Wilsons Sandbox

I'm getting a little offended that you KORGS, BORGs, and FNGs don't like the color of my motorcycle! A-14/O D Green. Harry Thames South Carolina

Nobody has mentioned where they are from and I think prices can very greatly in deferent parts of the country. I live in Western WA. and plan on buying my KLR650 next spring. I got two prices so far. $5200 and $5700 both are out the door. The $5200 price is from a dealer that I have bought two new bikes from and more than likely where I'll get the KLR. Charles

<< The $5200 price is from a dealer that I have bought two new bikes from and more than likely where I'll get the KLR. >> In that case, the dealer is screwing you. Shopping around elsewhere in the country could save you up to $850. My own dealer in Berkeley Springs, WV, is selling 'em for $4400, no prep or freight charges added. Pete the Streak

I really appreciate all the responses. As far as the area of the country - I'm in Santa Fe. I plan to make a run to Albuquerque to see if I can get a better deal. I prefer to keep my business local to support my community; however, unless the KLR has become REALLY popular recently and demand is exceeding the supply - I just feel that being firm on a full MSRP is just a little unreasonable? BTW, they are telling me this is $4999 (is that true on the 2001 - The latest Motorcyclist has it listed at $4899 but maybe that is a 2000?). I also don't understand this firm stance in the sense that I would be buying all my accessories and performing all my maintenance procedures at their shop. This is where I thought real profits were achieved? One thought maybe because it is Santa Fe. New Mexico is the poorest state in the union but Santa Fe is a bit of an anomaly as there are many monetary effluents here of which I am a distinct non-member. Anyway, the dance isn't finished - I told them I had to do some thinking and figure out finances - so maybe they will agree to come down some? Those of you that mentioned you got the price dropped to the $4500's - how did you do it? What did you say or do with the dealer to get them to go that low? I also appreciate the advice on looking at used - I may yet go that route but I have never bought a bike new before and feel that I would like to get a brand spanking new one with full warranty, perform the break-in myself and cry at my first scratch and dent, especially as I haven't had any kind of bike for soooo long. However, if the price is going to be firm and I really do like the colors on the '99 - maybe I better give it some more thought! Harry - Sorry, didn't mean to be slamming your bike! I just couldn't see myself on that bike as the color scheme gave me the distinct feeling that I would need a gun rack and be compelled to salute anyone in uniform. The 2001 is a little better in my opinion but I know that is why they make chocolate and vanilla because everyone has different likes and dislikes. I have a friend that just can't stand yellow but I just love a yellow Ducati; however, my friend just cringes. BTW, what is a KORGS, BORGs, and FNGs - Star Trek terms . Thanks again, Doug

Doug, just kidding about being offended (according to political correctness you can't offend a white Southerner). KORG and BORG are a couple of names for the KLR List riders. FNG is a military name for new members. I would have gotten a KLR in any color (the OD green doesn't show scratches and dents as much as the "look at me" colors). I'll bet the reason I only paid $4200 for my KLR is because it is so ugly. My red GoldWing only cost a couple of hundred more than a black one so you may be getting ripped off by the dealer just for the pretty paint. Now is a good time to start shopping for crash protection: hand guards, skid plates, radiator guards, etc... The dealer might be tempted into throwing in a few extras at cost. Harry Thames South Carolina