There are few things more enjoyable than riding a motorcycle, so it should come as no surprise that hundreds of thousands of Americans register new motorcycles every year. Some states have more habitual riders than others, with southern states that get plenty of sunshine leading the pack.

 

In areas of the country that boast tons of motorcycle riders, it can be tough to find a good deal on a new bike. After all, increased demand tends to drive up prices in any market sector. That said, there are still plenty of ways to find motorcycle bargains in 2021.

 

Look Into Used Bikes

 

By far the best way to cut back on the costs associated with buying a high-quality motorcycle is to look for a used bike instead of buying a new one. New riders should try to avoid purchasing bikes from private parties until they have a good idea of what to look for. Instead, they should check out dealerships like the American Motorcycle Trading Company that offer lightly used bikes at substantial discounts.

 

Before buying a used bike, it’s a good idea for riders to familiarize themselves with basic motorcycle construction and mechanics. They’ll want to inspect the bike to look for signs of damage or excessive wear, and that requires something of a trained eye. Before buying a used bike from a private seller, especially, inspect the bike thoroughly and look for:

 

• Visible damage or excessive wear to the engine, including oil leaks, drips, and coolant leaks on top of the engine
• Damage or severe corrosion on the frame
• Leaks from the shocks or struts and cracks in the protective boots or bushings
• Squeaky bearings
• Fluid leaks
• Dull chains and sprockets
• Frayed cables or wiring
• Unsafe tread on the tires
• Scuffed or scratched bar ends, footpegs, or brake levers
• Bent forks
• Corroded battery terminals
• Leaking brake fluid
• Cracked gas tanks or fuel lines
• Broken lights

 

If riders don’t know how to check for common signs of damage and excessive wear, they shouldn’t be purchasing motorcycles from private parties. Instead, mechanically disinclined riders are better off buying used bikes from reputable dealerships that will not try to hide damage or wear.

 

Ask About Last Year’s Models

 

Absolutely determined to get a brand-new bike right off the showroom floor? It’s still possible to cut back on costs. Buying the very newest models from dealerships can be prohibitively expensive, but these same dealers often have older models lingering on their showroom floors that they would be happy to part with at a discount price.

 

Buyers shouldn’t be afraid to ask the sales associates helping them at the dealership about left-over inventory from the prior year, even if they only see this year’s models when they look around the showroom floor. Dealerships often have an abundance of bikes crated and stored in warehouses or off-site, and some of them could offer riders a better deal on a brand-new bike.

 

Left-over bikes from previous years are often referred to as “New Old Stock” (NOS) motorcycles, and they’re often marked down significantly. Every dealer has a slightly different way of advertising these older bikes, which can be up to three years older than current models. What they all have in common, though, is that they’re usually willing to part with them at discounted prices.

 

Take Advantage of Motivated Sellers

 

When the summer hits, it can seem like it brings out the biker in everyone. There’s no denying that it’s more enjoyable to hit the open roads when the sun is shining and the weather is glorious, but the thing is, the increased interest in motorcycle riding that accompanies the warmer season can seriously drive up prices.

The best time to buy a motorcycle, whether it’s new or used, is during the off-season. Of course, buying during the off-season requires a little advanced planning. Instead of impulse-buying a new bike and hitting the open roads immediately, riders will have to wait until January or February to put their money to good use in purchasing a motorcycle.

 

There are a few reasons that buying a bike in January will cost a lot less than purchasing a comparable model in July. The most obvious of them is that no one wants to ride in the winter. However, the weeks immediately following Christmas also tend to bring a little extra financial hardship to everyone after buying Christmas presents and taking time off from work to celebrate.

 

Smart buyers wait until private sellers are really intent on making a quick sale. They also know that even dealers tend to be more welcoming during the coldest months of the year. It’s harder to meet sales quotas during the off-season, so many dealers are willing to offer price breaks.

 

Explore Options Online

 

Buying local can get expensive, especially for riders that live in popular motorcycle markets. Exploring options online allows riders in California, Florida, and other states with challenging markets to expand their options and find cheaper alternatives.

When buying online, it’s always best to go through dealers rather than private sellers. Look for a brand-new bike or a certified pre-owned motorcycle. Both of these options offer buyers extra protection they won’t have if they buy bikes used through private parties.

Some riders are hesitant to buy bikes online because they’re afraid of incurring massive shipping costs. While it’s true that having a motorcycle shipped from a dealership in another state will require paying an extra few hundred dollars, smart buyers can more than makeup for the difference by finding heavily discounted bikes. If the discount is greater than the average cost of shipping a motorcycle, chances are, it will still be cheaper to buy the bike online and have it shipped.

 

Start the Search Today

 

It can take a while to find the perfect bike, especially when riders are working with strict budgets. Start the search early and plan to spend some time waiting for the right deal. It’s never worth settling for a bike that won’t meet the needs of its rider.

 

Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.

-Diego

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