Production costs go up every year for manufacturers. Costs in manufacturer
supply chains also add to the overall rise in prices.
Look at H-D, for instance. The price formula for H-D has been an increase of 3.5% per model year. That isn't an arbitrary number, it's a bottom-line increase in retail price to help offset the rising manufacturing costs (including union appeasement
).
Should manufacturers choose to absorb some of the production cost increases, the buying public would surely be thrilled. However, the companies stock holders would not be too happy with the company's bottom line.
Don't forget that
research and development dollars are targeted at models that actually
sell. I don't know about you, but I can justify paying a premium for a state of the art ride with cutting-edge technology incorporated into it.
Supply and demand, don't forget that little rule. If the public keeps
buying a particular bike, the cost will probably not remain static. A unit that sells big year after year will normally see a model year price increase. Part of it is that the manufacturer wants a return on their investment. If a manufacturer can't turn a profit on a model, it needs to disappear from the product line-up.
Right now I don't think you'll have much additional buying power if you wave cash or a checkbook under a dealer's nose. The dollar is weak, and regardless of how the economy does,
everyone needs to make a buck. Don't forget that there is an excess of used bikes on the market right now, and dealers that take trade-ins are not willing to make a deal. Yes, dealers may sit on some inventory, and yes, that is costly. Perhaps if you wait a while, you may just walk into the right dealer at the right time.
