Hey
VTwin Mama,
This is the second time I've written to you (the first time for
encouragement), and thought maybe you could post my message to see if
anyone would respond.
When I heard about the automatic Ridleys I was sooo excited. I have
never rode a motorcycle by myself before and I'm trying to do all my
research. I have been actively collecting and reviewing all the
information I can find on the Ridley Auto-Glide Classic. I will be
riding by myself without the support of my husband or family (they aren't
exactly against it, they just don't ride). This is something that
I've always wanted to do and at 53 feel I should not wait any longer.
I am going to look at one this Friday at a local dealership.
Here is the problem. Recently I read a few bad reviews on the bike
and the company, which is posted all over the internet. I will be
investing a lot of my own money in a bike. I need to feel like I'm
not going to be ripped off. After reading these reviews, I don't
really have that warm fuzzy feeling that I had at the beginning.
I have not seen a Ridley on the road anywhere. Are they out there?
They are really expensive bikes. Harley's normally hold their
value pretty well. How well does a Ridley hold it's value? Thanks
for your help, – Becky
Dear
Becky,
Take any make/model bike and you're sure to find negative comments,
especially if the bike was a lemon (meaning, for whatever reason, it came
off the production line with problems that crop up fairly quickly). Although
this site has received a lot of positive feedback on the Ridleys, one
letter came in with some negative details that I think you need to
read through, as it adds notes on long-distance performance and such.
Last Thursday I was up at my BMW dealership to handle a small crisis, which was fixed, and then stopped by another local dealer that now carries the Ridley line. I took at a look at the three they had on the floor and talked to the salesperson a bit. His response to possible problems is that it's all about the dealer's service commitment to the line of bikes they carry.
My best advice to you is to review the warranty on the bike to the nth degree, determine how long the dealership has been carrying the Ridley line, query the service department manager on things they have had to do to the Ridleys they have sold and their satisfaction with Ridley headquarters, ask whether they have a Ridley-qualified tech on hand (do they have to take a course or a test? or does stuff have to be shipped to Ridley for repair), and review the Lemon Law for your state (so you know upfront some details about your last resource for action).
Awhile ago, I contacted Ridley itself, and although they won't share buyer information, they did indicate they would be addressing the need for owner-related input. I just hopped on their site and see they have added a discussion forum, tech question input form, and other sections under the Owner link. You may wish to query the manufacturer as to exactly how many bikes they have sold since they started, and use the forum to see what's up and post your own questions.
The current base price for the Classic is $15,600. I tried to check into resale value, but even the NADA Guide is indicating "DUE TO LIMITED RESALE MARKET, WE ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE USED VALUES." On Cycle Trader I saw a few 2003 Autoglide models up for sale from $10,000 (2,650 miles) to $11,500 (650 miles). In the Ridley forum, you'll also find a few listing for Autoglides for sale. – Mama
Thursday, March 9
For Becky who is looking at a Ridley Autoglide but has concerns:
I have a 2002 Speedster (the smaller version). I have had 2 full seasons with it and love the bike. The dealer here is wonderful. I have had no problems with the bike. It has a deep throaty sound that is louder than my husband's Harley. It can go fast if needed and rides very nice. It is easy to drive and my husband even enjoys a ride on it once in a while. It's the best part of riding without having to think about shifting! You do get a lot of attention when you make stops! Everyone wants to know what you are riding! Good luck in what ever bike you decide on! – Kelly from Minnesota (note from Mama: are you having way too much fun? I think not!)