Dealership Rant
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 5
From: Coweta, Oklahoma
When buying used it really is buyer beware, that's why I try to buy new whenever possible. I did buy my boat used and it is a cream puff so I guess I was lucky. Nice looking scoot however and hope you ride safely and enjoy.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Timbuktu
I don't agree that you should be ranting at the dealer over this. "Gone over with a fine tooth comb", are you kidding? Could they afford to spend the labor to do that and remain in business? Even if they did, I'm not sure they could have anticipated your tires would cup.
When I bought my used Dyna from an independent, I found out on the ride home that the front brake light switch didn't work, which was somewhat dangerous in the heavy traffic. But I didn't even bother returning to ask them to repair it because I knew they wouldn't have the part in stock. I went the next day to the local dealership, bought the manuals and $50 in parts to fix it myself. I worked a fair trade-in so I was and remain satisfied about the transaction. In fact, I'll be returning to that independent to buy my next motorcycle.
Regarding your Sporty, I think we've all been there. Sporty's are the most traded in Harley, if not the most traded in bike from any brand. And accessories are not worth anything in resale. On my last three bikes, the only money I'ver lost while trading was on accessories. Unfortunately, the money most of us spend on Harley accessories is substantial.
Enjoy the new bike, I prefer my current FXDL to the XL1200R I owned a few years ago.
When I bought my used Dyna from an independent, I found out on the ride home that the front brake light switch didn't work, which was somewhat dangerous in the heavy traffic. But I didn't even bother returning to ask them to repair it because I knew they wouldn't have the part in stock. I went the next day to the local dealership, bought the manuals and $50 in parts to fix it myself. I worked a fair trade-in so I was and remain satisfied about the transaction. In fact, I'll be returning to that independent to buy my next motorcycle.
Regarding your Sporty, I think we've all been there. Sporty's are the most traded in Harley, if not the most traded in bike from any brand. And accessories are not worth anything in resale. On my last three bikes, the only money I'ver lost while trading was on accessories. Unfortunately, the money most of us spend on Harley accessories is substantial.
Enjoy the new bike, I prefer my current FXDL to the XL1200R I owned a few years ago.
If you calculate what the stealership steals somebody's trade in for, and what they sell it for, they have plenty of room to fix the problems and stay in business while enjoying huge gross profits.
The OP has been victimized by the classic STEALership "business model". By low, invest little, sell next to new prices.
They could of put in 2 bolts and a set of tires and still made buku bucks... Instead, they forwarded the used bike inspection/repairs on to the new owner, and is stealing money out of his wallet.
I remember demoing a used bike, the back rest rattled so bad because there were bolts cross threaded stripped, missing and rusted holding it on.. What did the salesman say? "Oh don't worry, it's just a back rest that's loose". The best thing that could happen, is that the "HD tech" monkeys could be given torque wrenches and all power tools taken Away. There would be a lot less problems and hackery.
They don't call them STEALERSHIPS for nothing.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 678
Likes: 15
From: OHIO
Boy you sure are naive..
If you calculate what the stealership steals somebody's trade in for, and what they sell it for, they have plenty of room to fix the problems and stay in business while enjoying huge gross profits.
The OP has been victimized by the classic STEALership "business model". By low, invest little, sell next to new prices.
They could of put in 2 bolts and a set of tires and still made buku bucks... Instead, they forwarded the used bike inspection/repairs on to the new owner, and is stealing money out of his wallet.
I remember demoing a used bike, the back rest rattled so bad because there were bolts cross threaded stripped, missing and rusted holding it on.. What did the salesman say? "Oh don't worry, it's just a back rest that's loose". The best thing that could happen, is that the "HD tech" monkeys could be given torque wrenches and all power tools taken Away. There would be a lot less problems and hackery.
They don't call them STEALERSHIPS for nothing.
If you calculate what the stealership steals somebody's trade in for, and what they sell it for, they have plenty of room to fix the problems and stay in business while enjoying huge gross profits.
The OP has been victimized by the classic STEALership "business model". By low, invest little, sell next to new prices.
They could of put in 2 bolts and a set of tires and still made buku bucks... Instead, they forwarded the used bike inspection/repairs on to the new owner, and is stealing money out of his wallet.
I remember demoing a used bike, the back rest rattled so bad because there were bolts cross threaded stripped, missing and rusted holding it on.. What did the salesman say? "Oh don't worry, it's just a back rest that's loose". The best thing that could happen, is that the "HD tech" monkeys could be given torque wrenches and all power tools taken Away. There would be a lot less problems and hackery.
They don't call them STEALERSHIPS for nothing.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 539
Likes: 5
From: Harleyland, USA
As far as I'm aware, nobody has even stolen anyone's trade, ever. Values of used bikes are readily found on KBB or many other websites. And you can ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS walk away from a deal! You certainly can make made more money selling a bike on ebay or craigslist. But nowadays nobody wants to put in that amount of effort. You'd rather complain that you were screwed by the big, bad dealership. Grow up and take some responsibility for your impetuous decisions fueled by the "gotta have it now" emotion!
I don't usually defend dealerships since I learned 40+ years ago not to trust their mechanics and thereafter have done all my own mechanical work on bikes since then. However, a motorcycle dealership is a BUSINESS, not a charity setup to protect people who don't understand mechanical devices. Either you expect to deal with minor problems on a used bike or you pay extra $$ to buy a "certified" used bike with a warranty. Myself, I'd rather save up front and trust my own mechanical aptitude and acumen.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
I am two pages into this and I am still not sure what you're whining about.Your complaint really sounds more like a case of buyer's remorse than anything else...as does a lot of others here...just say'n
I have purchased a lot of both new and used vehicles from private sellers, used dealers, and dealerships over my lifetime. I have had bad transactions and good transactions, and some that just went south through no fault of anyone. I have bought good and bad vehicles new and used from dealers, good and bad used vehicles from individuals, but hands-down, more of those purchases that I completed at an authorized dealer have turned out to be the better deals in the long run than any vehicle I ever purchased from a private seller...that is probably why I will usually go to an authorized dealer first before buying from an individual.
Also, a private seller is not obligated to tell you squat about the vehicle and sales are usually final with little legal recourse...and most private sellers really do not GAF because they are not in the business to sell vehicles...a dealership, on the other hand, depends on sales, and getting a rep for selling crap is not in their best interest...and if it does happen that a buyer gets a lemon, it is the RARE factory authorized dealer that will not deal with it fairly and reasonably...
I have purchased a lot of both new and used vehicles from private sellers, used dealers, and dealerships over my lifetime. I have had bad transactions and good transactions, and some that just went south through no fault of anyone. I have bought good and bad vehicles new and used from dealers, good and bad used vehicles from individuals, but hands-down, more of those purchases that I completed at an authorized dealer have turned out to be the better deals in the long run than any vehicle I ever purchased from a private seller...that is probably why I will usually go to an authorized dealer first before buying from an individual.
Also, a private seller is not obligated to tell you squat about the vehicle and sales are usually final with little legal recourse...and most private sellers really do not GAF because they are not in the business to sell vehicles...a dealership, on the other hand, depends on sales, and getting a rep for selling crap is not in their best interest...and if it does happen that a buyer gets a lemon, it is the RARE factory authorized dealer that will not deal with it fairly and reasonably...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 127
From: Chandler, Arizona
You guys that think the dealership should be an extension of the welfare system need to get a clue. They are a business. They exist to make money. Lots of it. Know this going in. If you don't like the business model, bring your dollars elsewhere.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,465
Likes: 6,330
From: pacific northwest
I am not a business man, however next time you are in a dealership, look at the building, inventory, employees that must be payed for, also they have electricity, water and gas bills, taxes, and think about the business of selling motorcycles, LIABILITY INSURANCE, due to our country is full of ambulance chasing parasite attorneys looking for any means trying to extract any profit the may make. not saying that there are not some bad apples out there, but one need not be a business man to see that there are a lot of operating costs that have to be recovered. last thing whenever purchasing a used vehicle, especially if one is not very mechanic inclined, have a competent mechanic check it out for you before making the purchase.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 141
Likes: 11
From: Maine
So, what ARE the other '07 issues? IDK that I've had any issue, except perhaps the heavy shift into first. (Sorry to hijack the thread).