Guide to Buying a Used HD Motorcycle

Buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle is a strategic move! You use depreciation in your favor to nab a quality used motorcycle for a much more affordable cost. It can allow you to get a higher quality model that would normally be outside your price range. But shopping for a used vehicle, especially when it's your first time, can be overwhelming. Here at Southern Devil Harley-Davidson®, we are a used Harley dealer that works to make things as simple as possible for you. We created the following guide to buying a used motorcycle.

When you are ready to look at used cruisers, used touring bikes, and used sport bikes, visit our dealership. We proudly serve those in Rome, Georgia.

The Used Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle History

Never, ever buy a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle until you scour the vehicle's history. A quality used Harley dealer will offer this information to you upfront. If you go through a private seller, this information may not be as readily available. But you are entitled to this information.

The history tells you the story of the motorcycle. Has it been in any accidents that could cost you in maintenance repairs down the road? Has it been damaged by the weather, such as rain damage? Was it ridden hard into the ground for years or did it collect dust in the garage? Put your investigator hat on and find out as much as you can before you consider it.

Price of Used Harley-Davidson® Bikes

One overwhelming advantage of buying used is the savings. It doesn't matter if you are shopping for used cruisers, used touring bikes, or used sport bikes. They will come at a fraction of the cost of a new model.

But step onto the lot of a used Harley dealer and you'll see a massive range of prices. It helps to set a budget for yourself ahead of time. It's all too easy to fall in love with a dream model that's way beyond your means.

When you find models within your budget, check their price against other similar options. If the used Harley-Davidson bike is much higher or much lower than comparable models, it could be a red flag. Find out why the price is so different. If you don't buy the answer, don't buy the motorcycle!

Overall Condition

The overall condition of a motorcycle can tell you a lot. Different types of motorcycles may range in their wear and tear. Used cruisers tend to stick to short distance highway riding, which doesn't take as much of a toll. Used touring bikes tend to ride for hours and hours, which can wear down a motorcycle. Used sport bikes tend to push the limit of speed, which brings its own wear.

Examine the motorcycle's exterior. Do you spot any scratches or issues with the paint? Is the seat cracked or missing padding? Is there anything you don't like about the appearance? Fixing aesthetic issues can be costly and you are making too big of an investment to be on the fence of the vehicle.

Inspect and Test

It's important to take the used Harley-Davidson motorcycle out for a test drive. A test ride helps you catch performance issues. But it also lets you get a feel for how it handles.

You also want to get a professional mechanic's opinion. They've inspected more used cruisers, used touring bikes, and used sport bikes than you can imagine. All the years of inspection make them equipped to spot any red flags or dealbreakers you may have missed.

Ready to look at used cruisers, used touring bikes, and used sport bikes? Visit Southern Devil Harley-Davidson®. We are a used Harley dealer proudly serving those in Rome, Acworth, and Dallas, Georgia.