Best Time to Buy Harley Davidson in US

Are you considering joining the ranks of Harley Davidson owners? There’s no better feeling than hitting the open road atop these iconic motorcycles. 

However, timing your purchase can save you a substantial amount, up to 20% off the sticker price in some instances. 

Did you know that approximately 30% of new Harley Davidson sales occur between April and June? 

Yet, data shows that the best deals can often be found in colder months, specifically November and December. 

Let’s dive in!

Understand the Market Dynamics

One important factor to consider is how motorcycle sales vary throughout the year. Different seasons may impact sales, with certain times of the year being more favorable for buyers. 

Motorcycle sales fluctuate with the seasons, similar to how we consume ice cream more in summer and hot chocolate in winter. 

So, during spring and summer, when the weather is warm and sunny, motorcycle sales peak as more people are interested in riding. 

However, in winter, when it’s cold and snowy, fewer people want to ride motorcycles, resulting in lower sales. 

This seasonal trend affects all motorcycles, including Harley Davidson bikes, which experience a noticeable decline in sales during winter.

Best Time to Buy Harley Davidson

The analysis shows that the end of the year is usually a good time to buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. 

This is because they have promotions and sell older models, and people tend to buy more during the holiday season. 

Sales numbers change a lot between different times of the year because of things like weather, the economy, and how the company advertises. 

So, if you want to get a better deal, it’s smart to buy during a quarter when sales are usually lower. 

And dealerships might offer discounts to sell more motorcycles. But remember, sales trends can change because of things like the economy, what people want, and global events. 

This analysis shows that the end of the year is a good time to buy a Harley Davidson, but you should also look at what’s happening right now and any deals the dealership is offering.

Why Winter Is Best Time to Buy Harley

During winter, there are fewer motorcycle riders on the road, leading to a significant drop in demand for buying bikes. 

This lower demand results in decreased sales for Harley Davidson, especially in the fourth quarter. 

For example, in the second quarter of 2019, Harley Davidson sold 42,762 bikes, but this number dropped to 20,204 in the fourth quarter. 

Dealers are more likely to offer bikes at lower prices during winter to boost sales, as they have monthly sales quotas to meet. 

So, customers have a better chance of negotiating lower prices and better terms during the winter months. 

Winter, especially around holidays like Black Friday, is a time when dealerships offer aggressive deals and promotions, including discounts on bikes and accessories.

Demographic Considerations for Harley Buyers

The typical Harley Davidson customer is usually a married man in his early 50s. They generally have a household income of $90,000 or more. 

These customers buy Harley Davidson motorcycles because they are passionate about the product or lifestyle, not just for practical reasons.

 However, younger generations, especially millennials, have different opinions about heavyweight motorcycles like Harley Davidson. 

Instead of seeing them as a hobby or something cool, younger people think of motorcycles as a convenient way to get around. 

This means that younger buyers might prefer less expensive bikes, which could affect the market for more expensive models like the ones Harley Davidson offers. 

So, in order to attract younger riders, Harley Davidson has started riding schools and introduced electric motorcycles like the “Livewire.” 

Advantages of Buying a Used Motorcycle

Like all vehicles, motorcycles depreciate over time, losing value as they age. However, Harley-Davidson depreciates slower compared to many other brands. 

When you buy a new Harley, its value decreases significantly once you drive it off the lot. 

However, Harleys generally depreciate better than most motorcycles due to strong demand, limited availability, and reliability. 

Not all Harley models depreciate at the same rate. Some hold their value better than others. 

Examples of Depreciation Rates: 

• Harley-Davidson Street Glide: 47.9% average depreciation over five years. 
• Road King: 50.1% average depreciation over five years.
• Softtail: 47% average depreciation over five years.
• Sportster 1200: 51% average depreciation over five years. 

Models like the Softtail and Street Glide have lower depreciation rates, while the Street 500/750 and Ultra Limited depreciate more quickly. 

Buying a used Harley offers better value for money due to the slower depreciation rate. You can get a high-quality motorcycle for a lower price compared to buying new one. 

Also, purchasing a used Harley avoids significant initial depreciation in the first few years. 

Harleys are reliable and popular, so even used models are in good demand, ensuring a quality bike. 

Based on depreciation rates, a three to five-year-old Harley Davidson can be a good balance between value and condition.

Read Also:

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Touring Motorcycles for short riders

FAQs

What is the best month to buy a motorcycle?

The best month to buy a motorcycle is usually February or March. During this time, many dealers have sales to make room for new models coming in the spring. 

Moreover, it’s still cold in many places, so not as many people are thinking about riding motorcycles, which means you might get a better deal.

What months are motorcycles the cheapest?

Motorcycles are usually the cheapest in the colder months, like November, December, and January. 

This is because fewer people are looking to ride motorcycles when it’s cold out, so sellers lower their prices to attract buyers.

Is it a good idea to buy a Harley?

Buying a Harley can be a good idea if you enjoy motorcycles and value the brand’s history and reputation for quality. 

However, you should also consider cost, maintenance, and safety factors.