Not on Harleys, they don’t.
Some dealers do drop prices, but only on non-current Japanese bikes and not because it is winter, but because they need to move out last year’s inventory.
The dealerships don’t lower their prices. One can find a good deal in the winter or “off season” if buying from an individual because the owner usually wants to get that last ride in before they sell it in a time they need the money. In my opinion, which isn’t usually very humble, he would be a fool to buy ANY bike new.
The dealers set the price, not HD corporate. In past history, the dealers would sell bikes at MSRP + other incentives during the winter. In the spring/summer the prices go above MSRP and all incentives would disappear.
So - in general - the winter is the better time to buy a bike.
Given the economy is in the toilet, it’s possible that they could lower prices to move existing inventory. It will again depend on how heavy the dealers are with inventory. You should check out multiple dealers, some will be more desperate than others. Be aware that some dealers won’t service or will be a pain in the **** regarding servicing a bike that wasn’t purchased from them.
Unless your hell bent on getting a new bike, I’d recommend getting a used one. There are loads of RUBs (rich urban bikers) that purchased HDs who never ride them and are willing to sell them for pennies on the dollar. Keep in mind that these folks paid well over MSRP ($5K premium is not uncommon) and they likely added all kinds of chrome etc.. Many of these folks probably have $30K or more into these bikes, don’t be surprised when they want $10Kish for 2004/2005 bike.
harley never drop their prices because they have their heads so far up their own (censor)
You’re gonna need to actually talk to a sales person. Lower priced, yes but I doubt MUCH lower. You’re not gonna get a $15K bike for $12K.
First, they’ll likely be trying to unload left over 2008’s.
Second, Harley has fallen into the same trap many other lenders did in that they “gave away” bikes with little money down and now the buyer can’t make the payments and the bikes are being repo’d.
Third, any “seasonal” recreational vehicle may be less expensive in the off-season. Like boats, they’re generally less expensive going into the winter than coming out of the spring.
Fourth, look at late model, low mileage, pre-owned bikes. Harleys are generally very well cared for. The dealer will likely give you a 60 or 90 day warranty and you could buy an extended warranty.
If you want a harley, get the model book and don’t pay a penny over MSRP. There are two types of dealers, those that sell at MSRP and those who sell higher at MSRP. The book sets the price, not the dealer.
Example: I bought my wife a sportster from Chester’s Harley Davidson in Mesa. Bike was 8,000 dollars. Brand new. Before I bought it, I called every dealer in Phoenix, out the door price was 9,000-10,000 for the same machine. Every one of those dealers said they were MSRP dealers, so how does this happen?
1. They will try to sell you on their financing
2. Sell you a bunch of motorclothes that they will finance
3. Sell you a bunch of accessories.
My advice, have you husband choose the bike he wants. Make sure before he looks, he decides what the bike will be used for. you wouldn’t want to by a Sportster for continuous cross country travel, (although I have done it) becase the accessories you need to make if a comfortable bike for that purpose will put you close to a touring machine. Conversely, I wouldn’t by a bagger to commute to work on and ride on the weekend, barhopping, etc…
Look at the website and get the MSRP price of the bike. don’t pay anymore than that.
Shop all the dealers in your area and online.
Don’t buy any accessories until you decide what you want, it will cost you a fortune. Ride, check out other’s bike, decide what you want, then buy the chrome, pipes, AC, etc…
Make the dealer throw in leathers, or discount them significantly.
Don’t be afraid to walk.
The short answer to your question is NO, they don’t discount thier prices.
If you are looking at a used machine, get the service records and know, that it doesn’t matter how much chrome was added, it doesn’t raise the price. A used bike should be considerably less, but in the Harley world, it is not. Motorwork only makes the value go up if it was done properly. I see tons of machines that are for sale with thousands of extra’s on it and thousands in the motor. If you put that much time and money into it, why would you sell it? Something ain’t right. If it is at the dealer, why did they trade it for a stock machine?
Harley dealers drop prices, are you drinking? They do not drop prices and do not have to drop prices.
NO, but you should look on craigslist LOTS of people need money and selling their toys. Bikes that were selling for 30,000 and more are going for 15,000 and less!
Haven’t you heard? Harleys holds their value. At least at the dealer.
No Smantha, MSRP is published by Harley Davisdosn and it is on their website and in all their brochures….The Dealer can elect to sell at,below or above that price depending on what the market will bear in any given territory…However HD does not adjust the MSRP based on seasonal changes….They make inventory adjustments at the factory. In other words they manufacture/market and sell a limimted amount of bikes. As demand falls off ( such as in this weak eceonomy) then they will adjust the flow of new bikes into the market…Unonfrtunately due to many forces beyond the control of foreign manufacturers and a different marketing philosophy, many Japanese manufactuers saturate the market with their makes and models and during a downturn like we are in or a seasonal adjustment their distribution points and dealerships are overstocked with product so they are forced to offer reduced pricing on their bikes…to clear out their inventory and make roomon showroom flooors for the new year models.HD has a completely different marketing approach to their units then do the other manufacturers. THey always have been that way The net result is that the used bike demand is always there and at sustained levels/the new bike market is strong ( or at least relatively so inthis economy and when put in perspecitve with other makes and models
Individual harley shops might knock a few bucks off in order to get rid of some of their stock, but since Harley’s are so popular, they usually don’t have to.
Now as far as used bikes go - winter is an awesome time to shop. People get tired of having them fill up their garages, and not really being able to ride them in the cold/snow.
You can get them for a steal!!
harley doesn’t drop diddly
the dealers are who have to, but they don’t have to
if you’re looking for a winter deal, look at the used bikes, great values found there. i’ve bought 14 harleys…. every one has been used, never bought a new one yet
Depends on where you live Here in Florida i have got a Dealer that will drop price and there are other dealers that tack on way to much stay away from the tourist dealers , find a hick town dealer that wont **** you !
not as a general rule, but financing is easier to get in the off riding season, and if a dealer is overstocked, he just might cut you a deal.
ride safe
Check the internet dealers. I got one hell of a deal in LA, just had to drive to get there. -Beat the local dealers by over 2 grand.
Not likely, but you may get better incentives during the winter, like discount accessories with bike purchase. It’s at the dealer’s discretion.
I do not know
but you can ride me for nothing
They only time they will drop prices is on last years models.
But even then the prices will not be that much of a difference, maybe 3-5% lower.
Bikini?
tou will find prices drop just as a new modal comes out But you can get better discount or extras over winter but you have to ask rather than except ticket prices go for the best deal with cash they will listen