Just got my new harley ADV bike: But seriously, I'm sure my Harley has been down more gravel/dirt/fire roads than some GSAs. Don't knock it until you try it:
Like when the VW "New Bug" came out. They were asking, and getting, $10K over list. Even the PT Cruiser went for stupid money when it came out. BMW tried that with the R18, seems to have failed. Lots languishing in the showroom now.
I said I’d never buy a KTM...and then bought two and loved them. I said I’d never buy a GSA...and now own one and love it. I’m pretty sure I’ll never buy a HD...and I’d wager I’m right this time...but you never know
You weren't at Rockstar Harley in Ft. Myers were you? I just left that place yesterday and the only thing I seen prices on was the clothing. I even did some light venting to a younger salesperson about it. I'd never buy there because that practice makes it feel shady. He claimed they've already sold 8 Livewires.
I think you will see more of this as it is part of the MoCo's new business plan. Produce less and try to grab more on each sale. Dealers will need this since they are going to get less bikes to sell. Kind of like things were back in the 1990's and 2000's. They are shutting down smaller dealers who did low volume which will make more bikes available to those Harley keeps, but this is a sign of just how bad things are at Harley. Cut operating and manufacturing cost, carry less inventory and sell for more. Good luck.
I’ve met some new riding friends who rode HD. We stopped at the dealer in Dothan. I was in my construction yellow jacket and helmet. I was treated with respect. Although I’m not a fan of the drab colors, olive/maroon/brown. I particularly liked the sign that said, “Your gun is welcome here”. I hope their new offerings do well. I like motorcycles!
Not sure of where you were looking, but speaking for where I work, we discounted every preorder and order we got. We had some preorders cancel for various reasons ( Covid, the uncertain economy ) but I think the reason go deeper into the bike itself. It is fun to run around on...the motor is spectacular. But I think most early interest came from riders who remember the good old days of the / series bikes and expected a modern version of them, but then they actually saw the R18 and their size. And their ergos, due to their size, are an issue for a lot of folks, especially tall riders or those with long legs. They'll sell, but availability won't be an issue.
I think the R18 with a windshield, bags, and a cruise control would be a stylish way to tour. I'm glad they are bringing out that version. As is, it seems like the R18 is just a really cool way to get to Starbucks ;-)
Max BMW has 8 available, several others have a few still available. This is a newly released bike with lots of hype. Yet the bike isn't selling, and some dealers are already offering discounts. This is not a sign of a bike that will do well. Rereading what I wrote and responded to I can see where I was not clear. I was just saying that BMW was expecting to sell out its initial run before the bikes hit the showroom.
No disagreement there, but I do think Covid is in play, plus the fact that they brought the bike out at the end of the riding season for 60% of the country. Add in that they still don't have any of the parts available to " customize " your bike and it just adds to the mix.
I think the difference between then and now is there's much less demand for them as in the 90's. Good luck with that business plan indeed.
maybe I missed it.... but do we have any guesses on prices? My feeling is $28-30k base. Which you wont be able to get. Theyll all be farkly. and > $35k.
Base model (First Edition) is $19870 - you can build-your-own: R 18 | BMW Motorrad (bmwmotorcycles.com)
Honestly I would love to "buy American" if possible and ADV bikes have become my obsession in recent years. I hope these things sell in big quantities so I can have plenty of used bikes to choose from in 10 years time. I'm pretty surprised it's HD that had a jump on Indian/Polaris in this market. And no.... the FTR1200 while it is a great looking bike is not what I would consider an "aventure bike." I really do hope HD is successful. Side note -- I love how this always has to be about "yeah but BMW sucks because of F/D issues." I am certain that there have been a number of F/D failures but humans are very bad at statistics and that shows brightly on forums.
Using the website you mentioned above, using a bare bones stripped bike, $ 18,180.00 is the base price. Not sure how you came to your price. EDIT: But try to find one !