Actually, it’ll cost you more than that. (in California) you have to pay sales tax on any vehicle purchase. Where I live this is 8.25%. On $3000 this is $247.50. Add to this a use tax and a license fee and transfer and registration fees.

Ask at the dealer. They know.

You’ll also have to have insurance before they let you drive away with it, so look into it before you buy the bike. Many bike and car dealers will sell you an insurance policy if you don’t have one, but at a lousy rate. Also, they will try to sell you a policy good for the length of the loan. You may also find yourself with a policy you can’t cancel. Some (many) dealers add the policy onto the loan, really goosing up the cost, but make it look good by saying it’s just $XX per month.

Progressive is a very good insurance company that specializes in motorcycle policies and has good rates and service. Here: http://www.progressive.com/

Do they even make you put money down? Or will they just finance you month to month?
Ask at the dealer. They know.

The dealership will probably finance a used bike. The manufacturer will only finance a new bike if they will finance one at all.

It’s understandable to ask these kind of questions, and the sealer can give you the best answers. You say,"I hate to sound ignorant, but finance you month to month? If they say yes, you ask how much they’d want for a down payment. Actually, if you ask about financing, they’ll probably just start telling you about it. If you don’t understand any terms they say ask for an explanation.

Also, please know that a $3000 tag posted on a bike in a dealer is the asking price, not what they expect to get for it.

I think he put some money down [at least half] but I’m not sure because he has all the money so he may have paid in full.

but a motorcycle only gets 40-50 MPG, and no weather protection..

Why not look into a good large scooter?
try

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/479/1/home.aspx
well, 56 is kinda bad. how about
http://www.kymcousa.com/showroom/scooters/peopleS250/index.html
heres Honda
http://powersports.honda.com/scooters/model.asp?ModelName=Reflex&ModelYear=2007&ModelId=NSS2507

there are more, my vote is for the KYMCO though. its not mainland china, good Q and dealers everywhere too.

As far as financing, most dealers can find financial companies to help you but you would be best to see if your bank will give you a loan first because your APR will be lower.

Manufacturers usually will only finance NEW units for sale, used units are bought by the dealer and dont get bought back by the manufacturer so the dealer makes the money off the sale. So the manufacturer wont finance in most cases.

YES, most dealers want money down for the purchase of used motorcycles if they cant get all the finance charges paid by a finance company, Besides the more you can put down the lower the finance price and the less percentage rate you will pay in the long run.

Hope this helps in your situation. Happy buying and good luck