Motorcycles are some of the most popular vehicles on the road. They are so popular that countless new motorcycles are hitting the market every year! But one thing remains unchanged in all these years: used Harleys® still rule the roads for those who seek a dependable and affordable option!
Here at Mike’s Famous® Harley-Davidson®, we are proud to be the leading retailer among used motorcycles dealers CT. That’s why we have put together this guide to help you find the perfect used Harley®!
Step 1: Determine the Type of Used Harley-Davidson® You Want
While there might be many reasons for buying a used Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, it is essential to know that all Harleys® are not created equal. The brand offers a wide range of motorcycles from which to choose. Some are designed for cruising; others are designed for touring or racing; some Harleys® are meant for two people, and others will comfortably seat three people.
Before you begin looking for a used Harley-Davidson®, determine the type of motorcycle that meets your needs. Since Harley-Davidson® has been manufacturing motorcycles since 1903, you have many years and many models from which to choose.
Many different styles and types of motorcycles fall under the umbrella of "Harley-Davidson®." For example, Sportsters®, Softails®, Touring bikes, and Dyna® models. Each type has its own unique pros and cons that should be considered before deciding.
For instance, if you want more storage space and more power than other Harley® motorcycles have to offer, then you may want to look at used Touring models. If you're looking for something smaller with less weight but still have some pep in its step, then Sportsters might be right for you!
Step 2: Find Used Motorcycle Dealers CT Who Specializes in Used Harleys®
There are hundreds of authorized Harley® dealers across the United States. Some dealers sell their old stock at auction, so a dealer who doesn't advertise used bikes for sale may still have one or two in stock on their lot.
A dealer has the advantage of performing an inspection for you. This means that you won't have to worry about the motorcycle's condition — unless it's defective, you'll get your money back if there's something wrong with it.
You can also check out online forums for used Harleys® for sale in CT. Many people ride and love this brand, and they are often willing to help others. For example, you could post in one of these forums that you're looking for a used Harley-Davidson®, and someone might respond and tell you where they found theirs or give you tips on what to look out for when making your purchase. Word of mouth for Harleys® is like GOLD!
A dealership can also provide extended warranties and financing, which can make buying a used Harley® a lot easier. A dealer specializing in Harleys® will give you an advantage when negotiating price since they have more experience with these bikes than most dealerships do.
You'll want to find the right dealer for your used motorcycle CT. You may find many people who say they "sell Harleys®," but they may only sell new models, or they might not specialize in them. You want to find someone who has been selling used Harleys® for years and knows what to look for and what questions to ask when buying one from another source.
Remember, not all dealerships are created equal!
Here at Mike’s Famous®, we make sure that every single used bike on our floor is safe and ready to drive off with! Each motorcycle undergoes rigorous safety inspection and are fully serviced.
Step 3: Consider the Age and Mileage of the Used Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle
If you've narrowed down your search to a specific Harley-Davidson® model, the next step is determining how old the motorcycle should be. Depending on the make and model you're looking for, many mechanics recommend Harley-Davidsons® that are ten years old or less.
Some riders prefer newer motorcycles because they have more modern technology and safety features than older models. However, even if you're looking for a bike that's less than ten years old, there are still some things you should consider before buying:
Older Harley® motorcycles may only have one or two gears in which you can ride. This means that when riding in city traffic, it's likely that your motorcycle will be idling at a stoplight with the engine running at full throttle. This can cause unnecessary wear on your engine because it forces oil through areas of the engine that don't require it.
Step 4: Research the Type of Bike You're Interested In
You may be thinking about a touring bike to go cross-country or a cruiser for shorter trips. When purchasing, if you plan to customize your bike, keep that in mind. You can always upgrade components, but you'll want to find the best base model for the money.
Make sure you can afford it. Bikes can be pretty expensive, even pre-owned ones, so it's important to budget accordingly. If you're financing your purchase, you need to be sure that the monthly payments fit into your budget, and if you're paying cash, make sure that you have enough money set aside for other expenditures before making such a large purchase.
If you plan to ride with friends or family, consider getting a bike with saddlebags, which allow you to carry extra gear like jackets and helmets. If you want a bike designed for speed and control on the highway, you may want to look at Sportster™ models. For something more classic and customizable, check out the Softail® series. If you're interested in buying an older model, such as an Electra Glide®, Road King®, or Heritage Softail®, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each type of bike before making your decision.
Step 5: Know Your Budget to Buy a Used Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle With Confidence
Now that you know what you want, it's time to understand how much you want to spend. This will help narrow down your search. Do your research so you can stay within your budget!
What is your budget for buying a used Harley-Davidson®? It's essential to be realistic about how much you can afford to spend.
If you have a budget in mind, it's easier to shop around and find the best prices. Many dealerships will let you put down a deposit on a bike and hold it while you make arrangements to come out and take a look in person - if it's more than just a day trip from where you live.
Step 6: Make Sure to Get a Good Service and Maintenance Plan
Many people who buy a used Harley-Davidson® don't know that they can get some of their service costs covered while they own it. Many dealers will offer you a Maintenance and Service plan, also called an Extended Service Contract.
The only downside is that you need to read the fine print in your contract and make sure you know what you're getting. Make sure you know exactly what kind of agreement you have before signing anything.
Conclusion
With so many used Harley-Davidsons® out there, you can find the perfect bike that meets your needs without breaking the bank. The tips above should help you do just that.
Are you in the market for a used Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle? Mike’s Famous® Harley-Davidson® has a large selection of used motorcycles. We sell, and service Harleys®, and our excellent service department will keep your motorcycle running beautifully. Stop by today!