New bike: How to get a good deal. Post up your tips and experiences

[El Dopa]

I'm looking at being fiscally irresponsible at some point in the near future and buying myself a brand-spanking new bike.

I am terrible at negotiating (or haggling, or whatever you want to call it), and it doesn't help that I don't really know what I could realistically expect as a bargain or a discount from a bike dealer, or what sort of trade-in deal they would be inclined to give (compared to what you could expect if I sold my old bike for cash).

So: Your experiences, your hints and tips, what you think I can expect, what's realistic to ask for (discounts, extras, etc), and what isn't. Post 'em up.

[limbimtimwim]

Buy the demo if there is one. Make sure the warranty starts when you take possession of the bike. Make sure it is the complete warranty. Get it in writing.

Buy out of town. Somewhere out there, there is a dealer trying to unload your dream bike because out in the backblocks (Or in the city) there is a bike that is hard to move in that location.

I've done both and saved thousands on RRP. Really, many thousands of dollars.

[HDTboy]

Ring 0275MRPOOS, ask about a lease option

[Stromble]

I went to a suzuki dealer, rode a couple of bikes, walked out saying I had to try others, went to ride some kawasaki's and then went back to the suzuki dealer.
Rode the same bikes again (same salesman) didnt even start talking money, then he discounted the 13K bike to 12K. I said I wasnt planning on buying today, then off came another $200, then if I bought 'today' the manager would let me ride away for $11,500...!

Ended up buying a second hand model of a guy on trademe, but had I wanted a brand new bike, this seemed like a pretty good discount..

Guess they needed to boost the sales for the month as Ive never seen such desperation selling..!

Good luck..

[R6_kid]

test ride all the new bikes you are looking at, find which one you like best, then tell the salesman that you're that stuck between the one he has and 'the other' bike. Say the other salesman was going to give you a crazy deal but that you'll take his bike (the one you really want) if he can give you a good price - never agree to pay full ticket price, and dont walk in there thinking you cant get a discount.

[discotex]

If buying new on a budget the demo is a good option but getting a demo sized discount on new is better. I'd rather run it in that people test riding any day.

The best option is to have cash. Let them know you're a cash buyer and you expect a discount.

You should be able to get around 10% off pretty easy. Should get good deals on gear at the same time.

Some people swear by buying in winter and end of the month when they're desperate for sales.

[Chickadee]

I'm looking at being fiscally irresponsible at some point in the near future and buying myself a brand-spanking new bike.

I am terrible at negotiating (or haggling, or whatever you want to call it), and it doesn't help that I don't really know what I could realistically expect as a bargain or a discount from a bike dealer, or what sort of trade-in deal they would be inclined to give (compared to what you could expect if I sold my old bike for cash).

So: Your experiences, your hints and tips, what you think I can expect, what's realistic to ask for (discounts, extras, etc), and what isn't. Post 'em up.

What sorta bike/s are you thinking about my good man?

[The Stranger]

No tactics required, just speak to Adam or Mike at Henderson Motorcycles for the best deal.

[cowpoos]

Ring 0275MRPOOS, ask about a lease option
Thanks Gav....and yes...I will be more than happy to talk to you about leasing or buying a new bike...even just to point you in the right direction.

[Cajun]

All we do is talk direct to head sales man, not bullshit them. Often we are buying brand new bikes first of new models so its little hard for them to discount them, but they give us good trade in on another models.

Its also good dealing with a dealer that knows you.

aka the 08 busa we got a week ago, we made them change the stock tires to another brand(more expensive tires), at no extra charge, they are wearing all on road costs, and well its been a week and we still have not paided for the bike, and still have the dealer plate on it.

When i brought my 600, we had simlar issue, i rode around for two weeks on dealer plate(had to wait for someone to get home to sign some paperwork), and no money handed over.

But thats due to dealer knew us, and knew that we weren't stuffing him around, since allowed to get away like this.
-----

Like a few have said alot of it comes down to buying new/demo/second hand, all have there advanaged and draw backs.

If you have decided on a bike you like and on dealer is not playing ball go to another dealer if they have same bike you are after (little harder with demos/second hand models)

[Forest]

Cash opens many doors. So pay cash if you can.

Buying at the end of the model year is also a good idea. Especially if someone in a rural area is stuck with a unsold model.

[TOTO]

does bank cheque qualify as "CASH" ?

[babyblade250rr]

As someone has said cash is the best option for negotiating price, in a secret sense it enables businesses to avoid paying tax! on that paticular item therefore allowing you to get a better savings.

good luck however you get it though!

[Oscar]

Have a plan.

Find out what your trade is worth and research prices on the new scoot.

Be reasonable. Don't ask for a huge discount, it just pisses the seller off and labels you as a tyre kicker.

The frist person to name a price looses.

Dealer: "So wadda reckon your trade is worth?" (thinking: I'll give him $5,000)

You: "Aw, about $4,000..."

See?

Ask for stuff that's important to you, but cheap to him. A free service at this time of year is no biggie for a dealer as the workshop busines is slow.

[El Dopa]

What sorta bike/s are you thinking about my good man?

Triumph Street Triple


No tactics required, just speak to Adam or Mike at Henderson Motorcycles for the best deal.

Do they do Triumphs?


Thanks Gav....and yes...I will be more than happy to talk to you about leasing or buying a new bike...even just to point you in the right direction.

Do you do Triumphs?

[vifferman]

Have a plan.
Good advice there, Mr Oscar.
That doesn't work when you aren't intending to buy a bike but get your arm twisted by your wife and the salesman. :Oops:

Although my buying experience was a secondhand bike (I've never had a new vehicle), the principles are almost the same.

My first mistake was not sticking to my guns: I wanted time to consider things, a "cool down period" if you will. Instead, I signed up then and there.
Secondly, I knew what I wanted as a trade, but was too... afraid? Bashful? Unsure of myself? to say what it was.
Thirdly, once the salesman knew my wife was on his side, and I was on the back foot, negotiating 'extras' was a waste of time.
Forthly, I should have made sure that it was agreed that any problems/faults I found in the first week would be rectified.

Occasionally it pays to grab a deal on the spot in case you miss out on a genuine bargain, but generally it's best to take your time. A principle that's stood me in good stead is that you're in a real position of weakness if you really want to buy something. If you're prepared to walk away if the price and conditions aren't right, then that gives you the luxury of thinking clearly and dispassionately about the deal.

[AllanB]

Re 'cash' - a bank cheque is fine - basically as long as the dealer is getting the full amount in one go it's considered cash. Note a trade-in is not considered as part of 'cash'.

If you are trading (as most are) often the better trade deal will get the sale.

When I was after a new Hornet 900 three months ago the local dealer offered me a fairly average trade price on my ride (the local Suzuki dealer had offered considerably more, but did not have anything I wanted in my budget).

I contacted Honda Otago in Dunedin (I live in CHCH) who I had purchased the trade bike from originally and they did me a very good deal on a brand new 06 model Hornet (Identical to the 07 model) and a realistic trade price. Delivered for free as well! That's my second bike from them now and I live 5 hours away.

So if you are trading you have less to bargain with - if you get offered a very good trade price, that's probably the extent of the bargaining (might get some on-road if you are lucky).

Real 'cash' (no trade) should result in the dealer dropping their trou and passing you the vaseline :buggerd: ie a good discount or free riding gear or similar.

Interesting to note (as far as I am aware) that there is not a dealer offering 'free' 12 -24 month servicing with a new bike. I got a free first service (pay for parts only) from Honda NZ, but I am not aware of any further offering. If you own a shop and are reading this is a viable extra on a new bike - free labour on servicing for X period.

[The Stranger]

Triumph Street Triple



Do they do Triumphs?



Do you do Triumphs?

Sorry, I thought you wanted a good deal, but now you say you will settle for a Triumph.

[El Dopa]

Sorry, I thought you wanted a good deal, but now you say you will settle for a Triumph.

Droll. Very droll.

But....I didn't actually say I wanted 'a good deal'. What I said was:


What can I realistically expect as a bargain or a discount from a bike dealer....what sort of trade-in deal can I get...what is realistic to ask for (discounts, extras, etc), and what isn't.

So nyah.

[Cache Wraith]

Ring 0275MRPOOS, ask about a lease option

Anyone actually lease their bike, other than when able to write it off as a business expense?

[rwh]

Cash opens many doors. So pay cash if you can.

Hmm. I'm sure I heard a story at one point that a significant amount of money was made from kickbacks from finance companies, and that therefore the shops preferred you to do that than pay cash?

Actually, I can't even remember if that was in relation to bikes ...

Richard

[Tank]

Since you are looking for a Triumph - I can recommend Jamie at Holshot in Takapuna. I got a really good discount on my bike. Service is tops - and they have a Triumph demo there.

[The Stranger]

But....I didn't actually say I wanted 'a good deal'. What I said was:



So nyah.

My apologies, I assumed it was you who selected your thread title.

[El Dopa]

My apologies, I assumed it was you who selected your thread title.

Arse.

Thankyou for the salutory lesson. I shall choose my words more carefully next time. I'll give your guys a call if the Striple turns out to be a dog.

[avgas]

i rank everything on a personal need/want basis.
The FZS is the only bike i have paid every dollar the sellar was asking. But that was becuase after riding it....i had to have it (and it was cheap anywho).
Haggling is pointless, put your offer in, ranked on how much want it. If that offer is turned down - walk. If the seller comes back to with something close enough to accept go for it. If you barely want it - stand at your offer.

[smoky]

From someone who's never bought a new bike in his life - and most likely never will, but purchased a few low k bikes from dealers, and more than a few cars, here's my advise;

Test ride a few bikes until you know exactly what you want
Read the advertising, study prices on line, including second hand stuff with low k’s
Be educated on the bike you want and the alternative options
Then go look for it, shop like you’re going to do it ‘one day’ but not necessarily today.

You’ll know when someone offers you a bargain