I bought about 90 miles from home. The locals dealers wanted a fair amount over retail. They also wanted set up, freight, prep. They also tried to sway me with what a great place their's is to get a bike. You also get a family. You can come in on weekends and get food and a band. You're paying for that. Jeez, I knew they did that 10 years ago, but still? No thanks. 90 miles away, MSRP and an optional extended service warantee. And 20% off on parts in the store, 15% if they order 'em. That may be 15 and 10.

 

I know how you feel,I got my Harleys in Iowa (1600 miles away) but saved a total of $1600 over local price on the new 1.

 

Patience can have a tremendous value especially when you start talking sales. I would wait for some colder months; there is a good chance that the dealer will be more willing to negotiate. I think a lot of times it boils down to how bad you want something and if you are willing to ride the storm out if need be.

 

It's amazing how if you wait until the last week in February, you can always get a better deal on a bike.,,

 

Down in Arkysaw we call it the stupid tax. when the new Ford Thunderbird first hit the street it sold for near double its MSRP.
If you gotta have it, you gotta pay to play!

 

That's what is great about the free market, they are free to charge what they want and you are free to take your business down the road. I would give them the opportunity to match though.
A friend of mind got a better deal on his FatBoy about 3 1/2 hours from here, problem is he has to go there for his freebies.
Good luck!

 

Nothing illegal about it. Any dealer (auto or bike) is "free" to sell at whatever they can get for it. That is where supply and demand come into play.

They were selling the new ZR-1 Corvette for more than MSRP, and also the new Camaro was going for 3k - 5k over MSRP.
Believe it or not, there were plenty of people on waiting lists to get their hands on one.
Of course now that the "new" has wore off, the supply has caught up with demand and the prices are back to MSRP or lower.

As 2kids3pets pointed out, its just a "Suggested" price. You don't have to pay it, and are free to walk out the door.

 

MSRP = Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price. The key here is Suggested not required. HD dealers have been doing this for a long time. As long as people are willing to pay this price then they will keep doing it.

 

Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price? Really?

We thought it stood for Most Screwing Reasonably Possible.
Sincerely,
Amarillo Area HD Management

 

I don't see what the big ideal is. Don't know where you live in Texas but it can't be that far from Colorado. 7% over MSRP could be as high as $1700-1800. Hell man, take a fast drive up there with the wife, but it and drive it home. Problem solved. Plus, you get a heck of a nice road trip on your new bike.

People get too hung up on buying it locally. You tried, right? Just before you go, stop in one more time and tell them what your plan is. They might meet the other dealers offer. If not, off you go. The local HD will still do all your warranty work.