Why February is a Good Time to buy a Bike
Short, cold days, frigid temps and nothing but sticks for trees, all tell us that we’re in the third phase of Winter - aka “Still Winter (at least for us in Northern New York and similar climates).
So, even though the riding season is still 6 to 8 or maybe even 10 weeks out, if you're in the market to get a motorcycle, NOW - the month of February - is the time to do it. Here’s why:
There’s More to Choose from: Because the cold temps, holidays, tax season, and short days, means that there are usually more bikes in the dealership, waiting to go home with you!
There’s less Competition: Those who bought their bike at the beginning of and during the season last year are now no longer looking. This translates to less competition and more opportunities for you, the buyer. Having less people after the same bike you want means you have a little more time to shop banks & lenders -especially if you've got a good to great credit score. This will potentially save you thousands in interest! Keep in mind tho- a little time is not a lot... give it 8 business days max.
Just Four Short Weeks: With February being a short month, and most dealerships being open 6 days out of the week, so really there’s only about 24 business days. If the dealer has a goal of so many units sold this month, you could use this to your advantage!
More Time to Customize: Especially if you’re living in a colder climate! Use the months leading up to the Riding Season to put on any extra’s you might want: heated grips, lighting, luggage racks, suspension, etc. Then you’ll be all set to roll once the weather clears.
Even though there's still snow on the ground, February is a great time to buy a motorcycle - even the other experts agree. However, once the weather shows a hint of warming up enough for us to ride - usually in late March where I live - the demand will increase and supply decrease.
No matter what time of year it is, The Bikes Call to People. "I should be yours..." "Take me home." "Let's go ride!" But they don't just call to just one person.... and that's when the trouble starts.
At the three dealerships I’ve worked at, we've had customers express their love for a particular bike, but when we ask if they'd like to leave a deposit to hold the bike they decline. Then, sometimes within an hour after the first customer leaving, another customer comes along and falls in love with the same bike, and wants to get it.... NOW. Customers will come back in a few weeks or even a month later and ask, "What happened to that bike? Why did you sell it??" Well, that's because we're not a museum....
