Why January & February is the Best Time to Buy a Motorcycle

 

For most of us living in the United States, it’s currently too snowy, bitterly cold, or flat out brutal in one way or another to ride. As if the weather isn’t enough to get you down, the post-holiday blues may be settling in, which may come with a hefty credit card bill.

All of these events mean one thing. 

Now is the PERFECT time to buy a motorcycle!

This seems completely absurd and contradictory. Riding a bike in the dead of winter is the last thing most people think about! Buying one may seem like the dumbest thing you can do.

Allow me to paint you a picture to spark your imagination...

It’s a new year. The chaos and hustle of the holidays are now behind us. However, spring seems light years away as the days are still short and freezing.

Coincidentally, dealerships are now looking for fresh blood.

 

People spending their gift certificates or pulling the trigger on major upgrades have come and gone. Salespeople who work off commission are thirsty. 

It’s not just them though. 

Current motorcycle owners are under pressure to free up some cash one way or another, and the bike sitting in the garage seems like a quick buck they can make. Especially if they bought the bike as an impulse during the pandemic. 

Here are some of the benefits of buying a bike from a private owner versus a dealership.

I’ve also taken into consideration that you know what you’re looking for.

First step -- check online for used sales from private owners. 

Go with Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Cycle Trader, or Ebay.

It’s also worth asking your biker friends if they know of someone selling a bike. 

I personally like Facebook Marketplace as my go-to bike search. You’re able to easily scout the seller and communicate with them before meeting in person. 

The benefit:

-There’s a lot more room to haggle (especially if you pay in cash).

-You trust the history of the bike if you’re buying it from a credible person,

The disadvantage:

-There’s risk that the bike hasn’t been inspected by a certified mechanic

-You have to go through the agonizing DMV / registration process yourself.

It’s a different dynamic from dealerships.

Check the dealership’s site to see what bikes they have in stock. 

If you still don’t see anything you like, it’s still worth going in person to scope out the bikes and talk with a representative. With so many trade-ins, you never know what hidden gems haven’t been yet listed for the sales floor.

I found my bike seconds before it was listed on the dealership’s website … and I bought it almost instantly.

The benefits of buying from a dealership in the dead of winter:

-You can still get a deal, but you won’t have the same leverage from an independent seller.

-A certified mechanic has inspected the bike.

-More often than not, the bike’s history is uploaded into their system. 

-Buying a bike usually means you can buy accessories at a discounted price initially.

-DMV and insurance paperwork is done for you.

The drawback of buying from a dealership in the dead of winter:

-You will most likely pay a load of extra fees that you can’t dodge.

Whichever you choose, I recommend that you bring someone with you to look at the bike. You never know if they will ask an important question you may not have thought of. If you’re getting a bike from a dealership, see if they will throw in free delivery on a cold, bitter day! No matter what, the perks still outweigh the drawbacks!