Im not sure if this idea has been posted before but in reading all the "take-off's" for sale it got me thinking....


Myself, just got a 2011 Wide Glide and before I even took it home had new exhaust, air filter, controls, "blacked out" parts. For many of us the list can go on and on. So it seems like a waste that all these factory parts that never see a single mile sit it a garage and collect dust or are thrown on the forums and CL to try and scrap 50 bucks for them....

My idea is this. For new motorcycles that are bought, whatever parts are taken off the bike before delivery should be taken back to the factory to be put on another new bike. This would benefit buyers two-fold. 1-HD would either credit you a certain amount of $$ towards future parts (like a core charge but better!) or if HD couldnt fit that in their budget they could 2. Make a donation (which they all ready do) to a charity and attach your name to the "donation" of your parts.

As for the benefits that HD would see. The obvious idea of re-using UNUSED parts is genious. There is no reason these parts cant be taken off a bike such as mine, wrapped in plastic, and sent back to the factory on the next delivery truck. This not only saves HD money in production cost but also, and almost more importantly would be a "Going GREEN" initiative. When all companies are trying to put a good environmental spin on their production I think this would be perfect! AND, if a small $$ credit for new parts to new HD owners were given, it would give them more incentive to buy more parts.

This all equals more $$$ in our and HD pockets.

If someone see's a flaw in this idea or has comments please fire away. Im seeing if this could be an actual idea that both buyers and HD would take seriously.

Ride safe and thanks for reading!

 

Interesting idea. I wouldn't want to be the one who has to figure out how to handle the inventory control and shipping on something like that though.

Harley is pushing the build your own ride now, which if it works, will make them more money and cut down on the excess parts that end up on ebay. So, it appears they're addressing this problem already.

 

Good points. With the inventory it wouldnt be to big of a deal imo. They hace such a large inventory system setup all ready, adding a few "sku numbers" wouldnt be too much to handle. As far as shipping, everytime a truck with bikes delivers to a dealer, it is normally going back to the factory mostly empty. Might as well put a few pieces of metal in it. Another "green" idea.

I do understand the build your own ride theme. But there will always be a set of bikes in the line-up that come "stock." I think you are right in picking the direction they are going but maybe this could suppliment.

 

Never happen. They would have to hire way too many workers to sort, catagorize, verify, etc. parts. Dealerships will want to be compensated for handling the parts. What happens when an unscupulous dealer starts sending in parts that aren't new. Who's liable? What happens when a returned part fails and Harley's sued for using returned parts on a bike?

 

I certanly wouldn't want to buy a "new" bike that had a bunch of used parts that had already been on two, or three or four other bikes. And as far as the "going green" crap that's just a bunch of political $hit being shoved onto us by the liberal/socialist.

 

I love the sticker on the right hand mirror of new Harleys that says: WARNING: MOTORCYCLES DO NOT HANDLE OR OPERATE THE SAME AS AUTOMOBILES. CONSULT THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND TAKE APPROPRIATE RIDER EDUCATION COURSES BEFORE OPERATING THIS MOTORCYCLE." (Not verbatim but close enough) Now isn't that the stupidest (is that a word?) legal disclaimmer you've ever seen? My brother in law and I got a real kick out that on my new bike. But it's there in case a new rider falls off the bike and gets killed because no one in this country is responsible for their own actions.

 

A nice idea but like some have said it will never happen due to the overhead and potential problems involved, the customization that Harley offers now seems adequate for a lot of people, you are always gonna have a great majority of buyers who are satisfied (for the time being) with a showroom stock bike and drive for years like that.

might be a nice idea for some after market company to buy back these parts and offer them for sale as 'nused' pristine stock take offs

 

Good thinking on your part. I watched a show regarding final inspection of the bikes prior to leaving for their new home. No matter how careful the dealer is taking off the parts, say mufflers, by the time it is returned to the factory, I can guarantee there will be a minor scratch somewhere. This would render the part useless. Who wants to spend $20k for a scratch on their new bike. When I bought the 02 Dyna, I fired it up and went for a ride. Then I got the Heritage, I went over it with a magnifying glass while the sales guy looking at me. Hence, no used parts. I do like the idea, will need a lot work to make it happen.

 

I agree. Wouldn't want to find any blemishes on a new bike.

 

As was said that is why they are toying with the Sportster Customization Program. Hopefully, they will expand it by the time i get ready to buy again in a few years.