I’ve never called them that, but the last time I asked, maybe 18 months ago the Raleigh dealer quoted around $575 for routine service, the Fayetteville dealer quoted about $350 (where I used to go), and the indy close by maybe $150-200. They’d install and balance two tires on rims for $30. I’d pay them $60.

Now NCDOT is putting a road through their shop and kicked them out. Eminent domain. Sad for the little guys. They had a loyal following and would work on anything. Pan, shovel, evo, M8. Even metrics.

 

I’ve never gone to an Indy because I trust the guys, and have had exemplary service form my dealer

 

Been very pleased with HD Madison....and the other dealerships I have hit in Wisco have always impressed me...

 

That's fine, but when the "Guys" you trust never stick around long enough to develop a relationship with the customer(for whatever reason) it becomes an issue and
a good reason to go to an independent mechanic.

 

Stealership is a complement I wouldn't pay them.

I haven't set foot in one for over 20 years. The bike I was riding then, several different DEALERSHIPS refused to work on it because it was over 10 years old.

Done with me? Fine, I'm done with you too.

 

I think the difference between dealers that have good service departments and ones that dont is high turnover. My dealer has a pretty good service crew that is relatively stable, the other dealer where I've bought bikes has turned over almost everyone in their service dept in the past 2 years.

 

I've called a few places Stealerships.

One said that my H-D tachometer that I purchased at that dealership for my then new Fat Boy that I purchased at that dealership and had installed at that dealership that went FUBAR after only a few months was not covered under the one-year accessory warranty because ... [drum roll please] I did the 5,000 mile service myself and did not let them perform that $ervice. It eventually got sorted out - but not without them trying to screw me.

Then there was the pitted fork lowers on my new Low Rider after a few month at another Stealership. They said that they would replace them under warranty but I would have to pay for the upgrade to chrome - to which I readily agreed. Way before COVID and supply chain issues they kept saying that they were waiting for parts and that chrome fork lowers were on national back-order. A quick internet search of authorized H-D dealerships immediately revealed the part(s) in-stock and ready to ship at multiple dealerships. When I approached the GM of the Stealership with this information somehow, miraculously, they were able to get the parts in the following week.

There was also yet another Stealership that negotiated a OUT THE DOOR price for a Road Glide - that I did eventually purchase from that Stealership 500 miles from my home. They knew that I was 500 miles away and event though we had emailled express written agreement(s) of the OTD price inclusive of ALL fees and they tried and tried and tried to get me for a couple thousand (IIRC) in fees. Only when I told them (truthfully) that I rode my Road King 500 miles to my buddy's house (who would be hauling it to Daytona for me) and if I didn't get the deal we agreed to that I would just take my bank check (which I showed them) and go back home .... on my trust old Road King that I rode there. It took hours and this one talking to that one and calling the main office and BS like that - but in the end they got what we agreed to and I rode off - never to return.

I'm sure there's good dealerships that perform fair work at fair prices but, truth be told, I've done better with Indy shops ... if you find the right one. There's good and bad in every industry and sector.

 

Never been back to the dealer EVER for service, I had a friend that was an INDY and he took great care of my bikes until he closed.

Right about the time he closed his shop I moved my bikes to Florida.

I was trading him labor for use of one of my houses in FL, and he ended up buying his own house right around the corner from me.

And his garage was too small for his lift.... so guess where his lift is...... yep in my garage....

The suck part is my parts supply from Drag went away when he closed his dealer account, but there is a shop up the road ( Performance 41 ) that gives me a good deal on parts.... we just call them up and give them part numbers and quantities and when the order comes in they call me.

I have the cables and software for my Snap On scanner to do basic HD functions if I need them on my 2013, my 03 has a Thundermax so it never needs a thing.

I will need tires for the 13 when I get back in the fall, I'll order them from Performance 41 and bring them the wheels to M&B them. I have 2 scissors jacks so I can pop both wheels off at once as long as I strap it down correctly.

My problem is.... and the guys in SW Florida may back me up here, is the closest dealer is Rockstar HD, formerly known as 6 Bends HD, formerly known as Fort Myers HD.... they change owners and names faster than I change wives. I feel like I need a bunch of STD shots when ever I go there...

The alternative is Bert's HD up the road the other way... nice enough place.... if I need parts I go there even though it is further away, hopefully I will never need dealer service.

 

I've only been in the Rockstar dealership once and agree with the STD shots. When I mentioned to a "salesman" that I ride an EVO RoadKing he starts telling me he rides a '96 Softail with an M8 in it. Not saying it can't be done, but it's not probable.

There is an Indy in Venice, Weston Davern Chop Shop, that I've only dealt with on mounting and balancing tires but has an excellent reputation.

 

I pick my battles, it all depends on what needs to be done. I know what limits I, My Indy both have and when it’s time to take it to the dealer. I research the hell out of a problem then decide who gets to touch it.