Its been a lot of years since I did the above. I've bought trucks, and over time, its a different game with not much dickering, as they pretty much post thier lowest price as the result of the internet comparison.

I'm looking a couple bikes, and wonder how to go about it, offer a price a % under the ad price? Do they advertise high to dicker, or not?
Thanks

 

It’s a seller’s market these days. I’d imagine you could get a better deal this time of year up North.

 

The 3 actual Harley dealers I spoke with earlier this year wouldn't budge a dollar. But one was willing to throw in gift cards to their store.

Other 3rd party dealers or whatever they're called were more willing a little bit. Ultimately I went private party

 

I looked at a 2004 Low Rider at the local dealership several months ago for just under $7,000. They had an ad on Facebook so I went in to see if they’d negotiate on the price. Not only were they unwilling to negotiate, but the “out the door” price had the bike over $9,000.

I ended up buying a Super Glide from a local private seller for several thousand less than the Low Rider, and the SG was four years newer.

I noticed another ad from the same dealership today. 2008 SG, out the door price $10,400.

 

I’ve always done better at buying from a private party then a dealer. With dealers, I’ve had better luck with negotiating trade or fees than msrp.

 

Never buy a used vehicle from a dealer. Always low Mi private party sale

 

as with everything.... popularity of the item plays a major role.
15 years ago, I purchased my '05 FLTRi from a dealership fir $3 grand LESS than a similar road king, or street glide.
BUT, the Road Glide wasn't the "IN" thing it is today. So I was buying "the ugliest bike H-D ever made, AND in the ugliest color" at a discount.

 

A lot of dads have just so obviously completely ****ed up and dropped the ball by not teaching a basic life skill of…. How to ****ing buy and negotiate

Seriously?

what’s next hey guys how do I change a tire?

and welcome to the forums newb… where the weak are killed and eaten

 

I’m usually a pretty good negotiator. And I didn’t learn it from my Dad. He would just show up with a car, without asking my advice. I remember in 1972, when I was 16, he came home with a 1972 Pontiac Catalina. Sticker $4,400, he paid $3,800. I have no idea how he negotiated that deal.

These aren’t usual times. I just gave up looking for a car. They either aren’t available or are above MSRP. I bought a used FLHTK last summer, because the new bikes are also limited selection of nice colors, and overpriced with more features, that I want.

I am curious to hear if anyone has gotten a “good”deal recently.

 

I did virtually the same. Local dealer wanted 10 grand for a 2000 Wide Glide (plus doc and 'prep' adding $1400 more.) I offered what that bike is actually worth (about $8800 out the door.) They said that they 'couldn't do that' and I said fine. (If they said OK I would have ridden it home.)

Like you I found a 2002 mint Low Rider in Atlanta from a private lady owner that hadn't been ridden in 10 or 15 years for $6,000 and it's in my garage.

If the dealership needs to move it, they'll try to keep you interested. If not, you just shake hands and walk.

(Years ago I did the same thing on a Suburban and I was almost in my car when the sales manager caught up to me and accepted my offer. You never know!)