Agressive Year-End deals on Moto Guzzis through October 2015

[LowRyter]

Michael.  since I am retired and out of the goodness in my heart, I would definitely take your airline ticket and do and fly and ride and deliver the V7 to you. Heck, I won't charge mileage or the motel on the way back. 

[rocker59]

Michael.  since I am retired and out of the goodness in my heart, I would definitely take your airline ticket and do and fly and ride and deliver the V7 to you. Heck, I won't charge mileage or the motel on the way back.

You're a good man, John.   

[rocker59]

I'd take my cash break up front if I were buying now.   ......and use it to buy a set of Agostini's!   

By chance, have you seen/heard a set of the hydro-formed Agostinis in person ?

[Loftness]

By chance, have you seen/heard a set of the hydro-formed Agostinis in person ?

I haven't.  We've never ordered any in (for ourselves or customers).  But every set of Agos we've ordered, for any bike, have always sounded like heaven.  I ride with a set daily.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I just sent him the following for a grin..

Guzzi just announced a promotion that will hurt your bikes resale value...  Thought you might like to know.  Based on a 2014 stone MSRP of $8490, A buyer could get a brand new 2014 for less than what your selling for.

http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/special-offers/summer-clearance-event.html

I'll offer you $5400..

Moto Guzzi USA - Special Offers - SUMMER CLEARANCE EVENT

I did the same, lol

I told him to either find time to ride it, or prepare for a bath

[jdgretz]

I stopped by TO Guzzi today and was talking to the owner about the promotion.  He loves it but pointed out that any bikes that were purchased at the Guzzi auction last month in Orange County are not eligible for those factory rebates.  This could also be a reason not all dealers are offering those rebates.

jdg

[leafman60]

We've talked about this many times, why would anyone ever go in a dealership and buy a current-year, non-severely-discounted Guzzi? The bikes don't sell and, before long, the factory and the dealers must slash prices to the bone. Many Guzzi buyers learn this.

This quicksand that is characteristic of Guzzi sales is one of several things that spurn prospective new dealerships, terminate existing ones and cuts the throat of riders who are existing Guzzi owners.

Sure, in the short term, it's all great for buyers. However, in the broader, long term picture it is detrimental to the production and sales network for the brand.

Of course, as has also been said many times, "they can't continue like this and have been going out of business - since 1921." 

[toma nova]

We've talked about this many times, why would anyone ever go in a dealership and buy a current-year, non-severely-discounted Guzzi? The bikes don't sell and, before long, the factory and the dealers must slash prices to the bone. Many Guzzi buyers learn this.

Because I can afford to.

I test rode a 2014 Stelvio last Fall then bought it the next weekend.  Fully prepared to pay MSRP and was pleasantly surprised when MPH dropped the price and installed accessories for free (Euro lights and heated grips).

Like we've also talked about many times, dealers need to make a fair profit to stay in business.

Tom

[leafman60]

Because I can afford to.

I test rode a 2014 Stelvio last Fall then bought it the next weekend.  Fully prepared to pay MSRP and was pleasantly surprised when MPH dropped the price and installed accessories for free (Euro lights and heated grips).

Like we've also talked about many times, dealers need to make a fair profit to stay in business.

Tom

Yes, I agree that some people do that.  When I bought my 2012 NTX, I basically paid a premium.  I got a small discount but the bikes were new and dealers were having more demand than the current supply.

I fully realized that the bikes' new prices would plummet in time but I didn't wanna wait and miss the riding opportunity. I don't regret my decision.

Still, a great percent of buyers, especially knowledgeable buyers, are in the mode of waiting out the price fall. Even the ones who don't, are greeted with bikes on the showroom floor or from other dealers that are severely discounted.

I have discussed this with 2 or 3 prominent dealers who abandoned the brand for this very reason.  They bikes don't sell and, when they do, they provide no profit.  On top of that, they tell me, Guzzi buyers rarely subsidize their dealer with other ancillary purchases like accessories, parts or service.

Hey, I am not here to provide any advice on how to avoid this pitfall. If prices could be kept up, I am not certain that there wouldn't be even fewer of the machines on the road. 

[rocker59]

We've talked about this many times, why would anyone ever go in a dealership and buy a current-year, non-severely-discounted Guzzi? The bikes don't sell and, before long, the factory and the dealers must slash prices to the bone. Many Guzzi buyers learn this.

This quicksand that is characteristic of Guzzi sales is one of several things that spurn prospective new dealerships, terminate existing ones and cuts the throat of riders who are existing Guzzi owners.

Sure, in the short term, it's all great for buyers. However, in the broader, long term picture it is detrimental to the production and sales network for the brand.

Of course, as has also been said many times, "they can't continue like this and have been going out of business - since 1921."

Guzzis are selling well (for Guzzi).  They're finally back to pre-recession sales numbers.  From my impression, there are a few 2013 and 2014 bikes still on showroom floors and PGA is offering incentives to clear them off to make room for the Audace, NELDO, and V7-II. 

Any maker would do that.

There are people who like to buy current year cars and motorcycles.  Those people aren't going to wait around a couple years and hope to pick up something leftover on a factory promotion.  Things are different now than they were in 2007/2008/2009.  Most new Guzzis are selling.

Guzzi is smart to blow out the few remaining leftovers that are sitting around.  There is lots of buzz about the Cal14 Audace and NELDO, and the V7-II line.  Most people will be wanting to buy the new models, leaving the few leftovers to languish.

Me?  I've been waiting around to see what is shown in November and this promotion came along.  If I can pick up a new two year old V7 Special with these aggressive factory discounts, I may do it for the heck of it.  I like the V7s and I don't care about ABS/TC and the other incremental upgrades made to the V7-II.  I haven't been actively shopping new ones, so if I pick up a leftover, it's good for Guzzi.  They will not have lost a sale on a new V7-II, but gained a sale on a leftover V7.

[Loftness]

I have discussed this with 2 or 3 prominent dealers who abandoned the brand for this very reason.  They bikes don't sell and, when they do, they provide no profit.

They'd sell if their customers didn't have shitty attitudes about buying like you're describing.  How the hell is a dealer supposed to stay in business if all their customers wait around until the bikes go on reduction?  See this kind of attitude pisses me off.  Everyone bitches all the time about the lack of Guzzi dealerships nationwide...yet people suggest people are dumb for buying new models?  Those people are exactly the type of customers I wouldn't want...those are the people slowly killing the brand. 

And for what it's worth, Guzzi is currently selling better than any other brand in our shop.  The profit margins are slim, but they're slim on ANY bike.  We don't make money on bike sales, we make money on building a strong customer base with people who want to continue to do business with us, who service their bikes with us, and who come back around the next time they're looking for a new ride or recommend us to their friends. 

[rocker59]

They'd sell if their customers didn't have shitty attitudes about buying like you're describing.  How the hell is a dealer supposed to stay in business if all their customers wait around until the bikes go on reduction?   

Those dealers failed because they did not develop a customer base for their product.

Just saying "They didn't sell, so we had to drop the brand" is a cop out.

They knew going in that the brand was a low-volume niche product.

It's on the salesmen to find customers to sell to.  To find customers who will buy their product.

There are few products that sell themselves, but for some reason many motorcycle salesmen get frustrated when "nobody will buy my product".  They need to be out there trying to sell their product, rather than waiting around wishing and hoping.

[bad Chad]

The dealers that thrive do seem to cut out a nitch of their own.  RFC in Woodstock, doesn't deal with bottom feeders.  If you want a bike for less than it cost him, don't bother calling.  I have heard JB on the phone with a perspective new customer, and heard him tell the perspective to first go to his local dealer, give them a chance, I really respect that.   

If that customer is then unable to get reasonable service, yes he will be happy to work with them, once again, assuming they are not bottom feeders.   Bottom line at his type of dealer, if you want a new bike from RFC, be prepared to pay a fair, honest price, and with that purchase comes all the benefits of being a friend of the farm.   

The type of experience at RFC is not for everyone, and that's fine.   So folks want the absolute rock bottom price, and that's all they want, and there are dealers out their who serve that nitch too.   

My point is that different dealers can come up with various strategies to serve the market.   To a large extent the dealers that come and go with the wind, don't understand the market, and often don't understand how to run a retail business.

[sib]

We don't make money on bike sales, we make money on building a strong customer base with people who want to continue to do business with us....

Reads like "we lose money on every sale, but we make it up on volume".

[Loftness]

Reads like "we lose money on every sale, but we make it up on volume".

Written like "the margins are so small on motorcycles and scooters that the amount of money made on new bike sales is not how we stay in business".

[rocker59]

So what's the consensus on the silver/grey color on the V7 Specials ??

[zedXmick]

I'd say that's a classy looking ride. One I wouldn't mind seeing in my garage.

[bad Chad]

Looks good.  But I have to say, I have yet to see a stock v7 or v7II that I didn't like.  The silver/black combo does come across well, it flows naturally, organically, as the kids like to say!

[rocker59]

Road Trip tomorrow to RPM in Farmers Branch Texas.

If all goes as planned, a silver/grey 2014 V7 Special will be coming home with me.   

I'll post some pix when I can.

[jackson]

Congratulations, Rocker!  Enjoy your new bike. 

[elvisboy77]

That's a beauty, Rocker!

I'm glad the 2014s are getting snatched up.

I wanted an Eldo so prior year wasn't an option.  My money, my choice.

That said, I have bought new "last year" Guzzis before and been very happy, too!

[rocker59]

That's a beauty, Rocker!

I'm glad the 2014s are getting snatched up.

I wanted an Eldo so prior year wasn't an option.  My money, my choice.

That said, I have bought new "last year" Guzzis before and been very happy, too!

I like the NELDO a lot, but right now I need a bike I can carry on my Versa-Hauler.  A 400-lbs bike is perfect for that.

We're going to see some great things from Guzzi over the next couple years.

For now, the little V7 Special will fill the bill as the first step in rebuilding my Guzzi stable.

[rocker59]

Well, $3000 in customer cash on the 2014 V7 Special was too much to resist.

I drove down to Farmers Branch (Dallas) Texas today and picked one up from the good folks at RPM Cycle.

Euro Salesman Wade Campbell was great to work with and the customer cash from PGA made the transaction a win-win for everyone.

General Manager Boris Loera and F&I Manager Bill Mendelson were also great guys.







This makes my seventh Guzzi, but only my second new purchase Guzzi.  I really enjoyed the 2010 V7C I had back during 2012.  First impressions are that the updated heads and efi is nice.  Steel tank is great.  Otherwise, very much like my 2010.

 

[oldbike54]

 Cool Mikey  Hope to see it in person soon .

  Dusty

[dxhall]

When the smoke cleared, what was the out-the-door price? 

[rocker59]

When the smoke cleared, what was the out-the-door price?

No smoke.  No mirrors.

I'm sure I could've beat them up for a few hundred more dollars, but we want to support the good dealers, right?

They got thier mark up, and I got my Customer Cash.  Win-Win.

Round numbers?:  MSRP + freight + prep + Doc - $3000 = $7000 out the door.

TTL will be handled by me at my local revenue office.

[Chuck in Indiana]

  of Red on it.. 

[leafman60]

Well, $3000 in customer cash on the 2014 V7 Special was too much to resist.

I drove down to Farmers Branch (Dallas) Texas today and picked one up from the good folks at RPM Cycle.

Euro Salesman Wade Campbell was great to work with and the customer cash from PGA made the transaction a win-win for everyone.

General Manager Boris Loera and F&I Manager Bill Mendelson were also great guys.


This makes my seventh Guzzi, but only my second new purchase Guzzi.  I really enjoyed the 2010 V7C I had back during 2012.  First impressions are that the updated heads and efi is nice.  Steel tank is great.  Otherwise, very much like my 2010.

 

Congratulations!

Nothing feels better than getting a brand-new bike!

That's a sharp looker there.  I like that color and those spoke wheels.

Out the door for $7000 is amazing.


By the way, I love my Versa Haul too.

[kingoffleece]

Just a heads-up.  My friend and I got new V7 2015 bike s this past spring.  Both have the half plastic/half metal fuel filters in the tank and both need replacing due to E-10.  The plastic gets soft and distorts and then separates from the metal half and then, no go!

Better check your bike.

[jackson]