Yes, motorcycle prices can potentially drop in the winter. With fewer buyers due to colder weather, dealerships and private sellers might be more flexible on pricing. You might find deals between 5-25% off. However, this isn’t guaranteed, especially for high-demand models.
The discounts may vary depending on individual seller situations, regional weather, and market factors.
We’ll explore how things like demand, storage fees, sales quotas, and more play a role in pricing over the seasons.
FUN FACT: Major motorcycle manufacturers and industry analysts acknowledge a seasonal dip in sales during colder months, typically ranging from 15-20% in colder regions compared to peak season.
Why Demand for Motorcycles Reduces in Winter
As any motorcyclist knows, winter just isn’t a great time for riding. The cold, the snow, and the ice make it difficult or unsafe to get out on two wheels when the temperatures drop. Because of this, winter is typically a slower season in terms of motorcycle sales.
When the conditions aren’t suitable for riding, fewer people are actively shopping for new bikes. Who wants to purchase a motorcycle they can’t use for months? As a result, the demand at dealerships and from private sellers goes way down once winter hits.
With the reduced number of buyers in the market, sellers don’t get much competition for customers. When there aren’t many people looking, they have to offer low prices to attract buyers.
Of course, if a seller really needs or wants to offload their motorcycle before the season ends, they may have to discount it more to attract those few persistent buyers who are still shopping in the cold months. You’re in a better position to negotiate if you’re one of the only games in town!
So, when winter rolls around, it’s definitely a buyer’s market compared to the peak season. But you’ll find fewer options on the market as well.
Why Do People Want to Sell Motorcycles in Winter?
Selling motorcycles in winter may seem counterintuitive, but various factors drive this seasonal trend.
Sellers often aim to capitalize on enthusiasts planning for the upcoming riding season, leveraging lower demand to negotiate favorable deals. Additionally, financial considerations and storage constraints may drive the sellers.
Understanding these motivations can help both buyers and sellers navigate the unique dynamics of the winter motorcycle market.
1. The Costs of Storage
Whether you use a private garage or pay a shop professionally, allocating space for a bike over the cold months carries a recurring fee.
Storage Cost: We’ve seen rates anywhere from $50-$200 just to keep a motorcycle from getting damaged or stolen while in storage. And that’s per bike – if you’ve got a couple, those costs add up fast!
2. Sell Before You Have to Pay
If a seller knows the storage bill is coming due, they may be eager to wrap up a sale before winter truly sets in.
Why pay to shelter your ride for months when someone is willing to buy it now? A few hundred off the price could offset what you’d be paying in storage costs anyway.
So if you go shopping at the first frost, be aware that some sellers could be especially open to price negotiation as winter storage expenses loom on the horizon. Their motivation may meet your motivation to buy at a discount.
3. Paying Taxes on an Idle Ride
Whether it’s being used or sitting, property taxes still need to be paid on motor vehicles.
Those yearly tax bills are due no matter what. For bikes being stored long-term, taxes almost feel like a fee for the privilege of not riding.
Some sellers may want to pass that tax burden to a new owner before December hits.
4. Making Ends Meet After the Holidays
Let’s face it, the winter gift-giving season is not cheap. By January, many folks are still digging out of the financial hole the holidays left them in.
Added expenses from Christmas or repairs on the daily driver could leave little wiggle room. Selling an unused motorcycle may provide some much-needed cash flow relief.
5. One Less Liability
Carrying insurance, registration fees, and the minor maintenance costs all year also weigh on ownership.
With a bike on the market, sellers no longer need to carry that annual burden if they find a buyer. One less thing to pay bills on has its appeal when funds get tight this time of year.
Motorcycle Dealership Sales Pressures in Winter
Winter exerts a distinct influence on motorcycle dealership sales, presenting challenges and opportunities alike. Cold weather and unfavorable riding conditions often dampen immediate sales, as riders postpone purchases.
However, dealerships strategically leverage the off-season for promotional events, discounts, and showcasing new models.
DID YOU KNOW? Individual dealerships often report a slowdown in winter sales, with some experiencing declines as high as 30-40% compared to summer months.
Here’s how winter affects dealership sales:
a. The Slow Season at the Dealership
When snow is on the ground, you can bet the motorcycle showroom isn’t buzzing with buyers like in warmer months. Sales are always slower this time of year.
When sales numbers fall, dealers still have bills to pay. Offering sale prices helps attract the few window shoppers braving the January cold. Every deal, no matter the margin, puts dollars in the till.
b. Tough to Hit Targets
We’ve heard sales managers say winter compiles everything working against them. Quotas don’t lower for the shorter days and less foot traffic. So hitting the same sales numbers as a bustling spring gets tougher.
By the time February rolls around, time is running short if they want to avoid missing quota. Dealer incentives might sweeten just to push through a few more deals. And the discounts on last year’s models tend to deepen too.
c. Clearing Out for Spring
To make room for the new season’s arrivals, older bikes need to fly out the door. Dealers become extra motivated sellers just to gain precious floor space. What doesn’t sell moves to the clearance lot!
So when dealers feel the winter pinch, don’t be afraid to use that to your advantage in negotiations before riding season officially begins.
Check out this video from the SRK Cycles to learn about the negotiation tactics of getting a good deal on motorcycle buying:
Do Motorcycle Prices Go Down in the Winter?
After crunching the numbers and looking at all the factors, we’d have to say yes, motorcycle prices do tend to dip during winter months compared to the peak riding season.
When you consider that demand takes a nosedive once snow flies and people aren’t riding as much, it puts pressure on sellers wanting to move inventory.
Then layer on expenses for sellers from storage fees, taxes and other ownership costs, and you’ve got plenty of motivation to offer lower prices just to avoid those bills.
Even dealers have quotas to meet that are harder in the cold months. All that together leans the scales towards the buyer.
Now, the discounts may not be huge and you’ll have fewer options on the market. But with a little research on who needs to unload bikes fastest, you can definitely find better deals during the winter lull than the thick of season.
But Wait, There’s More to Winter Motorcycle Shopping!
So, you’re determined about scoring a sweet deal on a motorcycle this winter? Awesome!
But before looking into the dealership inventory, let’s stop for a while for a quick reality check. While winter buying offers undeniable advantages, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, selection might be slim pickings compared to peak season.
Popular models might be scarce, and dealerships inventory could be limited, as they make space for new year releases. Be prepared to be flexible with your choices.
Second, the motorcycle you score might have been sitting for a while. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s a good idea to factor in potential maintenance needs.
Budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic to uncover any hidden surprises. Better safe – and rideable! – than sorry come spring.
Third, winter storage is a consideration. If you don’t have a private garage, you’ll need to factor in storage costs.
Don’t get locked into a year-long contract if you’re unsure about the bike’s condition. Consider a seasonal storage option until you get it checked out and riding season arrives.
Here’s the good news: with a little planning, these potential hurdles are easily overcome. Do your research on common motorcycle problems for the specific model you’re interested in.
That way, you’ll know what to ask about during the inspection. And, if some maintenance is needed, you might be able to use it as further leverage during negotiations!
Ready to Find Your Winter Motorcycle Deal?
Now that you have the knowledge to navigate the winter motorcycle market, it’s time to take action! Here are some resources to get you started:
- Motorcycle Classifieds Websites: Check out Craigslist: https://www.craigslist.org/ (https://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us), or Cycle Trader: https://www.cycletrader.com/ for listings from dealers and private sellers.
- Motorcycle Manufacturer Websites: Many manufacturers offer winter promotions and clearance sales on older models. Visit the websites of your favorite brands to see what deals they have going on.
- Local Motorcycle Forums: Connect with local motorcycle enthusiasts online and see if anyone is selling their bikes. They might be more open to negotiation knowing the bike will stay local.
So, what are you waiting for? With some research, planning, and the tips from this blog post, you can land the perfect motorcycle this winter.
FAQs About Motorcycle Prices in Winter
How much can prices typically be negotiated down in winter?
Discounts may range from a few hundred dollars on a used bike up to a thousand or more on older new inventory. The level depends mainly on the individual seller’s motivations – storage fees due, needing to meet quotas, etc. Be prepared to negotiate but also understand dealer/private limits.
Are specific models more likely to have winter discounts?
End-of-model-year or less popular styles tend to see deeper discounts from dealers eager to clear space. But high-demand bikes may still have wiggle room if the seller just wants it gone before winter. Research price histories to know a fair negotiation range.
What if bad weather hits, will that impact negotiations further?
Severe or long-lasting winter weather could motivate sellers even more if it threatens to extend the sitting/storing period. You may have more leverage right after a big storm hits and sellers are dealing with its hassles. Timing walks-ins when precipitation is falling outside can’t hurt!
How do buyers protect themselves during winter negotiations?
As always, research pricing data and only buy from reputable dealers/sellers. Have a mechanic inspect pre-owned buys. But also consider paying for only seasonal storage upfront rather than a full year, in case big repairs are needed once riding resumes. Flexible agreements are safer in uncertain winter markets.
What’s the best way to find winter motorcycle deals?
Work your dealer contacts and check their websites for promotions. Also monitor online classifieds and watch for annual close-out sales ads as seasons switch. Be proactive – don’t just wait for deals to find you. An engaged winter shopper has the advantage over casual spring shoppers.
