Motorcycles Should Not Cost as Much as Cars!

[@walkingwolf8072]

Royal Enfield do not come anywhere near price of car. I just bought mine for 4 grand out the door. You don't have to have a Harley. Indian, or Gold Wing to get down the road.

[@justcoffee3617]

The reason I won’t buy a new bike is the price tag!!!!! That and I have a BMW GS Adventure so I won’t ever need a new one…

[@GreatEgret]

You’re definitely set on that GSA. Such a fun bike to ride!

[@asoshkin]

I put over 200,000 on my bikes that I owned in my 20 years of riding. To me it's all relative on how much you can afford. I love riding and I am blessed that I can buy a bike enjoying going out on a Sunday 200 mile day rides with friends. No car gave me that joy and pleasure of driving. So to me the bike is worth more to me than a car.

[@GreatEgret]

200K on a bike is darn good value for what you pay!

[@Briansgate]

no kidding. Most of the 'good bikes' are 18k+ these days. and the ones you really want are 25k+ I can't justify spending that much money on 2 wheels.

[@chrishart8548]

I dream of having a V2 multistrada that's probably in your 18k+

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

I feel you on pricing, sometimes bikes are even more expensive than cars. I am about 6'1'' or 185cm, and like you said how you feel stretched out, I always feel stretched out on every stock HD I have riden. But in the opposite of you, I have super short legs and a longer torso. But the other day I had the chance to ride a sportster converted to a scrambler and that fit was amazing. Despite fit issues for me, I have never ridden a HD that wasn't a blast from the second you start moving. That seems like it would be a great bike for long touring rides... but yeah, that price... dang.

[@GreatEgret]

I think I’m going to start looking at really old road kings. It would be fun to keep an old bike like that running.

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

@@GreatEgret I can see that, as long as you have something to ride when that bike is down.

[@JayShermanFJC]

I love my RKS, put 19k on in 18 months. The windscreen is a must if you do any highway traveling especially at higher speeds. I have RDRS and do not mind it at all and it's probably saved my butt a few times. Between my RKS and my KLR650 I have the best of both worlds. If I want to go have fun on the gravel and dirt it's a KLR day. If I want to lay down some miles on a road sofa it's a RK day. Ride what you want and what you enjoy.

[@JP-dw1fp]

You might not be aware but, prices on every product has sky rocketed in the past 2 years. My Ram 1500 Limited MSRP in 2021 was 62K. a NEW 2024 Limited with the exact same equipment is now 84K. But if you want to save a bunch of money on an RK get the police version. With ABS and RDRS 114 motor plus a windshield and crash bars front and rear, average retail is 21K .

[@ChristianKustomz]

I love the Road King Special... I am partial though because I have one. 28K is nuts though.

[@GreatEgret]

I really want one! Totally nuts at that price!

[@BossMan302]

That’s crazy. 10 of those bikes is what my house costs. I think I’d rather have 18acres, a house , and my sporty.

[@GreatEgret]

You are smarter than a lot of riders!

[@donhenderson5100]

I have to agree. It's just not affordable for me. But... as you stated, one could pick up a clean used one that fits a budget. The 114ci engine has great torque I'm sure. But most riding is 55 to 75. In a way, a 88 TC and 114 equalize. Different strokes for different folks. But I sure like a bargain. Ride safe.

[@cmbiker]

I'd rather get a used 2020 FLHT Electra Glide Standard with under 15,000 miles for around $12k. It is also a great simple motorcycle less than half the cost of this one.

[@1SaG]

It's not like I'm lamenting the death of those 1990s/early 2000s two-tone, pastel-colored cruiser paint-jobs/colorways, but 28k for a nearly all blacked out lump of metal would be what would put me off that thing (among other reasons). It's what I also don't get about some other more modern "cruisers" that don't seem to get that a pretty engine with some visual highlights on it is an essential component to this type of bike. At least in my book it is. I think H-D got it perfectly right on some of their more recent discontinued models like the earlier 48s or the Softail Slim - just the right amount of blacked out components with strategically placed chromed or polished bits to add some contrast and visual highlights. And Triumph and especially Royal Enfield show that you don't have to spend crazy money to get a convincingly retro-looking bike that doesn't look like someone simply emptied a bucket of black paint all over it. All that said: H-D prices have always been a bit nuts over here in Europe. My best buddy just had to have a Fat Boy back in the mid 1990s (some sort of delayed Terminator 2-effect, I suppose) and, at the time, it was near impossible to find that model at dealers because demand was so high. I don't recall the exact MSRP, but he paid the equivalent of a VW Golf GTI at the time, and he didn't have to pay that much over MSRP. Or to put it another way: His H-D was a little less than triple the price of the brand new, dealer-modified Kawasaki VN800A that I bought around that time. And, branding/originality aside, I still maintain to this day that the Kawa was the better bike... :)

[@baldrider]

I preferred the Industrial yellow they offered in 2023. I'm over black bikes. Still, at this price, I'd never get one. I'd never have bought my Goldwing new, either. I've bought a couple bikes that approached $20k but I think that's my limit. I just looked up at Versys 650 and they start at over $10k now. I might just be grumpy in my old age but the cost to play in this world is getting out of hand.

[@bernardlesperance742]

Sounds like maybe you are ready for a change. Nothing wrong with that. And about the price (including ones with fewer features), look at all your options and you may feel that it's actually doable and desirable. Don't rush, but also don't run and hide. Get in touch with your true feelings, as some would say.

[@jasonshortphd]

I did add 2” bars on mine, because I was the same about the bars. I paid $22k for my 23 model last December. I got them to drop the price a little because I didn’t want black either. It’s expensive for sure. Mine also has the hill hold, tractions control, etc. I added heated grips and windshield for distance riding. I also mounted my GPS above the triple tree so I can see my speed without having to look down. I do miss my Tiger sometimes. I want to get another adventure bike at some point. Not sure what yet.

[@GreatEgret]

I would definitely be more comfortable paying $22K. Harley built less RKs this year to push interest to the new Street and Road Glides. It worked, but also made the prices on RKs skyrocket. I’m either gonna get a used one or wait to see what the 2025 models go for.

[@GreatEgret]

Also, those are some great mods!

[@jasonshortphd]

@@GreatEgret Yea the SG/RG are the focus this year for sure. And I liked them, but I wanted low tech for a while. Couple years down the road I might upgrade, but for now its just what I wanted.

[@GreatEgret]

@@jasonshortphdwhat made you choose a RK over a Springfield?

[@jasonshortphd]

@@GreatEgret aftermarket support. And dealers. Indian has let me down. Had a frame crack on my Challenger and they wouldn’t cover it, and getting the part took over six months. I like the bike, but the dealers don’t care about you.

[@uneasyr1der]

Like yourself, totally loved the Road King Specials ever since I laid eyes on one, the blacked-out custom look is great. But have a hard time swallowing the price, even used. If you like chrome, I've found the best value in a Harley touring chassis is a used standard 2015-2018 Road King, you can pick one up for $10-15K with less than 20K miles. For some reason black paint is more expensive than chrome with Harley? Egret, it's funny how we're on the same page! I bought a Honda CRF300L Rally this year for my off road adventures, and feel the same way about owning a Road King. I don't need or want a bunch of bells and whistles on a bike, and prefer the open road in front of me, not a big heavy fairing. Nor do I need an info-tainment system, I've got a Garmin and put audio through my helmet!

[@GreatEgret]

I love my 300L! I feel like I can ride that bike anywhere!

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

Well to be fair about this if we take a look at what some cars cost especially pleasure vehicles that might interest similar people, a luxury truck is like $88K~100K. I can look at a Road Bicycle with all the latest tech and see a machine that costs 10K$ or more. In my mind there's no way a bicycle should cost anywhere near what a motorcycle does. I see absolutely no value in a 100K$ truck, or a 10K bicycle, but I can see immense value and usefulness for a 28K motorcycle. That being said, that is a pretty oddly high price for a road king. I bet it has every single option included on it possible. About your Africa Twin choice.. Funny enough im looking at getting a second bike that has offroad capabilities or can handle some mild offroad/dirt because it's the one thing my fat boy cant really do. I've been looking at what it'd take to get a Transalp, or a Versys650 and throw some 50/50 tires on either one and go lower property to values around the dirt roads haha.

[@GreatEgret]

Road King is a low end touring bike. It’s not comparable to the most expensive luxury trucks or a high end carbon frame bicycle. At most, the Road King should be $20K. Other brands are able to keep their costs down. Why can’t Harley?

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

@@GreatEgret Because Neither is Indian. Indian's bikes cost just as much sometimes more in some cases. Honda's goldwing series isn't exactly that far behind either. A standard base gold wing is 24.7grand. An indian Springfield is 23grand. A springfield darkhorse directly comparable to that roadking, 25grand, and the roadking makes more power. The base model of that road king you rode is also 25 grand. Your issue isn't with harley, it's with everyone who makes a highpriced base touring bike. Other brands are not keeping their prices down on similar motorcycles. If a base gold wing cost 15K, and an indian springfield cost 17K, you'd have a point. But when they cost 25 grand near the same as the road king special, otherbrands just aren't keeping their costs down by comparison.

[@GreatEgret]

Your comparison to the Goldwing just proves the point. The Goldwing is a high end luxury touring motorcycle that offer way more than the Road King and it’s still less expensive. The Springfield also offers more value: better rear shocks and overall suspension, remote power lockable bags, better brakes, TPMS is standard. The Road King isn’t “More powerful.” They pretty much have the same go and torque. The Springfield has 92 HP at and the Road King has an estimated 95. Both around 5000RPM. There’s not a butt dyno out there that will notice that difference and your average cruiser rider won’t utilize the power in that range. Most will keep the RPMs at a comfortable 2500-3500. You need to consider value when comparing bikes that include other factors beyond power.

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

@@GreatEgret Joe... Have you ever ridden the Springfield? Cause I have. I've ridden all of the Indian's 2023 line up. There is absolutely a gutlessness feeling difference between the TS116, and the M8 114. It is VERY noticeable. I know this because I've been riding a 114 for years, and rode several of the 116s. Even on the Sport Chief with Sport Mode engaged it feels AWFUL compared to the stock 114. Even more so now that I've ridden a 24 Road Glide and Street Glide. Stats on pages don't mean ANYTHING. The precision and power delivery from HD's 114 and 117 bikes is WELL BEYOND the 116 in any bike that I rode with it in it. I spent 2 days straight riding indian's motorcycles. I was shocked at how little they stack up. I expected much better machines than what I rode. The only one that exceeded my expectations was the Scout. You also can't judge brakes just because one has dual disc or not. The Sport Chief's dual disc radial caliper front brake setup is awful, It was surprisingly bad on both sport chiefs that I rode. BMW's R18 with dual disc front was out braked by HD's Softail slim with ONE brake disc. I understand that you are pissed at HD over the PanAmerica but you are letting it cloud judgement so you can find a reason to feed into that anger. You've never acted like this before the PanAm. I'm out dude. I've watched you for years and you are better than this. I know you are Joe.

[@GreatEgret]

@FranBunnyFFXII I’m not actually pissed at HD about the PA. That has nothing to do with this. I own a Harley and as I said in the video, I’m going to buy a RK, but not at this price. I have ridden the Springfield. Better than what? I didn’t insult you. I just disagree with you.

[@Tinfoilhat311]

28k I'm buying a Goldwing. I have 2 Harleys already that I spent a fortune on making them right. I'm not doing it again. I was actually going to buy a new Roadglide CVO ST. They wanted 48k. MSRP was 43k. And they would not budge on the price. I walked. And the high-end Indians are up there, too. I live in Texas, so I really don't want a black motorcycle. Found a nice white 6-speed Goldwing for 28.7k, and Im going to buy it. And I can afford to buy any bike I want. But damn have to get value for the money.

[@guzziman]

There are many 2022, 2023 pre owned on Cycle Trader for $10k less ...some with 2000 to 4000 miles..

[@GreatEgret]

Casting my net to land one of them soon.

[@David_Creyke]

Not something I would buy but it’s definitely cool. Honestly most of my favorite bikes are older and much smaller and it’s a much less demanding price range for sure.

[@GreatEgret]

I should be looking at the bikes you buy.

[@David_Creyke]

@@GreatEgret Eh, I never had the speed jones, just like tooling around the neighborhood getting coffee or something. Peaceful cruising 👍

[@seniorp9444]

I feel the comment on not needing the technology. This is the only 2024 touring model with a real gauge I think. The other baggers just have big screens now. I don’t want or need a big computer screen on my bike.

[@GreatEgret]

Big screens and technology take away from the riding experience in my opinion. I just want to ride.

[@hillbilly224]

Then you have to replace the exaust,seat ,handle bars,shifter,air filter and cams...

[@GreatEgret]

The good ol’ Harley tax

[@ryanm.9197]

You don’t have to do any of that.

[@GreatEgret]

No, you don’t have to do any of that, but the fun of owning a motorcycle, especially a Sporty, is modifying it.

[@ryanm.9197]

It's expensive, but it is a great bike. Hell, I just spent 40k on a Honda Accord and damn near 4 bucks for a carton of eggs. Stuff is expensive nowadays. The Road King is really the only touring model that would interest me because of the looks, lack of fairing with some music system that I would never use and some digital display I don't want to look at. I have a 21 lowrider S and prefer the gauges down low because it keeps them out of my view...I prefer to look at the road and my surroundings and don't ever feel the need to stare at a gauge. For some reason, Vivid Black is an extra $500 bucks on that bike. I always thought the black color option didn't have an upcharge with Harleys but today that awful wet putty grey is the one that doesn't have the upcharge. Weird.

[@GreatEgret]

That putty grey looks like primer with clear coat to me. I miss my Low Rider S.

[@johnasbury9915]

I had ‘16 Low Rider S that I still wish I had as well.. sweet bike!

[@jeffhresan2886]

AMEN!!!

[@IronLionKing]

I agree that they shouldn't, but the amount of fun they bring!!!

[@GreatEgret]

I couldn’t agree more!!!

[@Avalanche-HFFH]

i wont buy a new one i let someone eles buy it and take the depreciation hit i get them a few years old with low low miles and its like riding a new bike for half the price

[@GreatEgret]

Plus there are so many low mileage bikes out there for sale!

[@jamessouthworth1699]

Over the past 35 years I've owned Harley's, Yamaha's, Honda's, and a Kawasaki. At no point did I ever think a bike is worth as much as a car. The most I've ever paid for a motorcycle was 8 grand. I simply won't pay 20, 30, 40 grand for ANY bike.

[@GreatEgret]

You’re WAY smarter than a lot of riders!

[@lynndonovan4941]

Yeah you better stick to the gas guzzling SUV bro! You’re clearly not a real biker!!

[@jamessouthworth1699]

@@lynndonovan4941 I've probably put more miles on motorcycles than all your vehicles combined genius. If you think the price of a motorcycle makes someone a "biker" you're clearly a fake ass wannabe.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

@@lynndonovan4941 I've probably put more miles on motorcycles than all your vehicles combined genius. If it takes an expensive bike to make you feel like a "real biker" you are clearly a fake azz biker.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

@@lynndonovan4941 I've probably put more miles on motorcycles than you've got on all of your vehicles combined genius. If you only feel like a "real biker" on something expensive then you are clearly NOT a real biker. REAL bikes are built, not bought. REAL bikers know how to turn wrenches.

[@greenrush4313]

Most dealers making 3 k off a bike isnt that good if you own your own buisness. EGRET knows all this

[@golt4576]

How can a motorcycle cost as much or more then a car. A motorcycle uses a quarter or any of the following: steel, electronic, tires, air bags, windshield or glass, brakes, engine or transmission size, exhaust, seats, etc....

[@GreatEgret]

Exactly what I question as well!

[@loyalhearted6101]

I blame most Harley guys for the reason the prices are like this no body is really complaining they just keep on buying especially every time hd introduces new models

[@GreatEgret]

And they are buying these bikes at ridiculously high interest rates that Harley Financial is offering just so they can move more bikes.

[@Weirdalbertan]

Well my last ram1500 was only 20grand less than what i mortgaged my acreage for 14 yrs ago lol.

[@GreatEgret]

My Jeep was just $10k more than this bike. My F150 was $25K more, but it’s a lame luxury truck that I wish I didn’t buy.

[@markurbancowboy]

The RK is a touring bike and is no different than the RG and SG except for the fairings. The RK can ride two-up all day long. I like the look without the fairings.

[@GreatEgret]

The newer RG and SG have a ton of tech too. I too love the look without the fairing.

[@markurbancowboy]

@GreatEgret Yep, there is a bunch of tech on the new RG & SG. Lol, I didn't think about that. 😊

[@freebehindbars8654]

Nice bike, but definitely over priced in this market. Go used, get that same bike under 20k.

[@GreatEgret]

There’s a bunch of good low mileage used bikes out there!

[@greenrush4313]

I ahve the best idea ever. Lets have EGRET build a bike that ALL of us will like and the price will be cheap. I wonder if thats possible. Well Egret is it!!!!!!!!!!

[@dhc8guru]

My two picks for a new motorcycle, Road King Special or BMW R18 Rocktane. $ 28k for Road King, $17K for BMW Rocktane with ABS, TC, Hill hold, heated grips, adaptive head lights. Cruise control. Road King Lost.

[@GreatEgret]

Good choice, man! That R18 is a beautiful bike!

[@lynndonovan4941]

Try a Chieftain, Road Master, Challenger or a Pursuit… you’ll change you mind real quick!

[@ryanm.9197]

The R 18 is a beautiful bike…way better looking than Indian’s offerings and better fit and finish. I really like that engine and when you give it some throttle the way it pulls to the side gives the bike a lot of ride character. Solid choice, but just have a BMW dealer somewhat close by if you plan to keep it in warranty.

[@dhc8guru]

@@lynndonovan4941I considered various Indian models but still was looking at better than $25k

[@thisisours1]

Both harleys and indians are through the roof in my cuntry. 30k for the new scout 101, 35k for a sport chief, fucking sucks

[@GreatEgret]

That’s nuts! Where are you?

[@thisisours1]

New zealand

[@RC44E]

Sounds like you have toi many moto mistresses.....or expensive tastes. Lol. Just remember 69%.

[@GreatEgret]

Possibly all of that is true. I’ve considered buying an old 2000s-ish Road King for $5K. It would be fun to keep a bike like that running.

[@theorthobiker]

I will never spend more than 10K (ballpark) on a bike. If I ever do, there is probably a very good reason for it.

[@theorthobiker]

Also, stubborn American is in 30 days maybe? I am sure two bikes can fit on one campsite. I have site 42 in case you make your way down here.

[@GreatEgret]

That $10K rule is a good one. I need to set something like that. If SAR was two weeks later I’d would 100% take you up on that. I have a month-long vacation starting July 1.

[@theorthobiker]

@@GreatEgret Man, I wish I could get a month-long vacation 🙂 11 days is all I can squeeze with the amount of vacation I get.

[@lynndonovan4941]

Yeah the reason is: you only see a bike as a pleasure vehicle. My big ole bagger that I paid 30k for is an absolute workhorse and I depend on it daily! Than God for the technology they put in these modern bikes to make them safe and reliable! It’s worth every penny knowing that I can load my bike down and go from state to state and not have to worry if I’ll make it or not. Real bikers ride their bikes ALOT!

[@lynndonovan4941]

@@GreatEgretthat 10k rule will get you a worn out unreliable junky ass bike! No wonder you don’t consider the price of real modern day reliable machine. You want a pavement Princess. I got a real bike!!

[@patrickhollis5332]

Yea everything is high rite now with our wonderful tree humping economy but the way see it if want something don’t be afraid to enjoy living the damn monkey bikes are 5000 think about that one but if you don’t want to spend it don’t it’s simple but don’t let money scare you because we are not taking anything with us so enjoy it while you can period

[@BossMan302]

There you are.

[@GreatEgret]

I gotta get videos out more often!

[@ahmedalhosani]

Today they launched the touring bikes here in UAE , and guess what the 2024 RK in primer gray cost is 39,400 US dollars 😂 which excludes the insurance and registration fees. Personally I’ve paid for my 2023 SG 120th anniversary almost the same price my 2023 jeep wrangler rubicon 🤷🏽‍♂️ not sure how they are making their pricing but however does that I don’t like 😝

[@GreatEgret]

Those prices are ridiculous!

[@Bill-xx2yh]

They have always cost as much as cars. Look at the THIRTIES.

[@GreatEgret]

If you’re talking about Harleys, then yeah. But I’ve owned 14 motorcycles in my lifetime and I’ve only purchased two that come close to a low end car and both were Harleys. Give me some examples of the “THIRTIES”. If you’re talking about the decade then , yeah I bet they cost as much as cars because anything motorized was ridiculously out of the price range of most during that time.

[@elwalker9034]

Some of these high perf. sportbikes and bike ole cruisers are priced insane. So many ways to enjoy riding w/o that much expense.

[@GreatEgret]

Agreed!

[@greenrush4313]

Yes they should Egret

[@greenrush4313]

Egret have a nice day

[@fifthgearfoodie5272]

Y'all Harley dudes kill me with this cult-induced infatuation. There is no way in hell I'm paying $28,000 for a stripped down, underperforming bike that doesn't even come with a windshield. There simply is no justification. 'because it's a Harley' is not a justification. Culture and identity is not a justification. For $24,000 you can get a 2024 Triumph Rocket III Storm with a 150 cubic inch, 180 HP, 166 ft pounds of torque and literally destroy that Road King. All that performance and you can adjust the foot pegs to a more forward position and still tour on a Rocket III. And yes the Rocket III has all the same accessories the Road King has like cruise control, LED's, ride modes, etc. for LESS MONEY. No damn way.

[@LeafInTheRiver2182]

Triumphs are less reliable. And if you're traveling long distance and something breaks good luck finding somewhere that'll fix it

[@Weirdalbertan]

So my 108k TRX 1500 would be a no-go aswell lol jk

[@robertpenland2429]

😂

[@freebehindbars8654]

Don’t buy one, no one cares.

[@Weirdalbertan]

@@freebehindbars8654 he’s just poor and angry lol

[@greenrush4313]

i think thats a fair deal on the first bike you showed. I think it should be high 30s

[@matthewdubois6792]

they are handle bars not a steering wheel. you're not a real biker

[@GreatEgret]

What the hell are you complaining about?

[@lynndonovan4941]

You obviously do not understand the technology that goes into today’s modern bikes. I can ride my very reliable 30k bike anywhere I wanna go. It’s not a toy. It’s a reliable machine that is hella fun to ride and worth every penny I spent on her! My Indian Chieftain never lets me down as I travel from state to state! I love it and will never regret what I paid for the adventures that I get to have on my machine!!

[@GreatEgret]

I do understand the technology. I’m just not willing to pay an exorbitant price to get it. I’ll buy used. A rider does not need to have an adventure