Owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle can bring numerous benefits to your life. These bikes give you the power to take to the roads whenever the mood strikes. Whether you’re on a cross-country trip or running a few quick errands around town, riding a motorcycle gives you an amazing feeling of freedom you just won’t find in a standard four-wheeler.

 

Being a Harley owner also makes you part of an ever-growing community. With that comes a sense of brotherhood that can’t be broken. On top of all that, owning a motorcycle tends to be a bit less expensive than owning a car, truck, or SUV. Of course, saving the most possible money when buying a Harley-Davidson takes just the right approach. If you’re in the market for a bike, keep the following points in mind.

 

Start By Setting a Budget

 

When making any type of major purchase, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and end up overspending. Buying a Harley-Davidson is definitely not an exception to the rule. Setting a budget is the best way to avoid doing so. Be sure to stick to that budget and stay true to it no matter which model catches your eye.

 

Be sure to think about all the potential expenses involved in buying a motorcycle when determining how much you can comfortably afford to spend. That applies whether you’re paying cash for a used model from a private seller or financing a bike through a dealership. Remember, the purchase price of the bike isn’t the only cost to consider.

 

When financing, interest rates factor into the equation. Extra fees may also enter the mix. Beyond that, there are insurance, taxes, license plates, and ongoing maintenance needs. Repairs are bound to arise, too.

 

Find out how much all those expenses could add up. Make sure your preset budget includes them so you won’t get in over your head when buying a Harley-Davidson. Deciding how much to spend ahead of time is one of the best ways to save money both initially and over the long term.

 

Research Different Harley-Davidson Models

 

Once you’ve set a budget, you can start looking into the available options. Harley-Davidson has a long list of models for riders to choose from. Each one speaks to its own range of needs and expectations, so there’s sure to be a model that melds with your personality, riding style, and other factors.

 

Sport Bikes

 

Sport bikes are built for speed and agility. They can zip through traffic and handle curves and corners with ease. They also handle well even at high speeds. That being said, they’re usually not the most comfortable bikes, especially for long trips. They typically lack storage space as well, so taking extended road trips means packing light and learning to get by with as little extra gear as possible.

 

If exhilarating rides are what you crave and you plan to stick to relatively short trips on asphalt, a sport bike may be the best option. Harley-Davidson only recently launched its sport bike lineup, so this category is still fairly limited. Still, it offers the Sportster S and Nightster S, both of which fill people’s needs for speed and agility.

 

While the Sportster S was introduced in 2022, the Nightster S is new for 2023. Unlike the Sportster S, the Nightster S isn’t a full-fledged sport bike. It still widely appeals to those who are looking for this type of motorcycle, though.

 

Cruisers

 

Cruisers are among the bikes people picture when they think of classic Harley-Davidsons. They’ve been around for more than 60 years, and they’re even more popular today than they were decades ago. They offer more comfort than sport bikes, but they’re just as easy to handle and maneuver through traffic and around twists and turns.

 

Cruisers aren’t built primarily with speed in mind, but they’re certainly not slow and bulky. They’ll give you a thrilling ride without sacrificing comfort. They’re generally best for riding around town and going on fairly short outings, but you can also take them on extended road trips, too. Although they don’t typically come with a lot of built-in storage space, you can add saddlebags and top cases to carry more essentials. These bikes can even tow trailers if need be.

 

Additionally, cruisers often have lower seat heights than other models, so they’re better for shorter riders. Since they’re a bit smaller and lighter than their cousins, they’re great for new riders, too. Some of the models in Harley-Davidson’s cruiser category are the Low Rider, Iron, Fat Bob, and Softail.

 

Touring Motorcycles

 

For those who plan to take a lot of extended road trips, a touring bike could fill the bill. These bikes are built for long trips with several added features for improved comfort. Their seat and handlebar positions help to reduce back strain and fatigue. Many of them are larger and equipped with more powerful engines to handle long rides and extra weight as well.

 

At the same time, touring bikes tend to come with more integral storage capacity. They may feature panniers, under-seat storage compartments, and other spaces for stowing extra gear and necessities. Of course, you can tow trailers and even small campers with them.

 

These aren’t necessarily the best models for smaller or more inexperienced riders, but that’s not the case with all Harley-Davidson touring bikes. Among the models in Harley’s touring line are the Road King, Electra Glide, Street Glide, and Road Glide. As is the case with most Harley models, there are several variations and year models to choose from in the touring bike range.

 

Adventure Bikes

 

Adventure bikes are also a relatively new category. They’re basically street-legal dirt bikes. They can handle both asphalt and off-roading. They’re generally heavier than cruisers. They need to be for added stability and safety on gravel, mud, and other tricky terrain. They have extra power and heftier suspension to navigate off-road conditions, too.

 

You can’t expect the same level of comfort with adventure bikes as you get with touring models, but they aren’t the roughest rides on the market, either. Some models have extra storage space for true cross-country explorers. With others, you’ll need to add it after the fact. Several factory and aftermarket modifications can be made to tailor these motorcycles to your unique needs as well.

 

Keep in mind, adventure bikes aren’t recommended for less experienced riders. Though they’re built for safety, off-roading can be dangerous if you’re not accustomed to it. Be sure to sharpen your riding skills before taking full advantage of all these motorcycles are capable of. Harley’s Pan America is a popular model in this category.

 

Finding the Right Model

 

With all those models available, finding the right balance between affordability and versatility can be difficult. Picking the right model will help you save money upfront and in the long run, though. For example, if you plan on taking a lot of long road trips and buy a touring bike that’s made for that purpose, you may initially pay more. On the other hand, you may save money over time on maintenance and repairs. You may not feel the need to trade it in quite as quickly, either.

 

Many people find that standard motorcycles offer the compromise they’re looking for. These models don’t come with all the features of cruisers, touring bikes, or other options, but they can breach the boundaries to an extent without going over budget. Having said that, there are perfectly affordable models in all categories. Choosing older models and lower-end trim packages can help you save money without sacrificing any of the important features you want.

 

Choosing Between New and Used

 

Another factor to think about is whether to purchase a new or used Harley. Used models are usually less expensive than new ones. They may need more TLC than new motorcycles, though, so maintenance may drive up the overall cost of ownership. From another angle, taxes, license plates, and insurance coverage may cost less for a used model than for a new one.

 

All things considered, you’ll typically save money by buying a used bike. There are several factors to consider here, though. Truly getting the most bike for your money requires diligence.

 

Private Sellers Versus Dealerships

 

One aspect to think about is whether to buy a bike from a private seller or a dealership. You may pay more through a dealership, but you’ll be up against fewer risks. Harley-Davidson dealerships are required to abide by the manufacturer’s exacting standards when selling used motorcycles, so you’re virtually guaranteed to get a high-quality bike.

 

Dealerships also have their professional reputations to consider, so they’re more focused on customer satisfaction. They offer financing as well, which means you don’t have to come up with the entire purchase price of the bike upfront. Interest rates and other financing charges may drive up the cost of paying over time, but it’s usually worth the added expense. Don’t forget that buying through a dealership will give you a broader range of models to choose from, and they’ll all be gathered in a single convenient location.

 

Protecting Yourself from Private Sellers

 

With private sellers, financing generally isn’t an option. You may be able to get a private loan for the entire purchase price of the bike, but the interest rates on the loan may not be as favorable as those you’d get through a dealership. Private sellers aren’t as concerned with quality as dealerships, either, so you could end up going over budget on repairs and maintenance once all is said and done.

 

Inspect the Bike

 

One of the most important measures to take when buying from a private seller is to inspect the bike. Look for cosmetic damage, like scratches and dents. Check for rust and signs of leaks. If you’re not mechanically inclined, consider having the bike professionally inspected. At least bring along someone who knows more about bikes to protect your best interests. Be sure to check the motorcycle’s mileage, too.

 

All those factors will affect the value of the bike. You can use them to determine if the seller is asking a fair price for it. Some problems, like minor scuffs, may not cost much to repair. If you find a bike in decent but not perfect condition at a great price, you may still come out on top even after making repairs. More significant damage and major mechanical problems could ultimately leave you paying more than the bike is worth, though.

 

Maintenance Records and Title

 

If you choose to buy from a private seller, be sure to protect yourself. Ask for maintenance records for reassurance that the bike has been taken care of. Make sure the bike has a clear title as well. If it doesn’t, several problems could arise when you’re trying to register the bike, transfer ownership, and obtain insurance coverage. You may even find yourself facing extensive unexpected expenses and legal issues without a clear, valid title.

 

Buy at the Right Time

 

Another way to save money when buying a motorcycle is to time it wisely. If you buy a Harley-Davidson in spring or summer, chances are you’ll pay more. Those are peak riding seasons, after all. Instead, try to purchase a motorcycle in the fall or winter when the demand is lower. That, alone, could save you a great deal of money.

 

Shop Around and Negotiate

 

Yet another helpful piece of advice is to avoid jumping at the first bike that catches your eye. If you see a model you like, shop around to find out if it’s available elsewhere at a lower price. Be sure to compare apples to apples, though. Don’t settle for a lower-quality bike just because it’s a lot cheaper. You’ll get what you pay for.

 

Furthermore, don’t be afraid to negotiate on the price of the Harley-Davidson you want. You don’t necessarily have to pay the MSRP at a dealership or stick to a private seller’s asking price. There’s usually a little leeway to work with. Keep your expectations reasonable, though.

 

Getting the Most Bike for Your Budget

 

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when buying a motorcycle. Many people end up with severe cases of buyer’s remorse when that happens. Set a budget and don’t stray from it. Take your time and do plenty of research. Understand the different Harley models available and which one would best meet your needs.

 

Decide whether you want a new or used model, but exercise caution when dealing with the latter. Consider buying during the off-season, and don’t hesitate to negotiate on the price. All these measures will help ensure you get the most bike for your buck.