Local HD dealer laying off
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: SE Wisconsin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supply_and_demand
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 0
I think it's part of MOCOs overall plan to "allow" a thinning of the herd (of dealers) and to be content with some going away. That's a guess on my part but you are seeing similar take place in the AUTO Industry right now too. Too many dealers makes for more competition between them and thus, lower prices because of it. MOCO will maintain profits and sales via fewer Dealers.
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
I think it's part of MOCOs overall plan to "allow" a thinning of the herd (of dealers) and to be content with some going away. That's a guess on my part but you are seeing similar take place in the AUTO Industry right now too. Too many dealers makes for more competition between them and thus, lower prices because of it. MOCO will maintain profits and sales via fewer Dealers.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 660
Likes: 4
From: Ft. Smith Arkansas
Dealers in Arkansas are giving "incentives" on 2009 models, Pig Trail in Rogers is offering free 4 year extended warranty and free maintenance for 10,000 miles or $2009 gift card good for moto clothes, parts and acc.
Old Fort is offering free tires for life but told me they would match anything Pig Trail is offering.
Old Fort is offering free tires for life but told me they would match anything Pig Trail is offering.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Our dealership told their wrenches just before Christmas that they had to take a pay cut. Some of them were cut as much as $4.00 an hour. This can make for some very disgruntled employees. Hope that the unhappy wrenches don't let it filter down into their work. Come Spring they will probably be looking for a new dealership to work for.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 0
Our dealership told their wrenches just before Christmas that they had to take a pay cut. Some of them were cut as much as $4.00 an hour. This can make for some very disgruntled employees. Hope that the unhappy wrenches don't let it filter down into their work. Come Spring they will probably be looking for a new dealership to work for.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
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?
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
But they can't let their dealers die, they are going to have to figure something out or you won't have investers in the future building or buying dealerships b/c the company through there dealers under the bus
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
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.
That doesn't really hold water with me b/c when the 09's come out you can easily find 08's at 2K below MSRP. That is what dealers like to say to keep the price up but if they can sell a leftover 2K off and not devalue the market why can't they sell 09's for the same to keep their business open?
I have seen screaming eagles the past 2yrs as leftovers withas much as $4500 off MSRP
Last edited by scasey; Jan 2, 2009 at 01:42 PM.