What to look for when buying a Used Harley

Ok, you finally decided you are gonna do it. You want to buy a used Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. Excellent choice! But what next? What should you look for when buying a used Harley?

Step One: Figure out what fits you aesthetically… AND physically.

You absolutely have to know what model suits you best – size, power, fitment wise before you start throwing money at a bike. Not much else matters if you have a bike that looks great but doesn’t feel great to ride. This is the number one cause of a parked bike and eventually a loss of interest in riding. And nobody, and I mean NOBODY wants that.

So if you’ve never ridden a particular Harley, how do you know which one is for you? There are Sport models, Touring Models, Adventure Touring Models, Trikes, Electric bikes, the list goes on and on! Well, the easiest and most accurate way to find out is going to a Harley-Davidson dealership and speaking with a Fit Specialist. Their sole purpose is to figure out what bike works best with your physical stature and riding style. They are trained to figure out exactly what Harley fits you BEST, and they usually have the resources to look nationwide to find you a bike. They’ll have you sit on bikes, and put your hands and feet on the controls and figure out if anything will be fatiguing or distracting.

Step Two: Who are you buying from?

Remember, you aren’t obligated to buy a bike from a dealer after a fitment session if you aren’t feeling it. There are lots of factors to consider, Price, Availability, etc. I will say that personally, I’ve found that getting familiar with your local dealer is a great way to dip your toes in the local motorcycling community. And as a bonus, there are usually tons of events and offers happening at dealerships to make you want to come back. Some of my best friends have been made at dealerships across the country. But don’t worry, there are always private sellers if that’s more your speed. No shame in that game, but do be aware that there is a lot more leg work and responsibility on your part if that is the route you choose. Here are some things to think about:

Buying from a Private Seller – You will need to do a detailed inspection yourself. Anything withheld or missed by the seller will be your problem to deal with going forward. Also, you may not get to test ride it.

Buying from a Dealer – Make sure beforehand that the dealer has done an inspection with an itemized list of components/fluids checked. Test rides are generally welcome, and some bikes even come with a warranty, plus you have a team of people who are ready and willing to make suggestions and/or modifications to get your bike exactly how you want it.

Step Three: Pay attention to the Mechanical and Electrical systems

Most of these issues would arise from purchasing a Harley from an individual, but I would recommend checking everything for yourself regardless of the seller, if for no other reason than peace of mind.

• Turn the bike on and test the following – lights, brake lights, high and low beams, turn signals, horn, and the speedometer. Is there a check engine light on?
• Crank the bike and listen for any clanking, rattling or tapping sounds coming from the engine. Is there smoke coming from the exhaust on startup?
• Make sure and check the oil level and color. Is it dark? When was the last oil change?
• Check the date code on the tires. Tires are often an unthought-of expense when buying a used bike and your most important safety system! They typically have a life span of 4 to 5 years depending on the amount of miles and conditions they see, but anything more than that warrants a thorough inspection by a professional and possible replacement.
• Is there rust in the fuel tank? While you are in there, does the fuel smell old?
• Is there any weathering or cracking on any rubber hoses on/near the engine.