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I dropped by my local dealer today (not the one across town that I visited last week). They had a '13 on the floor with a big "sold" sign and a '14 black standard next to it. Got to talking with the sales guy (who noticed that I'd pulled up on my '13) and he said that was their last '13. They sold two of them in the last week. Apparently, Honda was offering a rebate on the leftovers ($300 for the standard, $600 for the ABS).
I told the guy I was really interested in seeing a DLX. He told me, "Those aren't out yet". I pointed out that I knew of several that had already been delivered around the country. He was baffled and disappeared back into the office. When he came back, he was stumped. Apparently, the computer told him he wouldn't be getting a DLX anytime in the near future (they got 3 of the standard models). The confusing part was because they are a high volume, Honda only dealer that usually gets the new models first. The guy was even more confused when I told him I'd been to one of his competitors last weekend and they'd sold their first DLX after it had been on the floor for a few hours.
What's the upshot from all of this? I am thoroughly convinced that the way manufacturers supply motorcycles to dealers is a completely random process with very little resemblance to any other commercial supply line I've experienced. You should know weeks ahead of time, what you're getting, when you're getting it and be able to track it with a few keystrokes. Whatever system the local Honda dealers use appears to be based on reading the bill of lading after the truck arrives.
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Honda is only shipping red DLX to dealers that order them. All dealers will get so many blacks! DLX is built to order only. Which is great no flooding the market
Michael
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(04-11-2014, 01:41 PM)Ridem32_imp Wrote: Honda is only shipping red DLX to dealers that order them. All dealers will get so many blacks! DLX is built to order only. Which is great no flooding the market
Michael
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I understand that the DLX is a made-to-order item and I appreciate Honda's reasons for doing so. My confusion stems from the fact that my dealer ordered my bike literally the day after it was announced three months ago and I'll be waiting until nearly May to get it. Meanwhile, the stork has already come for some people who ordered their bikes weeks or even months after me.
In any case, it's not a big deal. From a certain perspective, it's actually a good thing. Winter has been very reluctant to call it a day here in MN this year and if the bike had shown up weeks ago, I probably would've had to trailer it home or have it delivered as there was still a foot of snow on the ground. In fact, maybe that's the answer. Is it possible that Honda delays shipment a bit to climates with a shorter riding season? I dunno. Also, the delay has allowed me to save up a much fatter down-payment than I was originally planning on. All good things. I only have a couple more weeks to wait... hopefully.
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(04-11-2014, 03:52 PM)Barkingshins_imp Wrote: (04-11-2014, 01:41 PM)Ridem32_imp Wrote: Honda is only shipping red DLX to dealers that order them. All dealers will get so many blacks! DLX is built to order only. Which is great no flooding the market
Michael
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I understand that the DLX is a made-to-order item and I appreciate Honda's reasons for doing so. My confusion stems from the fact that my dealer ordered my bike literally the day after it was announced three months ago and I'll be waiting until nearly May to get it. Meanwhile, the stork has already come for some people who ordered their bikes weeks or even months after me.
In any case, it's not a big deal. From a certain perspective, it's actually a good thing. Winter has been very reluctant to call it a day here in MN this year and if the bike had shown up weeks ago, I probably would've had to trailer it home or have it delivered as there was still a foot of snow on the ground. In fact, maybe that's the answer. Is it possible that Honda delays shipment a bit to climates with a shorter riding season? I dunno. Also, the delay has allowed me to save up a much fatter down-payment than I was originally planning on. All good things. I only have a couple more weeks to wait... hopefully.
I hope your wait is soon rewarded, Barkingshins.
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Maybe the truck can't push through the snow to get there😀. Honda does not have a fleet of reindeers
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Go DAC !!! Let us know !!
Michael
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Good luck sir! Fingers crossed for you.
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What's the upshot from all of this? I am thoroughly convinced that the way manufacturers supply motorcycles to dealers is a completely random process with very little resemblance to any other commercial supply line I've experienced. You should know weeks ahead of time, what you're getting, when you're getting it and be able to track it with a few keystrokes. Whatever system the local Honda dealers use appears to be based on reading the bill of lading after the truck arrives.
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AGREED! The system as it is now makes no sense to me. My bike was ordered by my dealer 3rd week of Feb. I am still waiting. It is supposed to be delivered this Friday. We'll see...
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I think it works like this: honda dealer orders a red deluxe for you, it goes to the honda warehouse for that dealers area! Then a honda powerhouse dealer decides he wants a red deluxe and if that bike is still at warehouse honda ships it to the powerhouse dealer bumping you & your dealer back. I don't think it's fair but powerhouse dealers have all the pull. I walked in my dealer told them I wanted a red deluxe on a Thursday and the next Friday I had my bike! That was last Friday today is Tuesday! Honda should ship & sell to the dealers as they order them
Michael
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