Tips on negotiating price and sticking to your budget.

If April showers bring May flowers, what does May bring? Here in Michigan, it’s perfect motorcycle weather! If you’re in the market for a new bike, here are tips on how to negotiate a great price and stick to your budget.

Know the market

As with cars, the list price is a starting point. Market-driven data from Kelley Blue Book for Motorcycles and NADA guides will help you determine the true value of a bike.

Know your budget

You know your budget best and what you can comfortably afford. Decide the maximum you’ll spend before you meet with a seller.

Some salespeople start the price conversation around monthly payments. A better approach for you is to keep the focus on the out-the-door price, including accessories, fees and taxes.

Ask about incentives

If buying from a dealer, ask if any rebates, discounts or promotions are available.

Be willing to ask for a better price

If you’re not used to negotiating, asking for better price might feel uncomfortable. Don’t sweat it. Simply ask, “Is that the best you can do?” and remain silent. Wait for the salesperson to respond. A willingness to ask for a better price and being patient often pays off.

Enlist a financial accountability buddy

If you’re the type of shopper who finds it hard to resist extra features and tends to overspend, enlisting an accountability buddy can help you stay on budget.

Here’s how a financial accountability buddy works: Let’s say you’ve decided $15,000 is the maximum you want to spend. You let your buddy know your limit and ask them to remind you of it you’re tempted to spend more. At the dealer, a sport-touring motorcycle catches your eye. It’s $17,500. And you really want it. This when you call or text your buddy. They remind you that your max is $15,000. Then they ask, “What is it about it about the bike that makes you willing to go over your budget?”

Maybe you are comfortable spending an extra $2,500; the decision is yours. However, your buddy can slow down the spending impulse and help you think through a decision to spend more than planned.

Finance your motorcycle where you already bank

Get pre-approved for a Consumers recreational loan with a competitive rate before you head out to buy your motorcycle. Apply online or talk to a loan officer at 800-991-2221.

Consumers provides banking services for more than 100,000 members. If you have banking questions, call us at 800-991-2221. We make it easy to bank how you want, when you want.

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