Potential new buyer - Cost of owning?

[brixtonanimal]

So, like many before me, I am looking at purchasing a Super X. Despite the immense amount of valuable information that I have gone through, I am having a hard time putting together an estimate of the cost of ownership. I know what the bikes sell for, but what do the upgrades cost? Is it worth buying a bike with the upgrades finished, or is it better to get it done yourself? I know that it is not possible to know what each individual bike will need; but, as a guy that rides quite a bit, I need to know if this is something that will be manageable. I should note, that I live close to downtown Minneapolis, and don't have a great workspace to perform my own maintenance. I have access to tools if something needs to be done, but won't be able to fix medium to large items at the drop of a hat. I would prefer to bring mine in to a shop for routine maintenance. Thoughts? Looking forward to becoming a part of this community (now or in the future), as I have wanted to for some time.

[franknsr]

Hey Brixton, first off, welcome.
Cost of owning....tough question...many answers. The following is my opinion and I welcome input from others.
Maintenance on our 14 year old bikes is about the same as any other bike of this vintage. I do all my own work and an oil change runs me about $55 using synthetic oil, brake pads run about $45 a set, a tire...is a tire. Same as my Harley. Same as my old Kawasaki.
You are lucky enough to have a couple well qualified shops in your area to do what work you don't have room for, but of course your cost of ownership goes up. I'll let others who are more qualified to comment on those costs.

The difference is in some of the recommended upgrades and fixes for the bike. On my old Harley there was a charging system upgrade that was recommended, on my Kaw there was a rear wheel upgrade...the EH is no different. Most of our upgrades are to increase the lifespan and rideability of the bike and there are a few of them to consider.

When buying a bike you can get a better deal on a bike with no upgrades and get them done as you are able, or you can pay a bit more for a bike that has had them done. If you are looking at a particular bike get the last 4 of the VIN and look it up on the registry to see what's been done. It will give you a better handle on what it needs so you can plan your purchase. Just remember, not all bikes need everything done.

You also have a pretty good community here who will help you out as you have questions.

Hope this helps.

[brixtonanimal]

Thanks franknsr, that helps tremendously. Having owned several specialty cars (german, old cars etc...) I know that each model has its quirks and necessary upgrades. I have wanted one of these bikes since they came out, and I know that if I don't buy one now, I will one day. Right now I am willing to put up with a good amount of quirks if it means that I am able to end up with a reliable x.

[franknsr]

Reliable is a state of mind. :-)
I think you have the right idea. Keep an eye out and you will find a bike with the important stuff already done then chip away at what you want to do over time. 

The cool thing about this group is no matter where you go in the US, you aren't far from a fellow rider who probably doesn't mind helping out if you are in need.

[sdhow]

Don't go into this thinking these are "cheap" alternatives to a Harley.  I'd say you'll have as much, if not more, into a 14 year old X as you would the other brands.

That said, my guesstimate is you'll be into a low mileage X for between $10 and $15k when you've addressed all of the "issues".  This amount is dependent on the level of work you do yourself vs. having it done for you.  From there, it's about maintenance costs, etc.

I would say these are not usually your "everyday rider" bikes, although some here (including me) have put some miles on them.  I've also spent my fair share of hours along side a road waiting for a trailer, too.

[wytfut]

Updates if you have a shop do the important ones can run around 3k. Do them yourself, more like 1.5k.
As long as we understand reliable is a state of mind. I believe these machines are actually no worse than anything else out there...... If the up dates are done.

Mine presently has been trouble free (except had to replace motor mounts and new tire) the last 3 years, about the same time I got the last update done.

I bought mine with 1.6k miles on it in 2001, and now have 32k.  Been a great bike....probably will never sell...

[wytfut]

Ok I'll add more....
A person can pay your stated amount  sdhow...   And I agree to a point. But I've helped 2 friends buy X's in the past 5 years for substantially less.

R/O out of council bluffs Iowa with 4k miles....  Paid 5k..... Drove less than 500 miles and spun the mains. Sent it to Jamies....   Total cost for basically a brand new X and original purchase included for around 10.5 k...
Other was another R/O out of new mexico.... 10k miles, all updates down except fan assist.... Bought for 4.2k.   Total investment.... 5 k.... Bike had sat..

Low milage are going to harder and harder to find as I'm sure we all realize.  Hi milage is going to be the norm for us commoners. Low milage are out there, but way out of my price range...
Bruce

[2CoolWheels]

Bruce,
   You forgot to mention helping me buy 901, green/oyster (and thanks a million for that).
    I paid $6250 for a nice clean bike with all the upgrades except the rear wheel bearing. I've put 10,000 miles on that bike in a little over a year, with no problems to speak of, until.......you guessed it, my rear wheel bearing started to "wallow" in the hub.  I got it fixed just a week and a half ago. The bearing was around $10 on line, and I found a local machine shop that did the work for $50.  And of course, tires....
   Very dependable bikes, I haven't had to do any major repairs to 741, other than inspecting the trans to be sure the upgrades were done, and installing the oil pick up tube (and a little stator experimentation, but that's another blog). I've put 12,000 miles on it.
    Mike

[brixtonanimal]

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all of the replies. As previously stated, I am not set up to be doing any major maintenance on a bike. Do people generally buy these bikes as a daily, or do they have Harleys etc. for the majority of their riding?

[wytfut]

Oh geez Mike.... Forgot about my favorite adventure.....   And it worked out very well also....

Brixton... I say more than half do not ride as a regular ride their X. My best guess would be around 60%. That number could easily be higher.

But my X is my only bike, Mike obviously rides the dickens out of his...... And I know many more.

A sidenote.... Its surprising how many owners have multiple X's. in our family we have 3. Mike has 2. I know of 2 parties that have 15 (obviously as collectors), and I've heard of a gentleman who is not involved in the X community in Minn. who has over 30. 2 or 3 is real common.

Bruce

[sdhow]

You HAVE to own multiple bikes...one to ride and one for reference when it breaks and you gotta figure out how it goes back together.

Oh...and to steal parts off until you can call Marty and have her ship what you need to replace on the donor.

And guys, when I say $12-15k, I mean to fully bring your bike up to snuff; do ALL the upgrades, ship it out to Jamie (and back), rechrome pitted parts, add the accessories you want, refinish any sheetmetal damage, etc. 

#386 has 38k miles on her, and people think it's a brand new bike.

[Jumper]

There are some great deals out here both upgraded and stock. E-Bay has some deals and Craigslist.org will have some too.... Get an X and join the fun!! Of course... If you do... You gotta buy the first round!

Jumper

 

[brixtonanimal]

Thanks guys, at this point I have something in the works. I will be sure to post something when things are finalized. Looking forward to joining this community!