I got my 1200 custom almost 2 years ago...got it for the sticker out the door. They knocked off tax, title, setup, and threw in the alarm system w/fobs.

They have more room to play than you think, but you have to play hardball and be ready to walk out without a bike if need be.

 

Well...in my case all the planets were aligned.

The dealers in the Seattle area had quite a few Nightsters on the floor and in the warehouse. The salesmen that I did business with had missed a couple of weeks of work due to an injury to his hand (he verbalized the fact that he hadn't sold a bike in a while). This and the fact that HD and the dealers are struggling in this economy gave me an advantage.

When he presented the list price, I just told him I wasn't going to pay freight and set up. I actually told him during the negotiations, "Help me help you." You know, the "I want to sell you this bike but I have to get the manager to agree to it". I basically got the bike for MSRP. I also financed through HD for 60 months at 5.99%. 2 years ago, buying a Harley for anything less than what the dealer wanted was nearly impossible.

I think if you buy now you'll have an advantage. If you wait too long, then the nice weather will be a constant and they'll move bikes more quickly.

I posted a link on my blog to a news story about HD laying off 730 workers and cutting production by 7% - which means dealers will have less inventory - which works the economics 101 supply and demand thing.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

-Brian

 

OK...well...um...I just realized I had already replied to this post. Stupid me.

 

If you are willing to buy from current dealer inventory, then tend to be more willing to help make the deal.