Used bike dealer/private financing
 

I'm about to pull the trigger on a bike thats on consignment with a BMW dealer. I have the option of buying from the owner or the dealer.

QUESTION: it seems that here in the US, financing a used bike is worse on the financing end b/c they charge higher interest. I assume it's b/c the bike is valued at less...

Does anyone know how to get a better rate via the dealer/bank/lender/credit union on a used bike??? Credit score aside...

The best deals are from someone who really wants to sell their bike. I have worked in bike shops for many years and right now most of the manufacturers are offering low intrest rates to sell their new machines. If a shop sells a used bike they should be somewhat comitted to ensuring that the bike is serviceable and safe, this costs money which they recoup at the time of sale. Shop for financing just like you shop for a bike. Some credit unions will offer really low intrest rates but you have to have good credit. If you are buying a used bike that is expensive and has possible service issues be sure and pay a knowledgeable mechanic to check it out, someone who knows the machine in question. My best bike buys (out of 107 bikes owned over the years) have been either discovered in the back of the garage unridden for several years or almost new with a owner about to lose it for lack of money. But a large part of it is buy something that you enjoy riding and will enjoy riding in the future.