Short cliff notes version of the dealer experience:
I had two bikes for trade in
1) 2007 Kawasaki Meanstreak Special Edition
2) 2002 Honda Rebel
I contacted the dealership (little hesitate to give dealers name -- but located in Indianapolis) with regards to a NEW 08 bike for 13307.
We agreed that my bikes on trades in were worth: 1) Kawa - 5100 2) Honda - 1200.
I live in 2.5 hours away from dealer, so I drove down there to make this deal (had to take a day off from work to finish the deal). As I get to the dealership they inspect the bike and nothing mechanically was wrong, but the GM/VP of the dealership tells me that we can no honor the original amount on the Kawa ($5100). They offered me only 4000. So I felt I was a victim of a "bait and switch" transaction. The only reason the dealership gave me for lowering the agreed amount was "This bike is unique color...and will be hard for me to sell".
My thinking...
The Kawa MS SE is not a CUSTOM BIKE or in color. Its just a special edition...black and red with no chrome. Why would a dealer make an agreed amount, and then change the deal, when they KNEW BEFORE I drove down, the color of the bike? Does seem right to me.
I still went through with the purchase because simply I wanted the bike.
I am going to write to Victory Motor sports about this dealerships shady tactics and overall unethical business practices. Maybe they can do something about this kind of dealer...
Any suggestions for help