Buying a Used Harley®

Veteran and new riders alike can benefit from the affordability of a used Harley-Davidson®.Some want a specific model and year, while others might just be looking to get a start without a big financial investment. Even if you already have a bike, another wouldn’t hurt! But as with other pre-owned vehicles, it takes a touch of extra effort and dedication to find a good deal on a great bike.

At Lumberjack Harley-Davidson®, we know buying a pre-owned bike can cause a lot of headaches, but we want you to find the right hog and get on the road as soon as possible. So we’ve taken the time to create this short guide for prospective pre-owned Harley® owners.

If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to visit us in Nacogdoches, Texas, where our experienced staff can help you find the new or pre-owned Harley® of your dreams!

Research and Style

You probably already have an idea of what your future bike will look like, but it never hurts to do some research to make sure there’s going to be a Harley® out there that you actually want to buy. Research can be as simple as an internet search or a trip to Lumberjack Harley-Davidson® and as complicated as deep discussions with veteran Harley® riders and hunting down the perfect bike in some distant city.

Ask yourself what you want from your Harley®: Do you want to cruise around town? Then the aptly named cruisers will be a good choice. Does the open road sound appealing? Go for a touring bike. Are you going to be hopping ramps like a fiend? Well, a sport bike is recommended. Whatever your preference, figuring out what you’re after before budgeting and test riding can save a lot of hassle.

Budget

A budget will narrow your options real quick. Depending on designs, trim, and other customization options, two bikes of the same style, make, and model can have vastly different prices. Hopefully, this is where your research pays off and you can easily check bikes for the bits and pieces you’re looking for.

The sticker price isn’t the only thing to budget for. Even new motorcycles need maintenance, gas, and repair. Pre-owned bikes aren’t any different. New owners will undoubtedly want some protective gear or matching apparel. Perhaps a couple of upgrades like a security alarm, luggage rack, or saddlebag sound appealing. A more expensive bike might also affect your insurance rate.

Then there’s that motorcycle club you’re eyeing and winter storage and a dozen other little expenses. Many bikes hit the pre-owned section because their previous owners didn’t budget properly. Don’t make the same mistake!

Inspection

Carefully inspecting a potential pre-owned Harley® can make the difference between “potato potato potato” and “lemon lemon lemon.” Never buy a bike or any other vehicle without a good look over. Any signs of leaks, damage, or scuffs can open good questions for the current owner. “Curled” footpegs and levers could mean a crash in the bike’s past. Extremely worn treads on the tires tell you they’ve been on there a while and might indicate the owner doesn’t perform regular maintenance.

If you can manage it, examine used bikes cold. Lots of problems with older bikes can be hidden by letting them run for a bit to warm up. If a seller can’t show you that the engine turns over on a cold bike, or it sounds like gravel in a garbage disposal for a few minutes, the bike is probably more trouble than it’s worth.

Remember to take a look inside. Pop the seat and check the guts for messed up wiring. Maybe you’ve found a great bike with all the bells and whistles you wanted, but too much of that and the electrical system turns into a jungle. Say no to obvious taping and monocolored wiring.

Whatever the visual condition of a pre-owned motorcycle, don’t be nervous asking the owner for explanations or details. Savvy buyers will pick up on any huckster trickery when they fail to provide a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and describe an undisclosed traffic accident as “just a little bump.”

Check the VIN yourself and make sure the numbers haven’t been altered or restamped. If you’re unfamiliar with such things, you can bring a photo of factory-stamped VINs to compare. Match the title numbers to the headstock. If things don’t match up, walk away.

Test Ride

Here’s the fun part. Especially if you’re a new rider, it’s an opportunity to get a feel for how different bikes ride. Don’t forget that you’re on a mission. Note how you feel in the seat and if the acceleration, brakes, and handling are in good order. Even slight discomfort can magnify into a real problem if you were to take the bike on a longer ride, and spotty acceleration and handling might just be the opening act for an eventual tragedy.

Purchasing a pre-owned Harley-Davidson® may take some extra time and research, but new riders looking to hop in the saddle or experienced riders out for an affordable addition to their collection will both be satisfied that they put in that effort when they take home a great bike. Whether you’re after a pre-owned or new Harley®, a new motorcycle, or gear to go with what you already have, head to Lumberjack Harley-Davidson® in Nacogdoches, Texas. We’re also proud to serve the Lufkin area with our superior service and staff. Come in today!