Tips for Buying a Used Motorcycle

Do you need a new motorcycle - or just a new-to-you motorcycle? Buying a used motorcycle is a great way to get your new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle at a fraction of the cost. You’ll need to be strategic about how you shop for a used bike since not all of them are quality options. But with a little research, you can nab a very affordable used motorcycle. We gathered up some tips for buying a used bike below. When you want to check out used Harley motorcycles, visit Starved Rock Harley-Davidson®. You’ll find us in Ottawa, Illinois.

Create a Budget

A budget helps you avoid spending more for a used motorcycle than you can afford. After all, it’s easy to get sucked into paying more than you should between a smooth salesperson and the appeal of a high-end motorcycle right in front of you. Coming into the shopping process with a budget helps you eliminate motorcycles out of your price range right off the bat. You’ll end up with a used bike that you’ll love and can easily pay for.

Remember that your budget needs to include more than the sticker price of the used Harley motorcycle. It needs to include the cost of insurance, any gear, and any repairs (if relevant). If you currently own a motorcycle, look into trade-in options. This can take a big chunk out of the price. You can also check out financing options. These let you sign up for monthly payments and take the motorcycle home sooner.

Pick a Type of Motorcycle

After you create your budget, you can start looking at used Harley bikes for sale. But if you were to look at every option available to you, it would take weeks to sort through! There are too many choices out there. It helps to narrow your search down and a great way to do that is by settling on one type of motorcycle. There are three broad types of motorcycles.

First is a cruiser. These are designed for cruising down the highway, so they offer high speeds and easy handling. Their selling point is their striking style, which is a blend of modern and retro. Second is a touring bike. These are made for extended periods of riding, such as commuting or road trips. Their selling point is how comfortable it is to ride them. Third is a sport bike. These are built for speed and performance. Their selling point is their ability to chase adrenaline.

Find a Seller

You’ve got your budget. You’ve got the type of motorcycle you want. Your final step is to find a seller! Your best bet is to go to a dealership rather than an individual seller for a few reasons.

First, a dealer’s reputation is at stake. If they sell you a poor deal, you can take to online review sites like Yelp to warn away potential customers. They have incentive to make you happy.

Second, a dealership will put any used bike through an inspection process. This helps them set a fair price, but also helps them catch any maintenance issues. Many dealerships have a service department, so they can fix the used motorcycle for less money than it would cost for you to take it to a mechanic.

Third, you can check out multiple options at a dealership. If you go with individual sellers, you’d need to drive over town to different houses to check out multiple choices. A dealership lets you make one stop and look at several motorcycles.

When you’re ready to search for your used bike, visit Starved Rock Harley-Davidson®. We offer a range of used motorcycles, making it easy to find one within your budget. Stop by our location in Ottawa, Illinois today!