I have not yet pulled the trigger on a purchase, and am in the process of doing some homework on sales prices.

All of the dealers I have spoken with, tell me they are a MSRP dealer.
Thats fine...I understand the need to make a profit.

Then I am told, that for dealer set up and delivery costs, the charge would be $1000 bucks.
I wonder if a dealer uses contract outside workers to do the setup or use everyday, paid mechanics or a designated "setup" person.

On looking at several dealers websites, I find a basic delivery charge of $335.

Seems to me.....but I am new with this, so cut me some slack please...that a setup fee paid to a daily worker, already employed by the dealer, of nearly $700 bucks is high.
Maybe it's the fluid costs?

My question would be is:....do dealers negotiate down off MSRP or is that price firm?
One dealer told me "what don't you understand about MSRP"?
Also is dealer setup and delivery negotiable?

Pardon me if I sound like a cheap axxxx.

DynaWideGlide or SuperGlideCustom models

 

I had a dealership offer me $1000 off a sportster and another that said the price is the price.

 

Dealers will discount from MSRP and they will waive all setup and even the $335 delivery fee. Some will throw in goodies on top of that. If a dealer won't deal, find another one that will.

 

Uncrating and setup is usually done by the least experienced mechanic or even the wash up guy, aka: the kid that's younger than your leathers.

 

Thank you for the helpful information.

I am still using the search function to find more "pre" sales intelligence.

 

It costs abbot $400 to $600 dollars to ship a bike all the way across the country. So don't just shop locally, shop dealers all over the U.S. Make your computer and telephone work for you. Play one dealer off the other and when you have negotiated your best price, go see your local dealer again. If he wants to work with fine, if not, he may have to be satisfied with your warranty work after you purchased elsewhere.

 

The shipping and set up involves a number of things that may involve several people at the dealership. Like right now, with all the 2012s getting to the dealerships there are a number of trucks to unload, move the crates, store, open, set up, ect.


With that said, I think the costs that dealers are usually willing to waive are shipping and set up..or at least throw in a gift cert. or goodies to off set some of the cost.

I too would stay away from any dealer who won't even talk about working with you, or the standard "Hey, I'm doing you a favor by selling you this bike."

I lucked out with my dealer, we talked MSRP, I made an offer that was lower, he waived set up, I moved my number up, ect. You know, the typical dance when working out a price. After about 5 mins we were both at a number we liked and the paperwork was started. This may be abnormal, but I am lucky to have a great dealership only 20 mins from my house. They will go out of their way for you.

 

new 2011 models should be cheaper right now!

 

Of all I tried, only one dealer wanted to sell me a bike. I even asked a couple of dealers point blank: "I'm definitely buying a bike this week...do you want to sell me one?"

...apparently not...

between discounts, store credit, etc., I saved $1,265 between two LOCAL dealers on the same exact new FatBoy.

Resist the urge for immediate gratification.

 

The S in MSRP stands for suggested retail price. It's not set in stone.