Independents
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
Independents
How many out there use independents for service? I have plenty of HD shops somewhat close but am really looking at an independent shop (Buckeye Choppers) for service and purchase of goodies (chrome, etc.) for my bagger. Stopped in there today to look around and really liked what I saw (and heard from the owner). Even though I can handle most any service type jobs on my ride, just don't always have the time for it (fulltime job and don't want to miss out on seat time). Is this something I should shy away from and always go to HD shops? BTW, will get at least 10% off of all purchases in the shop.
Paul
Paul
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,279
Likes: 56
From: Union Bridge, MD
RE: Independents
I have used an independent, Mt. Airy Cycles, and would use one again. I stopped in one today in Taneytown called T-bone Customs and was talkin to the dude there for awhile. He's been doing it for a long time but went to Florida and fell in love with it so he is trying to sell the business and move there. Our loss, Floridas' gain.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Independents
I was just thinking about that today. I take my cars to an indy shop I found through a co-worker and have saved about $800 in service labor charges over the past 11 months. (I have 3 cars) The service is exactly by the book and the guys are top notch. I really like my Harley dealer but once warranty is up.......it's price shopping time unless they do such a good job I don't want to leave.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
RE: Independents
I know what you're sayin' about the warranty stuff....just figure that if they can provide the right documention, all should be good. Plus, they are much closer and on my way to work.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Independents
I've used my dealer and and indy. Both did fine work but the indy was quite a bit cheaper and much closer. I'll be happy to use them again.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 1
From: Baghdad, Iraq
RE: Independents
I pick the indy over the dealer whenever possible. The only thing I'll go to the dealer for is warranty fixes and the like. I've had good experiences with the dealers, so it's not a hate thing. Couple of things motivate this: Price, certainly, $15 to $20 an hour labor off of the dealer shops in my area is a big consideration. The other one, and it's bigger for me, all the gray hairs are working for the indys. A lot of the techs at the dealership are a little fresh faced. Don't get me wrong, I've known some top line guys working at the dealership, but on average, more experienced wrenches hanging out in the back of the indy.
There's some other subtle things going on as well. I like to do as much of my own work as possible, time permitting, and the indy guys are better at answering questions and walking me through something. I buy aftermarket stuff more than HD accessories, and the indy guys don't flinch. Sometimes dealers don't want to install, or they give you the blasphemy look. The guys I use do ground up custom builds as well, and have a machine shop set up, so they can handle unusual problems. They also have a real no BS presentation. If I'm estimating my wrench time for self-install or maintenance work and they think I'm lowballing it...they don't hem and haw and try to spare my feelings. They tell me straight up "Dude, you ain't that good, it'll take you 4 hours, not 2" And they're usually right...
So, all in all, I get a better experience at the indy, they can keep their costs low because they don't have the HD overhead (all that pretty space and decoration ain't cheap), and I get good work. That being said, when I'm outta town, I'll usually stop by a dealer for incidentals, because they're more consistent across the board, and I don't have a feel for the indys in that area.
Enjoy the ride.
There's some other subtle things going on as well. I like to do as much of my own work as possible, time permitting, and the indy guys are better at answering questions and walking me through something. I buy aftermarket stuff more than HD accessories, and the indy guys don't flinch. Sometimes dealers don't want to install, or they give you the blasphemy look. The guys I use do ground up custom builds as well, and have a machine shop set up, so they can handle unusual problems. They also have a real no BS presentation. If I'm estimating my wrench time for self-install or maintenance work and they think I'm lowballing it...they don't hem and haw and try to spare my feelings. They tell me straight up "Dude, you ain't that good, it'll take you 4 hours, not 2" And they're usually right...
So, all in all, I get a better experience at the indy, they can keep their costs low because they don't have the HD overhead (all that pretty space and decoration ain't cheap), and I get good work. That being said, when I'm outta town, I'll usually stop by a dealer for incidentals, because they're more consistent across the board, and I don't have a feel for the indys in that area.
Enjoy the ride.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 5
From: Currently the pig country of Arkansas
RE: Independents
I use a local Mom & Pops independent for several reasons...
- Closer... 8 miles on backroads vs 35 miles on interstate
- Their mechanic is knowledgeable and lets me watch & learn as he works
- They aren't pushing a certain product... They tell it like it is and recommend what is good
- Hot coffee and good conversation
- The MoCo is trying to screw me on a warranty issue, so I will not give them any more of my $$$s!!
Edmo
- Closer... 8 miles on backroads vs 35 miles on interstate
- Their mechanic is knowledgeable and lets me watch & learn as he works
- They aren't pushing a certain product... They tell it like it is and recommend what is good
- Hot coffee and good conversation
- The MoCo is trying to screw me on a warranty issue, so I will not give them any more of my $$$s!!
Edmo
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
RE: Independents
Indy over dealer any day. Indies have more to lose by way of profit and reputation if they dont do you right. Stealerships dont give a flying f*ck. I would just make sure that the indy, as well as any professional you go to, is credible and experienced. Good Luck!