How Hard Is It to Get a Motorcycle Loan and What to Expect

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Harley Davidson Motorcycle
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Getting a motorcycle loan can be a bit of a process, but it's definitely doable. You'll typically need to have a good credit score, which is considered 660 or higher.

The lender will also want to know about your income and employment history, so be prepared to provide documentation. This can include pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of employment.

Having a stable income and employment history can make it easier to get approved for a motorcycle loan. This is because lenders want to ensure you can afford the loan payments.

The loan amount and interest rate will also depend on your credit score and other factors. For example, if you have a high credit score, you may qualify for a lower interest rate.

Getting Started

You'll need to have a good credit score to qualify for a motorcycle loan, and a score of 600 or higher is usually the minimum.

Having a stable income and a steady job is also essential, as lenders want to see that you can afford the monthly payments.

Start by checking your credit report to see where you stand, and work on improving your credit score if necessary.

How to Get a Motorcycle Loan

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Getting a motorcycle loan can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge, you can navigate the process with ease.

To qualify for a motorcycle loan, you'll need a good credit score, typically 600 or higher.

You can also consider applying with a co-signer if you have a low credit score or no credit history.

A down payment of 10% to 20% of the bike's price is recommended to reduce the loan amount and interest paid over time.

Most lenders require a minimum income of $25,000 per year to qualify for a motorcycle loan.

You can expect to pay interest rates between 5% and 15% APR, depending on your credit score and loan terms.

The loan term can range from 12 to 72 months, depending on the lender and your financial situation.

Be sure to carefully review the loan agreement and ask questions before signing to avoid any surprises.

Determine Your Budget

Calculating your budget is the first step to getting motorcycle financing. It's essential to figure out how much you can afford to spend, including the down payment and monthly payments.

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The larger your down payment, the smaller your monthly payments will be. This is because you're paying a bigger chunk of the bike's price upfront.

Choosing a longer repayment term will keep monthly payments down, but you'll pay more in interest over the life of the loan. It's smart to select the shortest loan term you can reasonably afford.

Don't forget to factor in motorcycle insurance premiums, taxes, and registration fees when setting your budget. These costs can add up quickly and affect how much you can afford to spend on your motorcycle.

Use a motorcycle loan calculator to understand how your motorcycle purchase will fit into your budget.

Choosing a Lender

Choosing a Lender can be a daunting task, but don't worry, I've got you covered. Applying to multiple lenders can help you get a better deal, as dealerships often inflate consumer loan APRs.

You can get a couple of offers directly from lenders without the middleman, and it won't hurt your credit score if you apply to multiple lenders within a 14-day period. This way, you can compare rates and terms to determine which lender offers the most competitive financing option.

Online lenders are another great option, offering more competitive rates and faster funding than traditional institutions. They may offer traditional motorcycle loans or personal loans that you can use for buying a motorcycle.

Apply to Multiple Lenders

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Applying to multiple lenders is a great way to get the best deal on your motorcycle loan. You can do this by getting a couple of offers directly from lenders without going through a dealership.

Dealerships often inflate consumer loan APRs, so it's a good idea to shop around. Applying to multiple lenders won't hurt your credit score, as long as you do all the applications within a 14-day period.

Online lenders are a great option to consider, as they often offer more competitive rates and faster funding than traditional lenders. Some online lenders offer personal loans that you can use for buying a motorcycle, which can be a good option if you don't want to put down a down payment.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when applying to multiple lenders:

  • Apply to multiple lenders within a 14-day period to avoid affecting your credit score.
  • Compare rates and terms from different lenders to find the most competitive financing option.

Banks

Banks may offer traditional motorcycle loans, secured by the bike itself, with lower interest rates. However, there's a catch: if you fall behind on payments, the bank could repossess your motorcycle.

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Some banks offer competitive rates for motorcycle financing, especially for those with a military connection, such as USAA Bank.

Not every major bank offers motorcycle financing, so it's essential to research and find one that does.

Here's a table showing the loan terms, loan amounts, rates, APR, and estimated monthly payments for motorcycle loans offered by banks:

Dealerships

Purchasing a motorcycle from a dealership can be a convenient option, as the salesperson can help you secure a motorcycle loan through the dealership's lending partner.

Getting your loan and your bike in the same transaction can simplify the process, but be aware that rates are often higher when you finance through the dealership.

Dealerships may offer financing options with limited-time promotional APRs or loans with no money down, especially for brand-new bikes.

Larger brands, such as Harley-Davidson, Ducati, and Yamaha, are more likely to have in-house financing.

If you're considering financing through a dealership, be sure to compare motorcycle loan offers to ensure you're getting the best deal.

History

Woman Wearing Black Jacket and Pants Leaning on Touring Motorcycle
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Your credit history is a crucial factor in determining your eligibility for a motorcycle loan. Lenders will review your past loan payments, including those for auto loans and mortgages, to assess your creditworthiness.

Repossession or bankruptcy can significantly impact your credit score, making it harder to secure a loan. I've seen people struggle to get loans after a repossession, so it's essential to manage your debt responsibly.

On-time payments are a must, as they demonstrate your ability to meet financial obligations. Aim to make payments on time, every time, to build a strong credit history.

A history of missed payments or defaults can lead to a poor credit score, making you a high-risk candidate for a motorcycle loan.

Financing Options

You're not alone if you're wondering how hard it is to get a motorcycle loan. Finding a motorcycle loan may not be as simple as finding an auto loan, but there are still plenty of options available.

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Some motorcycle dealerships will offer financing directly to consumers, although their interest rates will fluctuate depending on the applicant. If you're having trouble getting approved, consider applying with a third-party lender that specializes in bad credit or subprime credit.

Here are some financing options to consider:

  • Financing with the motorcycle dealer or manufacturer
  • Third-party lenders that don't mind bad credit
  • Personal loans from a bank or credit union

Keep in mind that these options come with varying interest rates and terms, so be sure to shop around and compare rates before making a decision.

Financing Options

If you're in the market for a new motorcycle, you'll want to consider your financing options carefully. There are several ways to go about it.

You can finance your loan directly with the motorcycle dealer or manufacturer. Many dealerships offer financing options, although their interest rates may fluctuate. OEMs, such as Harley Davidson and BMW, also provide financing for new bikes.

Alternatively, you can explore third-party lenders that cater to bad credit or subprime credit. Keep in mind that these lenders may not offer the best interest rates, but they can be a viable option if you can't get a loan from a bank or dealer.

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If you're unable to secure a motorcycle loan, you may want to consider taking out a personal loan from a bank or credit union. However, be aware that these loans often come with high interest rates.

To make the most of your financing options, it's essential to have a solid plan in place to pay off your loan as quickly as possible. This will help you avoid paying exorbitant interest rates over time.

Here are some options to consider:

Ultimately, the key to securing a good financing option is to shop around and compare rates. Don't be afraid to explore different options and ask questions to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Are They Different?

Financing options for a car purchase can be secured through a dealership or a third-party lender, but the interest rates and terms may vary significantly.

A dealership may offer financing through a captive lender, which can provide more favorable terms and lower interest rates.

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The interest rate on a car loan can be as low as 3.5% for a new car purchase, according to our example of a 36-month loan with a $25,000 purchase price.

In contrast, a third-party lender may charge higher interest rates, potentially up to 18% or more for a used car loan.

The loan term can also be longer with a third-party lender, potentially up to 60 months or more.

A longer loan term may result in a higher total interest paid over the life of the loan, as seen in our example of a 60-month loan with a $15,000 purchase price.

Credit and Requirements

Getting a motorcycle loan can be a bit tricky, but understanding the requirements can help you navigate the process. Requirements for a motorcycle loan are similar to requirements for an auto loan, and lenders will look at your credit history, income, and other factors to decide whether to provide financing.

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Lenders use different credit scoring models to evaluate your creditworthiness, including FICO Score 8 and 9, FICO Auto Scores, and VantageScore 3 and 4. The most popular credit scoring models are FICO Score 8 and 9, which have a scoring range of 300 to 850, with 300 being the lowest score and 850 being the highest score.

A good credit score is essential to secure a motorcycle loan, and lenders typically look for a credit score of 670 or above. To give you a better idea, here's a breakdown of credit score tiers:

To improve your chances of getting approved for a motorcycle loan, focus on building a strong credit history by paying your bills on time and reducing your debt. A spotless payment history can help lift your credit score, and aim to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%.

Rates and Refinancing

Refinancing your motorcycle loan can be a great way to save money on interest. You can refinance your loan if your credit score has improved, interest rates have gone down, or you got a bad rate on a manufacturer loan.

Improving your credit score can also give you more options for refinancing. If your credit score has improved since your initial loan, you can refinance to more favorable terms.

To refinance your motorcycle loan, contact a lender like Auto Approve, who can help you find your best rate.

Return

Low Angle Photo of Black Harley Davidson Forty-Eight 1200 Motorcycle Parked on Dirt Road During Golden Hour
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Refinancing a motorcycle loan can be a great way to save money on interest rates. With motorcycle loans, the rate is largely dependent on your credit score and financial history.

You may be able to refinance your motorcycle loan to get a lower rate, but this depends on your current credit situation. If you have a good credit score, you may be able to refinance to a lower rate.

Some lenders may offer motorcycle loans with lower rates, but you'll need to shop around to find the best deal. Be aware that refinancing may come with new fees and terms.

You'll need to consider the terms of your new loan, including the interest rate, repayment period, and any fees associated with refinancing.

Financing Rates Explained

Financing rates for motorcycles can be complex, but understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions. Excellent credit and a strong financial history can get you rates as low as 3.5% APR. However, less than perfect credit can drive your APR up quickly.

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The high risk associated with motorcycles is a major factor in determining financing rates. This risk is compounded by the fact that motorcycles are considered recreational vehicles, rather than necessities like cars. As a result, lenders charge higher APRs for motorcycle loans.

Motorcycle loans are often the best bet for finding a lower rate, but they're not always available from the same lenders that offer car loans. Your credit score and financial history play a significant role in determining the rate you'll qualify for.

Here are some general guidelines on what to expect from different types of lenders:

Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and your actual APR may vary depending on your individual circumstances. It's essential to shop around and compare rates from multiple lenders to find the best deal for your situation.

Can I Refinance?

You can refinance a motorcycle loan if your credit score has improved since your initial loan, interest rates have gone down, or you just got a bad rate on a manufacturer loan.

Refinancing can help you get more favorable terms on your loan. If you're wondering how to refinance a motorcycle, it's worth exploring.

You can refinance your motorcycle loan to take advantage of lower interest rates. This can save you money on interest payments over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of a down payment do I need for a motorcycle?

Typically, a 10% down payment is recommended for a motorcycle loan, but some lenders may offer zero-down options depending on your credit score.

Kellie Hessel

Junior Writer

Kellie Hessel is a rising star in the world of journalism, with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape our world. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Kellie has established herself as a go-to writer for industry insights and expert analysis. Kellie's areas of expertise include the insurance industry, where she has developed a deep understanding of the complex issues and trends that impact businesses and individuals alike.

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