Are older Harley-Davidsons worth it? 5 things to consider when buying a used model

Even if the used Harley-Davidson motorcycle you’re eyeing is in working condition, you can’t know how long it will last unless you know its mileage. A vehicle’s mileage can reveal many subtle details, the most important of which is the number of hours it has been driven. If a Harley motorcycle has a lot of mileage, then first of all, you better get a good deal. No matter how well a bike has been maintained, if it has been around the world and back, it will be that much closer to breaking down. If a seller wants you to take an older bike off their hands, it should be worth it.

More importantly, if a bike has high mileage, that means it’s probably had its fair share of repairs and tune-ups. You should carry out a thorough inspection of the bike’s bodywork and construction, checking for warning signs such as modifications and aftermarket components or poor quality welds. If a bike has been put through a lot of abuse and is still selling, there may be a defect that the seller is trying to hide from you, warranting either passing it on or getting an even bigger discount.