If you’ve always wanted a Harley-Davidson but haven’t been able to afford one, know that you’re not alone. A Harley-Davidson bike may be too expensive for most working-class people to buy with cash, just like most other cars. After making a down payment, you’ll likely need to take a loan to cover the rest of the cost.
When choosing a way to get money, you should give it some thought because there is no one good or bad choice. Rather, it depends on what each person wants and what their needs and circumstances are.
Compared to other financing options, Harley Davidson financing is easier in some ways and harder in others.
What are my Harley-Davidson financing options?
When you want to buy a new Harley, you can do a few different things.
Your bank
If you want to buy a Harley, you should start with people you already know. The first place you might look for a loan for a car is the bank where you have your checking and savings accounts. But you’ll need to be in good standing with your bank, which means that none of your credit card or mortgage payments are late and that you don’t owe any fees. You will also need a good credit score.
Financial services from Harley-Davidson
The next place you could look is with Harley-Davidson or a dealer that sells Harleys. The financing options for certain Harley-Davidson models change as the market does. They might offer you a loan with no down payment, a low annual percentage rate (APR), and loan terms that can last up to seven years.
If your credit isn’t great, a manufacturer is also more likely to offer you a loan. Harley-Davidson lets you buy a bike and parts and accessories with a loan. You can fill out an application online or at a Harley-Davidson dealer.
Personal loans
You can also apply for a personal loan for up to $50,000 from a lot of places, and you can use the money for anything legal, like buying a new motorcycle.
Loans for recreational vehicles
Some online lenders, banks, and credit unions will also help you pay for a motorcycle or other recreational vehicle. Standard car loans and motorcycle loans work the same way, but some lenders think motorcycles are riskier investments and won’t give you a loan for your Harley-Davidson.
Process Of Harley Davidson Financing
- Before you can get credit from Harley, you have to sign in to the Company’s website. Then, give the information they need and apply for a loan.
- Second, when you apply, the company looks at it to figure out how creditworthy you are. In a few minutes, you will find out if your application was accepted or not. If you don’t get approved, you can talk to a third-party dealership about other ways to make the deal.
- Third, the agreement’s terms and conditions are set, and any paperwork that needs to be done is done. Now, you can pick up the Harley you’ve always wanted and hit the road.
Conditions for Credit Approval
Your payment history, length of credit, type of credit, and the amount of debt you have compared to your income all affect your credit score.
Eligibility Criteria
In general, to get a Harley-Davidson loan, you need to meet the following requirements:
1. Credit history
A score between 720 and 850 is considered good, and you should have no trouble getting a loan with that score. A score below 629 is considered bad. But unlike banks, Harley financing doesn’t depend solely on credit scores.
2. Low DTI
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) shows how much money you have left over after paying your monthly bills. For most types of loans, you need a DTI of less than 43%.
3. Income proof
You usually have to show a pay stub or some other proof that you make enough money to pay back the loan each month.
4. Proof of residency
Harley Davidson could ask to see a utility bill or other proof that you live where you say you do.
Benefits of Financing with Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson is one of the most well-known motorcycle companies in the world, and they also have great options for financing through the company. Most people who want to buy a new or used Harley-Davidson can get a loan with an interest rate as low as 3.49 percent.
There is no minimum credit score to get a loan, and military members may be able to get lower rates, more flexible terms, and no down payment. You can also add extra bike parts and accessories to the loan, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on gear all at once.
You can also get financing from Harley-Davidson if you buy a bike from a private seller. Just call a Harley-Davidson dealership near you, and they will help you make the deal. For added security, you can even plan to pick up the bike at a Harley-Davidson dealership.
Cost of a Harley-Davidson Bike
According to Biker’s Rights, different models of Harley motorcycles range in price from $6,000 to $44,000 in 2019 and from $22,000 to $49,999 for models made in 2021. Getting a loan to pay for a motorcycle will depend on how much the bike costs, your credit score, and how much money you can put down (a sum paid on the day of purchase, which is taken out of the price before financing terms are applied).
For example, if you buy a $20,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and put $6,000 down, you’ll only need to get a loan for $14,000.
How much credit you need for a Harley-Davidson depends on the lender you use. There are a lot of Harley loans for people with bad credit out there.
How long can you finance a Harley?
If you want to buy your next Harley-Davidson with a manufacturer loan but don’t know how long you’ll have to pay it off, don’t worry! Many of their loan terms give you up to 7 years to make payments. But keep in mind that the value of any motorcycle will drop quickly.
So, if you want to sell your bike, it might be best to pay off your loan faster so you can get more return on investment.
What to Consider Before Buying a Harley?
Here are some things to think about when you’re shopping for a Harley.
- Secured or not?: Some secured loans won’t let you buy a used Harley if it’s over a certain age.
- The condition of the bike: Check to see that you are receiving what you were promised.
- Availability of insurance: A Harley-Davidson, whether it’s new or used, is an investment that should be covered by insurance.
- Riding experience: If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle before, take some lessons and get some experience on one before making a big investment.
- License Restrictions: Before you ride your Harley, you’ll need to apply for a specialty license.
- Maintenance: Your Harley-Davidson will need regular maintenance. When budgeting, include maintenance costs.
Conclusion
It’s really that simple and easy. We hope this article has answered all the questions you had.
Harley Davidson is a well-known brand when it comes to the style, looks, durability, and road experience of motorcycles. Most of the time, a motorcycle is too expensive for most people to buy. So, to help customers get what they need, even if they can’t pay for it all at once, the company offers financing options.
FAQs
Can you finance a Harley with a 600 credit score?
If you have a good credit score, you will be able to get the best rates. Even if your credit score is low, like 600, it is still possible to get a loan for a motorcycle. Though, you should expect to pay more in interest on your loan.
Does Harley require a down payment?
Harley-Davidson Credit is the biggest lender for motorcycles. With a minimum down payment (10% on new bikes and 15% on used bikes) and approved credit, you can arrange Harley-Davidson Credit financing with the dealership and be on the road just a few hours after choosing your bike.
What credit score is needed to finance a motorcycle?
Most lenders won’t give you a loan for a motorcycle unless you have a credit score of at least 620. If your score is below 620, you may still be able to find a lender who will work with you.
