Posts
2407
Joined
11/2/2011
Location
Chapin, SC
US
Edited Date/Time
5/30/2021 7:52am
Okay, so I'm a bottom feeder and haven't bought a new bike in a long time. A Husky dealer in NC says they charge $485 in shipping, $400 for assembly and $340 for "dock fee" in addition of course to any applicable taxes. Another KTM dealer in GA was right in the same range for additional fees.
It's been a while since I worked in a dealership, but is this legit or price gouging? Who gets this money, the dealer or the manufacturer?
It's been a while since I worked in a dealership, but is this legit or price gouging? Who gets this money, the dealer or the manufacturer?
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/This-is-Crazy,1391115?pa…
You tried ktmworld?
https://www.ktmworld.com/ktm-bikes
My local dealer told me that as of last Friday, he has deposits from customers for over 100 of the 2022 KTM’s , he doesn’t expect any bikes to stay on the sales floor.
The other fees are costs to get it from cali to the dealer and import fees.
Buy a clean used one and let some other idiot pay those charges.
The Shop
Set-up and doc fees are pure dealer. Not sure if it is everywhere, but any time you hear a radio ad here mentioning pricing for vehicles they refer to a doc fee and they must have to refer to it as a "negotiable doc fee" or else it would be silly for them to do it. Must be at least some sort of state rule if it isn't like that everywhere.
That definitely seems like a larger than normal doc fee, though. Probably taking a little bit of advantage of the increased demand.
I bought a used KX450 with 5 minutes on it. It had never even touched dirt. However, it turns out that the previous owner took the clutch out of it and replaced it with some cheap knock off brand basket, hub, etc. The clutch exploded with less than 5 hours on it and I obviously didn't know that the clutch was knock off until we tore it down. I'm just glad it didn't blow on the face of the jump.
I'll pay the extra coin to know that the motor hasn't been touched by some moron. But that's just me.
Check the manufacturer's website, it will list a "freight" or "destination" charge, that is all they're "supposed to" charge: MSRP + Destination + Tax + Reg.
Setup fees - Bullshit, yes it is a labor cost for them but it's already baked into MSRP + Destination
Freight fees other than what's quoted on the manufacturer website - Bullshit, they get charged a flat rate that is covered by the manufacturer set Destination/Freight fee.
Doc fees - More bullshit, they will try to hide it as if it's part of the registration fees, but it's a fee they are charging you for doing the paperwork... as if it's not worth their time.
Dealers can charge more if the product is that in demand, and it is right now, but calling it "fees" instead of straight up markup is just blowing smoke.
Also, here in CA, there is a legal limit to the DOC fee. (It was $45 the last time I knew for sure. Probably not much more than that now.) I don't know about NC, but I'd bet they also have a limit.
The truth of the matter is that these businesses are independently owned. They can charge whatever they want and get away with it. At this point in time, they could charge a $2,500 "Fuck you, it's the last one I have" fee and probably get away with it. (They do that on larger streetbikes all the time and call it ADM, or "Additional Dealer Markup.")
This Falcon cat hit that one with an MLB Hickory stick..."And...she's GONE!!! Home Run!"
The only way to deal with this issue, from where I'm standing, is to go find a sensible & seemingly "fair" dealer. There's actually no reason to go thru the "Ride Now Bullshit" that many dealers pull on people. I recently helped a kid out at Pala (He's learning to ride) & he/his dad had laid down $11K for a YZ250F during COVID...and I've heard stories of people paying even more.
Another guy had $8K in a 2021 KX85...that included "insurance" he bought from the dealer...WhateverTF that is?!
I know people that liad down A LOT of extra dollars for the new CR450, too. "Supply and Demand" is a real & true issue; so, you're gonna pay for things that are hard ot get and that's all there is to that.
Moto-Karma: I do whatever I can ot help people locate bikes at fair prices. I get bikes for people out here in Cali/SoCal that come from as far away as Florida, Missouri and "Waaaaaaaaay up north in Redding". It's good for our sport to get people into good bikes and gear and I love helping them do it.
For those of us that want a 2022? I'd line it up NOW.
I've said it before. A bike isn't a life necessity. You can wait another year or two. As much as I would like a new bike and could swing the money, I just can't do it due the the fact that so many other things are costing more right now.
Pit Row
I've been talking to dealers all over the west (yes things are getting desperate and I'm a part of it) and got quotes including as high as $350 doc fee! (Ridenow)
I really prefer the honesty of the major Oregon dealers that will straight up just price the bike $1000 over MSRP but that's it, no fees, the price on the website is the OTD price.
I bought a 21 Zuma earlier this year. Local dealer down the road wouldn’t budge off $5300 OTD. $3599 msrp $700 freight, $300 document, $200 battery warranty and tax. After some back and forth they took the battery warranty off but that was it.Said it was the only one they were getting this year.
Called a dealer 1.5 hrs away in Kentucky and he said $4200 OTD. MSRP,$100 doc fee and tax. I didn’t even hesitate or try and bargain. Gave him my info left work to go get. Next day the local dealer posted a picture of a guy buying their Zuma. So right now shops won’t do much bargaining because there is someone willing to pay/finance the asking price and fees.
If you have a regular relationship with a shop, most owners will go out fo their way to do things for you, including price breaks on bikes.
Sure I could buy tires and stuff online, but when I show at the dealer every week to get expendables, it matters to them.
I'm very lucky to have a close relationship with my local KTM dealer, They go above and beyond to help with special parts and tuning stuff that is only available at the factory level.
Become a regular customer and reap the benefits in both reduced prices and service.
This was the invoice for my 2021 YZ250F. I had never bought a bike from them before. No haggling, no hidden bullshit when I showed up to take delivery. This was the exact price I was quoted over the phone when I called and asked the out the door price.
Uncrating
Opening Crate
Parts Check
ASSEMBLY:
Handlebars
Throttle Grip Assembly
Front Brake Master Cylinder
Starter Button
Clutch Lever Assembly
Launch Control Mode Button
Engine Stop Switch
Cables and Wiring Routing
Front Fender
Front Wheel Assembly
Front Wheel Installation
Battery
Front Number Plate
Fuel Tank Vent Hose
Brake Disc Cleaning
PREPARATION
Charged Battery Service
Air Cleaner
Front Brake
Rear Brake
Clutch
Drive Chain
Front Fork
Rear Shock Absorber
Tire Air Pressures
Coolant
Engine Oil
Throttle Grip and Cable
Fastener Check
Test Ride
Post a reply to: Additional $1225 in fees over MSRP for new bikes? Really?