What would you do?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,773
Likes: 7
From: Central Oklahoma
I just picked up my new 2010 Street Glide and the salesman did a once over and found a significant scratch on the rear bumper just behind the seat. The dealer wants their detail guy to try and wet sand it out, my question is, I just spent 22K on the bike and they want to wet sand a scratch out??? Do I let them try, or demand a new factory painted bumper? This has already happened once with this bike, they dinged the front fender moving it, but was chipped to the metal so they had no choice but to get a new front fender. I'm not a body man, so I'm not sure what long term effect the wet sanding will cause....will it dull quicker than a spot that had no damage? What to do???
Steve in KY
Steve in KY
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Depends on the scratch and how deep it is. A good body man can fix it and make it right. As mentioned, inspect the repair and if your not satisfied, don't accept it.
Either way, if you have signed for it, the clock is ticking and your making payments on a bike you can't ride. I would ask for some sort of compensation no matter what they do.
I would also thank your salesman. Impressive that he pointed it out. He could have simply overlooked it, hoped you didn't notice and let you ride off with it. Then it would have been you said, they said and you wouldn't have won that. It shows they are a stand up dealer and deserve a chance to makle it right. Besides, if that's the only scratch you ever get on it, you don't ride enough
Either way, if you have signed for it, the clock is ticking and your making payments on a bike you can't ride. I would ask for some sort of compensation no matter what they do.
I would also thank your salesman. Impressive that he pointed it out. He could have simply overlooked it, hoped you didn't notice and let you ride off with it. Then it would have been you said, they said and you wouldn't have won that. It shows they are a stand up dealer and deserve a chance to makle it right. Besides, if that's the only scratch you ever get on it, you don't ride enough
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 0
I would have it evaluated by a trusted body shop and then go from there.
Sounds like they're a bit careless in the dealership.
I would be leary of them screwing something up installing a new "bumper"(
).
IMHO if its bad enough to have to wet sand you will need a shot of clearcoat.
I wouldn't trust a dealership detail man to it.
Sounds like they're a bit careless in the dealership.
I would be leary of them screwing something up installing a new "bumper"(
).IMHO if its bad enough to have to wet sand you will need a shot of clearcoat.
I wouldn't trust a dealership detail man to it.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
Likes: 6,207
From: In your head rent free
Tell them to go ahead and fix it.
Put one condition on it, that it must be fixed to your satisfaction or they replace the fender.
I picked up my Road King and the next day found a big old paint dimple in the tank. I took it back and they told me warranty required an attempt to fix. Then if it was still visable, they would replace the tank.
Once it was repaired I was good to go. Even knowing exactly where the defect was, I couldn't find it in direct sun. Repair was flawless. And I'm a picky son of a b****
Saved the hassle of having the bike go back into the shop to have the tank switched. 2-3 more days down time on a new bike etc.
Put one condition on it, that it must be fixed to your satisfaction or they replace the fender.
I picked up my Road King and the next day found a big old paint dimple in the tank. I took it back and they told me warranty required an attempt to fix. Then if it was still visable, they would replace the tank.
Once it was repaired I was good to go. Even knowing exactly where the defect was, I couldn't find it in direct sun. Repair was flawless. And I'm a picky son of a b****
Saved the hassle of having the bike go back into the shop to have the tank switched. 2-3 more days down time on a new bike etc.