Getting back in the saddle...

  • TheRealMadMax
    TheRealMadMax
    11 years ago

    Hey all,

    I have been reading through this forum on a daily basis for a while now, in the lead up to purchasing my first Harley.  This forum is a very useful resource and I have learnt a lot already.

    Over the years I have ridden many dirt/trail bikes and a few sports bikes in my younger years (now 34), however I want a change of pace and have always wanted a HD. I will be buying an Iron 883 in about a months time. Cash is almost ready and I have the ministers approval!

    Does anyone know if it is possible to bargain a dealer on the price of a new Iron? I always feel ripped off when I pay the full RRP on anything.

    My aim is to start with a stock new Iron and do most of the mods myself over a period of time. First mods will most likely be exhaust, intake and tune. Although i'm interested to see how the suspension can be tweaked.

     

     

  • Bonkerz
    Bonkerz
    11 years ago
    Welcome.
    I have NFI if you can bargain with dealers these days (in the old days you might get a few accessories thrown in, but no drop in price) since I don't buy new. Since you've ridden before why not buy something bigger, second hand?
  • Tim S.G.
    Tim S.G.
    11 years ago

    Welcome .

  • sparkie001
    sparkie001
    11 years ago

    Welcome

  • DYNA12
    DYNA12
    11 years ago
    Welcome
  • TheRealMadMax
    TheRealMadMax
    11 years ago

    Thank you all.

    I might try and get a deal on some accessories - perhaps some slip on mufflers?

    I'm happy to start with the 883 and see where it takes me. I like the idea of starting with a clean slate and then modifying it exactly the way I want. Anything bigger seams to cost a few thousand more with many more miles on the clock.

    Most of my riding is suburban backstreets (to and from work) with lots of stop start and no highway at all. Each way is about 25 mins.

     

  • robots
    robots
    11 years ago

    hi,

    welcome, and good luck trying to get anything off the rrp price with a dealer especially on a sportster

    the other day in HH melb was listening to guy want $2000 off price of sportster, sales rep said no thanks, customer: what about for 2 bikes, sales rep "no thanks"

    off went the customer, maybe on demo or floor stock you could be in for a chance, who knows

    thanks

    robots

  • Fatman
    Fatman
    11 years ago
    Welcome. HD Dealers wont drop prices, but will throw in extras to get a deal, even if owned by the same interests. Mate bought a Sporty. HH in Dandy didn't wont to know him...went to HH in Ringwood. Bike cost the same, but Ringwood gave him a leather jacket & S/Eagle slip ons. They got the business. Shop around & good luck.
  • Fe883
    Fe883
    11 years ago

    Welcome & you will love the Iron 883, I got a great deal on mine. :-)

    I got mine from Harley City in Brunswick, they were excellent to deal with & didn't pay RRP.

    They also threw in some V&H pipes & a few other bits.

    In all the times I have been to Harley Heaven in the city only, I have never been spoken too or just plain ignored, the sales staff just talk to each other about what they did or want to do over the weekend, even the accessories lady was palmed off after I enquired about something that also required the lady to ask a salesperson.

    I understand they are a sponsor, but the sales staff are just ordinary in my opinion. Parts & accessories divisions are quite a different kettle of fish, it is just like chalk & cheese-very happy with those guys/ girls as they definitely want to help you.

    Good luck with the searching.

  • 98superglide
    98superglide
    11 years ago
    Welcome aboard mate! At this point of time, you should be able to picked up a well priced lightly used Iron with some warranty, and a few expensive extras already fitted, leaving you with a few spare bucks to get some more exotic stuff done, or even a nice nightster you can play aroundwith? Otherwize mate, either way you will have a truckload of fun. Just enjoy it.
  • adadrian
    adadrian
    11 years ago
    welcome to the house of fun do do do do do
    welcome to the house of fun do do do do do

    f is for friends who do stuff together
    u is for u and me
    n is for n e where n e where at all! down here at the hd forums!!!

    FUN!!

    welcome to the house of fun!
  • Geoff3DMN
    Geoff3DMN
    11 years ago
    Welcome to the forum.
  • GT 1200
    GT 1200
    11 years ago

     Welcome Mad Max. You may not get any $ off, but bargain for parts or free service etc.  

    If looking at a sportster, I agree to go straight to a 1200. I have not ridden 883 but can say was surprised that the 1200 has plenty of grunt. 

    Keep an eye out in sales section as a few sportys get money thrown at them and then get sold with low Kms ?

    P.S. didn't see you at Mad Max museum yesterday ! Cheers GT

  • 06 Softail
    06 Softail
    11 years ago

     Welcome To the forum. Good luck with your purchase, I just hope that you make the right decision. 

  • TheRealMadMax
    TheRealMadMax
    11 years ago

    Hey all – thank you for the advice and feedback.

     

    I nearly closed the deal this week on a low k’s Iron with the stage 1 mods, seller pulled out! I’m going to keep an eye out for similar near new deals. Hopefully something turns up soon. If not, I will push the dealers for a deal on the stage 1 mods.

     

    99% of my riding is stop start commuting. Work is 25 mins away on back roads with traffic. I’m satisfied to start with the Iron and see where it takes me, although I do understand this is a well worn path and I will no doubt want for more in the future. I appreciate the advice.

     

    I can’t wait to get my bike, ride it and make it my own! I will keep you posted.

     

  • TheRealMadMax
    TheRealMadMax
    11 years ago

    Thank you all for the welcome.

    I have put a deposit down on a new Iron with the following mods:

    • V&H Big radius
    • Heavy Breather
    • Race Tuner
    • Forward Controls

    The guys at Morgan & Wacker are doing a great deal and have been great to work with. Definately recommend them. All going well, I will pick it up in a little over a week. Woot woot! I cant wait.

  • allde
    allde
    11 years ago
    to the forums Max.
  • TheRealMadMax
    TheRealMadMax
    11 years ago

    Hey all - thanks for the welcome.

    I picked the XL883N up this morning and took it the long way home! Morgan and Wacker through in a few extra things and were great to deal with.

    Was great to be back on a bike. Very loud and gets lots of looks. Loving it and can't wait to make a few quick changes, e.g. flip the mirrors, remove some plastic reflectors, etc.

    I will post pics when able.

    Woot woot!

     

  • Tim S.G.
    Tim S.G.
    11 years ago

    Well done mate .

  • TheRealMadMax
    TheRealMadMax
    11 years ago

    My son having his first 'go' on the bike.

     2 weeks in and loving it. Had to wash it yesterday after last weeks rain.