Tried to buy a 2010 Road Glide from my regular dealer yesterday, but couldn't get together on price. He says he's "all-in", and I won't pay his price. Told him truthfully that I was going to look at a 2009 fugly this morning. Looked at the bike, made the seller an offer, still negotiating.

Went by the dealer this afternoon to pick up a part. Sales manager came over to chat. Told him about the 2009 I was dealing on. He reinforced the perils of buying a used bike of unknown pedigree (as we gazed out over 4-5 pre-owned bikes on the showroom floor). Said he'd rather sell me a new bike, but he was "all-in".

Then he started lamenting the state of the business. If we keep buying used bikes and don't buy new, then dealers will fold. Suggested that we'd probably see 4-5 dealerships in NC fold this year. Reminded me that when there are no dealerships, it will be harder to get parts and technical support and that we're all going to miss that. Acknowledged that everyone thinks that their particular deal isn't going to affect the big picture, but in fact each individual deal adds up.

Hard to tell if he was being honest, trying to guilt me into buying new, or both. Part of me empathizes with what he's saying, but I didn't walk out with a new bike.

 

All in? LOL, I'm in Charlotte and had a dealer say the same thing on an used, 09 Street Glide. I didn't get the same guilt trip, but I turned right around and bought a used 09 SG from a private dealer in FL and I'm not worried one lick about the local dealer. Either get competitive or get out of business for me. Its a business not a friendship.

 

And his not wanting to bargain on price is the reason he might be one of those dealers... Where was this? if I might ask.

 

what were the terms of the deal he was offering? Maybe he really couldn't help you. Maybe he's bluffing.

 

I was at a local dealer yesterday and a prospective customer was looking to trade their 2009 Ultra Classic on a 2010 Limited. The dealer was offering $16k for the 2009 and wanted msrp plus setup and delivery for the Limited (which is probably about right for this area) - but $16k - damn That's a hell of a hit.

 

If you tell us the "all-in" price, what accessories/options were included, somebody can come along and tell you what MSRP on the bike is. Then we'll see if he's trying to make a killer profit, or just enough to make a little.

 

It's possible that he is all-in. We were close in our negotiation, but not close enough. I'm not really bad-mouthing him for not making a deal. I've just been thinking about the guilt trip he tried to lay on me. Just seemed weird, but could have been his honest reaction to possibly losing my business.

Just got me thinking about whether we have any (additional) responsibility to try to support this lifestyle we choose (I already "gave" when I bought my first two bikes). I know there will always be bikes, parts, and service techs, but the HD network of dealers can be a good thing when you're traveling and have issues.

 

even if you know the MSRP, you can't determine the profit without knowing the dealers cost!
You'll never know what he has to pay for it as it is probably on a floor plan, with dealer incentives, etc.
You're just guessing.

 

I would like to elaborate on your comment: " I know there will always be bikes, parts, and service techs, but the HD network of dealers can be a good thing when you're traveling and have issues."
Being retired, I'm finally able to do a lot of M/C touring. I also tour on my BMW, but I don't have much dealer support when I tour in states like Wyoming and Montana. That's where the Harley really shines!

I truley appreciate the H-D network and hope it continues as is!

 

He was not trying to gouge me - no killer profit here. I went in armed with MSRP on the bike, option, and accessories that I wanted to add at purchase. I have a trade-in which I bought from them 7 months ago. I tried to get a decent price on my trade and a discount off of MSRP for the new bike and gear. I couldn't get that. I have no issue with any of the dealing.

I thought today's conversation was weird, putting part of the blame (for the business decline) on me for going out to find a deal on a used bike.