Not all Harleys hold their value the same. Here are the models that depreciate the least – and which ones you should avoid if resale matters.
Why Resale Value Matters
If you're buying used, you want a bike that holds its value. That way, when you're ready to upgrade or sell, you get more of your money back. Some Harleys depreciate 30% in the first year. Others hold 80% of their value after 3 years. Here's which ones are which.
Best Resale Value: Street Glide
The Street Glide is Harley's best-selling touring bike, and it shows in resale value. A 2020 Street Glide that sold for $24,000 new is still worth $20,000-$21,000 used. That's 83% retention after 4 years.
Why it holds value:
- High demand – Everyone wants a Street Glide
- Proven reliability – Milwaukee-Eight is bulletproof
- Versatile – Works for touring and daily riding
- Strong aftermarket – Easy to customize, easy to sell
Street Glides are the safest bet for resale value. Buy a used one, ride it for a few years, sell it for almost what you paid. Browse used Street Glides
Best Resale Value: Road Glide
The Road Glide holds value almost as well as the Street Glide. A 2020 Road Glide that sold for $24,500 new is still worth $20,500-$21,500 used. That's 84% retention.
Why it holds value:
- Distinctive styling – Frame-mounted fairing is unique
- Superior handling – Better aerodynamics than Street Glide
- Strong demand – Riders who want one really want one
- Proven platform – Same reliability as Street Glide
Road Glides are a solid investment. Buy used, ride it, sell it for close to what you paid. Browse used Road Glides
Best Resale Value: Fat Boy
The Fat Boy is an icon, and icons hold value. A 2020 Fat Boy that sold for $19,000 new is still worth $17,000-$18,000 used. That's 89% retention.
Why it holds value:
- Iconic styling – Those solid-disc wheels are legendary
- Timeless design – Never goes out of style
- Strong demand – Everyone recognizes a Fat Boy
- Limited production – Some years are rarer than others
Fat Boys are one of the best investments in Harley ownership. Buy used, enjoy it, sell it for almost what you paid. Browse used Fat Boys
Good Resale Value: Heritage Classic
The Heritage Classic holds value well because of its classic styling. A 2020 Heritage Classic that sold for $19,500 new is still worth $17,500-$18,500 used. That's 90% retention.
Why it holds value:
- Classic styling – Never goes out of fashion
- Versatile – Works for touring and cruising
- Comfortable – Great for long rides
- Strong demand – Popular with all age groups
Heritage Classics are a safe bet. Buy used, ride it, sell it for close to what you paid. Browse used Heritage Classics
Good Resale Value: Low Rider S
The Low Rider S holds value because of its performance. A 2021 Low Rider S that sold for $20,000 new is still worth $18,500-$19,500 used. That's 93% retention.
Why it holds value:
- Performance – Milwaukee-Eight 117 is the biggest engine
- Aggressive styling – Appeals to sporty riders
- Limited availability – Harder to find, holds value
- Strong demand – Performance riders want these
Low Rider S models are a good investment if you want performance. Buy used, enjoy the power, sell it for close to what you paid. Browse used Low Rider S models
Worst Resale Value: Sportster
Sportsters depreciate faster because they're entry-level bikes. A 2020 Sportster 883 that sold for $9,000 new is worth $6,500-$7,500 used. That's 72% retention.
Why it depreciates:
- Entry-level – People upgrade quickly
- High supply – Lots of used Sportsters available
- Older platform – Evolution engine is dated
- Lower demand – Most riders want bigger bikes
Sportsters are great bikes, but they're not great investments. Buy used, enjoy it, but don't expect to get your money back.
Worst Resale Value: Breakout
Breakouts depreciate because they're niche bikes. A 2020 Breakout that sold for $20,000 new is worth $16,000-$17,000 used. That's 80% retention, but still worse than touring bikes.
Why it depreciates:
- Niche appeal – Not everyone wants a power cruiser
- Aggressive styling – Appeals to specific riders
- Less versatile – Not great for touring or commuting
- Lower demand – Smaller market than touring bikes
Breakouts are cool bikes, but they're not great investments. Buy used, enjoy it, but expect more depreciation.
Factors That Affect Resale Value
Beyond the model, these factors matter:
- Mileage – Lower miles = higher value
- Condition – Clean bikes = higher value
- Service history – Well-maintained = higher value
- Upgrades – Stage 1 kits, premium audio add value
- Color – Popular colors = higher value
The Bottom Line
If resale value matters, buy a Street Glide, Road Glide, or Fat Boy. These models hold 80-90% of their value after 3-4 years. Avoid Sportsters and niche models if you're worried about depreciation.
But remember – the best bike is the one you'll actually ride. Don't buy something you don't like just because it holds value. Buy what you want, ride it, and enjoy it. Resale value is just a bonus.
Looking for a used Harley that holds its value? Browse my inventory or text me at 414-439-6211 to see what I've got. I'll help you find the right bike and get it shipped to your door for $499.
