Went for a ride today and stopped by one of the larger HD dealerships in the area. I've been thinking of trading my 2011 Ultra Classic for a 2012 Ultra Limited so I figured I'd kill a Saturday getting my bike appraised and seeing what the numbers would look like. As I was talking with the salesman he tells me they have a 2011 Ultra Limited with 4,000 miles that was in their rental fleet (same color as mine). I tell him to work the numbers on it.

Then, things got "weird"... fast.

First, after what seemed like an eternity, the manager came back with my appraisal. He looked me in my eyes and proceeded to tell me how my bike is only worth $13,500 but he was going to do me a favor and give me $15,000 (2011 Ultra Classic, Root Beer, ABS, Security, Cruise, 6,000 miles). As I am sitting there somewhat in shock he then tells me the lowest he can sell his bike for is $24,000.

So let's put this in perspective.

2011 Ultra Classic Root Beer (ABS, Security, Cruise), 6,000 miles = $15,000
2011 Ultra Classic Limited Root Beer 4,000 miles = $24,000

After an hour of going back and forth he moved another $1,500 on my trade but would not budge on his bike.

I have honestly never experienced a situation were the dealer was trying to sell a used bike at MSRP of a new one and would not budge on the price.

I left the place disgusted. Oh well.

 

That Stealer was lookin' to see how bad you wanted that Limited. You did right by walkin' away. You won!

 

Good thing they wanted so much. Saved you from potentially buying a bike from the rental fleet.

You wouldn't really want a rental bike, would you? I know I wouldn't.

 

Probably figured you may be a sucker since you were looking to trade in a basically brand new bike for another brand new bike.

 

Good on you for getting out of there. 2k differance in miles for $8k. That comes out kinda high. He didn't really think you would go for that did he? Gives a whole new meaning to the word stealer....

 

He thought you were a fool. Good for you.

 

I hate to say it but I'm not surprised at all. All HD dealers are like that. There was only one dealer that I would of ever done business with and they are closed now...Mills HD in Burlington.

Keep your bike and just add whatever you need to add to make it 'your' limited, and save the $8K.

 

Believe it or not, 16,500 is about what our dealer would give for an ultra after one year as well. Now paying $24000 seems high unless it had some engine work done.

 

Double post, my bad.

 

Not to defend the dealer, but it's not that he's ripping you off, it's just that he knows someone will pay 24k for that bike!

In FL, and probably other states, a dealer can sell a vehicle as "new" if it hasnt been titled and has less than 5000 miles. This is why you see tons of demos with 4xxx miles. So, this means that dealer can sell the ultra limited with full warranty, new bike interest and financing, and the buyer goes down as the first owner.