500 to 1000 off is a pretty good deal for a Harley. I got my 08 Nightster brand new and was able to get 600 off, plus the refund on my riders edge course and that seemed like a steal to me. It also took me about 3 days of working with the dealer, and building a good relationship with them to get there.

 

I'm in the bay area, CA and I went to three harley dealerships locally. Initially what i wanted (and what i could afford new) was the sportster 48. The BEST I could do was get a $500 gift card but still pay MSRP + Tax, Fees Etc. I've been in there 3-4 times since, and everytime, I see another 48 with a SOLD sticker on it. I come from the sport bike crowd and normally you can get a new bike for MSRP OTD, not the case with Harley's. This year has been an uptick year with increased sales and Q2 was the best quarter in years.

As for 2011 vs. 2012, if there are no changes year over year, don't expect the dealership to make discounts on it. Harley technology isn't like Jap Bike technology where year over year you have changes.

I went to the used market and I've been happy with my deuce.

 

Good choice!