I've always wanted to ride a piece of American history. Harley Davidson has great bikes. Although, everyone has an opinion of what motorcycle is the best to own my preference is HD. I could have owned a less expensive bike like a import but I would have been embarrassed to ride it. That's just me and it's not a personal attack. To each their own.

My first stop was Dallas Harley Davidson. The salesperson was knowledgeable and courteous. He answered every question that I had. I asked what deposit would be required to begin the build and they shot me a number. I agreed. They lost the deal when the sales manager, not the salesperson, asked for more after I didn't haggle on the first deposit amount. Greedy bastards.

A friend bought his bike from HD of North Texas so I thought I would give them a shot. The salesperson (Mike) knew that my funds would not be available for several weeks. He still worked with me like I was buying a bike that day. They also informed me that the 2012s were coming out the following week and I may want to wait for them. It was rumored to have the 103 cu in motor instead of the 96. What a great suggestion from a salesperson that could have sold the 2011 to me without even metioning the new bikes.

After several weeks of adding and subtracting parts and accesories I was ready to get started. The new bikes were out and Mike made sure to have one ready for me to ride. I rode the bike, they trucked my bike in from the sister store, uncrated it and I made the deposit right then.





I told the guys that I wanted to see progress pics and they didn't disappoint...







There were some gotchas. The back wheel is on backorder so I elected to keep the stock spokes till it arrives. Also, HD changed the O2 sensor. The V&H 2-in-2 pipes wouldn't work. There is an adapter but it'll be another week or two before we get it.

That's cool. That's the consequences of getting a 2012 right out of the chute. Here is a pic of the bike minus the wheels and pipes.



What a cool experience. Can't wait to ride for a few months then get started on motor work.

 

cool man!

 

Thanks LarryLives...

 

Nice bike and good story. I have to admit I really like the way the stock pipes look on your WG. Hope the V&H look as nice. Kind of cool seeing it out of the crate like that.

 

Truth be told, the pipes don't sound that bad. They are very quiet until you hammer down. Then they provide a deep base. I guess I just "like it loud". Wait, is that a song from an 80's hair band?

 

Hey congrats and welcome. Yea the exhaust was the 1st thing to go. It really needed to sound like a harley not a honda. Good luck with everything and keep the mods comming.

 

Hey pontiac69, how do you like your mustang seat? I was thinking of a LePera.

 

Nice bike. But I'd be a little worried about assembly by a tech that has a flag over his head!

 

Good post....gotta be careful, some of these dealerships and sales staff are really crooked bastards...

~Joe

 

It's the small stuff that you have to watch out for. They just don't come out and say, "Hey, we're going to stick it to you". Most of the time I had to ask them about items they were leaving off until the last minute. Like when I asked for 16" Apes they didn't include the risers. Well, after the build they damn sure would have added them to the price.