What does it cost them?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Columbus, Ohio
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 284
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From: New Brunswick Canada
from a Mod just 24 mins later..... 
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
I would say that if you do the numbers, the dealers are not making big money off of new bike sales. In my area, the dealerships are big, new, and nice. The rent is not going to be cheap. Staff wants to eat, and the owner needs a nice return to make it worthwhile to put up all the cash.
All the expenses add up fast, and if the dealer is not making a profit, they will be out of business.
All the expenses add up fast, and if the dealer is not making a profit, they will be out of business.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 6,008
From: Boston suburbs
I agree Izzo, but it doesn't cost them any more to sell a street glide than it does to sell a sportster and the difference in markup is pretty big.
The dealership has every right to make money, I want them too, it's good for the economy
in full disclosure, I don't buy new bikes and don't think I've spent $500 total in a dealership in 20 years
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,363
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From: NC, USA
I own a retail store and I pay different prices for every item in the store. Seldom does a customer ask me what I paid for an item. I don't consider it Top Secret classified information but more a trade secret. If people insist on knowing my wholesale cost so they can see my profit margin that's fine with me. We all need a cut of the pie or our economy will crumble.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
Have one that matches your dad's. I picked that up on here. Also just noticed same as From_Behind above. I've never been successful in buying a new Harley. Around here, tried twice, and they have always wanted 5K above MSRP that you see on the Harley site. I said screw them long ago. My local dealer is the last place I go even for parts other then a filter and primary/transmission oil.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Oct 4, 2015 at 06:44 PM.