New or used?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,511
Likes: 13,826
From: Pa.
I have never and would never buy a new bike. No advantages at all to buy new, particularly today when there are SOOoooo many nearly new bikes for sale.
Oh, and I wouldn't buy a used bike from a dealer either.
Oh, and I wouldn't buy a used bike from a dealer either.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 40
Likes: 63
From: Northeastern Illinois
Just one more point on used versus new - check your state's (province's) sales tax / road use fee structure. Here in Illinois, used motorcycles purchased through a licensed dealer (in or outside of the state) require the buyer to pay state and local sales tax when registering it in the state (i.e., when you go to get title and plates). But, so far, motorcycles still fall under the exemption that requires only a $25 fee for private party sales. This can mean a savings of over a grand or two on a late-model Harley.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 667
Likes: 189
From: U.K.
It nice having a bike no one else has owned, and you get a 2 year warranty compared to 1 year for a used bike. Only you can decide if this worth paying the extra for a new one. Personally, i'd only buy new if i was planning to keep the bike for a long time. If you plan on changing again in a couple of years it's not worth taking the financial hit that comes with every new vehicle.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2,319
From: WI
^^^^ That's coming from someone who bought a used bike. There are absolutely advantages to new bikes, it just matters whether or not you weigh those higher than the benefits of saving money on a used bike. If I hadn't found my '18 for so cheap I would have forked up the additional $$$ and bought new.
When I was younger I placed more value on saving money, and was willing to buy older bikes. Now that I'm older and make more money, I'm more willing to pay a "premium" for the peace of mind that comes with newer bikes, warranties, and creature comforts that new bikes have.
Last edited by RGS88; Jul 24, 2019 at 10:16 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,065
Likes: 5,320
Originally Posted by Ryan...
Except you get a warranty, no miles, hasn't been beaten, hasn't been cobbled together by a shade tree "mechanic", and you get the latest technology offered by the company.
^^^^ That's coming from someone who bought a used bike. There are absolutely advantages to new bikes, it just matters whether or not you weigh those higher than the benefits of saving money on a used bike. If I hadn't found my '18 for so cheap I would have forked up the additional $$$ and bought new.
When I was younger I placed more value on saving money, and was willing to buy older bikes. Now that I'm older and make more money, I'm more willing to pay a "premium" for the peace of mind that comes with newer bikes, warranties, and creature comforts that new bikes have.
^^^^ That's coming from someone who bought a used bike. There are absolutely advantages to new bikes, it just matters whether or not you weigh those higher than the benefits of saving money on a used bike. If I hadn't found my '18 for so cheap I would have forked up the additional $$$ and bought new.
When I was younger I placed more value on saving money, and was willing to buy older bikes. Now that I'm older and make more money, I'm more willing to pay a "premium" for the peace of mind that comes with newer bikes, warranties, and creature comforts that new bikes have.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,607
Likes: 3,312
From: Virginia
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 620
From: Pittsburgh suburb
Except you get a warranty, no miles, hasn't been beaten, hasn't been cobbled together by a shade tree "mechanic", and you get the latest technology offered by the company.
^^^^ That's coming from someone who bought a used bike. There are absolutely advantages to new bikes, it just matters whether or not you weigh those higher than the benefits of saving money on a used bike. If I hadn't found my '18 for so cheap I would have forked up the additional $$$ and bought new.
When I was younger I placed more value on saving money, and was willing to buy older bikes. Now that I'm older and make more money, I'm more willing to pay a "premium" for the peace of mind that comes with newer bikes, warranties, and creature comforts that new bikes have.
^^^^ That's coming from someone who bought a used bike. There are absolutely advantages to new bikes, it just matters whether or not you weigh those higher than the benefits of saving money on a used bike. If I hadn't found my '18 for so cheap I would have forked up the additional $$$ and bought new.
When I was younger I placed more value on saving money, and was willing to buy older bikes. Now that I'm older and make more money, I'm more willing to pay a "premium" for the peace of mind that comes with newer bikes, warranties, and creature comforts that new bikes have.
So you would buy new and get a transferring, sumping problematic pile that needs warranty work - miss out on riding while the MoCo tells you "first we have heard of this" only to get your bike back to have it happen all over again while making monthly payments & paying full coverage insurance!
Hmmm.....I don't know that don't sound like much of a reason to buy new - oh did we even talk about the loss when you take it off the dealers floor - easy $2500-$5000 immediately! considering where the OP lives lets ask - are you going to ride this year round? cause if you`re spending north of 20k for riding part of the year & the bike sits as much as ridden? well take that into consideration. Used - nothing wrong with it, take someone who knows bikes to look it over if you`re not mechanical, lots of good used bikes with no issues out there!
Good luck!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,000
Likes: 11,441
Today I went to the Harley dealership to test ride some bikes. I fell in love with the Softail low rider. NOW the question is, do I buy new or used? I know the salesmen obviously want me to buy a new one so they make money, but they did make some good points. What is your guys opinions on buying a new or used HD?