Triumphrat

mlgatl · 03-04-2006, 06:55 PM

Hello All.

I am buying my first Triumph which is also my first motorcycle.

I am going to get a new Bonneville or a Bonneville T100. I am having a hard time figuring out what I should be paying for either bike.

I have three questions:

1. Does anyone have an idea what either model should sell for after bargaining?
2. Or is there a rule of thumb for % off of MSRP?
3. Can anyone recommend a dealer in Phoenix and/or Flagstaff?

I would really appreciate any advice. I am going into this a bit blindly and quickly.

Thanks very much.

Mike

DavePreston · 03-05-2006, 09:09 AM

There is no rule of thumb for a percentage off MSRP that I am aware of. In fact, there is also no rule of thumb for a perentage OVER MSRP either, which can be the case with rare or "gotta have it" bikes, or cars. In general, the "basic black Bonneville" is about $500 less than a T100. You can do some shopping on Cycle Trader on line to see what used bikes that are pretty new are selling for in your area.
The dealer is a private businessperson who buys the bikes from Triumph, and then is free to sell them for $1 to $100,000!
If you find the bike you want, and the salesperson seems reasonable, just offer a bunch less than the dealer does, let them come down, you come up - ask them to toss in a helmet or a jacket, and walk away smiling.
I think it is much better to pay a little more than you might have to in order to buy from the right dealer, and to establish a good relationsip for later on, than it is to argue down to the last penny. Caveat - I do work for a large dealer, and we do not give our bikes away by any means, but I felt the same way for decades before I worked for a dealer, and used the same philosophy then.
Motorcycles are like cars, up to a point, but not completely. The motorcycle industry is minute compared to cars, and the operational principles are at times a bit more like horse trading in the old west. You will either find that charming or be disgusted, but hang in for a while. You will not find car customers hanging around the dealership on weekends because they like to be there, etc.
Anyway, either Bonneville is a terrific choice. I think the T100 is just achingly beautiful, while my son, who just bought his first bike, was taken with the classic simple beauty of the basic black Bonneville, and he is riding it virtually every day with a a big smile on his face -and in Seattle, riding it every day says something.
Best of luck!

Dave Preston
Cycle Barn
Lynnwood, WA

CTF · 03-06-2006, 03:34 PM

I just bought a 2006 T100 and I was having trouble making the same decision you are faced with. When it came down to it though, I opted to pay the extra $800 or so for the tachometer, two tone paint and the 865 cc engine. I would have likely added the tach, rejetted and added knee pads to a standard bonneville, so I figured why not fork out the extra cash right away. There are several threads in the classics and cruisers forums on the differences between the two models. As for talking the dealer down on the price, it may be difficult for a T100 as they are extremely popular right now and people are willing to pay MSRP. My dealer has 2 more coming in some time in March and I know that one of them is already sold. I think your best bet is to pay MSRP and try to get your dealer to either waive some of the set up or freight costs (if any) or give you a discount on gear, i.e. helmets, boots, jacket, etc.

mlgatl · 03-08-2006, 05:59 PM

Thanks guys!

TomS · 03-10-2006, 01:55 PM

I just brought a Scrambler home, and I was unable to get a price break on anything. MSRP for the bike plus freight & set up. I didn't even get a t-shirt or coffee cup. I've lost track of how many bikes I've bought over the years, but I've never had that happen before. So I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced a dealer that discounts factory accessories?

Will · 03-10-2006, 03:17 PM

I think Triumph is getting things to the point that their bikes, at least certain ones, sell well enough that dealerships don't have to offer anything but the bike to get you to buy. I hope the dealerships don't get like Harley dealers and gouge, but if selling Triumphs is profitable, we benefit by seeing more dealerships across the country. With any luck, they will be better dealerships, even though you won't necessarily get a price break.

TomS · 03-10-2006, 03:57 PM

I think you're right, Will, about Triumph's line-up. They have several bike models that I'd seriously consider. Too bad I could take only one of them home.
As someone new to Triumph, I just have to say that I was stunned by the twin. I road a T100 before I bought mine and I expected something like my dad's 1974 Yamaha 650. Jeez, I'm still reeling over what a sweet torque curve the thing has. Smooth enough for an all dayer too! When I took my first ride on the Scrambler I felt like someone had studied everything I’d ever done on a motorcycle - and built a bike just to suite me.
I guess, when you think about it, I should take comfort in the fact that the dealer didn't have to consider price concessions in order to move the bike.
Hey…I’ll still take a bargain on a skid plate and gel seat if I can find it!

meatwagon · 03-11-2006, 01:59 PM

I paid full list for my Bonne Black ;they sell well here.My(and most)dealer gives a 20% discount on accessories/parts as well as cheaper labor rate on service and preffered scheduling over non buyers.Ask if they don't offer.Dealers know that there are lots of choices out there for bike buyers;didn't have to get a Triumph.Return business and word of mouth is good for them so they might make up for any lack of price break on initial cost.
Congrats on the new bike;be sure to check out Twin Talk part of this forum,lots of advice there.

[ This message was edited by: meatwagon on 2006-03-11 12:01 ]

WS · 04-03-2006, 12:40 PM

My Dealer was alloted six Scramblers. All were sold in late 2005, about six months before the bikes were delivered to the Dealer. Surely supply and demand should have something to do with pricing.

ChuckofTahoe · 04-04-2006, 09:03 PM

My only advice is to maybe wait a few months and see if the rumour of a fuel injected Bonneville for 2007 comes to pass.

Fuel injection might be worth waiting for in terms of performance and re-sale value.