Historical Pricing
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Historical Pricing
I'm curious to know if/what HD has done with their bike pricing in previous recessions? How much has HD discounted MSRP in previous recessions? Were HD's always this expensive (costing more than an automobile)? Or did HD not budge much on MSRP?
Or has times changed and HD's are now considered a "luxury" bike for only those that have money or debt.
Or has times changed and HD's are now considered a "luxury" bike for only those that have money or debt.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,112
Likes: 20
In the 70,s and early 80,s HD was in trouble and you could make some very good deals,a grand under msrp was,nt unusual,and sometimes you could do better.Profit spread was different though,at that time the profit margine markup was 50%,in other words the dealer would pay Harley 2500$ for a 5000$ motorcycle.Times have changed though and I don,t believe profit is anywhere close to this anymore,might be closer to 15 or 20% now.So if you find a dealer who is getting close to the edge,but wants to stay in the business they might deal.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
When I bought my first new Harley in 1972, a Sportster was a little bit more than a compact car. You can do a comparison if you like, There are any number of historical books available with base prices going back to the '20s. Use an online currency converter to bring the dollars up to today's value.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
At least these days you can walk into your local Harley dealer, and have a large selection of bikes to choose from.
I remember the days, if you wanted a new Harley you went to the dealer to order.
You got your name on the list and then waited (sometimes up to a year) for your bike.
And back then, just about all dealers were selling over MSRP. You wanted your bike quicker?
Well then, pony up more cash than the next guy and you moved up the list.
Today some dealers will go slightly under MSRP, but not all.
I remember the days, if you wanted a new Harley you went to the dealer to order.
You got your name on the list and then waited (sometimes up to a year) for your bike.
And back then, just about all dealers were selling over MSRP. You wanted your bike quicker?
Well then, pony up more cash than the next guy and you moved up the list.
Today some dealers will go slightly under MSRP, but not all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
At least these days you can walk into your local Harley dealer, and have a large selection of bikes to choose from.
I remember the days, if you wanted a new Harley you went to the dealer to order.
You got your name on the list and then waited (sometimes up to a year) for your bike.
And back then, just about all dealers were selling over MSRP. You wanted your bike quicker?
Well then, pony up more cash than the next guy and you moved up the list.
Today some dealers will go slightly under MSRP, but not all.
I remember the days, if you wanted a new Harley you went to the dealer to order.
You got your name on the list and then waited (sometimes up to a year) for your bike.
And back then, just about all dealers were selling over MSRP. You wanted your bike quicker?
Well then, pony up more cash than the next guy and you moved up the list.
Today some dealers will go slightly under MSRP, but not all.
Lots of people were told two year waiting list. Within weeks of getting on the list they were getting calls about bikes that were ordered for people who no longer wanted them (You can wait for a Red one but we have a Blue one that came in, you can have it now).
I know several people who got on the list but still haven't bought a bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Muskego, Wisconsin
I bought a new bike last year discounted!!!!! That was unheard of years ago. Last week my brother bought a new bike (08) also. He had dealerships negotiating like car dealers. I could not believe it. I am guessing they are hurting pretty bad if they are dealing like that.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
traildog
General Harley Davidson Chat
29
Jun 2, 2018 12:55 PM
Trippster
General Harley Davidson Chat
2
Dec 6, 2011 11:59 PM
