Motorcycle loans are
offered by many companies, from the bank to the credit union to
independent companies online. With so many options to choose from,
it is smart to do some research on motorcycle loans before you
apply.
You can expect interest
rates for motorcycle loans to be 2-3 percent higher than car or
truck loans. This may seem unfair, but motorcycles represent a
higher risk to the lender. If you die in an bike accident, the
lender is left with a damaged motorcycle and no way of collecting
on the loan. The good news is that insurance costs are usually
lower for motorcycles than for cars.
Generally, interest
rates for motorcycle loans are lower for new bikes purchased from
a dealer, slightly higher for used bikes, and still higher for
a person-to-person sale. Shorter terms usually qualify for lower
interest rates. Of course, no matter what your loan term may be,
the sooner you pay off your loan the less interest you have to
pay. Remember to look for motorcycle loans that do not carry a
penalty for early payoff.
Applying for
the loans
Shop around to see who
can offer you the best overall service in motorcycle loans. As
you look at potential lenders, ask yourself these questions: Do
they have an application fee? Do they require a down payment?
How long will the loan process take? Do you get to choose how
to repay your loan, whether by automatic withdrawal or invoice?
It is easy to check on interest rates for various lenders and
forget to consider these other aspects of motorcycle loans. As
well before heading to the lender to get a loan, know what your
credit
score is, making sure you will be eligable. If you have a
bad credit history, you can look into a bad
credit motorcycle loan
The
application process will vary, depending on where you go for the
loan. If you are looking for a quick answer, find a company with
an online application. Many of these companies promise to reply
within hours.
When you apply, think about other costs associated with your purchase.
Motorcycle loans can include more than the cost of the actual
bike; you will need money for tax, title, registration, and any
extended warranties that you choose. Take all of these costs into
consideration when deciding how much money to borrow.
If you apply for pre-approval, find out if the current interest
rate on motorcycle loans can be locked in for a certain amount
of time. This gives you a chance to shop for the motorcycle you
want without worrying about losing a good interest rate. Pre-approval
also gives you power to negotiate with a seller just as if you
had cash in hand.
Loan
calculators are available online; many companies have them
on their websites as a tool for potential customers. These calculators
can help you make decisions about motorcycle loans, especially
if you are comparing multiple offers.
Though shopping for a loan may not be as glamorous or fun as shopping
for your new bike, saving money is usually a good motivator. Take
time to look around and compare several motorcycle loans before
choosing the one that is best for you.