Anyone visited a dealership lately??? - Harley Forum

jmk713 · #1 03-01-2008, 01:12 PM

Has anyone visited a dealership lately?
If so; have you noticed if many bikes are being sold?
Here in Illinois we are still in the winter weather mode and interest in trading or buying a bike is slow; but I have noticed that it seems to be a lot slower this year than in the past.
I visit the local dealer several times a month and since mid-December I have only noticed two bikes being sold.
I have to wonder how much of this slow down is due to less than desirable trades being offered, problems with the 96" motors, a slow economy????
On the other hand; our local independant shop seems to be flourishing...guys are repairing or modifying their current rides instead of trading them off.
Ya think the tide is turning again???

hotrodsporty · #2 03-01-2008, 08:33 PM

I visit two dealers regularly, and its slow but its winter. I think things will be slow until late summer but the economy should pick up after the election

Majicbringer · #3 03-01-2008, 11:45 PM

Maybe it has somethingto do with facts like it now costs me the better part of a twenty to fill the tank on a Sportster?! When I bought the thing it cost me les sthan $10 to top it off. It does get me 50+ MPG in riding season, but that's not really helping me up here in the winter. But it's tight all over. Credit card co.'s are raising rates, people can't afford the mortgages, anything that has anything to do with corn or wheat went up 40% so that bowl of Corn Pops with milk and toast eats into that new ride.

tipper1 · #4 03-02-2008, 12:14 PM

Local dealer hear averaged 100+ bikes a month on 07's, presently has over 100 thats right 100 new bikes on the floor, and more on the way. sales people work on straight commission most have not gotten a paycheck in 90 days and are looking for jobs...Wife works there so this is fact....

Ed. Hugo · #5 03-02-2008, 10:59 PM

The dealer I frequent claims to have never had a better winter. I know that every time I went there the place was packed. On the home front my wife is waging a war against light switches that were left on & the heating thermostat has been turned down. Our energy bills have almost doubled & I purchased a electric blanket.
I am older & truthfully feel that we have seen the best of America. Opportunity has all but vanished for younger Americans & it isn't going to improve in the near future. We can thank our politicians.

HotRodad1 · #6 03-02-2008, 11:11 PM

The local dealer is busy in my area of Ontario. Selling lots of new but taking in alot of used for trade ins. that is driving the resale $ down on mine. They aren't offering much towrds the trade either. Actually taking orders now for '09 if you can imagine...
cheers!

#7 03-03-2008, 06:23 AM

I talked to one of the parts men at our local HD dealer and he said this was the slowest he has seen the business in years. Some dressers were selling but that was about it. Lots of new ones on the floor. Can't tell how many used ones they have because they are in the rear of the service area. The next closest dealer has over 125 used bikes at a seperate location. Too many for the main shop. These shops are in Southwestern, PA.

texan321 · #8 03-03-2008, 10:00 AM

I go to the dealer here quite a bit. Has a bunch of bikes on the floor - more than I have ever seen. But the prime riding season here winding down(yea I know) and if they have this many - it is just going to get worse when the summer starts - might be able to make a deal.
Also the bottom has dropped out of the $50,000 customs - when in Daytona over the weekend - a lot of gorgeous customs but no lookers even...
V-Force was set up by the AIM bike. Vinny and Cody where signing autographs but I didn't see any bikes??????????
Daytona - weather was great...

BlueBob · #9 03-03-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed. Hugo

I am older & truthfully feel that we have seen the best of America. Opportunity has all but vanished for younger Americans & it isn't going to improve in the near future. We can thank our politicians.

Yikes! That was bleak!

If any of you young folks are hard-up for opportunities, I know the US Navy is always hiring!

vin2k · #10 03-03-2008, 03:29 PM

Wow, I paid full MSRP in the dead of winter...did I make a mistake? I thought that was just par for the course when buying a Harley and thought I was lucky that I didn't have to pay a premium such as those buying the Rocker.