the blue one (the red one is the only one that I haven't seen in person). The blue one was my least favorite...it's nice, just not as nice as the others, in my opinion; the blue is too bright for me. The white one is really sharp, and the purple flames are very nicely done and very unique...I just wasn't sure if I would like the color purple, down the line (like, 5 years from now, would I still like it?)...but they did a great job with the paint job itself, and I think the white would would sell really well in states with more sunshine (like CA, FL, TX, etc).

I will say that I saw 2 white amethyst bikes during my shopping adventures, and both of them got sold within 2 weeks that I saw them...so it does seem to be a popular color combo.

Anyway, so I went with the carbon black, because it looks great and always will (black/black/chrome is a timeless classic combination).

I'm only adding 2 accessories...the integrated garage door opener and the chrome mirror caps with LED turn signals (a little extra chrome, plus having turn signals up higher should make it more visible in city traffic). I saw one with a tour pack, and it looked great--factory paint, including matching flames (really sharp!)...but I don't need it (for now), and it kind of changes the look of the bike by quite a bit, actually. I also asked about heated grips and seats...but the dealer said don't bother, by the time you need them, you won't want to be riding anyway...which made sense, so I decided to pass on those.

As far as pricing, most dealers would only sell at MSRP (one quoted a huge mark up), but I found a dealer willing to give me about $1200 off of MSRP, which the Internet tells me is a good deal. I was also quoted $2700 for the extended warranty (5 extra years past the factory 2 years), and $700 for appearance protection coverage (5 years); the Internet tells me the extended warranty is a good idea, the appearance protection is not really worth it.

Anyway, that's my shopping experience (so far)--good luck with yours!

 

[Mandrew]

I would have thought the streetglide cvo comes with the transmitter for the garage door opener.

Anyway- sounds good. I'm happy for you. The carbon black looks sharp. I have to concur with 2016HDCVO, the red is too red.

On the off chance you don't really love the bike and need to find a loving home for it....

 

[Dirte]

Maybe start with a sportster as it sounds like you have no idea about the lifestyle that comes with this. No one buys a bike for resale value, it's not an investment it's a bad ass machine that you make your own. Also have never met anyone who buys a bike for what it is, but buy it for what they can do to it. Sounds like you might of made your choice so sew on your HOG membership patches and get out there and be a biker.

 

[dwagent]

I would have thought the streetglide cvo comes with the transmitter for the garage door opener.

Anyway- sounds good. I'm happy for you. The carbon black looks sharp. I have to concur with 2016HDCVO, the red is too red.

On the off chance you don't really love the bike and need to find a loving home for it....

Actually, can I get a quick sanity check on my price quote? I got the price of the bike negotiated and everything, and then the dealer sent me deal sheet, and it contained a charge for Freight and for Handling. The amounts are $435 and $595, respectively.

Are these amounts reasonable? Or too high?

 

[danoday]

I believe that is standard dealership amount.

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[dwagent]

I believe that is standard dealership amount.

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Well, the dealer told me that the Freight fee was standard and fixed--it's set by HD and apportioned equally across all dealers around the country, he said...in other words, HD sets it up where a dealer in Milwaukee pays the same Freight fee as a dealer in Miami for the same bike.

But the Handling fee he said was set by the local dealer and covers all of the setup that they do at the dealership once the bike arrives--they have to unload it, unpack it, do a bunch of checks and test, prep it for the show room, etc. But he said this varied by dealer and by bike, and he admitted that it "offset" some of the discount he was giving me...I appreciate the honesty, but I also don't want to get ripped off. I mean, if they say they're giving me a discount off the price, but they're just adding it back in with fees, what's the point?

 

[danoday]

Well, the dealer told me that the Freight fee was standard and fixed--it's set by HD and apportioned equally across all dealers around the country, he said...in other words, HD sets it up where a dealer in Milwaukee pays the same Freight fee as a dealer in Miami for the same bike.

But the Handling fee he said was set by the local dealer and covers all of the setup that they do at the dealership once the bike arrives--they have to unload it, unpack it, do a bunch of checks and test, prep it for the show room, etc. But he said this varied by dealer and by bike, and he admitted that it "offset" some of the discount he was giving me...I appreciate the honesty, but I also don't want to get ripped off. I mean, if they say they're giving me a discount off the price, but they're just adding it back in with fees, what's the point?

I don't think you are being ripped off, freight is a fixed fee and Handling is a dealer fee. This is true with automobiles also. I think it is negotiable, but are you willing to let the dealer make a little money as well. If you feel they have given you the best deal around on the bike and you have agreed to that, than that's the price of the bike. Now negotiate the F/H, what is the best deal? some considerations you can think about are, do you plan to purchase HD aftermarket items, such as, clothing, safety equipment, parts? if so, example, you could offer to pay 75% of the F/H and ask for a 30% discount on other dealer products. I think, If you like the dealership and you plan to claim them as your servicing dealership, let them make a little profit. You will have to return for a 1k mile service on the bike, about $300 bucks, you can work that in the deal. Me personally, Im good with the dealer making a little profit on me, nobody wants to work for free and I don't wont to be ripped off either. Capitalism at work..lol

ALSO, extended warranty cost will be next for negotiation, its better to get it all out on the table upfront and you can discuss it with them.

 

[dwagent]

I don't think you are being ripped off, freight is a fixed fee and Handling is a dealer fee. This is true with automobiles also. I think it is negotiable, but are you willing to let the dealer make a little money as well. If you feel they have given you the best deal around on the bike and you have agreed to that, than that's the price of the bike. Now negotiate the F/H, what is the best deal? some considerations you can think about are, do you plan to purchase HD aftermarket items, such as, clothing, safety equipment, parts? if so, example, you could offer to pay 75% of the F/H and ask for a 30% discount on other dealer products. I think, If you like the dealership and you plan to claim them as your servicing dealership, let them make a little profit. You will have to return for a 1k mile service on the bike, about $300 bucks, you can work that in the deal. Me personally, Im good with the dealer making a little profit on me, nobody wants to work for free and I don't wont to be ripped off either. Capitalism at work..lol

ALSO, extended warranty cost will be next for negotiation, its better to get it all out on the table upfront and you can discuss it with them.

Well, you are right about that--they are entitled to make a profit, but I think it's just human nature to try to get the best deal possible...or at least a fair deal.

I have already discussed a few parts (they offered 15% discount), and the maintenance plan (they agreed to $2350 for a 5 year service plan--that's 5 years past the initial factory 2 yr coverage)...I think those were pretty reasonable.

So this freight & handling fee thing is really the only thing left, and I think these are probably standard and we're not talking about much money...I guess the part that tripped me up was that he told me he was giving me $1500 off the MSRP of the bike, but now that's turning out not to the true (he said the handling fee was offsetting that discount). I mean, it's close, but it's not what we agreed to, and I'm a little concerned that I'm finding out about it at the last minute. Even though it's probably not a lot of money (maybe he could knock $100 off...maybe?), but having it pop up like this, and at this time (I'm supposed to go down there tomorrow)...it just makes me feel like something shady might be going on...what other surprises are lurking?

This dealership is 2 hrs away from me...I will probably not use them for service. I do still want to maintain a good relationship with them, just for the sake of it, but future service quality / discounts isn't a negotiating factor here.

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts. I don't think it's bugging me enough to kill the deal...as long as nothing else comes up, but I'm definitely keeping my eyes open for anything else until everything is signed and sealed.

 

[ThunderStruck]

My .02

It is hard to argue that if you tried to "Make an SGS into a CVO" it would cost more than buying it already done from the factory........but IMO that is somewhat of a fools approach as very few people would do EXACTLY what Harley did to the CVO to make it a "Their own".

What others are trying to say is just cuz the CVO has all those things if you really went down the list how many would you would actually pay extra for and how many are just "Cool"???

In my case I took a vivid black SGS, added the things that really work for me and got a bike which meets all my needs and is cool (the way I want it to be cool) and doesn't look exactly like 2500 other bikes. I think the CVO's are a great option for some and first time Harley riders may be just one of those groups but the current 103 HO with pipes and a tuner will set you back ~$1500 and will IMO give you all the power (and substantially more than previous Harleys) you would want while getting used to riding a heavy cruiser with thousands and thousands left over to add things that YOU think are cool.

If you really like it and get into riding it as many do then the next one will be the one you really know you need and then you can make an informed decision on whether the CVO is what you want or if you want to take 5-8K and make the stock bike your 1 or a kind (as opposed to 1 of 2500) your own.

Whichever way you go you will enjoy the ride.....Good luck!!

You are correct, your bike doesn't look like 2500 other bikes, it looks like 50,000 other black street glides.
Can you say "me too"?

 

[ThunderStruck]

I like the CVO but I completely agree, although they're cool, there all the same. I'd much rather buy a brand new stock bike and make it my own, which I did. To be very honest I could've bought a CVO and had 15K left over when compared to what's in mine, but that's ok because it's mine and I built it. First picture was when I bought her new, second is three years in the making.

What do you ride? Vivid Black Street Glide? Oh yeah, me too. I spent 15K for extras on mine and you? Yeah about the same. Mine is cool, yours is cool but you still got a "me too" bike. Nothing wrong with that...don't get me wrong. But it's not a CVO. Who says you can't customize a CVO? I'll never buy another Harley that's not a CVO and I've owned a crap ton of Harleys. CVO without question.

 

[ThunderStruck]

Well, you are right about that--they are entitled to make a profit, but I think it's just human nature to try to get the best deal possible...or at least a fair deal.

I have already discussed a few parts (they offered 15% discount), and the maintenance plan (they agreed to $2350 for a 5 year service plan--that's 5 years past the initial factory 2 yr coverage)...I think those were pretty reasonable.

So this freight & handling fee thing is really the only thing left, and I think these are probably standard and we're not talking about much money...I guess the part that tripped me up was that he told me he was giving me $1500 off the MSRP of the bike, but now that's turning out not to the true (he said the handling fee was offsetting that discount). I mean, it's close, but it's not what we agreed to, and I'm a little concerned that I'm finding out about it at the last minute. Even though it's probably not a lot of money (maybe he could knock $100 off...maybe?), but having it pop up like this, and at this time (I'm supposed to go down there tomorrow)...it just makes me feel like something shady might be going on...what other surprises are lurking?

This dealership is 2 hrs away from me...I will probably not use them for service. I do still want to maintain a good relationship with them, just for the sake of it, but future service quality / discounts isn't a negotiating factor here.

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts. I don't think it's bugging me enough to kill the deal...as long as nothing else comes up, but I'm definitely keeping my eyes open for anything else until everything is signed and sealed.

Have you considered a Gold Wing? Harleys aren't for everyone.

 

[BillyBob]

2016 Street Glide Special vs CVO...?

Have you considered a plastic motorcycle ? Harleys are for everyone.

Blasphemy !!!! I changed your quote

 

[scharrin]

Made my bike look like no other...its part of the fun of fixing up a bike..buy it already done..well that takes some of the fun out of it for me and still lots of others have the same CVO as you...I would make my own street glide..as I did

 

[IamBr549]

You really need to ride both bikes. I bought a regular SG. Love the CVO, really don't like the SGS. Don't like the pinstripes. Put some of my wants into my bike..4000$.During Bike week Daytona, test road the CVO and wanted to love it but hated it. Bike fit me different and handled different. In the end I'm happiest with the bike I chose.
Don't think too much, you'll drive yourself crazy!


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