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8 Things To Know Before Buying A Used Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

Looking to buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle? Well, there is no reason you shouldn’t. However, if cost is a concern for you, you can also buy a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle which would, of course, be more affordable and still provide you the same riding experience as a new Harley. But, there are a lot of things to uncover that dealers don’t want you to know about. In this blog, we have mentioned key things you should look for before buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

  1. Mileage- Although Harleys have a reliable engine and unstressed motors, you must check the motorcycle's mileage and determine if it is mechanically fit for public roads. If it has high mileage, go through the receipts and ensure that the bike has gone through regular servicing and oil changes.
  2. Title and Records- You must ensure that the title of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle is clean, i.e., it has not been in an accident. You can check for it by examining the VIN, which is on the frame of the Harley. In case of an accident, it needs to be cut and removed to ensure that frame is not reused in some other bike. You must check the motorcycle’s VIN report to know if the bike has been reported stolen in the past. You must also ensure that the Harley does not have to impound records.
  3. Mechanical and electrical check-up- Warm up the bike and operate the high and low beams, brake lights, horn, speedometer and ensure that they work efficiently. For example, dim headlights may indicate a weak battery or alternator. Look out for clicking or clattering engine noises, white smoke coming out of the exhaust, signs of rust, and mismatched paint. 
  4. Ownership costs- The cost of buying a motorcycle depends on your location of residence. Some states charge less sales tax, while others charge more. The costs may also change based on seasonality. Research about these factors to determine the right amount you need to pay.
  5. Auction sales history- Check whether that Harley motorcycle has been auctioned before. If yes, how many times? Try to know the reason why it has been auctioned multiple times. Knowing the depreciated value of the motorcycle will help you negotiate better.
  6. Motorcycle specifications- You must know the year, engine, model, and other motorcycle specifications. It will help you understand if the bike is worth the price.
  7. Market value- Know the market value of the Harley motorcycle you are planning to buy and determine if buying a used Harley is a better and profitable option.
  8. Your riding skills- There are various types of Harley bikes available in the market. If you are a beginner, buy a less powerful and lightweight Harley, like 883. If you are a pro-Harley-Davidson rider, you can buy fast and heavyweight ones.

About the business

You may be skeptical about buying a second-hand Harley-Davidson motorcycle. However, the brand value and the classic design are worth the investment. If you wish to buy an old or new Harley, visit Freedom Road Harley-Davidson. We offer all the models from the brand and are known for our professionalism and smooth customer experience. For more information about us, connect at (203) 315-4759, info@freedomroadhd.com, or fill the contact form.