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

**El Dopa** · 3rd January 2008, 15:38

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** · 3rd January 2008, 15:46

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** · 3rd January 2008, 16:08

Ring 0275MRPOOS, ask about a lease option

**Stromble** · 3rd January 2008, 16:25

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:Me** · 3rd January 2008, 16:46

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** · 3rd January 2008, 22:06

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** · 3rd January 2008, 22:09

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**The Stranger:Me** · 3rd January 2008, 22:21

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

**cowpoos** · 4th January 2008, 08:25

Originally Posted by HDTboy

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** · 4th January 2008, 08:32

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** · 4th January 2008, 08:47

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** · 4th January 2008, 09:32

does bank cheque qualify as "CASH" ?

**babyblade250rr** · 4th January 2008, 09:36

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** · 4th January 2008, 09:49

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.