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Harley Davidson dealers?

Does anyone one know how big of a markup most Harley Davidson dealers tack on their motorcycles?

  • I have been to a couple dealers in the Midwest and noticed that the prices on last years bikes are real close to the MSRPs of next years bikes.

  • Answer:

    Aside from the fact that Doug M is talking through a paper as'shole and leaking s'hit all over everyone, something should be mentioned here. You noticed that last year's used bikes are selling at or near MSRP for this year. Well, that's because of the fact that Harleys are the only bike that can actually APPRECIATE after you buy it. They hold their value and will last years longer than the pieces of s'hit that Doug is advocating. And what about the ride? Couldn't stand anything else. And beautiful! I usually don't insult jap machines; I figure it's the 2 wheel experience that bonds us all but a lot of these japper flappers just can't open their mouths without insulting Harley. Look at it this way; in comparison to Hondas or Yamahas from the 60s, which do you see more of? Harleys or them? Tell me how many Hondas you see from 1945 still running strong? As for dependability, I had a 98 Road King that went 6 years on the same battery, never failed to start and ran strong all those years despite living outside through 5 years of Florida hurricanes (see my 360). In 04, the coil went and with that, I changed the battery. Aside from tires, that was IT for 6 years. Who can claim that to be undependable? And when I traded it in for my Lowrider, I got damn good money for it! And that from a dealer, so tell these insulting motherf'uckers where they can stick their false claims and old wives tales about HD. They want to ride Jappers? Fine!!! Let them! NO one will insult them; they hang out at the HD Dealership where I live all the time and ride with us and nobody gives them crap about their ride. I guess it's just latent jealousy that makes them crack wise and tell lies about HD. As to the markup, they make a profit (oh! Horrors!) but I don't think it's anything outlandish. These dealers make the bulk of their money from aftermarket parts sales,merchandising and service. Part of the reason they don't haggle much is that their margin isn't that great. Thanks for letting me rant and rave; hope I gave you some insight on the pricing however simple it may be. Ride whatever you want; don't insult anyone else for what he rides. And what does Jacklord ride? A scooter? Wearing bermuda shorts and a straw hat? Candyass.

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I agree, Doug is an idiot, he don't know his azzhole from his head!

Tom n Tam C

Yeh dont by a Harley, they are overrated because of all the chopper shows. Every guy now thinks he is a biker. Its sad. Harley has numerous problems, are poorly made. Honda and Yamaha are the best bikes in my mind. They have years of experience building bikes, they have lots and lots of money to put into engineering good bikes. They arent severly overpriced. So if you can live without needing the whole Harley-lifestyle, go with a quality japanese bike.

Dizz

Doug is an idiot. Try buying aftermarket parts for a jap bike, or finding a qualified shop to maintain it. Plus, I would put my VROD up against any jap bike any day of the week. Anyway, Harley dealers make a profit of 17-28%, depending on the model.

Loud Fast Rules

Firecracker's got it ... it's a free market system and Harleys have a "prestige" markup. They sell a dream. They let Casper the Accountant pretend he is Marlon Brando in a tee and leather. But Gixxers have a large markup, too, and they also sell a dream -- they let Billy Zit pretend he is Valentino Rossi or Ricky Carmichael. Bikes are about romance, in every way. Harley's particular flavor is real accessible for the average guy. That's why they can charge huge markups for inferior, outdated engineering. But dang, it's still a HARLEY, dude, even if you have to get around on a trailer.

Grendle

The mark up is HUGE. There is nothing to a Harley. Just a lot of chrome. Don't let them fool you into thinking it takes $20k in parts to build one. I would guess it takes maybe $10k, the rest is name and the tax that comes on being built in the USA. No technology, no need for R&D or engineers even =) You are paying for the name, and regardless of what anyone says, that is it. Honestly. Why do you think a 180hp, 200+mph, direct injected sport bike with huge brakes, awesome efficiency and an insane red line would cost LESS THAN HALF a decent Harley that hasn't had any new technology or engineering in twenty years? It's over half again as powerfull, stops in a fifth the distance, can turn, and still gets 50mpg, logic would say the better performing, more efficient bike would be more expensive. Did you know the current Harley V-twin is a Yamaha motor? Again, honestly. Try not to hate just becuase you don't like imported things, I'm not bashing. I don't have anything against HD's, I get why people like them, they just arn't for me, not my style. If I were going to be sold on a bike that expensive, "It has timeless style" would not do it... He'd have to tell me "yeah, its the flippen fastest bike in the world, will pass an AMA superbike in the sweepers, gets 100mpg, and weighs so little you can carry it on your back"

xturboexpress

If you buy a Harley you are paying for a name, not a excellent Motorcycle! Get smart, spend your money wisely. Don't be one of these loosers throw their money away. It is a known fact that guy's who drive big trucks and Harley's are trying to compensate for their small *****!

jacklord

As much as they can, I suppose. MSRP for mine was around 15K, according to HD's website. Actual was 17K+/- . You don't get any wiggle room when you call the dealer an hour before closing on Friday night and say " I want the one on the display stand in the showroom. I'll be in tomorrow morning to pick it up." 19K even with extended warranty.

Firecracker .

They have a huge markup, Hey buddy I'll race your V-Rod anyday, Slow, underpowered, Noisey, Thats what HD is all about.

Paul S

Local dealer used to mark up $1500. over msrp.

hardtack

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