Local HD dealer laying off
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
agree with this....
I think dealers used and new are still thinking like its 2006 and come march/april bikes are going to fly out the doors and they will be backordered again for a year. Probably isn't going to happen. They are in for a rude awakening. 2008 was a strong year for many used dealers, but $4.00 per gallon propped up sales. (partial quote)
Last edited by IndyClassic; Jan 2, 2009 at 07:13 AM. Reason: sp
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
If its true that HD wont let them deal on new bikes, why is it that members from parts of the Country claim to get deals on bikes, when others in different areas still cant get a deal. Makes no since to me. Extended warranty's and maintenance plans mean nothing to me. I do all my own work and the mods I will do will void the warranty anyway.
Ive shopped until I'm blue in the face. NO DEALS to be had here in So Cal. I want a new 09 SG so bad it hurts, BUT, Ill be damned if I'M going to pay above MSRP or even at MSRP especially in this **** economy. All the dealers still have the attitude that if you don't buy it the next guy will. Sure is funny how the same bikes are still sitting on the floor for the last few months now and they still don't want to deal. They still somehow think for some reason that we all NEED a new bike, not just want one. Ive got two bikes already so I don't need their bike or their attitude. Sooner or later I will find a deal on a nice clean used 09 SG and buy it. And also sooner or later all these greedy *** dealerships will fold up and I will be the first one sitting out front LAUGHING MY *** OFF AT THEM!
Ive shopped until I'm blue in the face. NO DEALS to be had here in So Cal. I want a new 09 SG so bad it hurts, BUT, Ill be damned if I'M going to pay above MSRP or even at MSRP especially in this **** economy. All the dealers still have the attitude that if you don't buy it the next guy will. Sure is funny how the same bikes are still sitting on the floor for the last few months now and they still don't want to deal. They still somehow think for some reason that we all NEED a new bike, not just want one. Ive got two bikes already so I don't need their bike or their attitude. Sooner or later I will find a deal on a nice clean used 09 SG and buy it. And also sooner or later all these greedy *** dealerships will fold up and I will be the first one sitting out front LAUGHING MY *** OFF AT THEM!
I agreee with you there's a snowballs chance in hell that I am going to pay MSRP in this economy and I will wait till I find the dealer who will go below. This current economy is going to be here for awhile and there are going to be dealers that are going to have to eventually deal more than they are willing to now. I also passed on the warrenty deal that I was offered b/c i don't give a rat's **** about the extended warrenty
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 1
From:
Lay offs
The MOCO will tell you all the dealers are independent if you ever try and complain about the service or anything else at a dealer. The dealer in Madison was offering $2000 of of 09's before Christmas. Dealers holding out for MSRP or above are just greedy in this economy! Remember what some dealers where asking for the 03's. Just another used bike now! Many did not forget the dealers that gouged them on prices.People are losing their jobs, homes and cars are not selling. What are the dealers that are siting on bikes for MSRP or more thinking? I think the herd will to trimmed, one way or another! Hope for a better 2009!
Mr_Bill
Mr_Bill
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX - Some call it heaven.
A lot of dealers opened big new showrooms in the last 10 years, and I would bet that quite a few of those buildings were financed for 20 - 30 years. Those dealers really have no choice, deal or die.
From an HD coporate perspective, loosing 10% of dealers won't equate to loosing 10% of bike sales - if someone wants a new Harley they'll find one. But they will loose out on all those T-shirt and chrome sales, which makes up a big part of their profits.
If you go to the Stealer/Dealer section you'll read a bunch of stories about dealers who have no idea what customer service is and simply survive on the HD name. My hope is that these types of dealerships will be the first to go, and that the ones who value our business will survive and thrive.
From an HD coporate perspective, loosing 10% of dealers won't equate to loosing 10% of bike sales - if someone wants a new Harley they'll find one. But they will loose out on all those T-shirt and chrome sales, which makes up a big part of their profits.
If you go to the Stealer/Dealer section you'll read a bunch of stories about dealers who have no idea what customer service is and simply survive on the HD name. My hope is that these types of dealerships will be the first to go, and that the ones who value our business will survive and thrive.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 2
From: Broadview Heights, OH
I think there's a lot of truth to that statement - they don't want to become one of the metric brands, where an MSRP is just a starting point, and you can usually deal down up to 30-40% off that.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 2
From: Naples, Florida
The dealer here is adding sales people, they are packed every time go in there. I heard they are selling 50 to 60 bikes a month.
I'm sure MOCO knows more then I do when it comes to selling bikes and what can or cannot be done. Although they are not making record profits like before, according to Harley executives they are making a profit. Either way there are deals out there, you just have to look for them. I got a good deal on my 09' Ultra, I got a fair price for my trade in and a good deal on the 09', I'm happy with the deal.
I'm sure MOCO knows more then I do when it comes to selling bikes and what can or cannot be done. Although they are not making record profits like before, according to Harley executives they are making a profit. Either way there are deals out there, you just have to look for them. I got a good deal on my 09' Ultra, I got a fair price for my trade in and a good deal on the 09', I'm happy with the deal.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,128
Likes: 21
From: US poverty capital, california
Maybe it's me
ANd I'm sure to lose friends here for this...But why is everyone complaining that the prices are not down? I don;t plan to buy a new bike soon, sure I'd love an 09, but my 08 is awsome...
The reason I say this is that if the prices fall dramatically, so does the value of my bike... If you want cheap bikes, japan makes a bunch of them...and the resale that goes along with it..
MOCO has done a lot lately to kill the value of bikes already bought, 6 gal, 96ci, new frame, etc...
I love my bike but I don't want it to go the way of my house in this market...
No I didn;t buy it as an investment, I ride the crap out of it. I'd just like have it be worth something....
That said, how much does a stealer pay for a bike below MSRP?
The reason I say this is that if the prices fall dramatically, so does the value of my bike... If you want cheap bikes, japan makes a bunch of them...and the resale that goes along with it..
MOCO has done a lot lately to kill the value of bikes already bought, 6 gal, 96ci, new frame, etc...
I love my bike but I don't want it to go the way of my house in this market...
No I didn;t buy it as an investment, I ride the crap out of it. I'd just like have it be worth something....
That said, how much does a stealer pay for a bike below MSRP?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 723
Likes: 3
From: Greensburg Pa
bingo..... no reason to devalue and destroy the used market also