New bike buying market

[R7]

Who here has recently purchased a new bike and how was your experience?
I haven’t purchased anything new in a while and have recently been poking around a bit on pricing. I’m noticing there is no wiggle room in the prices, and it seems dealer to dealer, prices are very similar.

I used to feel paying MSRP with all tax/title/dmv fees included was fair. Now it feels like they’ll give $100 off MSRP and that’s it?

[xrocket21]

I was just asking a friend the other day, "Who even buys brand new sportbikes these days?"

I know you didnt say sportbike, but just a recent conversation I had....

[boosten lebaron]

I bought from seacoast recently. Top tier buying experience and the price was easily the best in the country. Even delivered my bike. All done over the phone and email except for me actually test riding the bike before hand.

[whynot]

My last new bike purchase was 3 years ago (current model year Guzzi that I guess I had to have). I paid MSRP + $800 shipping, no setup or doc fees (A-J Cycles, Gill MA).

But to your overall question, I think it varies with dealer and brand. I often buy new, prior-year bikes at a goodly discount. But yeah, add $1K or more in dealer fees in most cases. It's the "documentation fees" that I choke on. So lately I watch National Powersports for late model used with 90-day warranty, no fees. Or Joe's Bikes in Pelham NH, formerly known as Joe's Sport Bikes. Also browsing Windmill Cycles in Westport MA for clean used bikes with "no hidden fees."

But watcha lookin fer or at?

SSC has new 2024 Guzzis and Ducatis at big discounts, including a new 2024 Ducati Scrambler 800 (tempting) ... . They delivered the Guzzi I bought from them in 2021 at no extra charge. See Jim Smith at SSC.

[OneCheekRider]

The only bike I've been serious about lately is that 2024 Ninja Hybrid. Advertised price of $5k but then $8k OTD and I just wont do 60% over advertised. I called 8 dealers and all of of them wouldn't budge or barely came down. One sales guy even laughed when I said "it's been 2 years I'll just keep waiting" told me good luck and hung up on me. All the dealers have been calling me back this week dropping their OTD prices $1k which I assume is the additional markdown support Kawasaki is likely offering. Even the guy that dismissed me called back

On the other hand, I walked into the local BMW dealership the other day and some of the XRs and RRs were marked down. I'm not ready to pull the trigger on one of those just yet but the experience was infinitely better than every single Japanese dealership I spoke with. I got the impression I could get a leftover BMW OTD for less than MSRP.

[RandyO]

I had a string, paid $8k otd for my AK550, msrp $10,399 advertised price with fees & delivery was $11k

[R7]

My last new bike purchase was 3 years ago (current model year Guzzi that I guess I had to have). I paid MSRP + $800 shipping, no setup or doc fees (A-J Cycles, Gill MA).

But to your overall question, I think it varies with dealer and brand. I often buy new, prior-year bikes at a goodly discount. But yeah, add $1K or more in dealer fees in most cases. It's the "documentation fees" that I choke on. So lately I watch National Powersports for late model used with 90-day warranty, no fees. Or Joe's Bikes in Pelham NH, formerly known as Joe's Sport Bikes. Also browsing Windmill Cycles in Westport MA for clean used bikes with "no hidden fees."

But watcha lookin fer or at?

My curiosity started when I saw the RC990 in person, and inquired about it… no discount and all fees included full. I walked, it was more than I wanted to/should be spending on a bike.

And then I got thinking of the 70th anniversary R7, just because it looks nice, and it would be kinda cool to have the original, and what Yamaha is calling rivalry from 1999. Unfortunately the new R7 is pretty lack luster in the performance department and hard to get excited about.
That brings me to the R9 70th anniversary model. It’s reasonably priced, sharp looking, and has all the bells and whistles a new bike should.
Part of the new bike excitement, has always been negotiating a fair deal. I don’t think I’ve ever paid MSRP for any motorized toy, and probably have bought 40-50 new bikes over the years. It kinda takes the wind from the sale if buying a new bike feels the same as buying a new pair of jeans.. if that makes any sense.

[whynot]

... It kinda takes the wind from the sale if buying a new bike feels the same as buying a new pair of jeans.. if that makes any sense.

Hmmm ... not sure if it makes sense ... but I never pay full price for jeans, I always wait fro the 10% off site-wide at LLB, then cash in my Bean Bucks.

But back to bikes. The Yamaha dealer near me is a small-ish shop with low overhead, small staff, and bikes are a small part of their business, long-time family business, no doubt have no mortgage on the property, and a reliable source reports that they buy their bikes outright, no stinkin' floor plan interest, so they might be a good place to start if yer lookin fer a Yamaha.

[xrocket21]

My curiosity started when I saw the RC990 in person, and inquired about it… no discount and all fees included full. I walked, it was more than I wanted to/should be spending on a bike.

And then I got thinking of the 70th anniversary R7, just because it looks nice, and it would be kinda cool to have the original, and what Yamaha is calling rivalry from 1999. Unfortunately the new R7 is pretty lack luster in the performance department and hard to get excited about.
That brings me to the R9 70th anniversary model. It’s reasonably priced, sharp looking, and has all the bells and whistles a new bike should.
Part of the new bike excitement, has always been negotiating a fair deal. I don’t think I’ve ever paid MSRP for any motorized toy, and probably have bought 40-50 new bikes over the years. It kinda takes the wind from the sale if buying a new bike feels the same as buying a new pair of jeans.. if that makes any sense.

Get the RC!!!!!!!!!!

[backinthesaddle]

The only bike I've been serious about lately is that 2024 Ninja Hybrid. Advertised price of $5k but then $8k OTD and I just wont do 60% over advertised. I called 8 dealers and all of of them wouldn't budge or barely came down. One sales guy even laughed when I said "it's been 2 years I'll just keep waiting" told me good luck and hung up on me. All the dealers have been calling me back this week dropping their OTD prices $1k which I assume is the additional markdown support Kawasaki is likely offering. Even the guy that dismissed me called back

On the other hand, I walked into the local BMW dealership the other day and some of the XRs and RRs were marked down. I'm not ready to pull the trigger on one of those just yet but the experience was infinitely better than every single Japanese dealership I spoke with. I got the impression I could get a leftover BMW OTD for less than MSRP.

I rode the hybrid and was unimpressed at MSRP. At big bucks off I still don’t think so but maybe you rode it and liked it. To me the push button shifting was cool but the auto clutch felt weird when pulling away from a stop. Reminded me of stepping off my MR50 with a clutch and jumping on Z50 with auto clutch.

[R7]

Hmmm ... not sure if it makes sense ... but I never pay full price for jeans, I always wait fro the 10% off site-wide at LLB, then cash in my Bean Bucks.

But back to bikes. The Yamaha dealer near me is a small-ish shop with low overhead, small staff, and bikes are a small part of their business, long-time family business, no doubt have no mortgage on the property, and a reliable source reports that they buy their bikes outright, no stinkin' floor plan interest, so they might be a good place to start if yer lookin fer a Yamaha.

Funny you mention LLBean jeans, they are the only brand that fit me correctly, and are actually comfortable.

Get the RC!!!!!!!!!!

I honestly couldn’t get myself to like the RC, and I couldn’t catch a break on the price. I’m also still hesitant with anything Euro in a first or second model year.

That being said, I ended up with the R9 70th Anniversary. I drove to the dealer this morning, no expectations to come home with a bike, but the in person number was better, and we made a deal.

[Kurlon]

Get it flashed. The difference is absolutely stupid on these CP3s between stock and flashed as far as predictable / smooth throttle response, and getting rid of the 2nd gear noise regs hole makes the bike MUCH more fun.

[union]

Get it flashed. The difference is absolutely stupid on these CP3s between stock and flashed as far as predictable / smooth throttle response, and getting rid of the 2nd gear noise regs hole makes the bike MUCH more fun.

Same with the CP2. Got my ecu flashed and it was a complete different bike. So much better

[FriskyDingo]

Just under 24 hours from "here's my issue" to complete resolution, as if you needed anyones advice

Congrats and enjoy the bike once the sands gone

[Gixxer]

Funny you mention LLBean jeans, they are the only brand that fit me correctly, and are actually comfortable.



I honestly couldn’t get myself to like the RC, and I couldn’t catch a break on the price. I’m also still hesitant with anything Euro in a first or second model year.

That being said, I ended up with the R9 70th Anniversary. I drove to the dealer this morning, no expectations to come home with a bike, but the in person number was better, and we made a deal.

A pic with your R7 and the R9 I greatly anticipate! Congrats

[Paul_E_D]

Wow, nice. We better see that thing this year!

[MattR302]

FYI - if, instead of a pickup truck, you drove a regular ol sedan (FWD, with snow tires, obv), it would be a sure-fire way to ensure you don’t inadvertently come home with a new motorcycle.

[PinHead]

You need to start an "MA" group. No, not a Massachusetts group, a Motorcycles Anonymous group. Hi, I'm Mark and have an addiction. It's been almost 100 days since my last motorcycle purchase but I fell off the wagon, again.

[R7]

Wow, nice. We better see that thing this year!

Honestly, it’s probably going to get shipped to the west coast, along with the R7 and TZR once we find a house.

[csmutty]

I love how usually when you're in the home buying process they are like don't make any large purchases. And Mark is like...

[csmutty]

Shiny red R9 glints,
Mark buys yet another one,
The garage is full now.

[R7]

I love how usually when you're in the home buying process they are like don't make any large purchases. And Mark is like...

The banks need the mortgage business, if they were to deny us for spending, we’d simply go to the next bank. It’s a scare tactic banks use.

[OneCheekRider]

It kinda takes the wind from the sale if buying a new bike feels the same as buying a new pair of jeans..

Kirkland Signature stretch jeans FTW <$20.

I love how usually when you're in the home buying process they are like don't make any large purchases. And Mark is like...

I think they mean don't finance any large purchases. I'm assuming he paid cash.

The banks need the mortgage business, if they were to deny us for spending, we’d simply go to the next bank. It’s a scare tactic banks use.

my understanding was taking out a new loan increases your debt to income/utilization, reduces your length of credit, and is a new credit inquiry which can impact your credit score. I think once you reach a certain age and income level this doesn't really matter much but in theory I could see it impacting someone's credit score enough to affect another loan such as a mortgage.

and congrats! That thing will be amazing out here in Cali.

[R7]

Kirkland Signature stretch jeans FTW <$20.



I think they mean don't finance any large purchases. I'm assuming he paid cash.



my understanding was taking out a new loan increases your debt to income/utilization, reduces your length of credit, and is a new credit inquiry which can impact your credit score. I think once you reach a certain age and income level this doesn't really matter much but in theory I could see it impacting someone's credit score enough to affect another loan such as a mortgage.

and congrats! That thing will be amazing out here in Cali.

I’m definitely excited to get out there, we are looking at 7 houses this coming weekend in Los Gatos in the area of Skyline Blvd and Saratoga Gap.

I should have specified spending money you have vs financing and adding debt while applying for a mortgage. I didn’t finance the bike.

[xrocket21]

R7 and R1 will make a fine pair.