Local HD dealer laying off
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 11
From: Lorton, VA
I offerd Patriot HD, $21K for a 09 SG cruise, ABS and security and $14K for my trade in and they said NO! This was three months a go though. The bike is still there...
East Coast HD sales told me they were hurting to come in and make an offer. However, with the economy the way it is, now I'm not ready to commit.
East Coast HD sales told me they were hurting to come in and make an offer. However, with the economy the way it is, now I'm not ready to commit.
Last edited by casique; Jan 2, 2009 at 09:24 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 4
From: Log home in SE Michigan full time. Log cabin in east TN, Smoky Mountians part time
IMO, HD is headed the same path as the auto companies. Greed, and HD has more greed than any auto company. Just a few years ago, the big three sold their sport utilities for record breaking 10-$12000 profit per vehicle at or above MSRP. When you can buy a new truck today for close to half its MSRP and they still are not selling....thats a sure sign no matter the price, if the job stability market isn't there. It does not matter how low the prices, people can't buy. Hd will figure it out too. Hopefully before its too late. New car dealerships are folding up around here. I read here weekly, that lately HD dealers are too.
My local dealer still want MSRP for bolt ons. When companies that have web sites, like Zanotti and Chicago and have 15-25% off the same part, what is the incentive to buy local? Its the same China made part. I don't see things getting better before they get worse unfortunately.
My local dealer still want MSRP for bolt ons. When companies that have web sites, like Zanotti and Chicago and have 15-25% off the same part, what is the incentive to buy local? Its the same China made part. I don't see things getting better before they get worse unfortunately.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,128
Likes: 21
From: US poverty capital, california
Keep the bike prices as they are...No reason to kill our market, but I agree with timberland, why buy local for the bolt-ons when many places do offer deals... The mark-up in bolt ons is outrageous...
Why would i pay 140 for chrome switch housings from HD when Kuriayken sells them for 60. and Kuri makes the chrome ones HD sells...
No if HD wants my bolt-on money, they better pull their head out of thier deryaire and stop trying to bend me over for parts that should have come on my bike from the moco
Why would i pay 140 for chrome switch housings from HD when Kuriayken sells them for 60. and Kuri makes the chrome ones HD sells...
No if HD wants my bolt-on money, they better pull their head out of thier deryaire and stop trying to bend me over for parts that should have come on my bike from the moco
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: SE Wisconsin
This is precisely what one the dealers in my area told me. The sales manager said they will not sell a bike under MSRP, because it they started doing that, it would lower the value of the bikes already sold, and hurt the used market. He said this is why HD cut production levels, so that there are less bikes to sell, enabling dealers to hold on pricing. He also suggested a shortage of certain models come spring/summer. I'm in the market for an '09 FLTR -- there are a few other nearby dealers; it will be interesting to see what their position is.
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
Originally Posted by DrPlastic 
They won't let them deal because if Harley starts lowering prices the value of bikes already sold (and the name) will drop. Harley doesn't want the AMF days to rear their ugly head.
They won't let them deal because if Harley starts lowering prices the value of bikes already sold (and the name) will drop. Harley doesn't want the AMF days to rear their ugly head.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 1
From: Sunland, CA
sorry oi hear about the lay offs i was a a casino in vegas last weekend and they
where running short staff to and it showed the service was terrible its tough
in the job market-ride safe
where running short staff to and it showed the service was terrible its tough
in the job market-ride safe
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Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
From: North Central Arkansas
This is precisely what one the dealers in my area told me. The sales manager said they will not sell a bike under MSRP, because it they started doing that, it would lower the value of the bikes already sold, and hurt the used market. He said this is why HD cut production levels, so that there are less bikes to sell, enabling dealers to hold on pricing. He also suggested a shortage of certain models come spring/summer. I'm in the market for an '09 FLTR -- there are a few other nearby dealers; it will be interesting to see what their position is.
You'd think that Detroit would have been smarter and quicker to respond sooner to consumer demands and oil prices, but then big business doesn't seem to do what's "smart" anymore, they're just trying to please the stockholders. I've seen this at the company I work for as I'm sure most of you have also.
What I do know is that just about everybody on our Forum agrees that dealers can be pretty mercenary when it comes to selling both accessories and bikes, and this seems especially true here in south Arkansas.
I don't know where I'm headed with this, but for my part, I wish that HD would pay more attention to the dealers, reining them in when appropriate, and not use the excuse that they're "independents" and can essentially do what they want. I love my scoot but that doesn't mean I have to agree with the way the company does business.