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Eager Buyers Besotted With Common Motorcycle Loan Application Mistakes

In the event all the advertisement dollars spent to save the environment kicks into one’s conscience, opting for an alternative mode of transport which runs further on less gas is the natural course of action. Since leg-powered vehicles may be too much of a workout, one generally leans towards a motorcycle as a scooter may challenge one’s masculinity on the open road.

Armed with a shopping list of potential bikes to adorn one’s driveway, this is perhaps the first of many common motorcycle loan application mistakes. One should check and confirm his or her credit rating before zooming down the yellow brick road. Barring the rare few who are blessed with a sack of ready cash or a golden goose in their backyard, most require some financial assistance to purchase a bike. Depending on the dream bike, the bank may treat the loan as a luxury item purchase. Alternatively, bikes have the reputation of being easily stolen or lost. Whichever the case, obtain a credit report as a directional star to steer by. Paying off existing loans also improves one’s ratings.

To save time and embarrassment, there are various options to place loan applications free of charge without prior obligation. These service providers run a check with numerous banks based on one’s criteria and come back with a list of hopefuls.

Since there are as many types of loans as there are bikes, common motorcycle loan application mistakes stem from not asking the right questions. So long one does not sign on the dotted line, there is still a chance to rethink a decision on how much of a loan to take, term of loan, varying interest rates, methods of calculating interests, late payments and penalties, insurance and a host of other factors. Take the time to shop around as a bad loan is like a rash. It does not go away and often leaves a scar on one’s spotless credit rating.

The first steps to getting a motorcycle loan

Getting a motorcycle loan is very much like getting a car loan, but it may be more difficult to obtain due to a smaller number of banks willing to provide money for the purchase of a new vehicle.  Although motorcycle loans are starting to become more common, some financers maintain it is a specialty loan.

What you need

First, find your credit rating.  It is free to check your credit rating at each of the three consumer credit report companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).  You can request a copy of your report once every year, and these companies must provide it to you.

Check the credit report and verify the information is correct.  If there are credit cards you don’t use any more on the list, call to cancel them to avoid being declined for having too much available credit.  Take care of anything on the report that might be a red flag to your financer.  When you apply for the motorcycle loan, it’s important to have the best credit score you possibly can.

Do your research

Don’t rush into the first bank you see and apply for your loan.  Research financial institutions and compare their information with your needs.  Figure in the cost of all items related to the motorcycle – the accessories, insurance, maintenance, gear, etc.  Take all of these costs into account and determine what amount is within your budget, and apply for the loan.

Research motorcycles, too.  Shop for a motorcycle within the price range of your loan.  If you don’t, you may find a bike you’d like to purchase, but will be disappointed when the price is out of your range.  Don’t shop for a $20,000 motorcycle when you already know the financial institution will only loan you $15,000.  Decide what features are important to you, and compare as many bikes as possible to choose the motorcycle you want to buy.  Also, remember the extra costs associated with owning a motorcycle.

Keep these tips in mind when applying for your motorcycle loan!

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