 Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34 |
I checked with the local dealer (they have a website) to see what Bonneville America's are going for. I'm thinking about trading in (or putting on consignment) my 2006 Suzuki VStrom 650. It is an excellent bike, but I think I need a more relaxed riding position due to my upper back. The base of my neck just aches if I ride my Strom for more than 2hrs. This is even after adding barback risers to raise and extend the handlebars toward the rider. Anyway, I clicked on an email response as to an '05 Bonneville America that the Dealer still has in stock (brand new). This is what I received: --------------------- Thank You! You are on your way to saving big dollars on your Triumph 05 America. Todays price is $6,499 OUT THE DOOR, including all applicable taxes, registration, and document fees. We do not charge any freight, set-up, or destination charges. Price quotes are good for 48 hours and change constantly with customer demand, inventory levels, and sales goals. All factory rebates and/or promotional dollars are factored into our offer so we can provide you with the lowest price possible. -------------------------- An '06 America is $7,499 OTD and the '07 is $7,999 OTD. ---------- Is the '05 a good deal? Or would you forget about that year and go for one of the newer models? I wasn't able to get a quote on an '08, as they don't have it listed. I thought the price on the 2005 model seemed good. If I was to consider newer years, I'd probably wait to see if an 2009 had fuel injection. Then again, I don't know if I want to ride my Strom another year due to my back. It's a shame though, as the Strom is an absolute joy to ride - well, until my neck/back starts hurting I guess. 
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 Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
It's a good deal, especially the '05. Read the fine print, though. 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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 Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Impossible to tell without knowing what the mileage is and what accessories it has, if any.
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
I thought the prices were for leftover,new,bikes.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
It's a shame though, as the Strom is an absolute joy to ride - well, until my neck/back starts hurting I guess.
Wait until you get a ride on the Triumph, also a joy to ride and your neck will quit hurting. That '05 seems a great deal on an unused bike.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
He said they were new bikes and any of those deals are good OTD prices. The 05 being the best deal, be sure you get the 2 year warrenty on the older bikes. I love my 04 and I think 05 is before the catalytic converter. Be sure to get rid of the AI right away to reduce or eliminate the pipes blueing.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
I thought the prices were for leftover,new,bikes.
Oh. Duh. Then it's probably a good deal (but it still didn't say anything about accessories to sweeten the deal). 
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017 |
I can hook you up with a used '03 for $2500 less than that...
Mark
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
If the 05 will still have a full 2 year warranty and (wherever he lives) if the taxes were high on the bike, it seems like a good deal.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 485
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 485 |
I bought my '03 in Sept '04 at the price you are getting. I would do it again, IMHO I got a steal, so you are also. You get to buy a new bike at close to a used price. All that said, I have to finish with the observation: you can not base a real motorcycle purchase on rational parameters. I was lucky, I purchased a motorcycle I intend to keep for a long time.
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
good point, I never intended on selling mine and still don't.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34 |
Quote:
If the 05 will still have a full 2 year warranty and (wherever he lives) if the taxes were high on the bike, it seems like a good deal.
Hey everyone, thanks for responding!
I live in Orange County California, so taxes (and everything else for that matter) are pretty high.
As far as the offer to sale a 2003, thanks but I am interested in buying a new bike. Besides, I still need to put my bike on consignment, list it for sale, or tade it in. I'm thinking the market on VStroms should be better than the Triumph (no offense intended), so I figure the dealer might give me a decent trade in - especially since the '05 has been sitting on the showroom (or backroom) floor for 3yrs now?
Btw, when did Triumph go to the bigger twin for the America? I like the idea of the bigger motor - especially for SoCal highways.
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
for the highway you might want to rethink that, the 790 has a little better performance due to the cams.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 129
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 129 |
Its my understanding that the engine size jumped to 865 in '07. Also the tank is really different on the '08 and they got rid of the scalloped look, going instead for the rounded tank so common on most other motorcycles. The '07 will give you the bigger engine with the last year (unless they realize their terrible mistake and bring it back) that they made the sides of the tank scalloped. I am a newbie here myself, but I like the idea of owning the bigger engine, and really dig the traditional looking tank. I guess you have to weigh out the price and what you want to get out of the bike. I bought an '07 a few weeks ago and LOVE it! 
My '07 "For three days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off." Johnny Carson
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34 |
Quote:
for the highway you might want to rethink that, the 790 has a little better performance due to the cams.
When you say "better performance", are you talking about the top end? I'd like a bike that can do 75 to 85mph without straining the engine. I actually prefer 70 to 75mph, but sometimes (well, actually a lot of times) the flow of traffic on the 405 or 5frwy in SoCal is around 80 to 85mph.
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,200 Likes: 1
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,200 Likes: 1 |
If you do go with the 05, might be an idea to ask about a change of tyres?? Not sure if a 2 YO set of tyres would not have gone hard, just "sitting around" ? I am sure someone with breater knowledge will chime in.
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 512
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 512 |
I have an 07 speedmaster and I can promise you that it doesn't strain at 80-85.
I used to have a vstrom! one of my favorite bikes. I made the change to a more traditional style cruiser (boulevard) and I miss it dearly.
But it's a catch 22 because The speedmaster (other then leg room-can be fixed) is probably one of my all time favorite bikes to ride.
you won't have as MUCH torque as the vstrom but with pipes and a rejet, you'll be happy.
IMHO, I would go with the larger engine size and to boot, you should get the $1100 accessories insentive as well.
$8000 out the door with no hidden fees and $1100 on accessories is a very good deal.
-Tony
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Negotiating on 2007
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8 |
I've found 3 different Americas at 2 different dealers and am in the negotiating process on price ($7999). All of them come with Triumph's $1200 accessory package, although one dealer is calling it a clothing package. Since this would be my first new bike...
Is there any wiggle room on the price?
Are there any dealer shenanigans I should watch out for?
Last edited by GWHayduke; 11/14/2007 12:07 PM.
There are two ways to die in the desert...of thirst and drowning. Craig Childs.
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Re: Negotiating on 2007
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297 |
Quote:
I've found 3 different Americas at 2 different dealers and am in the negotiating process on price ($7999). All of them come with Triumph's $1200 accessory package, although one dealer is calling it a clothing package. Since this would be my first new bike...
Is there any wiggle room on the price?
Are there any dealer shenanigans I should watch out for?
Here sits really stupid Ryan actually considering a second America just to get the accessories deal. I need help.
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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Re: Negotiating on 2007
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 512
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 512 |
shenanigans?
There are LOADS of them to watch out for. First, make sure that the $1200 is for PARTS and not clothing. 2nd, like a car, you need to know what the "hidden" fees are.
Do they charge for prem? (BS in my opinion)
Do they charge for cargo fees? (little bit easier to swallow)
do they charge you a documentation fee?
Is tax, title and registration included?
all these things have to be added to the bottom line.
I payed $8199 out the door minus taxes which were minimal because I had a trade. I was also given WAY too much for my stock metric cruiser that I traded.
edit:I have an 07 speedmaster two tone.....msrp of 8499...at the time, it was a good deal.
Last edited by Tony_From_Boston; 11/14/2007 12:18 PM.
-Tony
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34 |
Quote:
I used to have a vstrom! one of my favorite bikes. I made the change to a more traditional style cruiser (boulevard) and I miss it dearly.
You won't have as MUCH torque as the vstrom but with pipes and a rejet, you'll be happy.
You must have had the VStrom 1000? I've heard that bike has lots of torque. My VStrom 650 doesn't have the raw power of the 1000, but's it's a great all-around bike. I did change out the front sprocket to a 16T from 15T to relax the motor a little when traveling at 85mph.
One of the things I really like about the America/Speedmaster bikes is the location of the pegs. I'm really able to stretch out my legs. Of course, it's the looks that draw me to these cruisers though. Hands down, they beat all the UJM cruisers in the "looks" dept. The first one I ever saw was a blue/black America over at Yellowstone Park. It had a backpack loaded on a sissy bar, so it's owner was definitely on a road trip. The bike just looked great (still have that image in my head).
Btw, my buddies are trying to steer me clear of any bikes other than Japanese due to parts availability and service. I did finally decide to knock Guzzi off the list of bikes I was considering for that reason. I need a bike that can be ridden across several states without any problems. But in the event of a problem requiring parts, it would be nice to have a network of dealers to draw from.
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Re: Negotiating on 2007
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
Are there any dealer shenanigans I should watch out for?
I remember whispers of the legendary George Hayduke from my red rock daze 28 years ago. You wouldn't be related? You don't have to answer that.
The price sounds pretty standard, not knowing the dealers, maybe one of the Texas boys will chime in. I haven't heard a lot of wiggling on these bikes, but some folks here have received deals. I'm the worst at finagling, I think saying things like "Is that enough?" doesn't help my case.
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 512
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 512 |
Quote:
Quote:
I used to have a vstrom! one of my favorite bikes. I made the change to a more traditional style cruiser (boulevard) and I miss it dearly.
You won't have as MUCH torque as the vstrom but with pipes and a rejet, you'll be happy.
You must have had the VStrom 1000? I've heard that bike has lots of torque. My VStrom 650 doesn't have the raw power of the 1000, but's it's a great all-around bike. I did change out the front sprocket to a 16T from 15T to relax the motor a little when traveling at 85mph.
One of the things I really like about the America/Speedmaster bikes is the location of the pegs. I'm really able to stretch out my legs. Of course, it's the looks that draw me to these cruisers though. Hands down, they beat all the UJM cruisers in the "looks" dept. The first one I ever saw was a blue/black America over at Yellowstone Park. It had a backpack loaded on a sissy bar, so it's owner was definitely on a road trip. The bike just looked great (still have that image in my head).
Btw, my buddies are trying to steer me clear of any bikes other than Japanese due to parts availability and service. I did finally decide to knock Guzzi off the list of bikes I was considering for that reason. I need a bike that can be ridden across several states without any problems. But in the event of a problem requiring parts, it would be nice to have a network of dealers to draw from.
actually, I had a weestrom as well. I am sorry. I remembered that the dl had more torque but it has about 48flbs.
So if you went with an 07 speedmaster, you would be at about 53hp and about 55 flbs compaired to the 65 hp and 55flbs with the Dl650.
That is the numbers I was getting with a terrible jetting and aftermarket pipes....I would expect that it is slightly better now that I have that almost dialed in.
side note. I find the speedmaster very comfortable in the engine dept on the highway. The only things that I myself would like to change is my windshield and MAYBE foorboards.
other then that, 75-80 and stopping every hour or so with my corbin seat is just fine.
-Tony
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
To answer the above question the 790 makes more HP the 865 more torque. I think the 790 is a little better at higher speeds. That being said either one will do 85 and better easily unless your frame gives gravity too much to grab onto but it has to be quite a bit! I'm over 200lbs and my SM sees over 100mph on the speedo fairly often.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8 |
Quote:
I remember whispers of the legendary George Hayduke from my red rock daze 28 years ago. You wouldn't be related?
Seldom? That you bud? I need some chemicals!
There are two ways to die in the desert...of thirst and drowning. Craig Childs.
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
You're spooking me out man  jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Is this a decent deal?
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34 |
Quote:
To answer the above question the 790 makes more HP the 865 more torque. I think the 790 is a little better at higher speeds. That being said either one will do 85 and better easily unless your frame gives gravity too much to grab onto but it has to be quite a bit! I'm over 200lbs and my SM sees over 100mph on the speedo fairly often.
Thanks for the information. I wasn't aware that the 790 actually created more HP. Most of my riding is either commuting or the annual Long Distance trip I take with my brother. So maybe the 790 would be fine. My guess is that the dealer will not offer enough for a trade, so I'm going to have to sell the VStrom myself or put it on consignment. It the '05 is still there, then I might have a new bike. Otherwise, they also have '06 and '07s for sale. After talking to my wife, nothing is going to happen until after Xmas anyway.
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Re: Negotiating on 2007
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8 |
They actually sound like a decent dealer compared to some of the horror stories I've heard. Here's the final figures.
$7999 for Black
$8199 for 2 tone red
$610 for shipping
$1200 in accessories or $1000 off the price.
However $8-9K for a bike that will be worth 1/2 in a couple to three years just chills my thrill.
There are two ways to die in the desert...of thirst and drowning. Craig Childs.
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Re: Negotiating on 2007
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34 |
Quote:
They actually sound like a decent dealer compared to some of the horror stories I've heard. Here's the final figures.
$7999 for Black
$8199 for 2 tone red
$610 for shipping
$1200 in accessories or $1000 off the price.
However $8-9K for a bike that will be worth 1/2 in a couple to three years just chills my thrill.
I bought my VStrom from them, and it only cost me the OTD quote they gave me. I originally tried to buy from another dealer that was closer to my home, but they insisted on an extra fee of $1,200 for destination and prep. Btw, I'm sure you already know, but dealer prep & dest. fees are nothing more than "dealer markup". These items have already been factored into the MSRP.
However, I can understand why some dealers might want to charge more than MSRP to cover overhead. Especially the dealers in high cost areas.
The dealer quoting the OTD prices has two showrooms (actually, just warehouses) in not-so-nice areas. They make their profits on volume, so they often quote OTD prices that equal MSRP - sometimes lower. I haven't found another dealer that can beat their prices.
Btw, I don't mind posting their website. Just wasn't sure if there's any rules against that. If the '05 sells, it sells. It's going to be a little while before I can buy anyway.
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