| Author | Message | ||
     Dynasport |
My son is coming home from college and is buying a bike in a few weeks. He is 20 years old and has cash in hand. The thing is, he is not sure what to buy. Like most all of us, he wants a bike he is proud of. For him this translates as something that looks good and his friends will think is cool. He also wants a bike that he will be happy with for a while. We can debate what bikes fit that description all day, but that is not my purpose here. I want to talk about something I saw at the HD dealership today. They have a Blast buy back program. Basically, they sell you a Blast for $2995 and promise to buy it back within six months for the same price, as long as you buy a Buell or HD, new or used, from them. This seems like a pretty good idea to me. I think the Blast would be a good bike to learn on. One negative I can see is that you pretty much have to make up your mind on a HD or Buell when you enter this agreement. That nice used SV650 won't be an option. Also, the dealership's selection of Buells is often limited, so they may not have want you want at trade in time. Finally, you are not only committed to HD or Buell, you are also committed to that dealership at trade in time. Still, guaranteed full buy back in six months takes away the fear of losing money on a starter bike. What do you guys think? I am not even sure I can talk my son into this, but even with the negatives it seems like a good idea to me. He wants a Firebolt, but I think 6 months on a Blast would be a better start. Dan | ||
| Thumper74 |
Buells are better starter bikes than say... a GSXR 600 due to the power curve, but they are a handful to a new rider(I'm 24 and my first bike was a 12S). It depends on the rider though, let him check them both out and make his own decision. Be sure to point out the insurance factors of both as the R isn't available in anything but the 12R currently. If he get's an R, make sure you work frame pucks into the equation, maybe some sliders. Talk to Nevrenuf, that's his normal dealer, he might be able to talk them into a killer deal. If you're willing to drive a while, a local dealer near me has a brand new, never titled 04 XBS demo for something like 6k, with the 2 year warranty that hasn't started... | ||
| Naustin |
I had fun on my Blast and ended up riding it for 2.5 seasons. Traded it on a used S3T. The blast sat at the dealership for a year or two and recently my wife bought it back from the dealer! I rode it the other day, and that bike is just plain FUN. None of his friends will think the Blast is "cool" if they already ride. But, people who don't ride tend to think ANY bike is cool. IMO, he couldn't have a better bike to start on. | ||
| Dynasport |
I know the Blast won't impress many people, and I don't think he will want to keep it long term. I am more thinking about it as a six month starter bike for him. The only Buell he likes is the Firebolt. I think he would be ok with a used 9R if one was around, it is really the look of the bike that appeals to him so much. I think most first time riders are only concerned about looks because it is all they know. What do you guys think about the buy back program as described? Good deal or too many limitations? (Message edited by DynaSport on April 30, 2008) | ||
| Court |
That's a KILLER DEAL! I bought my first Harley-Davidson that way. Win-win deal. I got my $3995 back and HD sold me 5 more bikes . . . that year.  Shoot me your phone number and name . . I'll call and explain. | ||
| Xl1200r |
They sell you a new Blast for $3k? In 6 months, he could get that used SV650, or used 9R that the dealer doesn't have, and then sell the Blast for more than he payed for it. I don't see how you could lose here. | ||
| Torquemonster |
Thats a great price on a (new?) blast and even with said limitations, Id say that program kicks ass. In order to get the best out of the deal, he will more than likely have to become a Bueller...Not a bad thing to be if you really dig what its all about. "the dealership's selection of Buells is often limited, so they may not have want you want at trade in time." -that seems to be the only drawback, although it wouldnt sway me unless they only stocked Blasts and Uly's. Does that mean he HAS TO take his pick of floor models right then and there, or would they be willing to "arrange" something? (Message edited by TORQUEMONSTER on April 30, 2008) | ||
| Xl1200r |
...or what if one shows up a week after he gets the Blast, would he be able to put his name on it? | ||
| Kyrocket |
Say he gets it soon, like next month. That's May, in six months it'll be November and they should be running some awesome deals new and used. You can't beat the free use of a bike for six months, well, minus insurance anyways. | ||
| Etennuly |
Buying that Blast for $3000 doesn't commit you to any deals at that dealership. That in itself is a really good deal, like they said you can sell it for that later.  I still enjoy riding my wifes Blast. It is great fun to show up for a Uly ride on the Blast and then it lets my 235 lb butt keep up all day. | ||
| Dynasport |
Now that you guys mention it, I don't think you are necessarily guaranteed a brand new Blast at the $2995 price. They have one in stock currently, and I think it has probably been through this program once. So it has seen less six months or so on the road. A used bike in other words. Still, used or new you get your money back on it. And you don't have to trade it in if you don't want, but I think that is the main benefit of the program. Also, the way I understand it, the six months thing is the max. You could trade it in sooner if you chose to. I mentioned it briefly to my son on the phone today though and he didn't seem to enthusiastic about it. He is like me, not very patient. He wants something a bit more exciting from the start. Still, I am going to recommend this to him. Ultimately it is his money and his decision. We'll see. It's nice to hear that most of you are positive about this program. I wanted others' perspective on this to see if I was missing anything. | ||
| Slaughter |
If he doesn't care for the Blast then buy any good, used bike. Ride it for a year and sell it pretty much for what you paid. Many bikes out there that'll do. The important thing is that he RIDES! | ||
| Rotzaruck |
Dyna It looks to me like you aren't risking much with that program. If they didn't have what you wanted within six months you still have a Blast to ride or sell. If he's afraid of that deal not working out favorably, he could probably pick up a used Blast for a lot less and get his most or all of his money back anyway. Get him to spend a little time in the Thumper section, and ask some opinions there. The blast is a tough little bike, you can drop them and pick 'em up over and over. Plastic parts are easy to find and change. They are a lot more fun that you would think. Neither of you may want to part with it when he decides on something else. "I still enjoy riding my wifes Blast." (said Vern) My wife left a while back and took the Blast with her. I really miss that Blast. Rotzaruck!!!! | ||
| Rainman |
My Blast replaced an old Gold Wing that I put 40,000 miles on which replaced a Sportster that I put 20,000 miles on and, after 6,000 miles, I putting together a Blast touring bike. It's not a cool bike, but it has the character of a Sportster with killer gas mileage and it will do anything you ask it to, including running 83 mph up the mountain pass going by semis in traffic. If his ego doesn't get in the way -- and I understand 'cause it took me a while to get over having such a small, uncool bike -- he'll love it. When I get something bigger, I'll keep the Blast for in town (63 mpg city-only. No mods, former Riders Edge bike. Paid 2,500 for it.) | ||
| Jlnance |
they sell you a Blast for $2995 Is that a new Blast? That is a REALLY good price. Like most all of us, he wants a bike he is proud of. For him this translates as something that looks good and his friends will think is cool. He also wants a bike that he will be happy with for a while. Thats sort of the kicker. The Blast is a really cool bike, but probably not when you're a 20 year old guy. Any way you slice it, the bike isn't fast. It has loads of character, and is a hoot to ride. As long as you don't want to go fast. And as long as you don't want to put a girl on the back (well, maybe if you like really tiny women.) The Blast is an EXCELLENT bike to learn on. You know, for $2995, there are worse things than getting stuck with a fun little bike that gets 60+ mpg. Need a second bike? | ||
| Swordsman |
Man, that IS an awesome idea. They're basically loaning it to you while you learn. I'm curious though if there's some small print that says you have to pay a larger balance if you total it out...? Or maybe that's the Blast's dealer cost, so they wouldn't be out anything? ~SM | ||
| Dynasport |
I don't think it is small print, they were up front with me that the bike has to be in basically the same condition as when you pick it up. The salesman said, basically if you break a mirror, you put a new mirror on it. The thing I am beginning to realize is that the bikes are not new. I think they are Rider's Edge bikes. I don't know what a fair price for these bikes are, but even if you do overpay a bit, you get it all back anyway. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
the other dealership that I worked for had that program, it was for bikes that were being defleeted from the Riders Edge program, We would sell them for 2999 and give you full trade in value credit to a new or used vehicle in our inventory as long as you made the purchase with in six months. They were USED Blasts, granted they had low milage, but all of them had seen the pavement in a left or right drop. It was very successful program, I sold the same Blast 3 times | ||
| Bad_karma |
It sounds like a great program for all including motorcycling in general. How ever it is going to have to be up to the individual. Joe | ||
| Sekalilgai |
Hey Dynasport.... I just demo'd a Blast today (after an XT and the 1125R) and Rainman hit it on the head... not letting ego get in the way. I think it is a super intro bike or even as a commuter. It only takes a few miles to learn to shift before the rev-limiter kicks in. Sure, one could certainly still get in trouble with it ... it just takes a little more effort and ever so slightly less tempting.... all without any loss of the pleasure of riding. My feedback to Buell on the comment sheet regarding the Blast? Put a topbox on it and market it as a commuter! Good luck, the program sounds like a great idea. (Message edited by sekalilgai on May 02, 2008) |
