Here’s The Best Time Of Year To Buy A Harley Davidson:
Are you considering buying a Harley-Davidson motorcycle but wondering when the ideal time is to make your purchase? You’re in the right place! In this article, we will discuss the best time of the year to buy a Harley-Davidson and share some factors to consider when making your purchase.
Winter is typically the best time to buy a Harley Davidson. This is partly due to it being the off-season for riding so there’s less demand. HD also tends to announce their new models near the beginning of the year, which makes the current models in the showroom less desirable.
The best months to buy a Harley-Davidson are typically September through February. During these months, there are fewer buyers, and demand drops significantly, which often leads to better prices from dealerships and private sellers.
Additionally, February is considered a prime time to buy a bike since it’s just before tax return season, and salespeople may struggle to meet their quotas due to the shorter month.
The Best Time to Buy A New Harley Davidson
Keep in mind, there are more factors than just the price to think about when considering buying a bike. The truth is, Harley Davidson is pretty firm on their pricing for new bikes nowadays. The company has strict rules for dealerships when it comes to what they can and can’t do in terms of negotiation.
So if you’re holding your breath waiting for a 50% off blowout sale on 2023 models, be prepared to turn blue. That sale ain’t coming. There are other incentives that might sway your decision though, like financing options, trade-in value, and sales on parts/merchandise.
Buying a Harley Right Before New Models Come Out
One of the best times to buy a new Harley Davidson is right before new models are released. Historically, this would occur in the late summer or early fall, when some of the larger bike events are held. In the last couple of years though, HD has remained tight-lipped on the new models until January or February.
During this period, you’ll often find better pricing and more negotiation power, as dealers want to move existing stock. As soon as the new ones get announced, the current ones become “last year’s bikes”. This is likely your best chance at getting a deal on a brand-new bike.
End of Riding Season
The end of riding season is a great time to buy a used Harley Davidson. In most parts of the country, this is around September to November. Many riders up north have to store their bikes for the winter time and being able to get rid of it instead can be a big incentive when it comes to negotiation.
As the demand for motorcycles drops and fewer riders are on the road, people are less likely to shop for a bike. With fewer buyers, you’ll have more bargaining power and potentially save a significant amount on your bike.
The downside to buying a Harley in the off-season is that you might not be able to ride it home if the weather is bad. So keep transportation in mind if you buy a bike in the wintertime.
Holiday Sales and Promotions
Don’t overlook holiday sales and promotions when planning your Harley Davidson purchase. It might not impact the actual purchase price of your bike, but you have a better chance of having things “thrown in”.
Dealerships often offer special deals and incentives during major holidays, such as Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
These sales can lead to discounts on parts and merchandise, low-interest financing, and other perks that will make your purchase even more enticing. Stay tuned to your local dealership’s promotions and capitalize on these holiday offers.
Other Ways To Save Money On A Harley Davidson
Choose your model, options, and color carefully
When buying a Harley Davidson, making smart choices regarding options and color can save you money. Opt for essential features and stick with standard colors to keep the cost down.
The fancier paint jobs tend to come with an added cost. If that’s not worth the money for you, there’s nothing wrong with getting a plain old black Harley. As a matter of fact, many of us believe they’re timeless!
Ask yourself – do you really need a premium sound system, digital display, and an extra 4 cubic inches? Perhaps a base model bike is the best fit for you (at nearly half the price of a CVO model!)
Take advantage of Harley Davidson financing options
Harley Davidson offers financing options to help you buy your dream bike. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the loans, as well as any promotions that may be available. Taking advantage of these financing options can help you save money and make your dream of owning a Harley a reality.
Trade your old bike in
If you have an older motorcycle, consider trading it in to lower the cost of your new Harley Davidson. Many dealerships accept trade-ins, and depending on the make, model, and condition of your old bike, you could significantly reduce the purchase price of your new Harley.
Every dealership is different, but many of them will offer higher trade-in values on used bikes for certain periods. For example, High Desert Harley Davidson in Idaho offers higher trade-in values in January to encourage buyers to make a transaction during the slower months.
Military discounts
Harley Davidson appreciates the service of military personnel and offers special discounts for them. If you’re an active, retired, or reserve member of the US military, you could be eligible for these discounts. These can help reduce the overall cost of your Harley Davidson, making it more affordable for you.
By considering these options and making informed decisions, you can save money while purchasing your bike.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a Harley-Davidson motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, but it’s important to consider the timing.
Make sure to head over to our article about buying a Harley Davidson as your first bike if that applies to your situation.
September to February is likely the best time to buy a Harley-Davidson due to lower demand. So, planning your purchase during these months might help you save some money or at least take advantage of other incentives.
While you contemplate your decision, remember to weigh the pros and cons of buying a brand-new Harley-Davidson versus a used one. Modern Harleys are quite reliable, and opting for a used one might provide a similar experience at a lower cost.
Finally, be aware that Harleys can be expensive to own and maintain. Keep this in mind when budgeting for your new ride. Happy shopping, and enjoy the open road on your Harley-Davidson!