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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,144
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
There are some good dealerships out there, but they do seem to be in the minority these days.
FWIW.....
I find most HD dealers have split personalities between sales, service, parts, and motor clothes.
Some have good service, but shady sales, or good sales, but shady parts counters, and every combo in between...
I have one with great parts guys, but they play stupid games in their sales dept.
The closest dealer to me has a couple good service techs, but high labor rates make the smallest job expensive. Too expensive for me NOT to do my own work. They also happen to be the crooks that charge 10% over the Harley WEB site MSRP on all parts...
Then there's the one dealer in my area that is a complete joke in all phases... You couldn't pay me to just to walk into their dealership...
I believe most people giving dealers kudos are well deserved, and I take note of the names for future reference. I also believe many of the horror stories and "bad mouthing" are well deserved...
My experiences have taught me to value and support any good dealers I may find. I also completely understand why many bad mouth dealers, and I avoid more than a few around here.
FWIW.....
I find most HD dealers have split personalities between sales, service, parts, and motor clothes.
Some have good service, but shady sales, or good sales, but shady parts counters, and every combo in between...
I have one with great parts guys, but they play stupid games in their sales dept.
The closest dealer to me has a couple good service techs, but high labor rates make the smallest job expensive. Too expensive for me NOT to do my own work. They also happen to be the crooks that charge 10% over the Harley WEB site MSRP on all parts...
Then there's the one dealer in my area that is a complete joke in all phases... You couldn't pay me to just to walk into their dealership...
I believe most people giving dealers kudos are well deserved, and I take note of the names for future reference. I also believe many of the horror stories and "bad mouthing" are well deserved...
My experiences have taught me to value and support any good dealers I may find. I also completely understand why many bad mouth dealers, and I avoid more than a few around here.
Last edited by hattitude; Feb 22, 2026 at 09:13 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 938
From: Lincolnshire, IL
Well said!
I'm "fortunate" to have 3 HD dealers within a fairly small radius. But I ONLY patronize ONE of them. It happens to be a family owned dealership, not a corporate owned one of many that's celebrating their 95th year in business. To me they've been very nice to purchase from and do my service with. Their service estimates/quotes are accurate and I've never had to return a second time for any work they've done.
Are they "entitled" to make a fair profit "yes" just as I am entitled to use any shop I choose. I would never pay above list for any parts nor do they ever charge me above list. Being treated well (even when I just stop by with no intention to buy anything) goes a long way with me.
Sorry i'm not "ragging" on that dealership.....lol
I'm "fortunate" to have 3 HD dealers within a fairly small radius. But I ONLY patronize ONE of them. It happens to be a family owned dealership, not a corporate owned one of many that's celebrating their 95th year in business. To me they've been very nice to purchase from and do my service with. Their service estimates/quotes are accurate and I've never had to return a second time for any work they've done.
Are they "entitled" to make a fair profit "yes" just as I am entitled to use any shop I choose. I would never pay above list for any parts nor do they ever charge me above list. Being treated well (even when I just stop by with no intention to buy anything) goes a long way with me.
Sorry i'm not "ragging" on that dealership.....lol
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