That was the norm 20-25 years ago...though it was generally more than $1K...

 

exactly.. way too many bikes around right now for them to be padding MSRP which is why i said to report
them to the MOCO.. tell them you will go look at indian if this is the way they allow this dealership to do business

 

you would be surprised at what they will do with sales being down for harley

 

The new CEO is trying make them like a Rolls Royce in terms of price and a rich man's toy. Units produced are down so he has to increase the profit margin on each bike produced to make Corp. HD look good.

 

They bumped motorclothes and accessories 10% across the board at the end of last year. The stock price has been relatively flat over the past 5 years, but still it's only 1/2 of what is was 9 years ago, and 17 years ago for that matter.

Jochen's gonna be given a long leash, but stockholders are gonna want to see a return on his +/- $18MM/yr hit to the bottom line at some point. I'm guessing the Board will be happy if he can just keep the bleeding down to a minimum...

 

Keep your eye out for low mile used ones. With the state of the economy these days, you might be able to snare one for a good price.

 

I bought a brand new 2000 883C for $6600 out the door and I balked at that price. I recall being in a showroom 4 or 5 years ago and laughing at a salesman when he told me they were selling Sportsters for over $10000, I thought he was joking until I saw the tag hanging from the handlebar.

 

I bought a new 1999 883C and I swear that it cost well more than $6,600.00 OTD.

MSRP was $6,775.00, so maybe not well more, but maybe $7,500.00 after freight, dealer prep, tax and license...

 

I bought my 1991 883 XLH for $5300 in November 1990. Put $200 down (in August) to order it, and the rest ($5100) went on my credit card. Oddly enough, my credit card company never sent me a bill, so I ended up with a brand new Sportster for $200. Never used that credit card again and a couple years later it was cancelled by the bank. Still have the Sportster, but it's a 1250 today. The deal of a lifetime for me.

John

 

Geez! I remember buying my first new car for around that price. Well...it was way before 1990 though.