This 2020, Buy Yourself a Brand-New Motorcycle

Many lucky riders start the year in the best possible way — treating themselves to a true reward. A brand-new motorcycle is waiting to be ridden for the very first time. A decision that always requires a certain dose of rational study and another dose of pure emotion. Which one weighs more? That’s up to you.

But whatever the motivation may be, it’s always useful to follow a few guidelines before making such a purchase. They can help you make a smarter decision and perhaps even save some money — money you could later invest in accessories or riding gear you hadn’t originally planned on buying.

When we talk about seasonality, it has often been said that the end of the year or the first days of the new one are good moments to find favorable buying conditions. This isn’t proven as a rule, but it may be influenced by the fact that the entire Northern Hemisphere is deep in winter, and motorcycle use naturally decreases. That tends to push the market toward special offers.

We’re more inclined to believe it’s the weather rather than the calendar date — except perhaps if you’re organizing your expenses for tax purposes. Years ago, December consumption would soar because workers received their holiday bonus, but today fewer people receive it in a lump sum, since it is often distributed throughout the year.

Another great opportunity is to check different dealerships and sales points in search of accumulated stock. Sometimes dealers are required to purchase a certain number of units, either due to brand policy or to qualify for discount bonuses. That can lead to unsold motorcycles that must still be accounted for, and the fastest way to move them is by offering a very attractive price to a serious buyer.

Also, if you closely follow new model releases, you may notice when certain bikes are about to lose visibility because an updated version is coming soon. If you don’t mind owning the previous model, you can use that information to negotiate an extra discount.

But never forget one key principle: a business owner runs their dealership to earn a living. Don’t expect them to pay for your personal whim. There are limits they simply cannot cross. Be aware of the costs involved in running a sales or distribution point. Empathize — and then treat yourself. Enjoy your new motorcycle.