SM Price Offer to Dealer

[Bill S]

Been thinking of getting a new mid sized bike, to replace my 81 Honda CX500c.
Went to dealer in Connecticut , USA today to look at one. I like the SM with the touring setup.
I get the feeling these bike are not fast movers, as the one I focused on had dust on the rear fender ! I think the expensive Indians bikes are their main focus. ( I think it's funny they sell an American made bike brand Indian and an old British brand bike made in India).

I briefly talked to a sales rep and he mentioned they could negotiate price.
For the $7500 SM touring MSRP, any suggestion on how much lower of an offer would be agreeable to the dealer ?

I believe there are additional costs such as destination / delivery, dealer prep, documentation fees.
I am wondering what their wholesale invoice cost is.

 

[estrada42]

** FULL DISCLOSURE - I AM A GENERAL MANAGER OF AN INDIAN MOTORCYCLE/ROYAL ENFIELD DEALER WHO OWNS A SUPER METEOR AND AM IN NO WAY TRYING TO SELL A BIKE **

I can't speak to dealers on the East Coast, but we West Coast dealers have freight/setup/DMV/local taxes depending on the county. We're typically about $9500 out the door at full rip, but truth be told my clients always haggle and want it as cheap as possible. I can usually discount a bit, but what I can cut off isn't going to be the same as them.

I love them and have been selling them for about 7 years but I'll be the first to admit that none of them are flying off the floor unless you're in a busy metro area.

Instead of finding the wholesale invoice cost, the more important number is how long has the unit you're looking at been on their floor. The longer the flooring, the more likely they are to deal.

Tell them you'll pay MSRP+DMV. That should save you about $1500. The worst they can do is say no. I have two Super Meteor and two Shotguns on my floor.

 

[Eatmore Mudd]

Location, location, location.

The dealership nearest me had three Himalayans on the floor once. All the other Himalayan they got pre sold before arrival.

Another dealership back east couldn't move them.

Business taxes and overheard vary from place to place as widely as the East is from the West.

Shop around. Far and wide.

When the cost of a bike plus the cost of a ticket or gas to go get it a few hundred miles away is less then the cost of the same bike 40 miles away...I pack a lunch.

Food for thought.

 

[Megadan]

I get the feeling these bike are not fast movers, as the one I focused on had dust on the rear fender !

Location really does play a big role. When the Super Meteor first came out I missed my chance at the demo bike and it took a good 6 or 7 months before they could keep one in stock long enough for me to get a chance to sit on one. When I bought my Shotgun, it was one of about 8 bikes in their first delivery and every single one was sold before they arrived. At the very same dealership they also had/have about 5 or 6 2022-2023 Interceptor 650's all brand new just sitting there, all of them $500-1000 off msrp.


Make them a offer. The worst they can say is no, but if it has been sitting there a while, you may be able to hook them with a low-ball offer of say $1500 off. I doubt they would accept it, but you may be able to knock 1k off the price if you are persistent enough.

 

[iowa al]

My dealer sells for msrp plus 500 freight. No setup fee. I always get 10% off all accessories. Since I bought 4 bikes from them the last 2 years, On my SM purchase they gave me 25% off all accessories. I took advantage of that deal. If you can write them a check, or arrange your own financing, that simplifies things for them. More likely to get a deal if you pay cash or write a check. My dealer takes real good care of repeat customers.

 

[Bill S]

Thanks for the replies. Yes I would pay cash. If they do not budge, there are plenty of other brand used bikes at $8k or below.

 

[Bill S]

Went back to the dealer the last day of the month, a few hours before closing time.
Politely ask to discuss OTD price before the test ride. Pleasantly surprised to see exactly what I felt to be a fair price. $8030. However the Celestial red bike I wanted had a dead battery, so I rode a demo. I suddenly realized I never rode a bike with forward controls. Got used to it quickly, and thoroughly enjoyed the bike.
Came back and my wife was clutching Super Meteor 650 official T-shirt. The sales rep through in 30 dollar shirt. So I a kind of did get the bike for $8k even !
But like a game show saying " That's not all". While discussing payment, the sales rep checked my credit and I got zero percent interest and no money down for two years. I was prepared to pay cash. Putting that money in a 5% CD instead. New battery should in and expect to pick it tomorrow.