Now, I've aways been a Suzuki fan, but the EX500 (for me) has always been a far superior bike to the GS.  The EX's have been better performaers than all my GS's, but its time for a change.

I love the hafl-liter twins, but I spend most of my ride-time on a TL1000 these days.  I have a highly tuned EX500 kept around for my girl to learn on...ohlins reworked CBR suspension front and back, ported head, aggressive cams, huge custom exhaust...etc...70rwhp on tap.  She doesn't really like it, though.  It's not pretty and it's not the best bike for a beginner and she's fallen in love with the GS500F.  Despite where I feel the bike lacks, the GS500F has been a growing fascination with me since it was introduced...probably the BEST route Suzuki could have taken with their lightweight.

I have no interest in racing the half liters anymore, or trying to tweak everything out of them.  I just want a good, light and easy bike to keep around, and I have to say that the F is far prettier to look at than the EX.  I personally have my eyes set on a K5...even though I'm going to cry when I see my TL go.  So I was seriously considering going and picking up a K5 and an F.  My budget is $15,000 and I know I could get them both for that, but I want to stay as far under it as possible.

So, what I'd like to know from you guys, is what should I walk in ofering for a new GS500F without being offensive?  Keep in mind that the salesman will be selling two bikes to me.  What did you guys get them for out the door?  Anyone beat $5000?

Quote from: makenzie71So, what I'd like to know from you guys, is what should I walk in ofering for a new GS500F without being offensive?  Keep in mind that the salesman will be selling two bikes to me.  What did you guys get them for out the door?  Anyone beat $5000?

Don't worry about being offensive.  It's his/her job to be lowballed.
I bought my Fs as closeouts from the previous model year, so yes, I beat $5K OTD.  New, well, insist on that and see if you can pull it off.  

I know most dealers don't get much leeway on bikes, not even a dealer holdback like in auto dealers.  Your best bet would be for discounts on gear.  If you already have gear, it might be good to let them know that up front and maybe you can push for $5000 (+plus tax/license/fees).  OTD on brand new 06's (unless it's a huuuuge inventory), isn't too likely to happen.  Although, buying two and paying cash for it might be enough to suade the dealer.

But, hey...the answer's always no if you don't ask.

Thanks for the reply roadstergal!

I got my GS out the door for under $5k when I bought mine new - it was like $48xx or $49xx, but I bought the 2004 model in (June? July?) of 2004. The list price is higher as each year goes up, obviously. Check the official suzuki site and you will see  

well I'm really looking for a 2004...that's the blue/white scheme that she likes the most...so I'm sure if I can find one I'll be able to get it for closer to $4k.  I'm just wondering what you guys are picking them up for now.

As I've been posting else where, I may just trade my TLS for one, and buy the K5 by it's self.

I got mine used and slightly rashed OTD for about $3100 or so. The list price on it was $3500, and my salesman cut it down to about $2600 because my dad knew the guy. Dealer fees and TTL and other stuff brought it up to my OTD cost.

I guess I was insanely lucky?

Quote from: AlphaFire X5I got mine used and slightly rashed OTD for about $3100 or so. The list price on it was $3500, and my salesman cut it down to about $2600 because my dad knew the guy. Dealer fees and TTL and other stuff brought it up to my OTD cost.

I guess I was insanely lucky?

For getting the EXACT bike I'm looking for for $3100?  Yeah... :x  

They had two of them, too. You missed out. I'll keep an eye out at the dealer here if you want to drive down (or fly down/ride back up)

Quote from: AlphaFire X5They had two of them, too. You missed out. I'll keep an eye out at the dealer here if you want to drive down (or fly down/ride back up)

Meh...it's really got to a straight up trade or I'll just buy from a local dealer...or the one in lubbock...that's as local as it gets to me...lol.  If I can't trade my TLS outright for one there's not really much reason in not financing a new GS...it's just another $85 a month.

I picked my 05' GS500F for $4999 Canadian at the dealership brand new off the showroom floor with 7kms on it.

Quote from: monopolyI picked my 05' GS500F for $4999 Canadian at the dealership brand new off the showroom floor with 7kms on it.

wow...$4200 US is pretty nice...

~wait, out the door or sticker?

Quote from: makenzie71

Quote from: monopolyI picked my 05' GS500F for $4999 Canadian at the dealership brand new off the showroom floor with 7kms on it.

wow...$4200 US is pretty nice...

~wait, out the door or sticker?

That would be sticker my friend! sorry should of posted out the door was around 6k Cdn...I looked around quite a bit and it was the best price I could find new.

that's still a bit under msrp so it's still interesting to me.

...just to point out, anyone reading this, I am considering trading my TL1000S for a blue/white GS500F.

Quote from: monopolyI picked my 05' GS500F for $4999 Canadian at the dealership brand new off the showroom floor with 7kms on it.

Yeah nice price. I got my 04 F out the door for 6700 or so - can't remember exactly, but it was certainly higher than 5000.[/b]

the story on my purchase '05 bought this past Sept:

Went to dealer A the weekend before i completed the MSR course, told him I will be back in a week and really wanted the bike. Sticker price was $4800.
The next weekend (Sat) he told me he sold it Friday. )@($*!.. he said he could get another one but would have to pick it up and it would be $4900.

So i go to dealer B. which is less than 30mi away, thinking this is were hes probably going to go and charge me an extra $100 to get it.  Dealer B has it for $4800. and I tell him my story, and that i need the bike w/ tax and tags PLUS two helmets for 5k or less OTD. Turns out this is where Dealer A was going to get the bike for me, and since B wanted the sale he gave me what i asked no prob. - The Bike, two Fulmer ASF1 helmets, all taxes and tags for 5K even. thats about $4400 sticker price.

Got my 04F new w/3mi from the dealer 4300 (or 4400) sticker, $4788 OTD. Of course, I got it 6 months ago and they still had another one a month ago. (Orange County Motorsports).

Got my 04 F slight used with 230 miles on it. Someone had bought it and then brought it back because it was too slow. I got the bike, gloves, and First Gear Jacket for $5K plus tax which came to about $5530. I also have an extended warranty for like 3 years that was already on the bike.

I paid whatever the MSRP is, plus setup, inspection, and whatever other mystery fees they tacked on to it.  Eventually added tax, tags, and title (those are paid at the registry).  Turned out to be under $6K, but not by a whole lot.  I got 10% off any gear I bought that weekend.  

I'm sure I got fleeced, but I was more interested in getting the deal done before my wife changed her mind than dickering over the price.

well, i'm on the other side of this bell curve

i purchased my '04f in april '05 for $5000 from the same dealer that sold me my '03 zrx

when he sold me the zrx i got a discount on gear but when i got the gsf - nothing but a big goose egg

:x

the only reason i went to that dealer is b/c it's on the way home from work. i won't go back there when i get a sv650s  :nana: