MOTORCYCLE: SHOULD YOU GO NEW OR PRE-OWNED?

Buying a motorcycle is one of the most fun and exciting experiences a person can have. But before you set out to find the perfect bike, you should first ask yourself whether or not you’ll buy new or pre-owned.

Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons, and it’s important to weigh each carefully before making a final decision. The Rommel-Harley Davidson team broke down the advantages and disadvantages for each situation to help simplify the shopping process.  

If you still don’t know whether or not a new or pre-owned motorcycle is right for you after reading this blog, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team for further guidance!  

PROS & CONS OF BUYING A NEW MOTORCYCLE

There are few better feelings than finally owning the motorcycle of your dreams. For many riders, that means purchasing a brand-new bike from the dealership. Those considering purchasing a new motorcycle should consider the pros and cons prior to making a final decision. While newer might seem like it’s always better, there are still plenty of downsides to factor in when choosing to buy new.

ADVANTAGES

One of the main advantages to buying a brand-new motorcycle is you’ll have peace of mind knowing there won’t be any unexpected maintenance issues caused by excessive wear-and-tear. New vehicles also come with a manufacturer’s warranty for even more protection when something goes awry. Especially for those purchasing a bike for the first time, buying a new motorcycle is often the way to go since you’ll have less experience understanding the bike’s mechanics.

Another advantage of newer bikes is that they have updated technology and safety features that aren’t seen in past models. ABS, adjustability, fueling, suspension, and brake components are among some of the top features to consider when buying a bike — and newer motorcycles more than prove their worth in these areas.

DISADVANTAGES

Even buying a brand-new motorcycle can have its drawbacks: New bikes are more expensive than their pre-owned counterparts, meaning higher insurance rates, dealer fees, and overall price. While it might seem like a blessing to some that new bikes come without the checkered history of used vehicles, many biking enthusiasts prefer a project that will keep them busy in their garage as they work to customize their ride to their personal specifications. For gear-heads, a new bike might seem like a bore.

New bikes also depreciate faster than pre-owned models. That means from the moment you drive your new ride off the lot, its value goes down tremendously. If you’re planning on selling the bike within a few years, buying new is likely not your best option.

PROS & CONS OF BUYING A PRE-OWNED MOTORCYCLE

As a biker, you probably have an appreciation for the rich, diverse history of motorcycles throughout the years. Buying a pre-owned bike might be your definition of a dream come true. Still, there’s a lot more to consider when planning to purchase a pre-owned motorcycle, so it’s best to do your research before signing on the dotted line. 

ADVANTAGES

Most people choose to buy a pre-owned motorcycle because it costs far less than newer bikes. But the list price isn’t the only thing that’s less expensive when buying pre-owned: Insurance rates are lower for older models as well. Pre-owned motorcycles also have a higher resale value because they depreciate slower than their newer counterparts. If you’re planning to sell the bike within a few years, it’s always better to opt for a pre-owned model than a newer one since you have a higher chance of getting your initial investment back.

Because newer models depreciate so quickly, motorists can find fairly new pre-owned models for a reasonable price. For instance, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Bronx 1250 has replaced the 2020 Harley-Davidson Bronx. That means you can purchase the 2020 model for much less than the newer one while still enjoying the technological updates and safety features that newer bikes have to offer.

DISADVANTAGES

Just like with buying a car, a used motorcycle runs the risk of having an unknown or unfavorable history. The vehicle may have existing problems that are unapparent at the time of purchase, requiring increased maintenance and repairs. If you’re not financially prepared to cover these costs or don’t have the skills required to tend to repair needs on your own, a used bike can end up ruining your riding experience altogether.

WHICH MOTORCYCLE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The decision to purchase a new or used motorcycle is completely up to you. If you’re a novice rider that’s looking for a motorcycle with a squeaky-clean driving history and lots of new features, a brand-new bike is the way to go. For those with more riding experience who like the challenge of wrenching their own bikes, a pre-owned motorcycle can be very rewarding.

At Rommel-Harley Davidson, our team takes pride in helping each customer find the ride that’s right for them. We’ll guide you through the purchasing process, walking you through our complete inventory of top-quality new and used vehicles to find the perfect motorcycle for you.

Contact our team to get started with your search today!