Thinking of pulling the trigger on a new bike. Everything is a go.

Bought my last three bikes from individuals and all have worked out really well, I have no complaints.

I have yet to purchase a new bike from a dealer.

I really like the dealership and it isn't my local dealer. I think they have a good reputation.

I know there are horror stories about some dealerships.

Give me your .02

Thanks in advance.

 

Dealers are like anything else...some good, some bad. I've had pretty good luck with my local dealers. Been in a few dealers where I wouldn't even buy a Coke. Dealers get good or bad reputations for a reason. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from my local shop if I got the right deal.

 

Bought 1 from a dealer and another from CL. Bought my 1st at the dealer, for me the only advantage was financing really. At the time I enjoyed the "experience". I was young and it was exciting. Now I'm older and found a much better deal from an individual. I paid more than I should have after extended warranty that of course I never used.

When I bought my 2010 RK last year I never even considered a dealer. I had multiple choices locally and cash in hand. A brand new bike isn't in my budget, so that makes dealers out for me.

 

If you are buying new what other options are there but a dealer? If you know what you want and the dealer has what you want and you and the dealer come to an agreement on price then what's the problem? If you are not planning on paying cash a dealer can give you a better credit deal probably - if you your credit is good.

You will have a warranty and a brand new bike that you wanted. OTOH if you don't click with anyone at the dealer or have bad feelings about them go elsewhere.

 

Obviously if new it'll be from a dealer. My experience is I generally get better prices dealing directly with the individual/owner them self, plus you can usually get an accurate history especially if it's the original owner. The exception is you can often get a great price (this time of the year particularly) buying an HD from a non HD dealer, especially a car dealership.
This example is reversed but the same applies. I happened upon a one year old BMW GSA with 115 miles here at Triple S HD. They didn't want the bike and were going to wholesale it to the BMW dealer in Pittsburgh and offered me that price if I wanted it which was an unbelievable deal.
Morgantown Power Sports usually has used Harleys and while they may be asking close to retail they'll generally sell them for a lot less if you have cash in hand.

 

The dealer is Triple S.

 

I happen to like their sales department because in addition to the BMW mentioned I purchased new three other bikes including my current RK from them. Browsing the showroom they tend to over price a bit both new and used from my perspective (like most dealerships do) but have been willing to come down enough to get my business.

 

If you are or know a good mechanic - then buy from an individual
There are a lot of dealers that will pay below trade value on a trade-in and then want to sell it for more than suggested retail value.....know your prices before you go either route...

 

I've had good luck buying & selling vehicles on craigslist. It's all about patience & timing. The deals are there....

 

First, leave the gun at home.
Second, will an individual give you a warranty?
Third, that's all.