So my wife has been encouraginging me for several years about buying a newer bike for distance riding. (Me, I thought I had done her a favor when I went from our 65 FLH to our 84 FLH.)

So....I see a bike at a local dealership that she would like and make some inquiries.

First thing I do not like is that I cannot get answers to specific questions on costs, specifically all the costs related to taxes licences and such. They just throw out a number and move on...quickly.

Next thing is the associated price on the bike costs. It appears to me that they are adding all the costs on their "for sale value" and not on the price after the money I am willing to put down. (i.e...If I put down 5K on a 10K bike, shouldn't the associated fees (tax, license and whatever) be based on the 5K price and not their initial 10K price).

I am asking becuase, at age 68, I have never bought a used bike/vehicle from a dealership. I have bought 2 new vehicles for me (1970 Boss 302 and a 1974 Chevy 1/2 Stepside) and most recently, a 2012 Ford Escape for my wife.

As it stands now I am not willing to go through with the deal on the bike that I have looked at (absolutely no incentives for me and every incentive for the dealership). I just would like to know if I am off the grid regarding cost related to the sale of the bike. If it is normal practice I will say nothing. If not I wil point it out to them and move on.

 

If they dont want to be up front about all the associated charges and give you an otd price screw them, look elsewhere

 

Taxes, and license plates, are based on the cost of the bike.

If the bike costs $10,000 and you put $9,999 down, that does not mean you're buying the motorcycle for a buck. You pay taxes, plates, registration, etc., (every state has its own laws) based on the purchase price of the vehicle.

 

Yea, these are questions that even a rookie salesperson at a dealership should be able to answer. If they can't be upfront about simple things like taxes, fees, ect. then I'd go elsewhere.

 

Trade in value, state sales tax and transfer fees will all be separately stated on a buyers order.

 

Just curious, any reason you're not willing to buy from local CL seller? I've always had good luck & then you can work the price a bit to your liking...JMO.

 

Dealers can only get the ridiculous prices they ask because they finance the bikes... if you have descent credit, you can get financing else where, and buy a nice bike from an individual for a lot less money.

 

Sounds like they are not interested in your business..I'd look elsewhere, and as previously said, CL has some great deals with bikes still under warranty.

 

These are questions to ask your BMV. Dealer doesn't handle taxes (with exception to sales taxes) and licensing. Any price they toss out will be speculation, thus why they can't answer.

 

If they won't take a few minutes to talk to you about costs, go elsewhere. That said, some costs may vary based on the price you both agree to. In my state sales tax is a percentage of the sales price (less any trade in). License fees are the same for all bikes, and there may be a fee collected to cover the title transfer, and they may add a service fee for processing your license and title. But as others have stated, your down payment doesn't matter in regard to that's fees and costs. Each state may vary on the specifics.