The last time I was in a dealership seriously looking at handlebar price tags was 2009. Back then the sputtering economy meant dealers were flooded with unsold bikes with fleets of used, low mile repo's on the floor. This particular dealer later closed two of it's three dealerships due to the ugly economy. If you are unemployed, the last thing you want to do is buy a motorcycle. This dealer suffered because of high unemployment.
Fast forward to last Tuesday when I spent a half hour in a dealership that was not in California. I checked the throttle grip tag of a new 2013 (now last years model) Superglide. The tag is divided into two categories, factory and dealer pricing. Let's see, special color-check, security system-check, ABS-check, freight $390-check, CA emissions $200-WTF?
Let's move down to the dealer category of the tag. Dealer prep and freight $1100. (You read that right, charged twice for freight). Dealer installed rider backrest and windshield $1200, custom wheels $450 and lastly $500 for added dealer markup for a total of $17,424 before tax and tags.
What's going on here? Is this pricing strategy common throughout the industry or should I run away as fast as I can and find another dealer? Are dealers playing catchup from the dismal sales a few years ago? Is the factory producing fewer bikes to create more demand than supply? Questions about ordering a bike from the factory wasn't answered. "We will get the bike you want from a dealer trade", was the answer.
Ca emissions is included because they have a lot of buyers from Crapifornia.
Double charging for frieght was not as it seems. Apparently the factory charge for freight is "included" in the dealer charge for freight. You don't have to be the dimmest bulb on the Christmas tree to realize that was BS.
I'd like to buy a bike but I don't want to feel like I am getting the Vaseline treatment in the rectum. Any thoughts?

 

Yes. Buy a used bike.

 

I purchased a new Deluxe in May for 1100 off factory MSRP + 425 Prep + Tax.
That's all, no other bullshit.
It pays to shop around.

 

There's a sucker born every minute that will pay whatever price the dealers wants. Always negotiate an out the door price on the bike you want with the options you want. The last 3 new Harley's I've purchased where all bought at or below MSRP out the door (that included all taxes, prep, freight and other fees). If one dealer won't play ball, find another who will.

 

It seems to me that they'll price as high as they think they can with a whole lot of wiggle room. Just play ball - make 'em an offer and see if they'll play back. If not, I'm more than pretty sure that other dealers will.

 

It the supply and demand.. newer bikes are in short supply when new models first come out...at least in my area its that way

 

I buy most of my vehicles in the winter months when I have time to shop . I spend a lot of time on the computer looking at adds . The last truck I bought was 1500.00 less than my local Chevy dealer . Same color same options but 800 miles from home .
I did trade my truck in and had a solid trade in price . So in January I took my wife south for a weeks vacation and picked up the new truck .

Did I save any money yes a little but had a nice short vacation and some cash in my pocket .

 

You can buy a tee shirt anywhere. You can buy a leather jacket anywhere. You can buy oil and replacement parts anywhere.You can buy a used Harley from anyone. You can only buy a brand new Harley, from a Harley dealer. They know this, and price the bikes for what people WILL pay. You might grumble, bitch and moan and call the dealer names, but like I said You can only buy a new Harley, from a Harley dealer.,,

 

Find the model and extras you want make an offer. most dealers give a 15 to 20% discount for add on I had to go 600 miles away to get what I wanted and the price. Down south in AZ this summer the same bike that my brother got was 4000.00 cheaper than up here in South Dakota, the dealers up here have us bent over on the price, and I pissed them off when I whent some where else. Shop and shop some more get prices on paper and go back in and see if they will match.

 

There is an orange 2012 fatbob in SF Dudley P selling for 14k otd. I would call to make sure they still have. Unless you hate SF giants orange