So I'm ready to buy another Harley...for real. I had not bought a HD since my Sportster back in 92 when the HD feeding frenzy was peaking. Back then you had to pay $100 to get your name on 'the list'.

I go to a dealer who will remain nameless, and walk around while 3 or 4 sales guys sat in an office shooting the breeze. After a bit I left. I guess the economy hasn't hit'm yet but I don't beg to spend my money.

Had a great experience at the Frederick MD Dealer. Great sales guy talked with me for 20 minutes. Are any dealers getting off suggested retail yet?

 

Go to a dealer who you feel somewhat comfortable with and is willing to negotiate. I resisted immediate gratification and waited for one guy who actually wanted to sell me a bike at the right price...and he did.

 

Getting off of Retail, My Dealer only has about 10 2011's left and can't get anymore for almost 2 months when the 2012's are coming out and he is already taking orders on them. He sold 62 bikes just last month!

 

AHH, that explains the apathy at that dealership. Another thing I noticed was the number of touring bikes on the floor. Both dealers were loaded up with'm and had almost no Dynas or Softails

 

I've never been to proud or feeling like I'm begging to get one of the salesmen’s attention when I was something.

 

There is a big difference between dealerships. I've shopped all around this area, and 7-8 places and there are only 2 I really like and would deal with. Rather than buy from my local dealer or the next 2 or 3 closest ones, I've bought my and my wife's last 3 Harleys from Harley of Cincinnati, 90 miles away.

 

My wife and I drove up to Battlefield Harley in Gettysburg PA today. More than an hour away. Nice folks to talk with and lots of bikes to consider. The salesman told me to decide on a couple I'd like to ride, and email him with some notice and I could drive a couple. If I end up buying a new one, I could deal with these guys.

I'm the same way with most purchases. With archery, I drive 80 miles to hagerstown MD or about the same to Lancaster PA when I'm looking to buy. I pass several archery shops on both trips.

 

First dealer I stopped by wanted full list and thought I was crazy for trying to hagle on price. second dealer was willing to knock of 400 bucks. third dealer gave me $1200 off and threw in a swing arm saddle bag. I would say it pays to shop around. Good luck with your shopping.

 

Go see sandy at the Williamsport md dealer. She used to work at the Frederick dealer. She worked with me for weeks trying to find the perfect bike for me. She is awesome and very honest. She was the best sales rep I talked to and I went to every dealer from Bristol ten to chambersburg PA lol

 

I can vouch for sandy at Williamsport. I dealt with her at Frederick, she is top notch