and apparently gets a slice out of both ends of the equation by underpaying his employees??

If you were charged more than $250.00 inbound freight for each motorcycle, than the dealer made his tip, big time. If he charged you more than $150.00 prep, then the dealer made his tip, big time. You will also be charged a sales tax on the bikes, which will add up to about a $1000.00 so you have also tipped the state you bought the bikes in.

I never tip dealers. If I like them I give them more of my business.

Out here in the Inland Empire these cutthroat dealers are actually charging $950.00 transportation and $350.00 prep for new bikes. That's $800.00 off the top profit besides what the motorcycles profit was.

I like the cake idea. You can have a cake made at some grocery store or a bakery for not a whole lot of money and it still shows your appreciation.