KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: WEL on January 27, 2021, 05:10:27 PM
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Update: Picked up the AK 550 this weekend. Ridden about 130 miles so far. All types of roads (urban streets, canyon and freeway). Pretty much what I expected from all the reviews. Plenty of power, great brakes and comfortable seating.
Thank you all for your comments.
I have been shopping for an AK 550 in Southern California and wanted to provide some observations about the shopping experience. Bear in mind the closest Kymco dealers to my home are 50 plus miles away.
The three dealers I spoke are asking between $650 and $2150 ADM. That doesn't include setup about another $350. Dealers can ask whatever they want and we can choose to buy or not. Kymco makes great products, however asking prices well above MSRP is not going to help the brand grow in the US. I'm not an expert, but if AK 550 sales are too weak Kymco may not continue to offer AK 550 in the US.
With that being said...I'm curious if anyone on this forum has purchased the AK in the US and how close + or - to MSRP have you paid.
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You might look on cycle trader several dealers are advertising for $6999. plus fees and tax. California is the same way on RV'S not willing to deal.
As far as sales go it depends what happens with fuel prices with the current administration. In the midwest motorcycle and RV sales are strong with a lot of dealers running out of inventory. This also might be why California dealers are unwilling to deal, supply and demand. Try to buy a new Corvette for sticker price.
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They are asking too much money, period----if you need/want large displacement scooter, look for Yamaha TMAX or Suzuki Burgman 650 or Honda SilverWing 600.
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They are asking too much money, period----if you need/want large displacement scooter, look for Yamaha TMAX or Suzuki Burgman 650 or Honda SilverWing 600.
I assume you mean used since none of the models mentioned are available new in the US.
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Selling an "off-brand" scooter in the USA - which has limited dealerships and limited support, for $2000 more than a new 2021 Honda CB500X ABS is ....interesting.
Maybe it does have the appeal to pull it off - even without a lick of advertising. A few anyway - like the white 700's.
Stig
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Selling an "off-brand" scooter in the USA - which has limited dealerships and limited support, for $2000 more than a new 2021 Honda CB500X ABS is ....interesting.
Maybe it does have the appeal to pull it off - even without a lick of advertising. A few anyway - like the white 700's.
Stig
If not you will see them at a large discount next year to get rid of inventory. I'm personally leary of models like the limited number of 700i's for parts availability.
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Selling an "off-brand" scooter in the USA - which has limited dealerships and limited support, for $2000 more than a new 2021 Honda CB500X ABS is ....interesting.
Maybe it does have the appeal to pull it off - even without a lick of advertising. A few anyway - like the white 700's.
I agree with you. That's why I was so surprised that dealers expect to sell for MSRP, let alone adding huge markups.
Stig
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If not you will see them at a large discount next year to get rid of inventory. I'm personally leary of models like the limited number of 700i's for parts availability.
All the comments so far are right in line with what I was thinking.
I received 2 quotes today at slightly below MSRP, but it is a lot of money for something I have to go 60 miles to get serviced under warranty and parts may be hard to find in the US.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/DwXwVxtM/AK550.jpg)
Stig
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It’s a handsome beast for sure, but overpriced here in the UK too. Now maybe if I could pick up a low mileage year-old minter?...
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We only have a matte silver and a grey glossy color option over here. I was told that BMW stopped selling the C650 in the US. So I think the AK 550 is largest displacement scooter available in the US now.
Seems like sales have been good here during Covid. There should be some low mileage used bikes for sale in a year or so flooding the market. A lot of people buy and don't get the "Easy Rider" joy they were expecting.
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Your "ADM" (Added Dealer Mark-up) is not really an additional mark up, most dealers quote MSRP plus Destination (Freight) plus Set-up/PDI plus the mandatory Tax, DMV and Doc fee. That said, some dealers will add a bit and make a profit on the destination/freight. If a dealer only charged msrp plus tax/license he would make minimal profit due to the fact that he would have to absorb the destination/freight and what he paid the service dept for the uncrate, assembly and PDI. I would ask the dealers for an itemized quote. Then you can put your negotiating skills to work.
Good Luck
CJS
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I think we all undertand the "fees" portion of the out the door price. But then sometimes there is a dealer mark-up. Happens when demand outstrips the supply.
Seen it more than a few times. First time was the $1000.00 mark up on the Honda Accord, when first released.
Stig
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I think we all undertand the "fees" portion of the out the door price. But then sometimes there is a dealer mark-up. Happens when demand outstrips the supply.
Seen it more than a few times. First time was the $1000.00 mark up on the Honda Accord, when first released.
Stig
It's always hard to justify buying "new" models, for this exact reason. I think the Ford Bronco is really cool. And not that I was actually planning to buy one, but do you really think anyone is going to get a great deal on one when they finally arrive in showrooms this summer? Not a chance! Best to wait a couple years on a lot of these cool toys if you're looking for reasonable pricing. Let the folks who just have to be the first kid on the block to have (insert your dream machine here) pay the premiums. Of course, that's just my opinion, and I enjoy the deal almost as much as I do the purchase. If you've got the money and want it, who am I to tell you what to buy, or not buy? You really can't take it with you.
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If you've got the money and want it, who am I to tell you what to buy, or not buy? You really can't take it with you.
Not a bad maxim by which to live! For all that, like you, even if I were a lottery winner, I'd still want the enjoyment of negotiating a discount :D
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Not a bad maxim by which to live! For all that, like you, even if I were a lottery winner, I'd still want the enjoyment of negotiating a discount :D
With the winning powerball ticket in my pocket - you negotiate - while I'll be riding off down the road on my new scooter! Not sure which it'll be - but it will be RED.
My late brother was in the car dealer business for 45 years. He retired as the manager of a mega-mall dealership.
He once found an "X" spray-painted under the hood of a new Civic he'd purchased for his daughter -- something to do with a disagreement over the pricing of its first service. When the smoke cleared - they placed a new Civic in the drive for his son.
The family always ran the planned car purchase, new or used, through my brother. He'd place a call - then report back with stuff like : "it's a good price now - and they're putting on a set of new Michelins."
Stig
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Your brother sounds like a useful bloke to know Tom.
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There's a guy in San Diego who bought one a couple of month's ago: https://advrider.com/f/threads/ak550-super-touring.1484423/ (https://advrider.com/f/threads/ak550-super-touring.1484423/)
More info on this thread: https://advrider.com/f/threads/kymco-ak550-in-the-usa-for-2021.1470001/ (https://advrider.com/f/threads/kymco-ak550-in-the-usa-for-2021.1470001/)
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@Neil[...the enjoyment of negotiating a discount]
🤣my wife (best of all) is lately calling this feature in MY nature " Greed of Age"...
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Bit like the EU over the AZ vaccine?... oo bit controversial there!
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I am a Bike Junkie it is my drug and it is expensive . I went to a local dealer and out the door it is $10,200. and that includes everything so it is on my Short list .
I ran into a $12000. dirt bike that is in my stable so the new scooter will need an OK from God . Better known to some as your wife !
A 2020 BMW came up on Craigs list today for less than a new 550 and that is on the list also . No matter what it is an investment so good luck and get the best deal !