Greetings! I sold my 2005 Heritage Classic in 2009 & haven't ridden since. Now , my wife & I would like to do some light touring since the kids are out of the house. We have decided on a new 2019 Road King.
Back in 2005 when I bought my HC new there was essentially no negotiation off MSRP, (due to supply & demand apparently), only miscellaneous fees like discounts on aftermarket exhaust, waiving of doc fees, etc.
So my question is ..Have things changed or not? IS there any wiggle room off MSRP ?(in your experience) I'm sure there would be on an '18, but I haven't been able to find an '18 RK in my area.
Local dealer is asking for a deposit on a '19 to "hold one for us" This, assumes there is NO negotiation once I plunk down $500.00
Thanks for any insight.

 

They should be willing to negotiate, just like buying a car. All of my local dealers now have this "sales tower" in the showroom where the sales manager/closers sit. Just like in a car dealership. I've noticed dealers going to this type of model. As such, they should negotiate. Worse case scenario, if they don't, then don't buy from that dealer.

 

There's plenty of room to negotiate. And there's no way I'd put down a deposit to "hold one".

Harley's glory days are long gone and supply exceeds demand now. The large numbers of unsold '18 (and even '17) models are evidence of that.

 

Study the bike, write down what you want, and ask the dealer what their best OTD price is. Try this at a few dealers and see if you get a quote that you like.

 

Where do you live? If it's anywhere cold, they'll be hurting for sales over the next few months.

Asking a question like this over the internet won't really help you because all that matters is if your local dealership(s) negotiates and your negotiating skills.

 

Negotiating on non-necessary stuff like ATV's, boats, RV's and motorcycles is a bit different because no one needs these toys, they want these toys. Dealerships know this and they exploit your emotions that go with wanting a toy. Pay accordingly.

 

 

As time goes on you are going to see dealers drop prices steadily & good deals will be there for those who want them, My dealer has new 17`s that are in a different building just sitting there cause he can sell them - he is stubborn & trying stay firm on price, while in that building a guy threw out a number for a 17 heritage the teal & white - dealer says no way!!!! the guy walked...! I said well that bike will be here in the spring maybe you should have took the mans money.

I see some dealers trying to stand firm & others taking a pounding as the new stock rolls in & they still have a lot of the 18`s & some 17`s - these dealers will work with you big time you just got to find them.