That’s Firm?

I made it to the motorcycle show in Salem on Sunday, where I actually saw a motorcycle worth haggling over. “Sorry, the price is firm” the dealer tells me. Firm? Have you ever heard of such a thing? No worry, I thought, people are just looking. I’ll call them on Monday and see if they want to talk.

Before I contact the dealer, I do some homework. I use the Kelley Blue Book and investigate trade-in value and retail value. I’m generous in the accessory department. I’m trying to be fair to the dealer. Then I write a polite note about the bike. The note is brief, asking that if the bike remains unsold after the show, I’d be interested in talking price if they are open to that suggestion. The reply is short and tells me basically the same message I heard at the show, the price is firm. In addition they tell me they have already listed the price $300 below the NADA value.

I’m in shock. I’ve never heard of any dealer not willing to haggle over a price. In a soft economy it seems ridiculous not to want to talk turkey. OK, let me go the NADA listings and see if what I’m told is true. Once again, I am generous with the accessories. Still the dealer price comes out $300 over the NADA price, not under. To make matter’s even murkier; Kelley Blue Book and the NADA are about $1000 apart in value quoted.

Off I go the New England Rider forum to ask my good friends what they think. So far, the only reply I get is that when financing, registering or being taxed on a car, motorcycle etc, the NADA listing will be used. I think I will check Edmunds, but discover they only list automobiles.

Before I drafted my polite note to the dealer, I asked advice from the guy who owns our company building. He has many commercial buildings and is a shrewd business man. He suggested how I should draft the note to the dealer, and I followed his advice. When he reads their response, he instructs me to “say nothing” and wait them out. The assumption is this: If they want my money, the will get back in touch. If they find a fool to pay their price, then it isn’t the only model of its kind on the market. He also suggests that they may be playing on my “need to have it now” and warns me against weakening in my resolve to get a fair price.

I can wait. The snow still covers the ground, the arctic temperatures have once again descended on the region, and more snow is in the forecast. My “need to have it now” barometer is still manageable. I hope I possess the where-with-all to remain strong when the ice starts melting.

Hands in my Pocket

We all know the economy is in the toilet. I have also made mention of how I am trimming the household budget looking for wiggle room in dreaming about a new motorcycle. It’s a hard job trimming expenses, and ultimately doing without some nicety I may have been enjoying, but that’s the bare bone truth of what needs doing. All my efforts may be for not, however, if I can’t keep Uncle Sam and his relatives hands out of my pocketbook.

Currently I am watching the New Hampshire Legislature as they deliberate HB 95. There are parts of this bill that are completely ridiculous. (Use the new link to the right to keep tabs on your motorcycle rights in NH.) While I can understand how neighborhoods would like to enjoy a bit of piece and quiet, insisting on motorcycle equipment that typically does not come standard, shows in my humble opinion, how uninformed those drafting the bill are (House Bill 95 sponsored by representatives J. Day, Henson and Kepner.)

On another front, in watching the local news, possible sources of revenue are being considered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. One that has already taken place is adding a $6 annual service charge per transponder for those use this device for the fast lane (EZ Pass.) Both NH and MA are considering increases in the gas tax as well. The extra tax on gas reaches farther than you would expect. It not only affects you directly when you fill your tank, but the cost of everything that is trucked to us goes up as a result as well. Look for more increases at the grocery store in addition to delivered goods and services.

In both states, and increase in traffic patrol is being talked about to raise revenue. Be prepared for more traffic stops. This feeds directly into my first concern above, because not only will they monitor speed, equipment will be scrutinized, and if the tachometer issue passes (which I doubt) you will have officers having check points testing decibel levels during bike week.

If you are fortunate enough to have lived through a company layoff, be prepared for a pay cuts. So while you have trimmed your budget, cut back on outings with the car or bike, given up some things you used to enjoy, prepare to suffer here too. The alternative is grim. Take the cut or test the stinking job market.

The underlying point of all this is simple: Remain vigilant. Protect your rights. Vote for someone who represents you, not any one party. Ultimately, handing over too much power will mean you have fewer liberties. Watch your accounts carefully for added fees or other unsubstantiated charges, because while there are plenty who pick our pockets while hiding behind the law, there are those doing so who are not.

Traveling and Motorcycle Laws

A note went around with a link to a message from the mayor of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In the message the mayor delivered the news that Myrtle Beach would no longer host two long standing motorcycle events. As I read through the notice, two things came to mind. One, the mayor was delivering the message in a well written thought out manner. There were no harsh overtones, no read between the lines innuendos or suggestion that bikers were a bad lot. Number two, it was evident the residents had become weary. It’s understandable. Having a home on Cape Cod and realizing the economy depends on tourism doesn’t keep year-round residents from becoming weary of traffic jams and messy tourists.

From the letter I linked to the new rules and regulations for motorcycles in Myrtle Beach. As I read the list, all the items seemed reasonable. At first, I misread one line item as “no two motorcycles to one parking spot.” In reality, it is not MORE than two motorcycles to a parking spot. My reason for jumping to conclusion is that this is actually the case in some states and/or their local municipalities. I can not understand why two bikes can’t park in one spot. What doesn’t make sense to me obviously makes cents to the community. Revenue. It can be in the form of parking meter revenue, or ticket revenue.

If you are traveling around the country this coming season, it is a good idea to check the motorcycle laws in the areas you will be visiting. Here is a great link where you can check out any state to review the laws. Here is one to get you started.

Old Orchard Beach, Maine - they will be ticketed if parked in the wrong place.
Sec. 54-142. Parking at expired meters and overtime parking.
(b) No person shall park or stand any vehicle having fewer than four wheels at or in a metered parking space which is designated by a sign or by notice posted on or near the parking meter as restricted to parking of automobiles only. No person shall park or stand any vehicle other than a motorcycle at or in a metered parking space which is designated by a sign or by notice posted on or near the parking meter as restricted to parking of motorcycles only.
Sec. 54-160. Motorcycles.
(a) Spaces shall be designated by suitable signs and marked for motorcycle parking.
(b) This section shall be effective year round.

Traveling to Massachusetts? Did you know that helmet speakers are prohibited to use or possess? If visiting Vermont, do not ride two abreast. I personally do not like to ride abreast, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t done. Some of you like to ride “ape hangers.” If you do make sure the handlebar height is not above your shoulders in New York.

If you are traveling beyond the New England area there are other interesting laws to take into consideration. At some beach locations in California, you MUST back your vehicle into the spot. Motorcycles included. I’m sure this is to make it easy for them to check your inspection sticker. However, if the grade goes uphill it can be damn hard to back your 600 pound bike uphill.

I found other interesting reading on the Internet, which showed that just because motorcyclists are obeying the law, doesn’t mean drivers are. For example, one guy parked in a “one motorcycle per space” spot, and came back to find a ticket on his bike. Boxing him in was a small VW. The VW and piggybacked on the space, but the motorcyclist got the ticket. He was able to get it tossed out in court, because he had the foresight to photograph his bike with a time stamp. This last brings to mind the perception of non-riders and law enforcement officials that if there is a problem it has to be the motorcyclists fault. A rider is guilty before he can prove he’s innocent. But that is a story for another day.