HOW-TO GUIDES

Tips for Buying a Motorcycle from a Dealership

Buying a motorcycle from a dealership can offer you a smooth path to motorcycle ownership. If you are shopping for a new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, purchasing from a dealership is great option. Even if you are in the market for a used motorcycle, purchasing from a dealership will offer a number of advantages over buying from a private party, too. Here’s everything you need to know when buying a motorcycle from a dealership.

BUYING A MOTORCYCLE FROM A DEALER VS. PRIVATE PARTY

Buying a new or used motorcycle from a dealer can be a “one stop shopping” experience. A dealer will offer a variety of current new motorcycles with the latest features and styling for you to consider along with expert advice on selecting a motorcycle– especially valuable for first-time riders. A dealer can also offer financing options and can complete registration paperwork. A dealer will also stock riding gear and any accessories you might like to add to a motorcycle and can even handle the installation.

While you may pay more for a pre-owned motorcycle from a dealer than from a private party, you’ll be able to make that purchase with a high level of confidence. The dealer will have cleaned the motorcycle, given it a thorough safety inspection and a tune-up and basic maintenance. A motorcycle dealer can often sell a pre-owned motorcycle with a basic warranty, may be able to offer financing on a late-model motorcycle, and can handle title and registration paperwork and fees. As a customer, you’ll also establish a relationship with the dealership and its service department, which will be helpful in the long run.

Purchasing a motorcycle from a private party will always be a “buyer beware” proposition, especially if you are a beginning rider with little experience in the basics of motorcycle maintenance. Unless you happen to know the owner of the motorcycle, you may have limited information regarding how the motorcycle was ridden or how it was maintained. An experienced rider may be more likely to spot signs of abuse, to see maintenance details like dated tires that will need to be addressed and may know the best questions to ask the seller. Once you hand over your cash – and it will likely need to be cash – you will own the motorcycle and any issues that come with it.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO A MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP

Before you head over to a dealership, start the process by gathering some information you’ll need to set your budget and complete the purchase.

Motorcycle Types & Riding Style: Step one in the purchase process is deciding what type of riding you want to do, and which motorcycles(s) may best fit that vision. If you just have a desire to ride, but really don’t know where to start, a good dealer can help you zero in on a motorcycle that fits your body type, your personality, where and how you envision riding and your budget. Check out How to Choose a Motorcycle That’s Right for You for eight expert tips on picking your best motorcycle. Once you have a motorcycle or motorcycles in mind, you can better proceed with estimating the cost of purchasing and owning that motorcycle.
Licensing: While you don’t need a motorcycle license to buy a motorcycle, but you’ll need an instructional permit or a motorcycle license to legally ride the motorcycle. Completing a beginning motorcycle training course is the best way for new riders to gain skills and confidence while also earning a motorcycle license or endorsement on your driver’s license. In most states successful completion of a Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy course or a similar state-approved private course will qualify you for a motorcycle license and may qualify you for a reduced insurance rate.

Learn more about how to get your motorcycle permit or how to get your motorcycle license today.
Your Ballpark Budget: Your budget for a motorcycle purchase starts with the cost of the motorcycle, but don’t forget to also include the estimated cost of financing, insurance, sales taxes and registration. If you are buying a pre-owned motorcycle from a private party, you’ll also need to consider any costs you may incur getting the motorcycle safety checked and road-worthy, such as new tires or a tune-up. You can request a quote to get a quote on a late-model new motorcycle directly from a Harley-Davidson® dealer. They'll let you know the latest special financing offers and deals on new motorcycles, used motorcycles, classes, parts, accessories and more.
Insurance: Every state requires you to ride with basic liability coverage. If you are financing the motorcycle the lender will require you carry complete motorcycle insurance coverage. It's good to know you can afford the insurance before you buy a motorcycle. You can start by contacting your auto insurance carrier for a quote, but it may pay to shop around for a better rate. Rates are tied to a number of factors, including your age, riding experience and citation history. You may be able to get a significant insurance discount by completing a rider training course certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), even if you already know how to ride.
Financing: You can request a quote from your current bank or credit union to see what financing offers you qualify for, but most motorcycle dealers offer excellent loan options that can help you finance the motorcycle of your dreams. The dealer may have special low or zero financing available for some models. A dealer will often include the cost of riding gear and accessories purchased with the motorcycle in a single loan. The dealer will also handle all the loan processing, so you won’t have to run back and forth to the bank to close your purchase.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services offers financing solutions for new, used, and private party motorcycle purchases, including flexible loan rates and terms and offers for new riders and active military. A local authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer can tailor a solution for your unique needs. Get started by using this handy loan calculator and use the estimate as a starting point for making a purchase.
Select a Local Dealer: When you purchase a motorcycle from a dealer, consider that you are also establishing a relationship with that business. You may be back for gear, service, and for parts and accessories. If you have the option of several dealerships, don’t base your choice solely on the store that offers you the best price on a motorcycle. You’re looking for a welcoming and respectful atmosphere and great service. Often word of mouth – directly from other riders who do business at the dealership rather than from unreliable on-line ratings – can be your best guide. Use the Harley-Davidson® dealer locator to find an authorized dealer in your area.

HOW A DEALER CAN HELP YOU IN THE MOTORCYCLE BUYING PROCESS

An authorized motorcycle dealership is staffed with experts that can guide you in the process of buying a motorcycle. They can help with the following steps in the motorcycle-buying process:

Help Choosing the Best Motorcycle for your Riding Style & Needs: The sales staff at any dealership can ask the important questions you need to answer before you can zero in on a motorcycle model that best suits your experience, your riding style and your budget. Harley-Davidson dealers stock the latest new models, but most also carry a good selection of used motorcycles that can be a great option for many riders.
Dialing in Motorcycle Fit: Comfort and confidence are key to enjoying any motorcycle – these are the details of motorcycle ergonomics. A motorcycle dealer can help you equip a motorcycle with accessory seats, handlebars and controls to tailor the motorcycle to your particular body and your preferred riding style.
Schedule a Test Ride: Most dealers will let a licensed rider demo a motorcycle before making a purchase. Check out the style, fit and performance of a motorcycle by scheduling a test ride at a local dealership. It’s one of the best ways to make a final decision on the model that’s best for you.

HOW A DEALER CAN HELP YOU AFTER BUYING A MOTORCYCLE

Before you ride away on your new motorcycle, here are some other ways connecting with a good motorcycle dealer can enhance your riding experience.

New-Motorcycle Walk-Around: Ask the dealership staff to give you a complete introduction to the motorcycle. Many dealers make this part of the standard delivery process. Even if you are an experienced rider, you may learn some new details about this particular motorcycle. How does the key fob and security system function? How do you lock the luggage? How do you use Bluetooth to link your mobile device to the motorcycle’s infotainment system? This information is all in the operator’s manual – which you should also read – but the dealer wants you to have a great experience and this is a good way to make that happen. This is the perfect time to ask your dealer questions about your motorcycle.
Meet the Service Department: Once you own the motorcycle, your regular point of contact at the dealership is likely to be the service department. Ask your dealer to be introduced to a service manager who can explain how to best break in the motorcycle, when to schedule the first service appointment, and when and how to set up subsequent regular service.
Get Geared Up: Wearing the right riding gear can help keep you protected and can make a ride more enjoyable and comfortable. Basic motorcycle riding gear includes a helmet, eye protection, a riding jacket and pants, gloves and boots. If you’re a new rider, or an experienced rider ready to upgrade your kit, a dealer can help you find gear that fits and functions with unmatched style. Check out the best beginner motorcycle gear.

Learn more about motorcycles and the freedom of riding from Expert Advice articles or visit the experts at your local authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.