Last Updated on March 9, 2024 by admin
You’ve finally decided that you’re ready to join the ranks of motorcycle riders and buy your very first bike. But before you head to the dealership, there’s one more important step: financing. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about bike financing to make an informed decision when it comes time to buy.
Table of Contents
Motorcycle Financing Basics
You may be wondering about your financing options if you’re in the market for a new motorcycle. Motorcycles can be expensive, and unless you have the cash on hand to pay for one outright, you’ll likely need to finance your purchase.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re financing a motorcycle. First, you’ll need a good credit score to qualify for the best interest rates on bike financing. If your credit score is on the lower end, you may still be able to get financing, but you can expect to pay a higher interest rate. Second, you’ll need to decide whether you want to finance the entire purchase price of the bike finance or just a portion of it. Having the cash on hand to cover a large down payment will lower your monthly payments and the overall loan cost.
Third, you’ll need to choose the term of the loan. Loan terms for motorcycles typically range from 36 months to 60 months. The longer the loan term, the lower your monthly payments will be; however, you’ll pay more interest over the loan. Finally, shop around for financing before settling on a lender. Different lenders will offer different interest rates and terms, so it’s important to compare offers before making a decision. You can also use the EMI calculator to understand the exact monthly payments beforehand.
Choosing to Finance Through a Dealership vs. a Bank
When it comes to financing your motorcycle purchase, you have the option to finance through the dealership or a bank, or a credit union. Both options have their pros and cons.
One potential advantage of financing through the dealership is convenience. You can take care of the financing paperwork while purchasing the bike at the dealership. However, it’s important to note that dealerships often mark up interest rates so that you may pay more in interest over the life of the loan.
On the other hand, financing through a bank or credit union typically offers lower interest rates and more flexibility in loan terms. However, it can take longer to get approved for financing, and additional paperwork may be involved.
How Does Motorcycle Financing Work?
Much like financing a car, motorcycle financing works by allowing you to spread out the cost of your purchase over a period of time. You’ll make monthly payments on your loan, and once the loan is paid off, the bike will be yours. There are a few different ways to finance a bike, and we’ll go over some of the most common options below.
Bank Loans
One option for financing your motorcycle is to take a bank or credit union loan. Banks typically have lower interest rates than other types of loans, making them a good option if you want to save on interest.
Dealer Financing
Another common option for financing your motorcycle is dealer financing. Dealer financing is when you finance bike through the dealership where you’re buying your bike. One advantage of dealer financing is that it’s often easier to qualify than other types of loans. However, dealer financing typically comes with higher interest rates on bike finance than other options, so comparing rates is important before committing to this type of loan.
Personal Loans
Personal loans are another option for financing your motorcycle purchase. Personal loans are unsecured loans that can be used for just about anything, including buying a motorcycle. One advantage of personal loans is that they often have lower interest rates than other types.
Types of Motorcycle Loans
There are two main types of loans that you can use bike finance: secured and unsecured loans. A secured loan is one where the motorcycle serves as collateral; if you default on the loan, the lender can repossess the bike. Unsecured loans don’t require collateral, but they often come with higher interest rates since they’re considered riskier for lenders.
Another available type of loan is called a manufacturer’s incentive loan. These are special financing deals that some manufacturers offer to entice buyers. These deals usually offer low-interest rates and attractive terms, but they’re only available for certain models and from certain dealerships. Be sure to research before taking advantage of one of these offers.
Final Thoughts
Financing a bike can be a great way to spread out the cost of your purchase over time. Various financing options are available, so it’s important to compare rates and terms before choosing a lender. Be sure to consider the interest rate, the term of the loan, and any fees associated with the loan. Also, not all lenders offer the same terms, so it’s important to shop around before settling on a deal.
