Buy a Used Harley Davidson Motorcycle and Save Thousands
So you want to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle? You aren't alone. Even in a bad economy, Harley Davidsons seem to keep selling. There's just something about owning and riding a Harley that has created one of the most loyal groups of owners of any product in the world. The Harley Davidson logo is even one of the most popular tattoos worldwide. Yep, there nothing else quite like a Harley.
So you may be wondering whether you should go down to the local dealer and ride home on a shiny new model or maybe take a look at a used Harley Davidson motorcycle. There are pluses and minuses for both choices, but you might want to seriously consider the resale market. Here are a few reasons why:
Save Money
While a brand new bike will have all the latest improvements, buying one just a few years old can literally save you thousands. Motorcycles are just like cars, as soon as you sign the sales agreement the start losing value. Letting the original buyer take that hit can be a smart move.
Get "Free" Upgrades"
Since many Harley Davidson owners spend some serious money on customizing their bikes, lots of used motorcycles have some really cool, expensive add-ons. The good news for you is that these customizations don't usually hold their value any more than the rest of the bike. So you can get both the bike and all the upgrades for a lot less than the original owner has invested in the motorcycle. The only exception to this is with a seriously custom "show bike" which sometimes can sell for more than the original cost.
Stand Out From The Crowd
One more reason to consider a used Harley Davidson motorcycle is to be a little different. While some models are produced year after year like clockwork, other models are only offered for short periods. Buy one of these and you will have something a little more unique than most people. An example of this would be the 100th Anniversary model, which was offered with special paint and trim to celebrate the Centennial of the Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Do Your Homework
If you do decide to go the pre-owned route it pays to do your homework. Check the blue book prices online and see what the average price is for the model you are looking for. Look at some of the website selling used Harley Davidsons and see what some have sold for recently. When you have picked out a candidate, ask to see any maintenance records or even to take the bike to a mechanic to be checked out. Look at the tires and brakes. Bikes get dropped, it's just a fact of life. Check closely for scratches, dents and other damage.
Once you've checked everything out ask to take a test ride. You should be prepared to show a valid motorcycle license, since the owner may be understandably reluctant to let a beginner take his Harley for a ride. Also be willing to leave your license hostage because too many bikes have ridden off into the sunset on a "test ride". Just put yourself in the seller's shoes. If you are serious most people will work with you for a test ride.
Finding the right used Harley Davidson motorcycle can be a little more work than just walking into the dealer and picking out a new one, but the extra effort can really pay off. Not only will you probably save a lot of money, but you will most likely learn a lot about motorcycles in the process. You may even make some new friends.
So you want to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle? You aren't alone. Even in a bad economy, Harley Davidsons seem to keep selling. There's just something about owning and riding a Harley that has created one of the most loyal groups of owners of any product in the world. The Harley Davidson logo is even one of the most popular tattoos worldwide. Yep, there nothing else quite like a Harley.
So you may be wondering whether you should go down to the local dealer and ride home on a shiny new model or maybe take a look at a used Harley Davidson motorcycle. There are pluses and minuses for both choices, but you might want to seriously consider the resale market. Here are a few reasons why:Save Money
While a brand new bike will have all the latest improvements, buying one just a few years old can literally save you thousands. Motorcycles are just like cars, as soon as you sign the sales agreement the start losing value. Letting the original buyer take that hit can be a smart move.
Get "Free" Upgrades"
Since many Harley Davidson owners spend some serious money on customizing their bikes, lots of used motorcycles have some really cool, expensive add-ons. The good news for you is that these customizations don't usually hold their value any more than the rest of the bike. So you can get both the bike and all the upgrades for a lot less than the original owner has invested in the motorcycle. The only exception to this is with a seriously custom "show bike" which sometimes can sell for more than the original cost.
Stand Out From The CrowdOne more reason to consider a used Harley Davidson motorcycle is to be a little different. While some models are produced year after year like clockwork, other models are only offered for short periods. Buy one of these and you will have something a little more unique than most people. An example of this would be the 100th Anniversary model, which was offered with special paint and trim to celebrate the Centennial of the Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Do Your Homework
If you do decide to go the pre-owned route it pays to do your homework. Check the blue book prices online and see what the average price is for the model you are looking for. Look at some of the website selling used Harley Davidsons and see what some have sold for recently. When you have picked out a candidate, ask to see any maintenance records or even to take the bike to a mechanic to be checked out. Look at the tires and brakes. Bikes get dropped, it's just a fact of life. Check closely for scratches, dents and other damage.
Once you've checked everything out ask to take a test ride. You should be prepared to show a valid motorcycle license, since the owner may be understandably reluctant to let a beginner take his Harley for a ride. Also be willing to leave your license hostage because too many bikes have ridden off into the sunset on a "test ride". Just put yourself in the seller's shoes. If you are serious most people will work with you for a test ride.
Finding the right used Harley Davidson motorcycle can be a little more work than just walking into the dealer and picking out a new one, but the extra effort can really pay off. Not only will you probably save a lot of money, but you will most likely learn a lot about motorcycles in the process. You may even make some new friends.
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