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In 2022, the average cost of a new Harley-Davidson was $24,985.24, compared to $47,000 for the average new car. Lightly used motorcycles typically sell for $7,000 to $8,000. For those who don’t pay cash for their purchase, motorcycle loans are an option. Whether you buy a used or new bike, lenders can help finance your purchase.
We researched 18 motorcycle and personal loans to identify the best financing options. Each company was evaluated for its loan amounts, interest rates, funding speed, and credit score requirements. Here are our top picks.
Best Motorcycle Loans of 2023
- Best Overall: LightStream
- Best Manufacturer Financing: Harley-Davidson
- Best Motorcycle Loan Rates: Digital Federal Credit Union
- Best Personal Loan: Wells Fargo
- Best for Poor Credit: Avant
Best Overall : LightStream
LightStream is our pick for the best overall motorcycle loan lender because it offers unsecured loans between $5,000 and $100,000 with low-interest rates. Depending on your loan amount, you can opt for terms of up to seven years.
Receive your funding the same day you apply
0.50% interest rate discount if you sign up for automatic payments
No down payment required
Good to excellent credit required
The minimum loan amount is $5,000
No loan prequalification tool available
LightStream is a division of Truist and has the edge over other lenders because of its low-interest rates, multiple repayment options, and quick loan funding.
LightStream’s motorcycle loans are unsecured without collateral, and the lender is not a lienholder. LightStream doesn’t require a down payment. You can apply for the total amount of the motorcycle’s cost.
The lender’s interest rates are the lowest of all the unsecured lenders we evaluated, with rates ranging from 7.49% to 24.49% and an option for an autopay discount. The minimum loan amount available is $5,000, and a good to excellent credit rating is required. According to Equifax, your score should be between 670 and 850.
LightStream does not have a loan prequalification tool, so you’ll have to submit a loan application and undergo a hard credit inquiry to find out what interest rates you qualify for and to be approved for a loan.
Best Manufacturer Financing : Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson leads the pack when it comes to manufacturer financing. Offering loans on new and used models, Harley-Davidson will also provide funding if buying a Harley from a private party.
Gear and accessories can be added to loan cost
Loans available for new and used models
Low-interest loans with no down payment available
Can only be used on Harley-Davidson models
Loans are secured
Financing offers not available on all models
Harley-Davidson is a well-known motorcycle manufacturer. With its long-standing reputation, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle may be more expensive than some competitors, but the manufacturer has financing options to help make the price more manageable. We chose Harley-Davidson as the best manufacturer financing for new and used motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson Financial Services offers $0 down payment options with low-interest rates starting at 6.49% and repayment terms for up to seven years. You can also add gear and services, such as an extended Harley-Davidson service plan, to the amount you finance.
All Harley-Davidson loans are secured. If you fall behind on payments, the lender can repossess the motorcycle. You can only use the loan to buy Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and the lowest advertised rates and terms are only available on select models. You can estimate your payment on their website, but financing details must be discussed with your dealer.
Harley-Davidson will help facilitate financing when you purchase from a private party and meet the seller at a local Harley dealership. Harley-Davidson will help you complete the sale and transfer ownership of the bike.
Best Motorcycle Loan Rates : Digital Federal Credit Union
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) is our pick for the best rates for secured motorcycle loans. It offers low-interest rates and allows you to borrow up to 125% of the motorcycle’s purchase price to cover the cost of registration or service protection plans.
Low interest rates
You can borrow up to 125% of the motorcycle’s purchase price
You can use the loan to purchase new or used bikes
Must be a credit union member to be eligible for a loan
Higher interest rates for off-road motorcycles
Longest loan term is five years
DCU offers secured motorcycle loans to purchase new or used bikes. While other companies charge higher rates for used motorcycles, DCU’s interest rates are the same for new and used models.
Rates start at 7.25% and may include a 0.50% discount for automatic payments from a DCU checking account. Off-road motorcycles have higher interest rates, ranging from 10.85% to 11.35%. Both bikes are eligible for loan terms of three to five years.
You can borrow up to 125% of the purchase price to cover registration costs, purchase an extended warranty, or get a service protection plan for your new bike. To qualify for a loan, you need good to excellent credit and join the Digital Federal Credit Union.
DCU is a non-profit financial cooperative owned by its 900,000 members nationwide.You are eligible for membership if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You have a family member, such as a spouse, parent, grandparent, or sibling, who is a DCU member
- You work for or retired from an eligible employer
- You belong to a partner non-profit organization
- You live, work, attend church, or go to school in one of DCU's service communities
Best Personal Loan : Wells Fargo
For those who want an unsecured loan option, Wells Fargo is our pick for the best personal loan lender due to its available loan amounts, competitive rates, and rapid funding.
Borrow up to $100,000 without collateral
No origination fees
Loan terms between one and seven years
You must be an existing Wells Fargo customer to qualify for lowest-advertised rates
You may have to apply in person
Good to excellent credit required
Wells Fargo allows you to borrow up to $100,000 without collateral. Wells Fargo loans have no origination fees and no prepayment penalty.
You qualify for its lowest rates if you are a Wells Fargo customer and have a checking or savings account with the bank. Rates start at 7.49% with the relationship discount, and loan terms range from one to seven years.
Wells Fargo requires good to excellent credit and proof of income to qualify, and you can apply online or over the phone if you have an existing Wells Fargo bank account. If you aren’t a Wells Fargo customer, apply in person at a Wells Fargo branch. Funds may be disbursed in as little as one business day.
Best for Poor Credit : Avant
If you have poor credit, getting a loan can be difficult. Avant lends to customers with scores as low as 600 and is our choice for the best loan for borrowers with low credit scores.
Borrowers with subprime credit can qualify for a loan
You can get up to $35,000 within one business day
You can check your eligibility online without affecting your credit score
Double-digit interest rates
Administration fee applies
Maximum loan term of five years
Finding a lender can be challenging if you have a credit score between 580 and 669.Avant specializes in unsecured loans for those with fair or poor credit. Most borrowers approved for a loan through Avant have credit scores between 600 and 700.
Avant does have a prequalification tool, so you can check your loan eligibility without damaging your credit score. You can apply online and qualify for a loan between $2,000 and $35,000. If approved, funds may be disbursed in as little as one day.
Because Avant caters to applicants with less-than-perfect credit, it has higher interest rates than other personal loan lenders, ranging from 9.95% to 35.99%. It has fewer loan term options and a maximum loan length of five years. Avant also charges an administration fee of up to 4.75%, deducted from your loan amount before it is disbursed.
Final Verdict
There are options when it comes to financing the purchase of a motorcycle. Your choice may depend on your loan amount, interest rate, funding speed, and credit score requirement. Overall, our top choice for a motorcycle loan is LightStream which offers unsecured loans with low-interest rates and terms of up to seven years. Harley-Davidson offers direct secured financing with an optional service plan. Avant provides unsecured loans to those with less-than-perfect credit.
Compare the Best Motorcycle Loans
Company | Starting Rate | Minimum Credit Score | Loan Terms |
---|---|---|---|
LightStream | 7.49% | 670 | Up to 84 months |
Harley-Davidson | 6.49% | Varies | Up to 84 months |
DCU | 7.25% | Varies | Up to 60 months |
Wells Fargo | 7.49% | Varies | Up to 84 months |
Avant | 9.95% | Average applicant score 600-700 | Up to 60 months |
Guide to Choosing a Motorcycle Loan
Motorcycle loans differ from car loans in interest rates and repayment terms. When buying a new or used motorcycle, there are three financing options:
- Manufacturer financing: Manufacturer financing is available from motorcycle companies, such as Harley-Davidson or BMW. Instead of financing through a third-party bank or lender, you finance directly from the manufacturer. Depending on the company, you may be able to secure financing for new and used bikes. Manufacturer loans are secured by your bike, meaning the maker can take your motorcycle if you fall behind on your payments.
- Motorcycle loans: Motorcycle loans are specialty loans offered by some banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Depending on the lender, they can be secured or unsecured, but unsecured loans tend to have higher interest rates than secured ones. Some motorcycle loans restrict how the money can be used, such as only allowing you to purchase a new motorcycle rather than a used one.
- Personal loan: Personal loans are unsecured loans from banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. They can be used for any major purchase, including home renovations or buying a new or used motorcycle. Personal loans allow you to get money quickly, sometimes within one day, but you’ll pay a higher interest rate than a secured loan.
What Is a Good Credit Score for a Motorcycle Loan?
When you apply for a loan, lenders evaluate your application based on your income, credit history, and credit score. Your credit score determines whether you get approved and what interest rate the lender will give you. You will typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for a motorcycle loan with competitive rates. According to Equifax, good credit scores range between 670 and 850. However, the lowest-advertised interest rates and most favorable loan terms will be reserved for people with very good to excellent credit.
- 800 to 850: Excellent credit
- 740 to 799: Very good credit
- 670 to 739: Good credit
- 580 to 669: Fair credit
- 300 to 579: Poor credit
Some personal loan lenders will work with people with scores below 670. However, you’ll typically pay a higher interest rate than someone with a higher credit score.
Will a Motorcycle Loan Hurt My Credit?
Like an auto loan, repaying a motorcycle loan can help build your credit. Making payments as scheduled will create a positive payment history and a good credit profile. Failing to uphold your loan agreement and missed payments will hurt your credit score.
How Many Years Is a Typical Motorcycle Loan?
Depending on the lender, loans typically range from one to five years. However, some banks and credit unions offer loans for up to 8 years.
Can I Get a Loan for a Used Motorcycle?
You can get loans for new or used motorcycles. Some manufacturers only offer to finance new models. Harley-Davidson has special financing for used motorcycles.
If you aren’t eligible for manufacturer financing or want to compare rates from more lenders, you can typically find a motorcycle and personal loan for used bikes. Used bike loans tend to be unsecured. As a result, some lenders charge higher interest rates and have lower loan maximums.
Methodology
To find the best motorcycle loans, we researched 18 top lenders, including manufacturer financing options, motorcycle loans, and personal loans. To narrow down the list and identify the top choices, we looked at lenders’ interest rates, available loan amounts, repayment terms, down payment requirements, and necessary credit scores. Our selections for the best motorcycle lenders offered the lowest interest rates and had loan terms of five years or more, often on both new and used bikes.