...personal financial situation notwithstanding? I did a search here and back in Nov 2008 people were reporting paying anywhere from over msrp to $2000 under. The average guy seemed to get a $500 discount off msrp and some accessories thrown in.

How about now? HD sales were down 13% in 2008 from 2007. I haven't seen the quarterly sales report for this year, but I know HD itself forcasted even lower sales for 2009. In response they have reduced production. However, a trip to Milwaukee HD showed that there are a bunch of unsold bikes sitting on the showroom floor. There also seemed to be a lot of idle salesmen.

I'm in the market. I still need to decide between basically two bikes - the Road King or the Electra Glide. However, I'm as worried as the next guy about current economic times. For me to bite, I'll need some strong incentive to buy now vs waiting until this mess shakes out. Are those incentives out there, or is it business as usual?

 

The weathers getting warmer. I wouldn't waste the entire season hoping to save a few $.
Might be a good idea to practice your negotiating skills. You may have had an easier time last month, (end of the quarter). Make an offer and see what happens, the dealers aren't going to talk themselves down.

 

Now is a great time to buy from a private party.

Dealers will always tell you sales are booming and it will cost you.

 

If you want it bad enough, now's the time to buy!

 

The deadline for the Ride Free promotion was March 31st.
Their offer was to buy a sporster by March 31st. Then by March 31st 2010 you can trade it in for MSRP value on a new bike.

Basically, it's an option to learn on a smaller bike and upgrade in a year.

Friend of mine bought his nighster last year and opted not to trade, cause he loves his Sporty already.

 

if it's a bike you want - then NOW is the time to buy. why lose riding time worrying about a few bucks? if you can't afford it - then it doesn't matter how long you look and wait.

 

I'm in the same position!! I'm wanting a Street Glide!!! Been looking all over,but with work being slow ,just trying to find the best possble deal.My vrod is paid for so at least I can still ride while waiting it out!!!

 

I'm not in the "want it bad enough" catagory. I also have 7 bikes so missing on riding isn't a factor. In fact, I'm heading out in a few minutes. Factor in that I live in Wisconsin where the riding season is about 3 days long and the option of renting when I want to take out a Road King isn't the worst option vs parking $20k worth of bike most of the year.

Buying used isn't so much an option as I want a 2009 and the upgrades that come with it over previous years.

Like I said - I'm in the market for a RK or EG. But, I'll call a spade a spade - I'm cheap. I'm looking for a good deal. The things I have that I enjoy the most were well bought. In these difficult economic times I'm thinking it's a buyers market and HD would be willing to deal. I could be wrong. Just wondering if any new buyers out there care to share their experience.

PS - I'm talking serious discount of the $2k variety to buy right now, not a few bucks. Basically $16k out the door.

 

Nothing wrong with a used bike and the deals are way better.

 

I think you answered your own question. If you are not in the "want it bad enough" category and already have seven bikes, then renting for the occasional ride is the only sensible way to go. Why invest 20 grand in a depreciating garage queen?