If the group is truly interested in a group buy, I can help you out but there are a few things to know.
The only hitch I've seen worth putting on the ST is from Classic Industries in Australia. It mounts easily and is sturdy enough to handle the little pop-up camper I pull. It's not a receiver hitch (removable ball), but only requires four bolts, so if you are a fashionista, you can unbolt it easily enough when not towing.
The FJR forum approached me about doing a group buy. The bad news: There is no substantial savings on a group buy. Often, a big part of the savings in a group buy comes by buying and shipping in bulk. This is particularly true of the Aussie hitches since air postage is about $125/hitch.
Steve Kitney (Classic Ind owner) doesn't care to ship in bulk because he's had too many bad experiences with damaged goods. I can understand that and I'm not sure I'd do it either.
The other part of a group buy discount usually comes from getting a better margin on volume purchases. As a Classic Ind dealer, I get a modest discount per hitch, no matter the volume. It's about half the margin you get on stuff like lights and riding gear because (I know you've heard this before) hitches are not a high volume business.
If any one on the forum would like to order an ST hitch, I'd be happy to give you some of my margin as a fellow rider who shows good taste by riding an ST. ($420 vs. $445) You'd save about $25. Just say you're an ST-Owners forum member. If you are in the market for a trailer (I handle several that tow well behind an ST) and you buy them together, I can do a lot better on the hitch.
I don't want to step beyond the bounds of forum etiquette, so if you have a further interest, contact me offline (dale@openroadoutfitters.com).
Oh, and if you know of another manufacturer who makes decent hitches for all model year ST's who'd be willing to work with a dealer on a group buy, let me know.
Regards,
d.
