When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Motorcycle?

If you ask a Harley owner about the best time of year to buy a new motorcycle, you’ll get a host of different answers—some serious, others not so much. These can vary from detailed day-by-day analyses of dealership websites to “whenever my wife says it’s okay.”

But in all seriousness, when is the best time to buy a new motorcycle, and how do you pick the best Harley-Davidson motorcycle, anyway?

Whether you’re a Harley novice looking for your first bike or an experienced rider who wants a change, keep reading to find out when to score the best deal on your new bike!

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a New Motorcycle?

Arguably, the best time to buy a new motorcycle is whenever you’re in the market for one and the price is within your range. So when can you expect to find motorcycles on sale?

By Season

During the frigid winter months, riders are less likely to invest in a new motorcycle that they won’t be able to safely and comfortably ride until winter riding conditions improve. To combat low sales in the colder months following the holiday buying spree, dealers will often mark down prices to encourage potential buyers to purchase while prices are low.

But winter isn’t the only time of year to keep an eye out for motorcycle sales. Dealers need to make space on the showroom floor when new models come out, so they’ll often reduce prices on the older models to clear out excess inventory.

By Month

February is the shortest month, with only 28 days for dealerships to meet their monthly sales goals. Hosting sales is a great way to get customers in the door and boost sales when there’s less time to sell motorcycles. These sale mean February is a good time to scope out your local motorcycle dealership’s offerings and prices.

By Day

Many potential buyers wait until the weekend to visit dealerships when they have more time to shop. Because of this, dealers will occasionally reduce prices mid-week to encourage customers to shop when business is slow. 

This isn’t a guarantee that you’ll find the best motorcycle prices between Monday and Thursday. Still, if you’re a price-conscious shopper with a strict budget in mind, it’s worth keeping an eye on your local motorcycle dealership’s social media accounts. Consider following them on Instagram or Facebook to find out if they announce any last-minute sales in the middle of the workweek.

What Should I Look For When Buying a Motorcycle?

When you decide to buy a new motorcycle, there are a few things to keep in mind before you head to the dealership. First and foremost, you’ll need to determine what type of bike suits your personality, lifestyle, and budget:

1. Style

The popularity of Harley-Davidson motorcycles is mainly due to their unique look, which is classically elegant with the occasional edgy, modern twist. So whether you’re looking for something modern or an old-school design, you won’t be lacking in options.

Once you decide what style you’re looking for, it will make the processing of being a motorbike a lot easier as you can already narrow down the search.

If you fall in love with a bike but find it’s missing something, you can always customize your bike later on. So, don’t worry if it isn’t everything you want right away—you have time to give it a makeover!

2. Performance

In addition to the style, you also want to consider the performance of the motorcycle. The performance quality you need will depend on how you’re planning to use your bike.

There are two main types of bikes: cruisers, which offer a more casual ride, and touring bikes, which are more suitable for longer journeys. If you’re looking for durability and comfort, then a touring bike is your best option since they are often heavier and more stable. But if speed and maneuverability are on your list, a stylish cruiser might be a better pick.

3. Cost

Last but certainly not least is budget. Everyone will have a different price range they’re aiming for, but don’t let cost discourage you from even considering a motorcycle. Pre-owned or new-to-you bikes are available from most all reputable dealerships, and some dealers offer financing options that allow people to purchase their dream bike without breaking the bank.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, you can move on to the fun part—getting to the dealership and choosing your bike!

Ride in Style with Harley-Davidson of Kingwood

Harley-Davidson of Kingwood offers a large selection of new and pre-owned bikes to fit a wide range of budgets, including options below $10,000 in the Under 10 Hog Pen. And if you’re looking to secure financing on a new motorcycle, we can do that, too!

In addition to helping you find the bike of your dreams, our team can help outfit you in the latest Harley riding apparel or even teach you how to ride through the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. It doesn’t matter your price range or skill level. If you’re still wondering when is the best time to buy a new motorcycle, at Harley-Davidson of Kingwood, the answer is always now!