very well said scubadog

 

Since you are able to pay cash for the difference between your trade-in and the new bike price, you should talk to the general manager or finance manager about financing your bike. I'll explain--the dealer makes significant $$$ by placing your financing. The dealer gets to keep his "commission" on placing the loan if the loan is paid off after 90 days.

So, speak to the GM about lowering the deal price by letting the dealer make $$$ on fiancing the sale, but plan to pay off the loan in 90 days.

As for the "deal," the discount and trade-in $$$ are basically "soft" money since you can raise one while lowering the other. Killer Creek HD has a deal where they offer $2K discount under MSRP provided the trade-in is done at KBB or some other similar used bike pricing guide.

As for Scubadog's description of the sales process as "lying," I can understand why he was unhappy with the job if he considered the haggling as "lying."

One thing I found surprising is how money is made in the sale. For example, the salesman makes a commission on the sale, but it's a flat rate, not a percentage. So, the "net" price to the dealership is irrelevant to him, at least in terms of how much he makes if you buy the bike.

Good luck with your search. Hope you find a bike and a deal that works for you.

 

More great info! I never considered he finance thing... Hmmm.

Scubadog made some good points - I need to be in control of the deal, not the salesperson.