Low resale value

[holy666diver_imp]

So glad all you responsible people have $8-10k cash to pay for a bike. I was 26 and did not have that kind of cash on hand. I am not asking advice about paying in cash or to be told I "should have paid cash" you think I'm stupid? Obviously I know that, but either way it's a loss. I was asking for feedback on peoples experience on resale or trade in values.

Diver... you asked for real world, relevant examples; here's mine:
I recently traded in my immaculate 2014 DLX for a brand new Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster. I had purchased the DLX used (had 2000 miles on it) back in Aug 2015 for $9800. By the time I traded it in just over two years later, I had over 25,000 miles on the clock but had also added some spendy upgrades (Road Comet fairing, heated grips, engine guards, luggage rack, etc.) All together, I estimate I had $12,000 into that DLX. I offered it for sale at $7000, then $6000, not a single bite. As a trade in, Triumph told me the best they could do was $4500. Ouch. But boy, did I want that Speedmaster, and I could not afford nor did I have space for two bikes. I swallowed my pride and took the offer, knowing full well that it was not the world's greatest financial move I later saw my old DLX in Craigslist through a different local dealer, priced at around $5k...
So yeah, not my finest moment in terms of wheeling and dealing, but now that the pain and embarrassment has faded some, I'm very glad that I made the move. The DLX was beautiful and an engineering marvel, but I believe I've found the right machine for me at this point in my life, so I'm riding on with no regrets and a big silly smile on my face. As they say, "You can't take it with you..."

Diver... you asked for real world, relevant examples; here's mine:
I recently traded in my immaculate 2014 DLX for a brand new Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster. I had purchased the DLX used (had 2000 miles on it) back in Aug 2015 for $9800. By the time I traded it in just over two years later, I had over 25,000 miles on the clock but had also added some spendy upgrades (Road Comet fairing, heated grips, engine guards, luggage rack, etc.) All together, I estimate I had $12,000 into that DLX. I offered it for sale at $7000, then $6000, not a single bite. As a trade in, Triumph told me the best they could do was $4500. Ouch. But boy, did I want that Speedmaster, and I could not afford nor did I have space for two bikes. I swallowed my pride and took the offer, knowing full well that it was not the world's greatest financial move I later saw my old DLX in Craigslist through a different local dealer, priced at around $5k...
So yeah, not my finest moment in terms of wheeling and dealing, but now that the pain and embarrassment has faded some, I'm very glad that I made the move. The DLX was beautiful and an engineering marvel, but I believe I've found the right machine for me at this point in my life, so I'm riding on with no regrets and a big silly smile on my face. As they say, "You can't take it with you..."
Thanks for being on topic. I appreciate your story.

When we lived in the UK we were able to fit TWO children's car seats in the back of the original and much smaller real MINI.

I have a hybrid civic which means the back seat is smaller to fit the huge battery in. I think the UK has more relaxed laws on car seats, in california we are forced to put rear facing huge car seats in the back until the kid is 2 years old. To fit them in I need to push the two front seats up as far as they will go. I am 6"4 200lbs and my wife is 5'11 it is unbearable for us to travel with our legs in the dash lol.
Well I take a week off and look at what happened to this thread hahaha. So my main point of frustration and reason I bought the bike new was

A.) I bought several lemons used with endless problems so new gave me and my wife piece of mind for safety
B.) At the time the 14 was brand new and I could not find any local used 13 or 14s
C.) This model was actually projected to be a collectors bike and retain it's value...When the '17 model was released I saw release plummet. That is my main frustration.
D.) This was not a Hobby it was my main vehicle for 2 years. I rarely ride for pleasure mostly to avoid traffic. (referring to the never finance a hobby comment)

I understand taking a loss but it seems the loss here is substantial compared to other brands like Triumph or Harley. Still has not sold so I am going to end up taking it to a dealer when we get the new car as I found out from an insider most dealers pay nada values and will cave if you are stern what you want for trade in value if you are buying a car. Wish me luck. I'll eventually get another bike when I have the money to NOT finance it lol