Across the U.S., many dealerships are wrestling with unsold 2025 inventory. Even buzzworthy launches—electric cruisers, ADV tourers, naked sportbikes—have gone stale on showroom floors. High prices, lukewarm demand for certain features, and fierce competition are pushing heavy discounts and long sit times.
Below are five enthusiast-focused models dealers are most eager to deal on—each with MSRP, key specs, and why it’s sitting.
1) LiveWire ONE — Electric Standard (Harley-Davidson)
MSRP: ~$22,799
Specs: 146-mi range • 100 hp • 114 Nm • 562 lb • Electric standard/cruiser
Why it’s sitting:
Launched to glowing reviews, but real buyers didn’t follow. Q1 2025 reportedly saw just 33 units sold (-72% YoY). Shoppers balk at the price, the lack of engine sound, and charging logistics. With LiveWire operating at a loss and traditional cruiser fans unconvinced, dealers are cutting prices hard to clear stock.
2) Zero SR/F Z-Force 17.3 — Electric Standard (Zero Motorcycles)
MSRP: ~$20,495
Specs: 113 hp • 190 Nm • ~176-mi range • ~500 lb wet
Why it’s sitting:
Sharp performance and styling, but adoption lags. Concerns over infrastructure, range anxiety, and charge times persist—especially at >$20k where compelling ICE options abound. Expect rebates and deep discounts on 2023–2025 bikes as dealers try to move this electric streetfighter.
3) KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO — Naked Sport (KTM)
MSRP: ~$21,499
Specs: 1,301 cc V-twin • ~188 hp • ~145 Nm • ~437 lb curb
Why it’s sitting:
A ferocious, electronics-rich flagship streetfighter—but the market is value-sensitive in 2025. With a $21k+ tag and uncompromising nature, even many enthusiasts are prioritizing practicality per dollar. Dealers report slow turns without serious markdowns, despite the bike’s undeniable capability.
4) Indian FTR 1200 / FTR Rally — Standard/Naked (Indian)
MSRP: ~$12,000–$14,000
Specs: 1,203 cc liquid-cooled V-twin • ~123 hp • ~118 Nm • ~430 lb curb
Why it’s sitting:
Flat-track vibes, naked-bike intent—but the FTR never found a clear identity between cruiser and sport. With Indian quietly sunsetting the line by late 2024, buyers read it as the brand moving on, leaving dealers with aging inventory. The result: steep discounts on a genuinely fun platform that struggled to sustain momentum.
5) Nightster Special (RH975S) — Standard (Harley-Davidson)
MSRP: ~$13,949
Specs: 975 cc Revolution Max V-twin • ~98 hp • 89 Nm • ~510 lb curb
Why it’s sitting:
Harley’s modernized entry roadster aimed at younger riders, but it’s stuck in the middle: not traditional enough for diehards, not compelling enough in price/performance for newcomers comparing Triumph or BMW. Inventory management tightened, yet showroom interest remains soft, pushing this model toward discount territory.
The Takeaway
In the 2025 U.S. market, hype hasn’t converted to sales for several high-spec machines. Premium pricing, brand/model identity gaps, and strong rivals have turned these bikes into showroom lingerers—and that means opportunity for buyers. If one of these speaks to you, expect aggressive deals, incentives, and rebates as dealers work to clear space.
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