Harley-Davidson guarantees the value of its Sportster
Click above for a gallery of the Harldy-Davidson Nightster
It's a tough time to be selling any kind of vehicle in the United States, including motorcycles. Harley-Davidson has been hit just as hard as anybody else, and it's the more expensive line of bikes taking the brunt of this sales slowdown. The Motor Company's Sportster line is still selling fairly well, with its relatively attractive price and fuel efficiency conspiring to keep the V-Twins moving off the showroom floor. HD must really want to capitalize on those sales, as it's just announced a unique incentive to purchase a new Sportster, or alternatively to trade in your recently purchased model.
All 2008 and 2009 Sportsters will be sold with a guarantee that HD will offer the full MSRP of the bike when it comes time to trade up to a Big Twin (aka, non-Sportster) or VRSC model. Already ridden off the showroom floor? No problem, all previously sold 2007-and-newer models get the same deal. Fine print? Of course: XR1200 sales don't count; participating dealers only; offer valid between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009. Doesn't sound like too bad a deal for those already in the market.
Gallery: Harley-Davidson Nightster
[Source: Harley-Davidson]
PRESS RELEASE:
Harley-Davidson's Brand Strength Backs the Bottom Line
Sportster Motorcycles Guaranteed on Trade-In Value
MILWAUKEE, Dec. 23 -- Harley-Davidson recently announced it will guarantee the value of its legendary Sportster motorcycles by backing their trade-in value.
Harley-Davidson riders who either buy a new Sportster motorcycle or trade in their recently purchased Sportster between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009, will get the Sportster's original MSRP value (see note below) when they trade up to a Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycle.
"This effort is driven by the uniquely strong value of Harley-Davidson motorcycles," said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "Our strong trade-in values allow us to offer something nobody is likely to match."
The offer includes the following details:
-- Riders purchasing 2008 or 2009 model year Sportster 883 or 1200 motorcycles (excluding XR1200) at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009 can trade that Sportster in within one year to receive original MSRP on trade-in for qualifying Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycles.
-- Riders trading in a 2007-2009 model year Sportster 883 or 1200 motorcycle at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009 will receive the original MSRP on that Sportster toward the purchase of qualifying Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycles.
For additional information on the offer, interested customers should visit a participating Harley-Davidson dealer or go to http://www.h-d.com/ridefree.
The MSRP value used for trade-in will be the factory-delivered MSRP (including factory installed options) of the qualifying new motorcycle excluding parts and accessories, taxes, titles, licenses, set-up/prep charges, Extended Service Plan, GAP coverage and any dealer add-ons, and regardless of the amount actually paid.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at http://www.harley-davidson.com.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bob Dee 3:30PM (12/26/2008)
Harley Davidson HUH !!!
First I am an avid HD rider. Have 05' FLHTCI and a 94 FXDL. Also have alot of stock. I believe in Harley's. I guess I am kind of upset to say the least about the recent drop in stock from over 70 (when I first bought some years ago) to approx. 16 dollars a share. What are your plans at HD to spark some interest of younger riders. Everyone who ride an HD is over 50. That's the key ! Younger riders. They all buy rice rockets. Hey I'll always own a Harley. Even when I can't ride I'will just enjoy looking at it and owning one.
Sincerly Yours, Bob
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Nick 5:13PM (12/26/2008)
The plan is simple. Wait until the young people get old.
I was a teacher for the motorcycle safety course for 3 years up until my accident (rear ended by a drunk on the highway and drug 600ft underneath his SUV). I always loved the classroom part where the guys would act all macho talking about their harley and then sissy out on little Honda/Kawasaki 250s when they got onto the course. The riders who stuck it out and came back to the advanced course usually turned out to be decent riders.
Mat 3:30PM (12/26/2008)
I'm not normally a Harley, or motorcycle guy for that matter, but that is one good looking bike.
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Stumpy 4:30PM (12/26/2008)
I was going to post the exact same thing! That is one good looking machine...
ugg.tryptophan 3:39PM (12/26/2008)
i really like the "small" harleys, but i couldnt bring myself to buy one, id rather have a moto guzzi
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Bob Dee 3:51PM (12/26/2008)
One more thing....I tried all summer to sell a mint 94' FXDL. A good entry level big bike. I detail bikes, so it is nice. 9,500-9,000-8,500-8,000. It never sold. I woun't sell it for less. I'll just keep it. I'll never forget the feeling of jumping on I-75 in Naples, FL after I just bought it. It was like total freedom in my easychair. My buddy was next to me on his softail. Later he told me he thought my smile was going to blow off. Anyway GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS HARLEY-DAVIDSON.
Bob Dee
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kfj 5:10PM (12/26/2008)
My local dealer emailed me about this and it didnt say much besides they will give me MSRP. I figured it was a bait and switch program until I just read this.
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Jeff Banks 5:36PM (12/26/2008)
One thing I have found is that Harley-Davidson dealers are WAY better than the Japanese alternative. I can't even get the damn Suzuki/Honda dealership to acknowledge I exist when I need to service my DR200, even when the place is EMPTY. If I do get somebody to help me they try to sell me some high-powered bike I can't afford or have the skills to ride and have no idea about anything other than the suicidal literbikes.
I've only gone in there to gawk, but the HD dealer is totally different, they send a salesperson out to talk to me and they'll happily shoot the bull. I walked out both times with an armful of Alpinestars protective gear when I took the MSF course.
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chip 10:44AM (12/29/2008)
HARLY IS FULL OF PO PO,THIS IS THE SAME EXCET YHING THAT HAPPENED WITH AMG BUY OUT ,THEY ARE SUCH IDIOTS
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Jimbo 11:18PM (12/27/2008)
At least they can spell.
David Erbeck 9:18PM (12/26/2008)
I just got into motorcycles 2 1/2 yrs ago. Started with Suzuki. Bought a Sportster in Oct 07. Read about the ABS on the touring bikes so we had a Road King by March of 08. In Sept 08 our local dealer offered the same deal on 06, 07, 08's if you belonged to the local HOG chapter and purchased from them. The magazines started writing about the 09's, 450 changes to the touring bikes. I sat for 3 weeks trying to figure out how I was getting screwed. Couldn't find a reason not to, so I traded an 08 with 5k miles for a 09 Road King for $841. A friend traded his Ultra Classic for a Street Glide and got $2k back. He put it into extra's on his new one. I love riding these bikes.
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Epyx 10:27AM (12/27/2008)
Nothing new. HD used to offer the same deal but with the Buell Blast. The idea was a new rider would but the little Buell and then trade up to a sportster, a larger Buell, or a larger Harley.
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Matt W. 11:14AM (12/27/2008)
That just means that HD has built enough markup into the other models to cover the depreciation of the sportsters plus some.
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