How Hard Is It to Get Harley-Davidson Financing?

For most people, buying a car or motorcycle outright isn’t an option. But just because you don’t have enough cash to pay for a motorcycle in full doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve your dream of owning a Harley-Davidson. Financing is a wonderful option that makes owning a vehicle accessible to people that aren’t liquid enough to buy in full with cash. But those with poor or under-utilized credit may be unsure of what kind of financing options they will qualify for. And although financing options tend to vary depending on your lender, there are some general guidelines to follow if you are considering getting a loan. Keep reading if you are asking the question: how hard is it to get Harley-Davidson financing?

Different Types of Motorcycle Loans

When considering a loan for a big purchase like a motorcycle, it’s important to do your research on the types of loans that you have access to, and figure out the individual pros and cons as they apply to your personal financial situation. You’ll have many financing options in front of you at the dealership, so having a game plan can not only save you time but also prevent you from making a poor decision under pressure. Here are some common loan options to consider: 

Direct/Personal Bank Financing:

• If you are in good standing with your bank and are familiar with their interest rates and loan policies, financing a motorcycle through your personal bank may be a good option to consider. Many banks have great loan terms and often offer extensive borrowing limits with no collateral required to current bank customers. However, if you have poor credit or are currently delinquent on existing loans or credit cards with your bank, you may have trouble securing another loan.  

Manufacturer Financing: 

• Manufacturer motorcycle financing is a loan directly from the motorcycle manufacturer. If you are looking for a simple shopping experience, this may be the way to go; you can select your bike and secure a loan to pay for it at the same place. If you are set on a specific dealership or manufacturer for your bike, then you likely won’t miss the flexibility of being able to shop around.  

Secured Collateral Loans

• Secured collateral financing loans are very common car and motorcycle loans. If you are confident that you can make your monthly payment and want to get a fixed interest rate on the amount financed for the entire duration of your loan, you may be a prime candidate. However, if there is any concern that you won’t be able to make a payment, be forewarned; the lender will consider the bike collateral on the loan and can call in your lean at any time.

Can You Finance a Harley-Davidson with Bad Credit?

Most people in the United States have been through financial hardship at some point in their life. If your credit reflects poorly on your past and doesn’t paint an accurate picture of your current financial situation, there is still a way to get financing for the Harley-Davidson of your dreams. While your bank is more likely to discriminate against your bad credit score, a manufacturer may still offer you a reasonable interest rate. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that a good credit score does not guarantee that you will qualify for a loan on a Harley-Davidson. There are lots of different factors taken into account when evaluating applicants for credit approval, so don’t feel discouraged if your credit score isn’t up to par. 

Benefits of Financing with Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson is not only one of the best-known motorcycle manufacturers in the world; we also have excellent options for manufacturer financing. Harley-Davidson dealerships offer loans on both new and used models, with most people qualifying for interest rates as low as 3.49%. There is no minimum credit score to be approved for a loan, and military members may also qualify for reduced rates, flexible term options, and a $0 down payment. Additionally, you can group in extra parts and accessories for your bike into the loan, so you don’t have to drop a lot of money on gear outright.  

You can also get Harley-Davidson financing if you buy your bike from a private party! Simply contact a dealership near you and they will help mediate the sale; you can even plan to pick up the bike at a Harley-Davidson dealership for better security.

How Long Can You Finance a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle?

If you are considering a manufacturer loan for your next Harley-Davidson motorcycle but aren’t sure how long you’ll have to pay it off, never fear! Many of our loan terms offer payment plans for up to 7 years! However, keep in mind that any motorcycle will depreciate in value quickly. So if you are planning on reselling your bike, it may be in your best interest to pay off your loan faster so you see more return on investment.

Visit Harley-Davidson of The Woodlands

Whether you’re a devoted biker or strictly a weekend warrior, there’s a Harley-Davidson bike for you. We’ve got electric and gas street bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, and trikes. If you are still wondering how hard it is to get Harley-Davidson financing, visit Harley-Davison of the Woodlands today! Our Harley-Davidson financial services department will help you get qualified fast so you can start experiencing the freedom and beauty of the open road.