Sportsters on display at harley davidson dealership

7 Tips For Negotiating The Best Price On A Harley Davidson

Let’s be honest. Harley Davidsons are expensive. Sometimes, seriously expensive. Whether we agree that they’re worth their MSRP or not doesn’t matter – all we can do is attempt to get the best deal possible when buying one.

The best way to negotiate a good deal on a new Harley is to approach the situation with positivity. Salespeople deal with jerks all day, every day – don’t be another one. Be knowledgeable and friendly, stick to the facts, and think of other ways to sweeten the deal for yourself.

Unfortunately, you’ll need to manage your expectations. New Harley Davidsons don’t have a ton of mark-up on them so don’t expect them to knock $5k off the price due to your sob story. That doesn’t mean you can’t still get a good deal on one though.

Do Your Research Beforehand

Before you head to the dealership, make sure you’ve done thorough research. As a savvy buyer, you’ll want to be equipped with the knowledge and facts about the specific bike model you’re interested in purchasing.

Start by delving into your desired Harley model, including its features, specifications, and available options. Gather information on the standard market price of the bike, as well as common discounts or incentives offered by dealers. This will give you a better understanding of what to expect in terms of pricing and help set your negotiation baseline.

It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with the common issues or concerns related to your chosen Harley model, such as reliability or any recalls. Keep in mind that issues might influence the asking price, and you could potentially negotiate a better deal by addressing these concerns during the negotiation process.

Reading reviews from other Harley owners, online forums, or articles can give invaluable insights into the pros and cons of the motorcycle you’re interested in. Understanding the experiences of others could help you identify potential red flags or opportunities for negotiation.

In summary, always:

  • Research the specific Harley Davidson model you want
  • Determine the standard market price and potential discounts
  • Investigate common issues or concerns related to the bike
  • Gain insights from reviews and online forums

Enter Negotiation With The Right Attitude

When negotiating the best price for a Harley Davidson, you need to enter discussions with a friendly and positive mindset. Instead of viewing the salesperson as your opponent, try to see them as your partner in this process, working together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Remember, both you and the salesperson have common goals: they want to sell the bike, and you want to buy it. By approaching the negotiation with a collaborative attitude, you can build rapport and increase the likelihood that the salesperson will be open to working with you to reach a suitable deal.

As you engage in the negotiation, be understanding and emphasize finding a middle ground that benefits both parties. This approach will foster a more enjoyable and successful negotiating experience for everyone involved. Once you have the right attitude, you’ll be well-prepared to walk away with a great deal on your dream Harley Davidson.

Agree On The Facts

Try to establish common ground and agree on the facts related to the bike. By focusing on the key details, such as the mileage, condition, and market values, you’ll ensure that the negotiation process is based on facts that cannot be disputed.

Before you begin negotiating, take time to familiarize yourself with the motorcycle’s specifications and features, as well as its current market value. This information will provide a solid basis for discussion, allowing you to avoid any miscommunications and misunderstandings.

As you engage in negotiations, it’s important to keep the conversation focused on these facts, rather than opinions or your personal circumstances.

For example, avoid mentioning statements like “my budget is ___” or “my wife won’t let me spend more than ___.” The dealer doesn’t care about your problems.

By keeping the discussion centered on the motorcycle’s objective information, you will appear more knowledgeable and have a stronger position in the negotiation process.

Additionally, knowing what a fair market value is for the particular Harley-Davidson model you’re interested in can help you identify an initial offer that is reasonable. Both you and the seller should have access to this information, which will encourage a smoother negotiation process and help both parties reach a satisfactory agreement.

Don’t Compare The Bike To Another “Mystery Bike”

When negotiating the best price on a Harley Davidson, it’s important to keep the conversation focused on the bike you’re interested in. Comparatively speaking, mentioning another “mystery bike” with a better deal won’t be as effective as you might think.

In fact, the salesperson might not take you seriously if you threaten to buy another bike for a better deal. Instead of convincing them to meet your demands, they’re more likely to tell you to go buy the other one if it’s such a good deal.

To ensure a successful negotiation, follow these tips:

  • Research market prices: Approach the negotiation with a solid understanding of the fair market value for the Harley Davidson model you’re interested in. This will help you provide a reasonable offer and justify your request for a better price.
  • Focus on the specific bike: Concentrate your negotiations on the features, condition, and history of the bike you’re looking to purchase. By discussing the merits of the specific Harley Davidson in question, you can highlight areas where the price could be more favorable.
  • Be prepared to walk away: If you can’t agree on a price that you think is fair, be prepared to walk away from the deal. This shows the salesperson that you are serious about getting a good price, and they may reconsider their offer.

By keeping the negotiation process focused on the bike you’re interested in and avoiding the distraction of a “mystery bike,” you’re more likely to get a better deal on the Harley Davidson of your dreams. Good luck, and happy shopping!

Don’t Be Picky

Sometimes, finding the best price on a Harley Davidson means being open to a motorcycle that may not be your first choice. Some bikes might be less desirable to other buyers, and this can work in your favor when negotiating a better deal. For example, consider looking at models from the previous year that are still part of the dealer’s inventory.

By opting for last year’s model or even a bike with a less popular paint job or fewer features, you may have more room to negotiate and secure a more attractive price. Dealers might be more willing to give you a discount on these bikes to clear their inventory and make room for newer models. Be flexible in your preferences and stay open to different options.

Keep in mind that a lower price doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing quality. A Harley Davidson, whether it’s last year’s model or not, is still a high-quality, reliable motorcycle. So, don’t be picky, be friendly when negotiating, and remember that you’re ultimately looking for the best value on your new ride.

Compare Financing Rates

When you’re looking to purchase a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, it’s essential to compare financing rates to secure the best possible deal. Before heading to the dealership, consider exploring financing options from third-party lenders. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s available in terms of interest rates and loan terms.

By being well-informed about your financing options, you position yourself to negotiate better terms at the dealership. It’s also an opportunity to allow the dealership to compete for your business. When you present the financing rates from other sources, the dealership may be willing to match or even beat those rates to secure your purchase.

Remember to be transparent about your financing options when discussing with the dealership. Let them know that you’ve done your research and have quotes from other lenders. This shows your preparedness, and it can prompt the dealership to offer more competitive financing rates.

Stay open to the possibility that the dealership might not match or beat the third-party rates. In such cases, you can always opt for the financing options you’ve already lined up. By comparing financing rates ahead of time, you’re ensuring that you get the best deal possible for your new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Don’t Forget About The Extras

When negotiating the best price on a Harley Davidson, it’s essential to consider more than just the bike’s cost. Even if the dealer insists on sticking to the bike’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), there are still other aspects of the deal that can be negotiated to your advantage.

For example, you might request that the dealer include an extended warranty at no additional charge. An extended warranty can provide peace of mind and save you money on potential repairs down the line. Don’t hesitate to inquire about any discounts or promotions they might have for extended warranties.

In addition to warranties, don’t forget about the importance of riding gear and accessories. These items can add up in cost, so ask the dealer if they can offer a discount on some essential gear, such as helmets, jackets, or gloves. This can save you a significant amount as you won’t have to purchase these items separately.

Another area where you can potentially save is on labor costs for servicing or modifying the bike to suit your specific needs. When discussing the deal, ask the dealer if they can provide a discount on labor charges or possibly include a free service within the first few months of ownership.

Remember, the key to getting the best deal is not just focusing on the bike’s price but also looking at the extras that can enhance your overall ownership experience. So next time you’re negotiating on a Harley Davidson, keep these points in mind and see how you can save on these valuable extras too.

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One Comment

  1. I worked for a Harley-Davidson Dealership: This article is factual, good sense. Well worth learning, then using. It’ll work!

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