Purchasing a new bike
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 353
Likes: 7
From: East Tennessee
Most dealers know their local marker very good. This means while they may ask lot for a bike, they also know its true value and will negotiate to a point. Be willing to walk away for the day or week. I just bought a 2012 Road Glide and it took 2 weeks of negotiating to get the price I wanted. Dealers negotiate daily and they will be better and more informed than you are, but if it is reasonable they will know that too.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,902
Likes: 29,882
From: PNW
Never ridden a Harley before and you're just going to go out and buy a new WG? If I were you I would take a step back and invest some time into this decision. First thing I would do is check out a demo day at your local Moco shop. You may find you prefer something other than the WG. Or you may find you can't stand the way a Harley feels. It will feel like driving a school bus compared to your R1. You're going from night to day on this.
Should you decide to move forward, I would rent one for a day. Usually the dealer will apply the rental cost towards a bike purchase should you choose to buy new. Then I would shop the best deal. It's very easy. Say to the salesman - "I'm looking for a great deal on a (whatever model you choose). What's your bottom line?" If he says msrp, thank him for his time, and shop around.
Should you decide to move forward, I would rent one for a day. Usually the dealer will apply the rental cost towards a bike purchase should you choose to buy new. Then I would shop the best deal. It's very easy. Say to the salesman - "I'm looking for a great deal on a (whatever model you choose). What's your bottom line?" If he says msrp, thank him for his time, and shop around.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
The dealer's job is to get you to pay the most money.
Your job is to get them to sell it for the least money.
Neither of you are obligated until you both come to an agreement.
The dealer won't let you rip them off.
Your job is to get them to sell it for the least money.
Neither of you are obligated until you both come to an agreement.
The dealer won't let you rip them off.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Laredo
Well thanks for all the advice. I have ridden a sportster and a honda 1500 and they are nothing like my R1. I love the R1 but don't have anywhere to take it out around here just really use it for work. To get to nice ridding is about 3 hours away and by then I'm done from the discomfort of the bike. I've been looking for a few months and I'm not in any kinda hurry to buy just wanted to know what to expect with a Harley dealership. I have been looking for the ride days at a dealership close by but no luck so far.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 1,761
From: Atlanta, GA
1) Do your research on the values of the bikes your interested in.
2) Know your budget; dont forget about tax,dealer prep, blah, blah,blah
3) DO NOT let the dealer know your "dream bike", even if it is sitting right there on their floor. This gives them emotional leverage over you. In fact, pay it less attention than other bikes you look at.
4) Get info, and leave! They will call you with a better deal.
5) Wait till after the riding season if you can. You will save thousands buying Nov-Feb., especially on a used bike.
6) If you buy from a dealer, also wait till near the end of the month when the sales guys are trying to make their sales number. At my HD dealer, they need to sell 10 bikes per sales guy per month, every month. Try doing that in the winter; very difficult. They will cut you a great deal just to get a bike out the door.
I know this works b/c I've done it 2x's. I'm also in medical equipment sales and I know how it works from the other side.
Here's what works for me when buying, once I find a bike I like. Let's say they want 19+k for a bike and my budget is 17k. I'll telll them, "Look, it's a great bike, but my limit is $16,500. I know you can't sell me this bike for that, so how about you call me when you get a similiar bike in that fits my budget?" Thank him for his time and get up to leave. They will make you a better offer. If it's still too high, get up to leave again, or just leave.
In the off-season you have the leverage. During riding season, they have the leverage. Remember, it's a mind game. They NEED to sell as badly as you WANT to buy. Whoever wants it LEAST, WINS!
Good Luck!
2) Know your budget; dont forget about tax,dealer prep, blah, blah,blah
3) DO NOT let the dealer know your "dream bike", even if it is sitting right there on their floor. This gives them emotional leverage over you. In fact, pay it less attention than other bikes you look at.
4) Get info, and leave! They will call you with a better deal.
5) Wait till after the riding season if you can. You will save thousands buying Nov-Feb., especially on a used bike.
6) If you buy from a dealer, also wait till near the end of the month when the sales guys are trying to make their sales number. At my HD dealer, they need to sell 10 bikes per sales guy per month, every month. Try doing that in the winter; very difficult. They will cut you a great deal just to get a bike out the door.
I know this works b/c I've done it 2x's. I'm also in medical equipment sales and I know how it works from the other side.
Here's what works for me when buying, once I find a bike I like. Let's say they want 19+k for a bike and my budget is 17k. I'll telll them, "Look, it's a great bike, but my limit is $16,500. I know you can't sell me this bike for that, so how about you call me when you get a similiar bike in that fits my budget?" Thank him for his time and get up to leave. They will make you a better offer. If it's still too high, get up to leave again, or just leave.
In the off-season you have the leverage. During riding season, they have the leverage. Remember, it's a mind game. They NEED to sell as badly as you WANT to buy. Whoever wants it LEAST, WINS!
Good Luck!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: UK
Sound advice given...You would pay a lot more for H/D in UK
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