Rare Harley Incentives Aim to Move Inventory
Iconic brand offering rebates of up to $1,000 on its 2016 models.
Are you in the market for a new, 2016 Softail, Sportster or Road King? Now might be a good time to scrap together those pennies, because rarely seen Harley incentives are reportedly available through the end of April. According to Reuters, the rebates are only being offered in an attempt to free up a backlog of inventory and make way for 2017 models.
Harley rarely offers any sort of discount, mainly because it doesn’t need to. The premium brand lays claim to over 50% of the U.S. big bike market (601+ cc), despite an increase in competition over the last several years. But a recent decrease in demand has left excessive inventory of 2016 models on lots. And that forces the motorcycle manufacturer to act.
Harley is reportedly offering rebates of up to $1,000 on its 2016 models. And though H-D has been known to offer things like attractive financing and extended warranties to reduce inventory, dealer based rebates are extremely rare. Some dealers even told Reuters that they have never been offered a rebate.
The popularity of new models is another potential factor in sagging 2016 model sales. Customer demand for models with the new Milwaukee-Eight engine has so far been very strong. But dealer lots are currently clogged up with last year’s models. That backlog forced H-D to limit shipments of 2017s in the first quarter.
The moves will undoubtedly impact Harley’s gross margins in the first and second quarter. But they also provide a fantastic (and rare) opportunity for consumers to buy a new ride at a discount. So what are you waiting for?
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