| If you are a motorcycle enthusiast of any kind you | | | | be a warning sign that the bike has been dropped, |
| have probably thought about buying a Harley | | | | since these are the first to get damaged. Man have I |
| Davidson at some point in time. The sound, the | | | | had that happen to me. Back in the days of my first |
| power, the ride all seem alluring to those of us who | | | | bikes this was all too common. Now with big bikes I |
| like it on two wheels. One option when purchasing a | | | | am not dropping them if I can help it at all. |
| Harley is to go with a used bike. Most Harley owners | | | | 5. Ask the seller in some detail why he wants to sell |
| maintain their bikes better than their cars so buying | | | | the bike. It never hurts to have a conversation to |
| into the used market is a pretty safe bet unlike | | | | determine just what the motivation is for the seller. |
| other makes or brands. Harley owners have a lot of | | | | With the way the economy is today, a lot of people |
| pride in their bikes. | | | | are selling for financial reasons. Harley owners are |
| So when you go to buy a used motorcycle and in | | | | dedicated, but if it comes down to the House or the |
| this case a Harley here are the top things you need | | | | bike, in most cases the house payment usually wins. |
| to consider to make it a good sale and a good ride | | | | You can help a fellow Harley owner out by buying his |
| for you. | | | | bike and you will also be getting a great deal below |
| 1. One of the biggest advantages of buying a used | | | | market value. Make it a conversation and not an |
| Harley is that more than likely it will already be | | | | inquisition. Get into their love for the bike and find out |
| somewhat customized. The basic truth is that most | | | | if it is hardship, upgrading or what that is motivating |
| stock bikes off the factory are not that great | | | | them to sell. By being interested in their story you |
| looking. So most Harley owners right away go and | | | | might even turn things in your favor when it comes |
| add lots of chrome, maybe a new seat, a backrest | | | | time to nail down a price. |
| and sometimes a windshield or saddlebags. | | | | In these days of vast shopping and research options |
| 2. Now if you bought a new bike and then went and | | | | on the internet, shopping for a used Harley online is |
| purchased all of these nice and fancy accessories it | | | | the easiest way to find a good deal. Online auctions |
| might run you ton of bucks. Not to mention you | | | | are a good source. Be sure and read the description |
| have to have them installed or spend lots of time | | | | carefully and don't hesitate to ask for more pictures |
| doing it yourself. Then you will find that many a used | | | | from the seller. If you need close-ups of anything be |
| bike has had a custom paint job done to it which can | | | | sure and say so. Most sellers are happy to send you |
| drive the price up as well. | | | | more photographs. If you purchased your used |
| 3. A key factor in deciding to go used is that the | | | | Harley online then you will need to arrange for |
| average Harley Davidson maintains its value well, but | | | | shipping at a reasonable price. Some of the online |
| if you buy a brand-new bike you will find it | | | | motor vehicle auction sites like eBay will give you a |
| depreciates quite a bit the first year. This is just like | | | | quote before you make your purchase. |
| any new car you might buy. So now we have three | | | | It will always pay to do your research no matter |
| good reasons why buying a used bike are a good | | | | whether you are looking for your bike online or |
| idea for you. How about some more? | | | | across town. Be thorough, ask questions, take a test |
| 4. When checking out a used Harley over at the | | | | ride if you can and most of all, be diligent and honest |
| seller's house or place of business you will want to | | | | in your transaction with the seller. Then once you get |
| give it a close look over to make sure it has not | | | | that used Harley Davidson home you can make it |
| been in an accident or dropped. Some of the key | | | | your pride and joy. And don't forget the insurance |
| things to look for when inspecting the bike are new | | | | and helmet if you live in a helmet law state. |
| brake or clutch grips, mirrors or foot pegs. This could | | | | |