Dealer "setup"
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
Dealer "setup"
Next time your negotiating on a new bike, here is a pic of how a brand new bike comes shipped to the dealer. Note the skid, not a crate. Not too much to setup is there ? Other than installing the windshield, checking fluids, maybe an hour going over the bike ? Setup fee should be at most an hour labor, not $600.00.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
Yep, did the York tour 3 years ago. Dealers still argue that they 6 hours labor getting the bike "ready to sell" I just laugh at them.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 7
From: Wisconsin
My local dealer told me that besides the minor assembly & prep, they essentially perform the 1,000 mile service adjustments and checks included in this is checking the fluids instead of changing them as part of the set up. Also part of the set up is a complete wash, wax and detail of the bike. He said they have 3-4 hours in the set up of each bike.
With all that said, 3-4 hours isn't $600 as stated above.
With all that said, 3-4 hours isn't $600 as stated above.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
When I bought my new '13, I asked the dealer what's involved with the set up.
They said, flip the handlebars up and tighten, put on the mirrors, and check fluids.
They don't charge anyone a set up fee, it's total BS.
They said, flip the handlebars up and tighten, put on the mirrors, and check fluids.
They don't charge anyone a set up fee, it's total BS.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
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From: Santa Cruz
I'm not giving dealers or the MOCO a pass but I do wonder what you guys think they should get paid for?? It costs money to keep the doors open. The things they don't charge for only means they need to overcharge for others??
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
I just put it out there for information and to help someone negotiate a price on a new bike. I think dealers should get paid for the work they do. If it takes 3 hours labor to setup a bike, tighten the bolts, check fluids, wash and wax then fine, I would be ok with paying 3 hours labor. But $595.00 is the amount for dealer prep in my area. In my opinion charging that much to set up a bike that comes to a dealer fully assembled, and test run at the factory is excessive. If your ok paying for work that's not done, more power to you.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
They make plenty charging $75-$100 per hour labor in the service dept.
They make plenty on a $30 tee shirt.
When the last time you bought a new car and looked at your bill of sale and saw a line item "Set up fee $1,000"?