Buying 1st HD tomorrow, (hopefully)
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 66
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From: Baltimore
Went to dealership today, but didn't realize they can't sell motorcycles on Sundays.
I would prefer a new bike and definitely want to purchase from the dealer. They have a used 2016 forty-eight, that I will inquire about.
I would prefer a new bike and definitely want to purchase from the dealer. They have a used 2016 forty-eight, that I will inquire about.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,083
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From: Tulsa, OK
I rode the living daylight out of the 48's at the KC demo days last fall. Coming from a sport bike background I thought the 48 was a lot of fun without the need to do 120+ mph.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Ohio
Here's how I've bought new bikes for the last 45 years. I check on the MSRP, go to the dealer, tell him MY OTD price. No bargaining, no extra fees, first service free, and no set up fees, etc. I tell them what I will pay them for the bike, bottom line. Then they either tell me "OK" or I get up and leave. Most of the time, they accept what I'll pay. Several times they've said "NO", and I walked out, only to have them call me later and say "OK". Anyway, that's how I do it. I DO NOT haggle over freight, setup fees, taxes, etc. I simply say "THIS is what I'll give you, OTD, for that bike, take it or leave it". Saves a lot of time and hassles.
Last edited by hd4evr2008; Apr 23, 2017 at 11:06 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 66
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From: Baltimore
Here's how I've bought new bikes for the last 45 years. I check on the MSRP, go to the dealer, tell him MY OTD price. No bargaining, no extra fees, first service free, and no set up fees, etc. I tell them what I will pay them for the bike, bottom line. Then they either tell me "OK" or I get up and leave. Most of the time, they accept what I'll pay. Several times they've said "NO", and I walked out, only to have them call me later and say "OK". Anyway, that's how I do it. I DO NOT haggle over freight, setup fees, taxes, etc. I simply say "THIS is what I'll give you, OTD, for that bike, take it or leave it". Saves a lot of time and hassles.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Ohio
$300 over MSRP, but most of the time, MSRP OTD. I figure that covers the discount they were gonna give me anyway after haggling awhile, then gives them a way to cover the tax, title, freight, set up, etc. They usually throw in the first service, and parts discount anyway. I give them my bottom line OTD offer, then I tell them they can "write it up" anyway they want to make the numbers fit. Works 99% of the time. If they still balk, I simply try another dealership. I've always found one that will take what I've offered.
My last purchase........example:
2015 Low Rider.....MSRP $14,200
I figure, after haggling for 1/2 an hour, they'll give me $800-1,000 off
So I tell them up front that I'll give them $14,200 OTD, no freight taxes, set-up, etc.
They usually start off with "oh, no, we can't do that"........so I just tell them OK and get up to leave. Most of the time I get the "let me talk to the manager" and they come back with a counter offer that's usually $1,000 more than what I offered. I then tell them I'm not paying anymore than what I said, their decision. Sometimes they let me leave, only to call me the next day, or sometimes even the same day, and accept my offer. Most of the time they'll take my offer while I'm still there. Making a SMALLER PROFIT on a SALE is better than making ZERO PROFIT on NO SALE. I also try and buy new just before next year's models are released. Dealers get allocated motorcycles from Harley Davidson according to the number of bikes they sell. So if a dealer wants a good supply of next year's model bikes, he wants to sell his inventory of current year models, thus they're more willing to deal at that time.
My last purchase........example:
2015 Low Rider.....MSRP $14,200
I figure, after haggling for 1/2 an hour, they'll give me $800-1,000 off
So I tell them up front that I'll give them $14,200 OTD, no freight taxes, set-up, etc.
They usually start off with "oh, no, we can't do that"........so I just tell them OK and get up to leave. Most of the time I get the "let me talk to the manager" and they come back with a counter offer that's usually $1,000 more than what I offered. I then tell them I'm not paying anymore than what I said, their decision. Sometimes they let me leave, only to call me the next day, or sometimes even the same day, and accept my offer. Most of the time they'll take my offer while I'm still there. Making a SMALLER PROFIT on a SALE is better than making ZERO PROFIT on NO SALE. I also try and buy new just before next year's models are released. Dealers get allocated motorcycles from Harley Davidson according to the number of bikes they sell. So if a dealer wants a good supply of next year's model bikes, he wants to sell his inventory of current year models, thus they're more willing to deal at that time.
Last edited by hd4evr2008; Apr 23, 2017 at 12:03 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,977
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From: Ohio
The bike may still be "new" but in reality, it's already a year old. I would offer them $7900 OTD, and be willing to go to $8100 OTD. In early August, that bike will be two years old. The dealer "needs" to get it off the floor. Don't be afraid to let them know that. YOU are the guy spending the money. Don't be afraid to walk out. Good luck to you!
Last edited by hd4evr2008; Apr 23, 2017 at 12:01 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
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From: anacoco, la
sales tax can be no joke. a big reason why I like to trade my bikes in vs selling outright. at least I get a tax break on the trade in value. and it's worked out well for me so far. I've managed to get trade values at or above what I would have sold for outright. and since there is not much 'dealing' going on here, I've not paid what I consider 'too much' for my new bike.
