I negotiated a price on a new, anniversary edition Fatboy with Gator HD on 9-1-23. The deal was struck with the sales manager, Mike Duval and was put in writing. The deal included all fees, freight, set-up, surcharges, taxes and license, etc., including an additional 5 year ESP warranty plan. The out the door price was $26,137.39.
Gator had to get the bike from another dealer near Tampa Bay and I waited about 10 days for Gator to receive the bike in the dealership.
I went to see the bike today and was prepared to do the paperwork and ride the bike home. At the last minute the General Manager told the salesman not to sell me the bike at the already agreed upon price. That he would not take anything under $28,715.
This is an outrageous business practice!
I have been a loyal HOG Chapter member of this dealership for the last year and a paying customer in Gator's service dept, clothing and parts depts.
I am able to get the same bike at another dealership, so I am not losing anything. In fact, I am getting a better deal. Never-the-less, the act of backing out of a deal already in writing is not okay. The GM claimed that he would be losing $150 on the deal that I already had in writing. The result of his decision is lost future revenues from me on my two Harleys - all future service on my 2022 Road Glide Limited CVO and the new anniversary Fatboy.
I intend to make several modifications to the Fatboy, such as new handlebars, exhaust, etc. Will probably spend an additional 3-4,000 dollars on parts and accessories. Business that would have gone to Gator, but won't now after I have been treated with such disrespect.
I just wanted to report this incident as it sheds a negative light on the Harley brand as well as the dealership.
Desired outcome: Some form of an apology would be acceptable and a guarantee that the GM will not try to exclude me from participating in HOG activities at Gator HD, as I have done nothing wrong, but tried to get the best deal that I could on a new bike.