New vs. Used Motorcycles
When shopping for a motorcycle, whether it’s your first or your fifth, it can be difficult to decide which condition to purchase. If you’re looking to buy on a tight budget, a used motorcycle’s lower price tag can look very appealing. However, if you want to take advantage of recent technologies, then you may want to go with a brand-new model instead. But there are several other factors you’ll need to take into consideration before you can really make an informed decision.
Here at Loewer Powersports & Equipment, located in Alexandria, Louisiana, we think it’s important that you find the best bike for you, no matter what condition it may be in. To help you decide between new and used bikes, we’ve drawn up this comparison so you can weigh the pros and cons of each and then walk into our Rapides Parish dealership to find exactly the right bike for you.
New Models
Brand-spanking-new bikes are tempting for many reasons, to both the novice rider and the experienced professional. They’ve got that refined look and all the latest technological advances, plus you have the benefit of knowing you’re the bike’s first and only owner.
Pro: Top Performance
A new motorcycle will be at the peak of its game, giving you 100% of its power because you’re its first rider. You don’t really need to break in a motorcycle so your machine will perform at its best right away. The parts will all be factory-fresh and there won’t be a ding or scuff on them.
Pro: Under Warranty
Your fresh-off-the-assembly-line machine is also under its full initial warranty. Any repairs or service that you may need down the road will be covered at least in part by this warranty, and you get to take advantage of the protection provided by the manufacturer if any parts do malfunction early.
Con: High Price
The biggest con against buying new is the price tag. That high cost pays for everything mentioned above, but it can be out of many people’s price range. Not only will the initial machine cost more, but so will insurance, since a new vehicle is at its most valuable and thus, most vulnerable to thieves.
Con: Lack Of Reviews
Another con is that you don’t have the advantage of time on your side. A bike that’s been around for a year or two will have been ridden, tested and reviewed all over magazines, newspapers and the internet. A new motorcycle doesn’t have nearly the amount of feedback, so you won’t be able to see the full spectrum of what others thought of its performance before putting down your hard-earned cash.
Used Motorcycles
Considering a used bike is also a smart choice, since these can provide you with great value and high performance. Not only will you save money on insurance and the model itself, but you can have your choice of a world of bikes ready for the picking.
Pro: Low Cost
Obviously, the biggest appeal of a used bike is its very low sticker price. Thanks to depreciation, which is a drop in value that every vehicle or large purchase suffers as soon as it’s driven off the lot, you’ll save hundreds or even thousands off a bike that may only have been used a few times. This can put higher-end models right within your means if you’re on a shoestring budget.
Pro: So Many Choices
Another appeal of buying used is how many models you’ll have to choose from. You aren’t limited to this year’s models. Choose from vintage used motorcycles with classic stylings or go with a model that’s a few years old but still has a lot of life left in it. Either way, you get your pick of the litter!
Ready to make your choice? Visit our dealership in Alexandria, serving all of Rapides Parish, to see our selection of new and used motorcycles for sale. Loewer Powersports & Equipment also welcomes our customers coming from the cities of Lafayette, Shreveport and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.