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5000 over MSRP is crazy but this stuff comes in waves. Just be flexible, because riding is fun regardless. If you are a new rider, say 15 or 20 years, this might seem unprecedented but its not. Back in the mid/late 1990's dealers thought they could skin you for a Harley. I had one to trade, they still thought they could do it. F**k 'em, I bought a GoldWing, rode it 17 years. When it was time for a new bike the Harley dealers had learned how to negotiate. But they were slow learners. By the time we got done jaw boning about my 2014 they said 'thank you'. Sounds like we are starting the BS all over again. Do yourself a favor, got out in the garage and cut yourself with a knife. Do you bleed orange? If not tell the dealer wanting 5000 over MSRP to pound salt.
5000 over MSRP is crazy but this stuff comes in waves. Just be flexible, because riding is fun regardless. If you are a new rider, say 15 or 20 years, this might seem unprecedented but its not. Back in the mid/late 1990's dealers thought they could skin you for a Harley. I had one to trade, they still thought they could do it. F**k 'em, I bought a GoldWing, rode it 17 years. When it was time for a new bike the Harley dealers had learned how to negotiate. But they were slow learners. By the time we got done jaw boning about my 2014 they said 'thank you'. Sounds like we are starting the BS all over again. Do yourself a favor, got out in the garage and cut yourself with a knife. Do you bleed orange? If not tell the dealer wanting 5000 over MSRP to pound salt.
I get your position better then you think. Im 42 and ive bought waaay too many Harleys and brand new Muscle cars. If I get a 2022 at MSRP or lower it will be my 10th Harley 8th brand new Harley. At some point you have to be responsible with your money and balance fun and wants. Especially if you have kids. I do.
All I'm saying to people is don't let the dealerships take advantage of you with insane mark ups and sur charges. There are dealerships that will sell at MSRP. Take your time and find them and negotiate. It's OK to walk. It's just a bike they'll be more. It's better then F-ing your finances up and getting upside-down in a loan before you even ride the motorcycle.
We had a Harley dealer in Leesburg, FL we use to buy from religiously, myself and another family member combined bought over a dozen new bikes from them in a little more than a ten year period, we considered the salesman who became a manager, to be a friend.
We bought countless accessories, apparel and had thousands of dollars in service done by them on said new bikes.
Then, one day (not too long ago), we were negotiating on a new bike, that same manager would not give us the normal out the door price, he said it was out of his hands, they even tried to tack on extra 'fees' that they never did before, we told him we made a mistake in coming back there, we have not been back since and we never will, all those years spending untold tens of thousands of dollars and over a decade of customer loyalty we gave them meant nothing.
When we do buy new, we buy from Space Coast Harley, they have huge turn over on their salesman and managers but are a night and day difference on prices and 'most of the time' they are willing to negotiate an acceptable out the door price...
Last edited by Dispatch; Feb 21, 2022 at 11:08 AM.
I went to the dealer yesterday for some grips and the main sales dude immediately ran to me trying to sell me a bike , I quickly pointed out the prices were marked up and overpriced . He chuckled and agreed and backed off knowing I knew theirs sales plan.
I went into my local dealership checking out the22 Road Glide Standard after checking out the website. I was expecting the prices to be a bit over MSRP but the dealership is asking $5000 over in my area. When I bought my Low Rider, the price wasnt that inflated but that was two years ago. I guess the demand is much higher on these and the Street Glides as well.
How are the prices in your area?
Prices aren't bad in the SE OH/WV border area for new or used. I bought my 2017 Road King 107 on September 30th, 2021 (last day of the month). I visit the dealer a lot to get parts, events (music, food, bike nights), or just look & sit on bikes (laid back no pressure staff). They know me by name. I was looking at a new Electra Glide or a Street/Road Glide but that RK caught my eye in August (it's the same color as my dear departed brother's Sportster).
September is nearing the end of riding season & at the end of the later month's dealers (at least around here) are a little more open to deals I think to boost sales figures (probably something to do with how much new stock they get sent from the HDMoCo). Mid-September I made them an offer on the RK under what they wanted but not by much, they declined & made a counteroffer, I politely declined & left. Sept 30th, 2 hours before close, I called & reiterated my offer to the salesman I had previously talked to. He said the owner was there doing paperwork & he'd run it by him. 5 minutes later he said if I can make it there today, that RK was mine. I made it of course. I had done the exact same thing when I bought my Dyna the previous year. Of course, there's one more element to the equation- I don't finance stuff. I save until I have enough & pay cash.
I've had 1 salesman that let me walk away after I offered cash for a vehicle (I left my name & # just in case). The next day I got a call from the owner saying he'd be pleased as punch to take my offer. He was furious (not with me, his salesman who he said was now going to be fired) when I told him that I'd already bought a car. Most dealers will do everything to keep you from walking away when you have cash in hand.
This too shall pass my son
