This review is a 2/5 because of the consistent misleading information, wasting of my time + miles due to misleading information, terrible markups, and the pressure & general attitude of Daniel. It's *not* a 1/5 only because of Devin.
I was looking for a 2024 Ninja 500 ABS, which they had in stock on their website. After calling, Devin instructed the Ninja was sold several days prior and was no longer available. Fine. Instead, Devin told me about sales on a CFMOTO 450SS, MSRP $5,699, on sale for $5,399. I asked about demo/test rides, as the Kawasaki manufacturer's website lists their location as one with these criteria. Devin said no to new bikes (not without purchasing + insurance), but used bikes could be demoed with only an adequate m-endorsement license and gear, and that he'd be happy to let me demo a used bike to feel what'd be comparable to the sport bike I want. I then asked for the OTD price and was told $7500 over the phone.
I told Devin "Thank you" for his time, as my price is no more than tax + maybe $5-800 in dealer fees. A $2200 markup is insanity. Devin told me he'd see what he could do, and a few minutes later, I received a call back from Daniel, the manager. Daniel yaps his mouth quickly and comes off condescending. He asked me what it was I expected to pay, reminding me it was a new motorcycle, and I would be paying appropriate prices. I let Daniel know my intention of paying sub $7000 OTD on a $5300 bike, and he told me if I could come in today and check out the bike, he'd be willing to make a deal more in line with my expectations. Great! I set aside time from work, re-texted Devin to verify test-drive requirements, brought my gear, and drove up to Grapevine to get a test drive on a comparable bike and check out the CFMOTO 450SS.
On getting there, Daniel greeted me and directed me to Devin. Devin spent about 30m answering any of my questions and selling me on getting the CFMOTO 450SS. However, I might mention he stated some misleading information to sell me on it. After, I sat down and spoke with Devin about getting that test ride. He began to answer, then said, "Oh! I forgot to ask: when did you get your m-endorsement?" I told him I'd gotten it last June, to which he thought for a moment and said instead of a test ride around the block, he'd have to keep me constrained to a parking lot. That's reasonable.
Then Daniel sits down and says, "OK! Lets make a deal." I asked him to draw me up a price, and he just wrote on a sticky note, "5399+ TAX+FEES = $7500," and said, "This is what I'm at right now." I ask him where he's getting his fees from and tell him I'm not paying $2200 in excess prices. Daniel tells me they remain competitive with any dealer around, and that he has to pay for shipment, freight, and assembly (all they do is fill it up and put a battery in it + inspection -_-) and rattles off all these other 'oh, give me sympathy' excuses that he has to pay for to sell me the bike. Nevermind that he'd told me OTP I'd be able to work with him on the pricing, not take time out of my day to make an hour drive just to be told the same godforsaken price when the 2025 models are just a month or two around the corner. Their dealer had plenty of 24's to sell.
I said, "Fine, but if I wanted to do that test drive around the parking lot?" and Daniel blinked at me and answered nonchalantly, "Sure! Let me get that credit app on your phone, we can do the paperwork, and lets get you on one of our bikes!" Meanwhile, Devin -standing behind Daniel- looks apologetic and shakes his head, knowing I'd been told I could test their used bikes without going through this BS. I clarify with Daniel that I meant their *used* bikes, and he looked at me and said, "since we don't have any way to verify that you won't, you know, drop or damage the bike, we can't let you test drive ANY bike without that information to hold you accountable."
Now, I've been given the run around on the price after incessant calls and talking to both Daniel + Devin. I've wasted time I could've spent working to visit their dealer because of the misleading info I'd been told. And to put the final nail in the coffin, Daniel smiled at me and said I'd need 10 years of experience before he let me on their bikes. Every reason I'd had to visit their location was pissed away right there.
I might add, throughout the interaction with Daniel, there was consistent pressure to put down a $500 non-refundable deposit, and was repeatedly told he was unwilling to make any deal on other bikes (e.g., Ninja 500).
Devin was fine, and honestly a very friendly guy. I get the feeling it was Daniel's decision to not let me test ride, as well as screwing me around with the price. Daniel straight up refused to draw up any formal quote or buyer's order so I could see where his ridiculous prices were coming from. read more