Your final sentence in this paragraph struck me as one of the biggest changes from pre- 1960’s to post 1980’s. Some many companies, brands we trusted made product for the working class. It was made in America, made well of good materials. In short, we got our money’s worth whether a craftsman wrench, whirlpool dryer, RCA radio, Jeep or major USA pickup, or a Harley. Brand names meant something. Now, none of these brands do. At best they are trying to hang onto some legacy they abandoned by 2000. Every single car, boat, RV, or motorcycle was in the grasp, most often without financing, of every working American. Yes, we had to save, yes we often got little used loved pre owns, but it didn’t matter. If it was important to us or to our families recreation, we worked out a way to own it.

“Let’s not forget the founding ‘business’ principles and that the machines were intended for the American Working Class.” That’s my thought of the week. Thank you Captian Hydra.

 

Dealerships are individual franchises and the MoCo gives them carte blanche regarding sales tactics of the motorcycles yet, the MoCo imposes strict policies on selling parts. That right there is dry humping the customer in
two of three holes and not even a kiss either.

IMO, there are more dealerships owned by large conglomerates with questionable sales tactics than there are above board dealers. I'm sure Artie Starrs is scratching his head wondering why motorcycle sales are down.

 

Good bye, babble, babble, babble BS. You sound like a woman scorned.

 

First thing KNOW YOUR BUDGET. Research the bike your want know the average cost of the bike. I see people over pay all of the time, why because they can't afford it and get the easy financing. The dealership I use treats me fair and they know I am not a tire kicker I am a cash buyer. Most of the time I make an offer and that's an out the door offer and we work from there. I don't blame the salesman or woman to sell you everything under the sun, hell that's how they make there money.
I should say I deal with Iron Valley HD in Pa

 

Dear Captain Hydra:

I appreciate you posting your insights and experiences. Personally, I have experienced most of them and from your posts, have learned a little more then what I knew before.

I do agree with most of your statements and conclusions but disagree with the implication that every dealer is rotten to the core. Don't get me wrong, you complimented Xenia and 7 hills in Ohio, and Laidlaws in Los Angeles. Awesome! But the whole tone of your posts suggests every dealer is bad and that has not been my experience at all.

Personally, I bought my first Harley from a dealer in the late 90's, a used ultra glide with 10,000 miles on it. Two weeks later a small spring in the transmission broke, the spring that holds the shift pedal in the correct position. Dealer fixed it no charge. Minimal cost part, multiple hours of labor to replace. Also replaced the drive belt to the rear wheel no charge because there were some cracks between the teeth. Wow!

Finally retired that bike a couple years ago with 176,000 miles on it. I did most of the simple maintenance myself but had the heavy stuff done by a indy shop. Tires, drive belt replacement, front fork seals, swing arm bearings, and starter were the extent of the repairs needed until I sold it at minimal cost. Guy I sold it to was fully aware of its shortcomings and basically salvaged the body parts and wheels. I see him around town occasionally and on seeing my former "Bike", get a weird ache in my heart.

Now I am riding a 2016 Street Glide Special, bought used from the original owner with 10,000 miles on it.

For the last 30 years I have been going back to this dealer, they greet me by name, have been generous with information, and have treated me with respect. They have a good reputation through the community and deserve recognition for their business model. I understand that they were sold recently but the same people are on the floor and they speak of the new owners with affection.

This dealer is Capitol Harley Davidson in Lansing, Michigan.

Now I am sure that there are some customers that do not have the same history with Capitol as I have had, and there could be many reasons for that.

Anyways, appreciate your posts and I may start a thread about exceptional dealers if there is not one out there already.

Regards,
Crankster

 

^^^ Capitol Harley was owned by Dave Bell ... Dave was a square shooter ( He was also a Hamster ) He opened Capitol in the early 80's ... I met Dave at my shop while servicing his car ... He had a Malamute and so did my sister ... We struck up a friendship ^^^

 

You want to get to the total out the door price to make a decision, whether or not they hang a tag.
I prefer tags, so I at least know if I'm in the neighborhood.
The nice thing is you can go on to HDs website and get the MSRP, which gives you a starting point.

 

I don’t think there is anything wrong with trying to educate some clueless buyers. Some don’t care and some do. I am pretty sure I will never buy new again from a Dealer.

 

This seems to be the prevailing sentiment

 

I have dealt, are attempted to deal with some really slimy sales jack holes in my past years, in another state. Here where I live, sales people are very straight up and straight with you. They have to be, your going to run into them at stores, events, anywhere. They want to be square with you so there is a good relation and a good chance you will be back and also give recommendations.
I have never bought a brand new Harley and pretty doubtful I ever will. But my one and only HD dealer has always been courteous and never pressure in any manner when I drop by for a part or just feel like kicking some tires. That goes the same for our other two bigger non-HD cycle shops that I have bought new from. Always have gone away feeling like it was a decent deal both sides were good with. No complaints over here.
I have bought and sold many, many bikes over my years and I always try to be fair and honest. Can't ask for more than that if I get the same treatment at our few bike dealerships.

As for the long post - Yeah, it's pretty long winded - But certainly educational to some buyers who either have not experienced much new buying or anyone that might be in the market to buy new.
Inside view, never hurts and you can take it or leave it.

Appreciate the OP'r for taking the time to type it all up for people. Must be a pretty fast typist Mr. CH. Don't let the negative nellies got to you. They'd bitch if hung with a brand-new rope.