How much can we negotiate at dealers?

[budgetracing]

No, anything is possible. I wouldn't expect any more but i also don't sell them so what do i really know?

[wowren]

Haha alright thanks.

[smackenz]

these 250s are generally brand new somewhere around $5000 right, so u cant expect too much wiggle room because they are already pretty low priced compared to when your buying a car for $40,000. The higher the price, the more room to play only makes sense to me. I believe in my highschool small business class they always talked about 100% markup, now im not believing these numbers are correct but take that principle to the ninja and you get a bike which costs $2500 to make, sold for $5000. That $2500 has to cover alot of expenses to the dealership so i dont think there will be that much room to play with. If that car I made up that costs $40,000 then we would assume $20,000 is for cost to build and the rest is revenue and since its a much larger number they would be more willing to wiggle for you. Keep in mind I am not a business student at all nor do I work for any business but it just makes sense to me

[wowren]

However it's still acceptable to negotiate at a dealer even if it's just for a few hundred $$$ right? Cause I've never been particularly good at bargaining in the past and I tend to just accept whatever price was offered initially. But in this case I'd really like to get the best deal so I can use the money saved to invest into better riding gear.

[budgetracing]

How many places did you get quotes from? $5k was the cheapest? I'd tell them simply "Can you do a bit better?" if they say no then tell them you will shop around and you will let them know. If they don't bite you can always go back another day after trying with a different dealer. If they do better then get it in writing and say you have to talk to the wife/gf or whatever. Use that to shop around until you hit a point where you're not getting any lower. Pick the dealer that treats you best at that point.

And just so you don't think i'm talking out my @ss i am a small business owner. I am not offended when people tell me that they got a better deal and ask for better. What makes me more mad is when i find out they didn't give me a chance to beat the other offer at all.

[Derek Paisley]

I'd suggest that you look at "Add-ons" as the kicker. If the MSRP is at $4,999, Don't expect them to drop it. Esp at this time of the year.
Look for what they can offer you in addition to the Bike, i.e. Extended warranty through the dealer or perhaps some gear (Helmet, gloves.....)


Good luck! Don't ruin the experience by going in as you would buying from a private seller ("Well, I only have $4,500 on me in cash) type of approach.

[wowren]

@budgetracing I got quotes from 3 different dealers, they all say $5k for a new 2012 model (which is what i expected). and yeah I think that's what i'll do. thanks for the advice

@Derek what are add-ons?

[EngineerJoe]

I'd say contact several dealerships. Make sure to get the OTD (out the door) price. This includes the dealership add-ons such as freight/PDI, inspection, bear tax, A/C tax, etc. Doesn't hurt to let the dealership know that you're shopping around for the best price.

Once you pick a dealership you're comfortable with, you can discuss lowering the price. You can also discuss incentives (free oil changes, free battery tender, free riding gear, free tire rotation)

The question you have to ask yourself is, what is the bike worth to you?

[smergy]

+1, this time a year everyone is looking, especially in the entry level segment. Sellers (dealer and private) are sharks this time of year and smell your fear. Your a new rider and because of that dealers have a hand up over the used "unknown" market. Its not evil, its just business. Buying in the fall/winter is better for pricing, people need to move toys. Your more likely to get a free service or two or something else thrown in than to get the price knocked down. Not saying they won't, just don't expect much on something worth $5k.

Something to think about, most people rash their first ride by going for a slide, hence why so many used beginner bikes on the market have rashes on them. Fear of the unknown is common, but getting someone with experience to look over a bike can open up your options. While the price from new doesn't come down that much in the used market, how upset are you going to be when you go for a slide and erase $1000 in value from your bike? As the addage goes theres only 2 types of riders: those who have crashed, and those who haven't crashed yet. Something to keep in mind, keep your options open.

I'd suggest that you look at "Add-ons" as the kicker. If the MSRP is at $4,999, Don't expect them to drop it. Esp at this time of the year.
Look for what they can offer you in addition to the Bike, i.e. Extended warranty through the dealer or perhaps some gear (Helmet, gloves.....)


Good luck! Don't ruin the experience by going in as you would buying from a private seller ("Well, I only have $4,500 on me in cash) type of approach.

[LoneRonin]

the best bargaining is to get good deals on gear...

[Kotik108]

Consider my daughter's Honda: http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum...-for-550-less)
It is new (ODO: 69 km) and you will save money. I am not a dealer and bike is in perfect conditions.