Is it normal for a dealer to modify new bikes?
Is it normal for a dealer to modify new bikes?
A Suzuki dealership modified a brand new M50 bike with pipes, power commander and changed the grips. Is this normal? Violation of manufacturer? It kind of throws off my bargaining since I don't have a base of what these add-ons cost. I'm going back tomorrow to see exactly who made the pipes.
Common? I don't know, but it does happen.
Where I live there is a dealer who regularly will change the exhaust on a Yamaha Warrior. One of the salesmen told me they had never sold a Warrior with the stock exhaust, and they made quicker sales if they put on something that looked more appropriate to a cruiser.
I've also seen a few modified Victory and H-D bikes.
Hell, the "touring packages" from the factories (think Suzuki C50T, Vulcan Nomad, and Yamaha Silverados) came about because factories realized that many people wanted bags, windshields and sissy bars, and they could move more bikes if they offered them as a package deal, and they didn't have to worry about losing out on those accessories to aftermarket companies.
Where I live there is a dealer who regularly will change the exhaust on a Yamaha Warrior. One of the salesmen told me they had never sold a Warrior with the stock exhaust, and they made quicker sales if they put on something that looked more appropriate to a cruiser.
I've also seen a few modified Victory and H-D bikes.
Hell, the "touring packages" from the factories (think Suzuki C50T, Vulcan Nomad, and Yamaha Silverados) came about because factories realized that many people wanted bags, windshields and sissy bars, and they could move more bikes if they offered them as a package deal, and they didn't have to worry about losing out on those accessories to aftermarket companies.
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ChemicalTaste
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The Suzuki Kawasaki dealer has a just a couple bikes modified for sale. They have a new busa with dual yoshimura's and the works. Then again, they also have a completely stock busa sitting right next to it.
I'd say its cool that they do that, because so many riders tend to get new pipes anyways. It would give me peice of mind to know that my new busa came with new pipes isntalled professionally.
I'd say its cool that they do that, because so many riders tend to get new pipes anyways. It would give me peice of mind to know that my new busa came with new pipes isntalled professionally.
Well, the plus to the dealer modifying the bike is you can still maintain factory warranty (IIRC). It's like a lot of truck dealerships who add on accessories to their vehicles. Having their certified mechs installing aftermarket equipment gives the customer leverage/coverage. Be sure to ask and clarify in writing warranty will still be honored by ALL factory shops.
I don't put it past dealerships to null and void factory warranties because a customer added his own aftermarket parts. And that practice by dealerships is actually ILLEGAL as they MUST PROVE that thta aftermarket accessory is the prime root cause for failure and need of repairs. Unless it can be proven, they are legally required to fulfill the warranty.
That is a dirty trick little game dealers like to use. It costs them money when they have to do warranty work and they'll grasp any straw they can to get out of it.
Get everything in writing when buying a modified vehicle/bike. Do not just take their word for it.
I don't put it past dealerships to null and void factory warranties because a customer added his own aftermarket parts. And that practice by dealerships is actually ILLEGAL as they MUST PROVE that thta aftermarket accessory is the prime root cause for failure and need of repairs. Unless it can be proven, they are legally required to fulfill the warranty.
That is a dirty trick little game dealers like to use. It costs them money when they have to do warranty work and they'll grasp any straw they can to get out of it.
Get everything in writing when buying a modified vehicle/bike. Do not just take their word for it.
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flw
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It all about money. Just like a new car without a dealer installed option before you can get it. They make more money on deailer installed options than bare bones bike.
Some dealer don't so they don't get stuck with a bike with a option no one wanted in their area or just overpriced. Alot of people prefer 3rd party add on's rather than OEM add on's. More options, cost less and many times much better. Like Seat upgrade, exhaust pipes, chrome pieces, bags, sissy bars, crash bars, light bars, Music/communication equip., fairings or windshields etc....
Some dealer don't so they don't get stuck with a bike with a option no one wanted in their area or just overpriced. Alot of people prefer 3rd party add on's rather than OEM add on's. More options, cost less and many times much better. Like Seat upgrade, exhaust pipes, chrome pieces, bags, sissy bars, crash bars, light bars, Music/communication equip., fairings or windshields etc....
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
Granted that I'm a newbie, but adding a billet is one thing; adding pipes with power commander is something different. This seems like it could violate a manufacturer's warranty. The interesting part I left out is that the sticker is at $6999 which is MSRP.
I've done my homework on pricing. There is a 5% holdback payable to the dealer in February. There is also $150 manufacturer-to-dealer incentive on the M50 which expires 9/30/2008. I could offer them a figure that gives them a 6% profit but if they want to gouge me on the mods, it will bring it back to MSRP. The kicker is that I'm willing to pay MSRP since I've been looking for this exact bike for 2 months. (I'd given up on finding one and there is sat when I walked in the door, looking for a different bike.) I'm just trying to save some money.
I've done my homework on pricing. There is a 5% holdback payable to the dealer in February. There is also $150 manufacturer-to-dealer incentive on the M50 which expires 9/30/2008. I could offer them a figure that gives them a 6% profit but if they want to gouge me on the mods, it will bring it back to MSRP. The kicker is that I'm willing to pay MSRP since I've been looking for this exact bike for 2 months. (I'd given up on finding one and there is sat when I walked in the door, looking for a different bike.) I'm just trying to save some money.