Price Expectations When Buying a New Bike

[ScottyJ]

I'm new to motorcycling and I'm looking for my first bike. Because I am not very mechanical, I have opted for something new. I have read good things about the Kawasakis and Suzukis in the 500cc - 900cc range, specifically the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD and Vulcan 900 Classic and Custom, and the Suzuki S40 and S/C/M50. Yesterday, I sat on the 900 Classic and Custom and the C50. Out of the three, I think I liked the 900 Custom the best, although I'm still not sure which I like best between the two Kawasaki 900's. I'd still like to checkout the 500 LTD but I'd really like the '09 model if I go that way.

Alright, anyway, my main question is, what can I expect as far as pricing on various cruisers? I know mid size cruisers are popular and I know a lot of people are getting into motorcycles but I know with cars, sticker price is not final price unless you are willing to pay it. A book I'm reading says to call dealerships and ask the sales manager for an out-the-door price. Has anyone tried that approach? Any help would be appreciated. Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post. Thanks!

[Schneiderman]

With cars you usually haggle to bring the price down. With motorcycles you beg on your knees for the price to stop getting higher.

They'll have the bikes out there with the MSRP up as the sticker price (if they display a price at all). Then the salesman will com eby and say, "let's see how we can make this work for you". Then you'll go into his office at that $5000 sticker price will turn into over $6000 after a bunch of BS fees, all while the salesman assures you that you could only get this great deal at THIS dealership, and any other place would screw you over with BS fees.

[ScottyJ]

That's not good news. If the price on the 900 grows to $8K and beyond, I'll be forced to go with the 500 or S40.

[hy_tek]

With cars you usually haggle to bring the price down. With motorcycles you beg on your knees for the price to stop getting higher.

They'll have the bikes out there with the MSRP up as the sticker price (if they display a price at all). Then the salesman will com eby and say, "let's see how we can make this work for you". Then you'll go into his office at that $5000 sticker price will turn into over $6000 after a bunch of BS fees, all while the salesman assures you that you could only get this great deal at THIS dealership, and any other place would screw you over with BS fees.

One of the things that I thought was outrageous was the freight cost. The freight for a new car was less than the freight for a bike. One dealer the freight was over $500. Now given the size differential and weight how is that possible. Are the metric bikes made in the states or are they shipped from Japan?

[Dodsfall]

A book I'm reading says to call dealerships and ask the sales manager for an out-the-door price. Has anyone tried that approach?

You always want to bargain with the out-the-door price. The dealer could bargain to $1 for the price of the bike then add $9000 in fees. What you really want to do is get your best deal out the door at a few (or several) different dealerships and let competition do it's work for you.

[StrappedSamurai]

I just went to the Kawasaki dealer and got the salesman down to $6200.00 otd for a brand new 07 900 Custom. The 08 he would let go for $6900.00 otd. I think it just depends on each indivual dealership. The Harley dealership would not go down $1. I am probably going to buy the 08 only because it is black. The 07 is blue.

[ScottyJ]

Good info, guys. One problem I may have is that I'm not sure how many dealerships have the Vulcan 500 LTD in stock so they may not have the bike to offer me. But the new ones ('09) are due soon.

Samurai, where do you live? And can you come to Texas to negotiate for me.

[StrappedSamurai]

I am in Texas. I live in Midlothian. The shop I went to is in Irving, Texas which is in the DFW area.

[ScottyJ]

Yeah, I know where Irving is, they've got that stadium with the big hole in the top. I'm in Allen, which is north of Plano, which is north of Dallas.

Are you in the market to buy something? Did you happen to notice if they had any 500 LTD's?

[stkatz]

One of the things that I thought was outrageous was the freight cost. The freight for a new car was less than the freight for a bike. One dealer the freight was over $500. Now given the size differential and weight how is that possible. Are the metric bikes made in the states or are they shipped from Japan?

*** i thought the added dollars for 'liquids' was ridiculous. ought to be a part of setup don't ya think?

[Dan631]

I have been a professional motorcycle tech since 2003 and have worked at a few dealerships. The first one was in CA. There, you would want to buy from the dealership that had the most inventory of the particular model you were looking for. Reason being if they had several on the floor they would be more willing to sell them for less. And getting later in the year they want to make room for the next year model arrivals. In CA the sales and service departments where 2 seperate entities. Sales would pay us to prep and service bikes they wanted to sell. That is where some of the fees come from. The money the sales dept had to put out to get the bike prepped translated to customer fees.

The shop I worked at in Arkansas would sell bikes at $100 over COST!!!! Reason being the motorcycle riding population is VERY small compared to CA and in Arkansas EVERY customer counts. If you are interested in a bike they want you to take it home(sometimes even at a loss for the dealerhip) so that's one less unit they are paying interest on.

[ScottyJ]

Samurai, please check your PMs.

Dan, that's interesting info.

[ScottyJ]

I just went to the Kawasaki dealer and got the salesman down to $6200.00 otd for a brand new 07 900 Custom. The 08 he would let go for $6900.00 otd. I think it just depends on each indivual dealership. The Harley dealership would not go down $1. I am probably going to buy the 08 only because it is black. The 07 is blue.

Went to that dealership today. Talked for awhile with the owner, a very nice guy. The lowest "marked" price they had on a 900 was an '07 900 Custom for $6831 OTD. The '08's were going for $7431. They had two 500 LTD's, one '07 with a windshield and a backrest for $5580 and one '07 naked for $4972. I may try to get one this week. And I'm wondering if I should attempt to drive it 30 miles home.

[Wayward_Traveller]

The 30 mile ride home shouldn't be too bad, just make sure whoever drives you down follows you home (not too close) just to be safe.

Good luck and make sure you get what you want, my first bike was a Kawasaki 440LTD, belt drive, ah I loved that bike hehe.

[ScottyJ]

Yeah, IF I ride home, I will have my girlfriend follow me but definitely not too closely.

Now I'm debating color, haggling for price, etc., etc. I just need to buy the thing and start riding.

[Wayward_Traveller]

Hey now, haggling and color are important factors :)

I kind of rushed my last purchase and I regretted it shortly after.

I took the time and made sure I got the bike I wanted this time and I am so much content with my purchase this time.

[hy_tek]

Hey now, haggling and color are important factors :)

I kind of rushed my last purchase and I regretted it shortly after.

I took the time and made sure I got the bike I wanted this time and I am so much content with my purchase this time.

Well here is how I look at it. If you enjoyed your purchase even though you payed premium price so what. 5-10 years down the road the extra $500-$1000 won't mean much but you had a blast in the mean time....you only go around once.....Many times I just over thought purchases to death over a few bucks and in the end I got nothing so enjoy life and don't sweat the small stuff if you can afford it that is...:)....

[StrappedSamurai]

Scotty I took 6000 cash when I went trying to get the 900 for that price. The prices were as low as they would go for me. I took some of my 401k out to come up with the money because I really don't want payments. I just finished paying off my car.

[hy_tek]

I just went to the Kawasaki dealer and got the salesman down to $6200.00 otd for a brand new 07 900 Custom. The 08 he would let go for $6900.00 otd. I think it just depends on each indivual dealership. The Harley dealership would not go down $1. I am probably going to buy the 08 only because it is black. The 07 is blue.

Ok excuse me for being sceptical but did that price of $6200 include sales tax and all fees? (yes I know what OTD means) That price seems too good to be true from the prices the dealers have been giving me here in Illinois. You did very well. Congrats!

[ScottyJ]

Was going to buy the '07 900 Custom in red yesterday and as we pulled up, we saw a guy outside sitting on a red motorcycle. I told my girlfriend, I bet that's it. Sure enough.

So... I had already called another store and found out they had the blue one in stock and I really like that shade of blue so they called the other store and told them to mark it sold and I would be in tomorrow. So we are going down there this afternoon to pick it up.

[hy_tek]

Was going to buy the '07 900 Custom in red yesterday and as we pulled up, we saw a guy outside sitting on a red motorcycle. I told my girlfriend, I bet that's it. Sure enough.

So... I had already called another store and found out they had the blue one in stock and I really like that shade of blue so they called the other store and told them to mark it sold and I would be in tomorrow. So we are going down there this afternoon to pick it up.

I personally liked the classic. One thing I like is the larger front tire. Now being new my reasoning may be flawed but I want as much rubber on the road when I am turning as possible. The front tire on the custom looks like an oversized bicycle tire to me. It is so narrow there is not as much contact with the pavement from the way it looks to me. Now this is just the opinion of someone with no experience with either bike so I could be totally wrong. I do like the rim on the custom however it is sweet looking. I love the blue color Scotty good choice!

[BH]

You will get your very best price at the end of the riding season (if you live in a cold weather state)
You could save hundreds.
If you cant wait then in my opinion theyre all pretty close on the price.
Getting last years model would be a good choice, you will save.
I think the Vulcan 900 is a good solid bike and sharp looking.
But you know what ? Theyre all pretty good bikes.
Theres nothing wrong with the M50 either.

[dekken]

I got a 2003 Vulcan 800 with only 3600 miles on it. had extras on it too, like pipes and some trim work. It was babied by the owner, never ridden in the rain, never dropped. I found 1 ding from gravel and one peg had a scuff on the bottom. Price: $4550. All you gotta do is shop around, deals are out there.

Granted, the NADA on this bike was $3700 or so, but with the pristine condition, low miles, and extras, $4500 was plenty fair for both parties.

I'm too new to post links, but here's a pic of my new toy :D

s44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/mrnoodle1456/?action=view&current=vulcan.jpg

[Wayward_Traveller]

Wow sharp looking bike Dekken, nice find.

[hy_tek]

I got a 2003 Vulcan 800 with only 3600 miles on it. had extras on it too, like pipes and some trim work. It was babied by the owner, never ridden in the rain, never dropped. I found 1 ding from gravel and one peg had a scuff on the bottom. Price: $4550. All you gotta do is shop around, deals are out there.

Granted, the NADA on this bike was $3700 or so, but with the pristine condition, low miles, and extras, $4500 was plenty fair for both parties.

I'm too new to post links, but here's a pic of my new toy :D

s44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/mrnoodle1456/?action=view&current=vulcan.jpg

Very nice ride Dekken and a competitive price. I am from the Chicago area and have been watching Craigslist daily like a hawk and used Vulcans just don't come up for sale often. Another gentleman on this website said that used $1000 cruisers are all over the place. Well must depend where you live because in this urban area no cruiser even comes close to $1000 no matter how old it is. Supply and demand rears its ugly head.......As much as I hate to I am beginning to think the only way to get a Vulcan 900 is to buy new.....:)

[ScottyJ]

Hy_tek, I really prefer the look and feel of the Custom but due to the rake & trail, the handling is not supposed to be quite as good as the Classic.

BH, I know this isn't the best time to buy but I am ready and I don't want to wait. So I will have to pay the price.

Dekken, excellent looking bike. Sounds/looks like you got a great deal. Congrats.

[hy_tek]

Hy_tek, I really prefer the look and feel of the Custom but due to the rake & trail, the handling is not supposed to be quite as good as the Classic.

BH, I know this isn't the best time to buy but I am ready and I don't want to wait. So I will have to pay the price.

Dekken, excellent looking bike. Sounds/looks like you got a great deal. Congrats.

Hey Scotty if we all "liked" the same things what a boring world this would be.....good luck with your new purchase. We will be anxiously waiting for pics of your new ride....

[dekken]

Yeah, I wish I could say it looks as shiny today as it did yesterday in that pic, but my inaugural ride home was through a torrential downpour and 40mph winds.....at least I missed the hail. Oh well, 1 rainstorm in 5 years won't kill it. More rain/hail forecast for today, guess I'll wait till the weekend to take it out again :P

Thanks for the kind words about the bike, it's my first in about 15 years. I am obsessed with the thing. I keep clicking on that pic to look at it again. Christmas in July :D

[BH]

Both good looking bikes. I prefer the Custom though.
Glad to see they got the rims right. I never could understand why they put spokes on the custom and mags on the classic.

http://i29.tinypic.com/14l7wq0.jpg

[hy_tek]

Both good looking bikes. I prefer the Custom though.
Glad to see they got the rims right. I never could understand why they put spokes on the custom and mags on the classic.

http://i29.tinypic.com/14l7wq0.jpg

I think you have them mixed up BH. The spokes are on the classic I believe. The custom has the cast aluminum front wheel. If not then I am mixed up.....so I think old farts like me just like the classic style better.....the "chopper" image just doesn't go with gray hair and the spare tire around my waist.......:D

[BH]

I think you have them mixed up BH. The spokes are on the classic I believe. The custom has the cast aluminum front wheel. If not then I am mixed up.....:D

Right.
My Yamaha Custom has spokes and the Classic has rims. Should be the other way around. Kawasaki got it right.

[ScottyJ]

Guess who bought a motorcycle... :D

[BH]

Guess who bought a motorcycle... :D

Nelson Mandela ?
Pee Wee Herman ?

I give up.

[ScottyJ]

Nelson Mandela ?
Pee Wee Herman ?

I give up.

Not sure about them but I did! I bought the '07 Vulcan 900 Custom in blue. I just rode for about two hours today and I'm already at 63 miles. I absolutely love riding it. I just wish it was a bit cooler outside. I don't have a riding jacket or pants yet so I geared up in my riding suit. By the time I finished, I was dripping.

[Dodsfall]

Congrats on the new bike!
The Vulcans are really beautiful!

[ScottyJ]

Congrats on the new bike!
The Vulcans are really beautiful!

Thank you. :)

I think I would have ridden until I was completely dehydrated if I didn't have someone waiting at home. I stopped at a friend's house during my ride and he gave me a 32-oz. Gatorade which I just about guzzled. When I got home, I drank about three bottles of cold water. But I loved every minute of the ride.

I am trying to remember things I did wrong or need to practice and a few come to mind. 1. Don't forget to turn off the turn signal. It's hard to look cool when you're tooling down the road with your signal on. :o 2. Make sure you down shift all the way to first before taking off from a red light. I stalled twice at a red light before figuring out that I was in third. 3. Practice making tighter turns from a stop or while going slow. I know there won't always be room to make a wide turn and I know it can be dangerous. 4. Don't get cocky, don't get overconfident, just be safe and learn.

[dekken]

Grats man :D

Also, remember to downshift. There were a couple times yesterday when I was a little too heavy on the brakes. Don't want em wearing out....

[hsartteacher]

Not sure about them but I did! I bought the '07 Vulcan 900 Custom in blue. I just rode for about two hours today and I'm already at 63 miles. I absolutely love riding it. I just wish it was a bit cooler outside. I don't have a riding jacket or pants yet so I geared up in my riding suit. By the time I finished, I was dripping.

HEY CONGRATULATIONS WOO HOO! (all caps yes I am happy for you!):p

Great .. have fun and ride safely!

[hy_tek]

Ahem... ScottyJ?.........Where are the pictures?

Care to share your OTD price with us guys still shopping for a Vulcan 900?

[ScottyJ]

Thank you all for the well-wishes. I am loving my new bike. In fact, don't tell my woman but I've already got something like 135 miles on the bike. I rode another hour and a half to two hours today and rode in city and out in the country. Once again I wore my way hot Power Ranger looking suit but even though I was literally dripping, I had a blast. This afternoon I bought a nice cool Motoboss Airspeed Jacket and my pants are due in Tuesday so that suit is going to be retired until it gets cold.

Hy_tek, I guess my negotiating skills are not as good as Samurai's because I paid the $6831 they were asking. I am not going to beat myself up about paying their sticker price and I still think I got one helluva good deal on a very nice motorcycle. I also bought a KBC full face helmet from them and a couple of tie-downs so they could tie-down the bike in the bed of my truck. Then I spent another hundred for a ramp at O'Reilly Auto Parts so I could unload the bike. All worth it in my book.

Oh, and dude, there are pictures in my profile. Go look.

[hy_tek]

Thank you all for the well-wishes. I am loving my new bike. In fact, don't tell my woman but I've already got something like 135 miles on the bike. I rode another hour and a half to two hours today and rode in city and out in the country. Once again I wore my way hot Power Ranger looking suit but even though I was literally dripping, I had a blast. This afternoon I bought a nice cool Motoboss Airspeed Jacket and my pants are due in Tuesday so that suit is going to be retired until it gets cold.

Hy_tek, I guess my negotiating skills are not as good as Samurai's because I paid the $6831 they were asking. I am not going to beat myself up about paying their sticker price and I still think I got one helluva good deal on a very nice motorcycle. I also bought a KBC full face helmet from them and a couple of tie-downs so they could tie-down the bike in the bed of my truck. Then I spent another hundred for a ramp at O'Reilly Auto Parts so I could unload the bike. All worth it in my book.

Oh, and dude, there are pictures in my profile. Go look.

I saw that exact bike at a dealer. It was an '08 trade in that had about 600 miles on it. Very nice ride indeed.

A local discount dealer here is advertising '08 Customs for $6682 OTD so I would say you did fine. I suppose it depends on where you are and how many bikes they have on hand of that style too. If you live in the city like I do I think you pay premium price.

[Dodsfall]

I'd say that price is well worth the enjoyment you will get out of your motorcycle.