Greetings from Kabul, Afghanistan. I am active duty Air Force awaiting my return to the States in July 2012.

I would love to hear member comments on my "purchase" options....

Option 1: Take advantange of the military sales program while deployed and receive 10% off MSRP of a 2012 (late in the model year).

Option 2: Wait until I return and shop around and negotiate the best deal for a 2012 w/mods or even wait for the 2013.

DOWNSIDE (OPTION 1): With the military sales program, any bike mods performed by the dealer have to be purchased at the time of delivery, i.e. I can't make it part of the military sales contract; which can be costly for a Stage 1 or 2 mod and other accessories (dealers make far less on military sales and which means they typically do not discount accessories or mods). I may be in a better position to haggle the total price of the bike with the dealer when I get back to the States versus receiving 10% off the price of the bike and paying full retail for the "adds".

UPSIDE (OPTION 2): I hear rumors that the 2013 might offer the 110 CI.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

 

Thank You for Your Service, welcome to the Forums.


You are right, the 2013's will be announced right when you return. Rumors always float around, nobody really knows what the next bike will be-- and I don't have confidence that a 110 as a full production motor would have the reliability we require.

I gotta a 96" and have ridden 103's ( lots) and a 110. No huge difference and for my dollar, I saved the 2K and chose to go with the 96"


The used market is pretty good for buyers right now and the 2009 and newer models are all very, very similar but for the 96/103 ( and some changes in the electrical system which are very nifty in design)

But if all you ever wanted was a brand new bike off the showroom floor then look at Military Sales.

OR think about forming an LLC in Montana ( google for broker services that do all the paperwork etc. for you)- Montana has no sales tax for recreational Vehicles incl. motorcycles. which is close to then same saving, and maybe more flexible.
plates are also permanent, so you don't have to renew or inspect

The LLC can buy a bike at the dealer down the street from you, pay no sales tax & title it in MT., the service you use walks the paperwork and mails you the plate.
the bike can be new or used and you can work out whatever work or add ons with the dealer

when I was shopping a year ago, the Missoula dealer was offering free 103 upgrades on left over 2010's -OTD price on an Ultra with 103/cruise/security and ABS ( a must) was 22,600
In the end I found a 2009 with under 6000 miles for 15K here in AZ ( no sales tax on private party sales) so i did that.

so there's an option to think about

Like anything, the more financial flexibility you have, the better off

Mike

 

I got my 2010 1200N through MCS as the last one in the factory, knocked $1000 extra off the price. I did any upgrades myself.

 

I think you can use the Mil sales deal with your orders for a few months after you return. Look into it.

 

Thank you for what you do, stay safe. The roadways in the greatest country in the world are ready for your return.

 

Be safe glad your coming home soon...dont wait get your bike asap take advantage of the deal

 

mlupone, welcome to the forum. I ordered my 09SG when I was in Kandahar 08-09. I'm glad I went through MCS, the only problem for me was waiting till I got back to pick it up. One thing you might do is check with local dealers in your area back home. There's a dealer about an hour from me that will match military sales prices. I didn't know that when i got mine, but it might be an option for you if you want to wait and see what the 2013's are looking like.

 

Thank you for your service. Stay safe. We pray for your safe return.

 

One thing to consider in pricing is the sales tax applied. I never used the military sales but a local sales will hit you with the sales tax and in some places it can be brutal. Don't know if the military sales has a sales tax or at what rate. If they do you might be able to arrange delivery in a tax friendly state. Vehicle sales tax in AL is around 3.5%+-.

 

I bought mine in 06 with the program. Worked out pretty good. During mid-tour leave I took the ENCS quote to the dealer to see if they would match. They came close but in the mean time AAFES ran a deal with another $750 off so I grabbed it. BTW I did have to pay my state sales tax on pickup.