Should I Get A New Or Used Motorcycle?

Once you decide to get a motorcycle, your next major decision is whether to get a new or used model. Both offer unique advantages and drawbacks. The right choice for you depends on your priorities, such as price or advanced features.

We've created the following new versus used motorcycle buying guide, which will hopefully help in your shopping process. If you want tailored advice or want to shop new and used motorcycles for sale, contact Arizona Honda. Our dealership is located in Snowflake, Arizona, and we also serve those in Show Low and Holbrook.

Consider Your Budget

Think about how much you want to spend on a motorcycle.

New motorcycles will cost the most. They come straight from the factory in pristine condition and packed with the latest features, which inevitably generate the highest price tag.

Used motorcycles have much lower sticker prices thanks to depreciation. But it's important to keep maintenance and repair costs in mind. Many models need a large service in the 10,000 to 15,000 mile range, which can add several hundred dollars to your budget.  It also matters how well the previous owner took care of the model. With a little research, you can find a like-new model at a fraction of the asking price of its new counterpart.

Consider Your Experience Level

As a broad rule, new riders should pick a used motorcycle and experienced riders should pick a new motorcycle.

Why? Two key reasons.

First, it's tough for newbies to truly know what they want. When you haven't lived the motorcycle lifestyle yet, it's hard to determine the features you actually need and the features you can pass on. It's common for first time buyers to choose one type of motorcycle...then realize a different one would suit them better. A used motorcycle is more affordable, which means you can pay it off sooner and switch models sooner if needed.

Experienced riders, on the other hand, tend to have a good grasp on what they want and needed. They are better situated to invest in a more expensive and longer lasting new motorcycle.

Second, new riders tend to make more mistakes that cause damage to the motorcycle. These dings, dents, and scratches are much more painful on an expensive new motorcycle in perfect condition. It can be better to get those beginner errors out of the way on a used motorcycle.

Consider Your Must-Have Features

New motorcycles offer the latest and greatest features. They are packed with cutting-edge technology and safety amenities, such as ABS, traction control, and customizable riding modes. The more often you ride, the more important those perks can become. 

Think about which amenities matter most to you and whether you'd be able to find those in an older model. For example, if you simply need a motorcycle for commuting and don't need fancy gadgets, a used motorcycle can be a great fit. If you have a long must-have features list, odds are a new motorcycle is the better match for your lifestyle.

Want more information? Ready to shop new and used motorcycles for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at Arizona Honda are here to help. Tell us what you are looking for and we can recommend the most compatible models. Reach out today or stop by our dealership in Snowflake, Arizona. We also proudly serve those in Show Low and Holbrook, Arizona.