| So you want to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle? | | | | motorcycle is to be a little different. While some |
| You aren't alone. Even in a bad economy, Harley | | | | models are produced year after year like clockwork, |
| Davidsons seem to keep selling. There's just | | | | other models are only offered for short periods. Buy |
| something about owning and riding a Harley that has | | | | one of these and you will have something a little |
| created one of the most loyal groups of owners of | | | | more unique than most people. An example of this |
| any product in the world. The Harley Davidson logo is | | | | would be the 100th Anniversary model, which was |
| even one of the most popular tattoos worldwide. | | | | offered with special paint and trim to celebrate the |
| Yep, there nothing else quite like a Harley. | | | | Centennial of the Harley Davidson motorcycle. |
| So you may be wondering whether you should go | | | | Do Your Homework |
| down to the local dealer and ride home on a shiny | | | | If you do decide to go the pre-owned route it pays |
| new model or maybe take a look at a used Harley | | | | to do your homework. Check the blue book prices |
| Davidson motorcycle. There are pluses and minuses | | | | online and see what the average price is for the |
| for both choices, but you might want to seriously | | | | model you are looking for. Look at some of the |
| consider the resale market. Here are a few reasons | | | | website selling used Harley Davidsons and see what |
| why: | | | | some have sold for recently. When you have picked |
| Save Money | | | | out a candidate, ask to see any maintenance records |
| While a brand new bike will have all the latest | | | | or even to take the bike to a mechanic to be |
| improvements, buying one just a few years old can | | | | checked out. Look at the tires and brakes. Bikes get |
| literally save you thousands. Motorcycles are just like | | | | dropped, it's just a fact of life. Check closely for |
| cars, as soon as you sign the sales agreement the | | | | scratches, dents and other damage. |
| start losing value. Letting the original buyer take that | | | | Once you've checked everything out ask to take a |
| hit can be a smart move. | | | | test ride. You should be prepared to show a valid |
| Get "Free" Upgrades" | | | | motorcycle license, since the owner may be |
| Since many Harley Davidson owners spend some | | | | understandably reluctant to let a beginner take his |
| serious money on customizing their bikes, lots of | | | | Harley for a ride. Also be willing to leave your license |
| used motorcycles have some really cool, expensive | | | | hostage because too many bikes have ridden off |
| add-ons. The good news for you is that these | | | | into the sunset on a "test ride". Just put yourself in |
| customizations don't usually hold their value any more | | | | the seller's shoes. If you are serious most people will |
| than the rest of the bike. So you can get both the | | | | work with you for a test ride. |
| bike and all the upgrades for a lot less than the | | | | Finding the right used Harley Davidson motorcycle can |
| original owner has invested in the motorcycle. The | | | | be a little more work than just walking into the dealer |
| only exception to this is with a seriously custom | | | | and picking out a new one, but the extra effort can |
| "show bike" which sometimes can sell for more than | | | | really pay off. Not only will you probably save a lot of |
| the original cost. | | | | money, but you will most likely learn a lot about |
| Stand Out From The Crowd | | | | motorcycles in the process. You may even make |
| One more reason to consider a used Harley Davidson | | | | some new friends. |