Hello.

I am planning a coast to coast trip in the usa on a harley davidson.
My trip will beggin in NY where I plan to buy the bike.
I am a tourist from europe and I have got a few questions about buying a Harley in the usa:
1. Where should I buy the bike? in a dealer, privet, internet etc...
2. How and where can I check the bike condision?
3. Is there anything else important I need to know before starting the trip?

thanks.

Rony

 

Pretty ambitious. My only advise is to give yourself plenty of time. Take a week just to cruise around NY and break in the bike if you buy a new one.

Do you plan on keeping the bike, or selling it before returning to Europe? Might want to check on what it would cost to ship it home before you buy it.

If it were me, I'd probably rent a bike for your trip. That way when you're done, you can just walk away from it. That is, unless you plan to keep the bike and take it home.

 

+1 We need more information-What kind of bike do you want? Are you gonna keep it? How much $$$ are you willing to spend ?

A lot of variables.

 

+1 on renting, that way yu don't have to worry about the purchase, condition, etc.

Need more info on your intent, riding experience, etc.

 

How about Drivers license?? Got to have them, somewhere along the way you might get asked for them. You might want to get a drivers hand book and become famliar with our Highway signs. Watch out for teens on cell phones and goof ***** on our roads, there everywhere!!!!!!

 

Hey Ken, none of those in Rolla though, right?

 

Were you going to take it back with you? If so, I wonder it there's a "US delivery" program where you could buy it at your local dealer and pick it up here, maybe at York? My sister just did that here, in reverse. She purchased a BMW here for a European delivery. They drove it around Europe for two weeks, then it's being shipped back to her local US dealer.

If you are not taking it back, renting (as others have said) may be a good option. It may be expensive if you put a lot of miles on it though.
It would take more effort but probably the most economical way would be to buy a late model used bike then sell it when your done. You can call a couple dealers up in advance to check their used inventory, or have them find the type of used bike you're interested in. You'd be charged sales tax (around 4-6%) on the purchase in most states. Some like Arizona and Oregon you wouldn't if the bike had a current license because the tax is paid as part of the license each year. The license stays with the vehicle even if the vehicle changes ownership. I don't know how it works in NY.
Thanks to the internet and digital photos, negotiating a deal with an individual is certainly possible. Ask them to detail the condition exactly, and any concerns they would have it if they were doing the ride you are planning. The final part of the negotiation would be for the seller to take the motorcycle to a dealer that you have already contacted. On your behalf the dealer's service department could thoroughly check the bike over. This may cost you $75 or so.
You might pay slightly more but there should be some comfort and convenience in buying a used bike from a dealer rather than from an individual. For individual ads (some dealers list there too) you can search through Cycletrader.com.

 

Wow, Rony, what a wonderful adventure you're planning. I don't have anything significant to add, advise wise, other that to support the idea of renting a bike unless you intend to take it home with you afterwards.

Best of luck to you, whatever you decide to do.

Ride Safe,
Steve R.

 

I'd check Eaglerider first. They do one way rentals. Cover insurance etc.
http://www.eaglerider.com/

 

Be sure to route your trip AROUND Iowa...nothing to see here