Should I finance a motorcycle through a bank or dealer?

OK this is a really simple answer. if you go through a bike dealer all they do is contact a bank that they use and apply for credit in your name same as cars. you wont own your bike and if need be you cannot sell it. go direct to the bank youll get a better rate and you will own your bike, nuff said. oh and ignore these chumps above. not much help are they.

good luck and tight lines.

I have been through the dealer for one bike. I have gone through my credit union of others. I recently financed one on a zero percent credit card and paid it off in less than the year I had the interest rate for. It just depends on who is offering the best rate. I'm in total agreement with the people who said not to finance and instead to save up. It's always the best bet. It's just that the desire for immediate gratification has occasionally overridden my common sense at times. That's not a big deal if you have a good, steady, and reliable income like I have. If you are young and operating right at the edge of your budget, you should be VERY careful about financing toys. Also, make sure you factor in the insurance when you think of a payment. A used sport bike will likely run you nearly as much to insure as the monthly payment on the loan.

A credit union will usually give you better rates than a dealer - UNLESS there are special dealer incentives involved. Right now that is a very distinct possibility too. Motorcycles are lingering in the showroom and dealers are giving great deals. Try to go through them and get 0% if you can. Ask them about special incentives and see what you can save!

Sounds like your credit has some dings and dents. I was once told, by a survivor of the great depression, You should only finance a house nothing else. Wise council as the money you pay in interest gets you nothing and you would actually have more fun going down the street throwing that cash behind you. I suggest you go nowhere for a loan and use some ingenuity to purchase your next bike.
My 2¢

Paying off your car loan after only making one payment is going to hurt your already negligible credit score. Without any more information, it sounds like you're trying to dive into a dumpster with this credit stuff. Be very cautious about credit.

To answer your question, banks generally give much better interest rates than dealers.

The interest rate on loans that dealers get are enormous.
Especially if you have bad credit or outstanding loans.

Dear fellow human being... Do yourself a favor and save the cash and buy it outright. I do this and it works out well. Its a great feeling owning your bikes with no leins.

Avoid trying to borrow money, better still avoid spending money you don't have

I think you should stop trying to buy things you can't afford.

Hmmm. Why exactly would anyone lend you money ?