Just wondering if my experience yesterday is the norm???...

Rode my 2010 Goldwing to a MN (MPLS) dealer yesterday to throw a leg over a 2017 Ultra Limited Low---the sole purpose was a showroom fit test after hearing rave reviews about the new M8 and suspension updates. After some general chat with the salesman, he asked if I was ready to "write something up." I was a bit taken by the aggressiveness and replied: "Perhaps after a test/demo ride." His response: "Well, we work to agreeable numbers first, take a deposit, then allow test/demo rides"

WTF?....Really?

Is this standard dealer protocol for demo rides?... Or, just yet another example of high pressure douche'barrel salesman behavior isolated to this specific dealer?

Ride safe and thanks for listening----and the feedback...

 

Skip that dealer. The dealers in Florida will take your drivers license and insurance info then take you out for a ride.

After you fall in love with the new M8 on your demo ride then they will talk numbers with you on your trade.

 

[QUOTE=4.2Crew;16071182]Just wondering if my experience yesterday is the norm???...



Is this standard dealer protocol for demo rides?... Or, just yet another example of high pressure douche'barrel salesman behavior isolated to this specific dealer?

Definitely a "Dealer/Salesman" tactic. I had no such issues.

 

That's a crock of sh*t. I would go to another dealer and never go back there again. I've never heard of a dealer asking for a deposit on a new scoot prior to being able to take it for a test ride. If I were you, I would contact Customer Service at the MoCo HQ and lodge a complaint. From what I understand dealerships can lose their franchise rights for pulling stunts like that.

 

Sales folks are there to make money, they will lie through their teeth. Don't bother calling corporate to lodge a complaint. Instead, demo the low somewhere else and once you take delivery of yours ride back to show the salesman what his tactics cost him

 

Same the dealers I have dealt with in Oregon & Southern California.

Also, another way to really find out how you like a bike is to rent one for at least a full day. Most large dealers have a full inventory of new bikes.

 

I had the same thing happen to me at a Victory dealer in Philadelphia. I was curious to test ride a Victory since I was in the market for a new bike. The manager told me they only let you test ride if your a serious buyer. You'd have to put a non refundable deposit on the bike.

I told him since I've never ridden a Victory I couldn't make that commitment as you can see I bought the LTD. I went back and told him a few days later it could have been the Victory.

Not really they not my style.

 

You're freaking kidding me!!?? A non refundable deposit?? Oh yeah, they're not in business anymore. I guess that's what happens when snowmobile dealers try to sell motorcycles.

 

My dealer and I took a 2016 and 2017 out together so I could ride them back to back and make my decision. As we were leaving the parking lot the salesman said "don't be afraid to twist that throttle hard" I would go back to that dealer but only after you buy your bike elsewhere and sarcastically let that salesman know how much you appreciated his help.

 

As the others have said, move on to a different dealer. When I test rode before buying my bike, the dealer had a RG and a SG waiting outside ready to go when I got there. He tossed me the fob, and told me to ride safe. Didn't even have to ride with an escort. Obviously, he made the sale!