Hello all. I am a new member and am very close in making my first HD purchase. I was wondering if anyone had any first time buyer tips? Such as how much over MSRP would be acceptable? Is there any way I can get around paying the dealer's setup and freight fee? Anything else would be greatly appreciated, and if there are any sales reps that could jump in here, please do. Thanks.

 

Practice bending over and touching your toes...then it won't hurt so much when ya close the deal!

 

lol.I think that's true with anything these days bounty hunter.

 

I would wait till the weather gets as cold as you can, I don't know where your from. I went in last year in November and paid 250 under MSRP out the door price. May be different with new model year though. It's getting cold in the midwest so our riding days are numbered. Good luck with your new bike. Tom

 

thanks tom. i live in san diego. i'm afraid that the weather doesn't get that cold here.

 

San Diego? I'd think about steering clear of SD Harley- haven't had real good experiences with them. Didn't buy a bike from them, but had some work done there. This was a couple of years ago, they may have cleaned up their act by now. Try South Coast harley first.

Also- there are a ton of great used bikes out on the market now. Harley flooded the market. Bikes seem to be depreciating more than they used to. Also, given the market flooding, I wouldn't pay anything over MSRP. The dealers will probably try to jack you on the '07's. Another reason to look at used bikes.

Wait until mid to late December...they'll be more desperate to make year end quotas.

 

Research!!! Make sure you know what MSRP is for your model, shop around. Even if it is just calling around to find out what different shops charge. Dealers will usually give you a better price if you know more about their competitors prices.

 

Never pay over MSRP, and have them out the door the price. There is little to do on setup, so a couple hundred is all that should be at the most. And shipping should be the same cost for all dealers in your area.

 

I don't think your going to get much under MSRP, however, it seems dealers are more likely to throw in extra stuff to sweeten the deal when they see you might walk on em. Take your time, be sure of the bike you want, work with the same salesperson, make several visits so they know who you are when you come in. Make phone calls to the salesperson with a lot of enthusiasim, then begin to back away from the offer. Expect a phone call soon or for the sales manager to take a call on behalf of your salesperson.

 

Look for the best deal. You may have to go outside of your area but they are out there. Red River HD here in TX has a couple 06 Road Glides for 18,520 + TTL and a 1,500 dollar gift card throw in. Add the card to the deal and it's under MSRP of 17,885. Wave cash under his nose and who knows.