Stealership?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
Stealership?
Since I bought my first Harley and joined this forum Ive seen many references to stealerships, and members singing the praises of independents.
Over the years Ive used both, because I dont live near any dealers. I have to say that overall the dealers have done a better job. Most of the independents have told me something wasnt worth doing, and I had a dealer do it, and it was worth it.
I bought a 2012 FLHTK last summer. It had several problems, and the dealer near me, told me he couldnt get me in for 5 weeks. So hes dead to me.
Great River HD in Onalaska sent a trailer 90 miles, and got me in that week. I spent $3k fixing the bike up, but this summer I needed a compensator, so I had it done at a local indy, that every one raves about. I told him I would also like him to find out why I cant start the bike in gear, even with the clutch in, and he said it wasnt worth getting into the handlebars.
Today I had to be in La Crosse for a medical appointment, so I made an appointment at Great River. They had to adjust the safety switch, fixed it for one hour labor. Ill be using them from now in, except for emergencies.
I met the owner Brody, and he seems like a really squared away young man.
Over the years Ive used both, because I dont live near any dealers. I have to say that overall the dealers have done a better job. Most of the independents have told me something wasnt worth doing, and I had a dealer do it, and it was worth it.
I bought a 2012 FLHTK last summer. It had several problems, and the dealer near me, told me he couldnt get me in for 5 weeks. So hes dead to me.
Great River HD in Onalaska sent a trailer 90 miles, and got me in that week. I spent $3k fixing the bike up, but this summer I needed a compensator, so I had it done at a local indy, that every one raves about. I told him I would also like him to find out why I cant start the bike in gear, even with the clutch in, and he said it wasnt worth getting into the handlebars.
Today I had to be in La Crosse for a medical appointment, so I made an appointment at Great River. They had to adjust the safety switch, fixed it for one hour labor. Ill be using them from now in, except for emergencies.
I met the owner Brody, and he seems like a really squared away young man.
Popular Reply
Jul 20, 2022, 01:27 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,144
Likes: 6,166
From: SE Michigan
I find the term annoying, and also often used by the same people that post "I replaced my bars but now the bike won't start".
Whatever.
Whatever.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 3,608
Likes: 3,886
From: CO
I think it's a hit and miss, that's what I've had anyway. In recent years, I started to move away from me doing a lot of work since time has become more important and precious... I'll pay reasonable prices for good work.
I had a GREAT multi dealer in Katy, TX... they were the only guys I let touch my Honda's, I knew the shop manager and trusted him. When I moved to Colorado, I did all the maintenance on my Wing... tires, plugs, fluids, everything.
When I moved to the Kawasaki Concours 14, I found a good shop in Loveland, and they took care of me. Matched online tire pricing if I had them mount it, and I would let them do it sometimes if I was in a hurry, even though I had a NoMar at home to do the work myself. They replaced my front rotors 3 times when they warped under warranty, this was a known issue... called the mothership and got the work approved, no sweat! The owner was a old school guy, great to talk to.
With the HD, I have prepaid for most of the maintenance already. I do have a lift to do fluids, shocks, and stuff... but the shop manager at the dealer so far has been pretty good to me, and insightful.
I do have an indy up the road I'll be talking to about some engine work and new front suspension. I'll also talk to my liquor store guy... he has some good connections around town, and he'll probably have insight on who to talk to as well.
Find a place that works with you and for you... that's what I've been doing anyway.
I had a GREAT multi dealer in Katy, TX... they were the only guys I let touch my Honda's, I knew the shop manager and trusted him. When I moved to Colorado, I did all the maintenance on my Wing... tires, plugs, fluids, everything.
When I moved to the Kawasaki Concours 14, I found a good shop in Loveland, and they took care of me. Matched online tire pricing if I had them mount it, and I would let them do it sometimes if I was in a hurry, even though I had a NoMar at home to do the work myself. They replaced my front rotors 3 times when they warped under warranty, this was a known issue... called the mothership and got the work approved, no sweat! The owner was a old school guy, great to talk to.
With the HD, I have prepaid for most of the maintenance already. I do have a lift to do fluids, shocks, and stuff... but the shop manager at the dealer so far has been pretty good to me, and insightful.
I do have an indy up the road I'll be talking to about some engine work and new front suspension. I'll also talk to my liquor store guy... he has some good connections around town, and he'll probably have insight on who to talk to as well.
Find a place that works with you and for you... that's what I've been doing anyway.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,138
Likes: 9,542
From: central NC
I took my most recent bike to the dealership I bought it from for the first three services. Drove farther to get to them than the local dealer.
On the third service last fall I was also scheduled to have tires installed that they had in stock when I made the appointment five days earlier.
Arrived for service and now they had no tires. Okay, I get it. Supply chain issues that none of us could really have anticipated. They asked if I had paid for them in advance. I replied they hadnt asked me to.
I let it slide as I still had 5/32nds on my rear. I took a few in-state trips and was discovering how hard it was to find tires last fall. A metric racing buddy found some at a metric dealer three hours away. Dunlop AEs. Drove six hours round trip in the truck to get them.
Called the dealer to inquire how much to install on my rims. They said they wouldnt because I didnt buy them there. I explained what that they had done the month earlier. They sheepishly said it was their GMs policy. I asked if they even had tires in stock now. No.
I said, so your forcing me to find service elsewhere.
I didnt leave them. They left me.
Ft Bragg HD
edit to add: I sent a polite email to the dealer GM to whom the policy was attributed to, who ran two fairly large stores explaining the position it put me in as a heretofore loyal customer.
*crickets*
When I received a routine request for feedback from the moco about my recent dealer service experience I shared the same letter.
*crickets*
On the third service last fall I was also scheduled to have tires installed that they had in stock when I made the appointment five days earlier.
Arrived for service and now they had no tires. Okay, I get it. Supply chain issues that none of us could really have anticipated. They asked if I had paid for them in advance. I replied they hadnt asked me to.
I let it slide as I still had 5/32nds on my rear. I took a few in-state trips and was discovering how hard it was to find tires last fall. A metric racing buddy found some at a metric dealer three hours away. Dunlop AEs. Drove six hours round trip in the truck to get them.
Called the dealer to inquire how much to install on my rims. They said they wouldnt because I didnt buy them there. I explained what that they had done the month earlier. They sheepishly said it was their GMs policy. I asked if they even had tires in stock now. No.
I said, so your forcing me to find service elsewhere.
I didnt leave them. They left me.
Ft Bragg HD
edit to add: I sent a polite email to the dealer GM to whom the policy was attributed to, who ran two fairly large stores explaining the position it put me in as a heretofore loyal customer.
*crickets*
When I received a routine request for feedback from the moco about my recent dealer service experience I shared the same letter.
*crickets*
Last edited by gonemad; Jul 20, 2022 at 02:12 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Driftless Area
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 11,760
From: Omaha,NE
I get annoyed with the term simply because I come from an automotive dealership service background. Most people have no clue how expensive it is to run those operations. They aren't stealing anything; they are a for-profit business with rather narrow margins.
It never ceases to amaze me how someone can spend $30K on a toy and then complain about a $200 brake flush. Seriously.
It never ceases to amaze me how someone can spend $30K on a toy and then complain about a $200 brake flush. Seriously.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Driftless Area
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,960
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From: WI
I will ride down to Open Road every once and a while for service. I have had issues with Appleton HD, but for most everything I go to my indy Classic Cycle here by me. I've known him for along time and he's been in racing, HD Mechanic for years....Yadda Yadda. He knows his $hit. He's not cheaper then going to HD, but I'd rather give him my money and it's far more convenient. He really loves working on all the old model HD's.