Why is it that every time I go to my local dealer I have to pay for the parts and wait 3-4 days for it to come in? Needed 2 copper washers to assemble my blacked out fork lowers and they have to "bring them in?". Anyone else deal with this?

 

It's happened to me a couple of times, but it's never been a problem. I imagine it depends on how often the part is needed and how much storage space the dealer has.

 

That and perhaps your state has an inventory tax, so everything on the shelf costs them more $$$. Colorado does.
But I can guarantee that those parts are in the service dept. and a good parts man would've grabbed a couple for you. Has been done for me.

 

That was my first thought "how is their service dept changing out lowers without a .94 cent washer?"

 

One of HD's greatest advantages over the competition is parts availability. I would hate to see that change. You go on a trip and something breaks you don't want to be sitting waiting for four days.

 

I've actually been impressed at what my local HD dealer carries in stock. Although I haven't tested them with anything obscure.

 

The service department stocks all the parts that they need for regular service. Those parts are not available to the general public.

 

My dealership stocks thousands of jackets,t-shirts,sweatshirts...You never know when you"ll have an emergency and need a leather jacket.

 

Will you find one in your size or would it have to be ordered when you need it?

 

Many inventories are "computer controlled" based on previous sales ... If it's a "mover" chances are they have it in stock ... Something that sells slowly is likely to be "on it's way" after the last one was sold ... It's just how it is ... Inventory costs money and even the low cost parts add up in a hurry. Miscellaneous hardware can ( and usually is ) available at most general hardware stores.