HD shops price gauging Sturgis travelers
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 6,884
From: NC
NE Florida shops during bike weeks in Daytona do not adjust their rates. They do get MSRP for parts. One has to wait in line behind all the other travelers who broke down.
I used to do work on the side when I lived in Jacksonville. I used to stock rear tires when most ElectraGlides ran 130 or 140 tires. I would sell at least 10 tires every spring and fall event. I charged half the dealer rate, and full MSRP on the tires. I also had valve stems, bearings, and bearing seals in stock. Back then for about $2500 in inventory I could double my money.
What amazes me is how many folks would ride a 500+ mile trip on a bike that had not had a service in months. The people I dealt with paid someone else to service their bike. They did not know how to check the bike over before a trip. Often I would be asked what dealer I worked for. Some freaked out that my day job was computers, and after 5PM I would be available for motorcycle work. This was back when HD dealers had a three week backlog for oil changes.
I used to do work on the side when I lived in Jacksonville. I used to stock rear tires when most ElectraGlides ran 130 or 140 tires. I would sell at least 10 tires every spring and fall event. I charged half the dealer rate, and full MSRP on the tires. I also had valve stems, bearings, and bearing seals in stock. Back then for about $2500 in inventory I could double my money.
What amazes me is how many folks would ride a 500+ mile trip on a bike that had not had a service in months. The people I dealt with paid someone else to service their bike. They did not know how to check the bike over before a trip. Often I would be asked what dealer I worked for. Some freaked out that my day job was computers, and after 5PM I would be available for motorcycle work. This was back when HD dealers had a three week backlog for oil changes.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,795
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From: SE Louisiana
breakdowns is one thing, leaving home with questionable maintenance is another, if I was in the group, I wouldn't be happy burning limited trip time for dumb repairs.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,456
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From: pacific northwest
In the 80's and 90's prices were always jacked up some. But now it seem like they double or more prices on everything during the rally. Food, gas, entry fees to everything etc. Check the price on a hotel a week or two before or after the rally and see how prices change. Some times things happen and you have to suck it up, but that's a rip off. And they don't give a flying rats *** because there are more people waiting in line after you. So until people stop participating in the BS, it will keep happening.
I enjoy riding the Black Hills, but to me the ridnig isn't enjoyable when it over crowded with bikes and wait lines everywhere. So I go before the rally so I can enjoy my time there. It's not about the money because I can afford it, but I do not want to be ripped off.
And by the way, everything I've heard about the dealer in Gillette is worse.
Paul
I enjoy riding the Black Hills, but to me the ridnig isn't enjoyable when it over crowded with bikes and wait lines everywhere. So I go before the rally so I can enjoy my time there. It's not about the money because I can afford it, but I do not want to be ripped off.
And by the way, everything I've heard about the dealer in Gillette is worse.
Paul
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 759
Likes: 936
From: Under the affluence of incahol.
Two tires needed replacing at 350 miles into a 2600 mile round trip ride? And clutch fluid flushed?
Seems like a self inflicted injury.
Seems like a self inflicted injury.
Last edited by PeterB; Aug 23, 2024 at 09:47 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2021
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From: backwoods
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In 2022 I picked up a nail in the rear tire, called the Gillette dealer and they told me can not install a HD tire because I had dunlops on front and rear, told them I have ran mixed brands for over 40 years with no problems, think they are scammers trying to sell a pair of tires when only one needed. Ended up riding home to Washington state with a nail in the rear monitoring the pressure frequently and replaced it at home, granted not the smartest thing to do.
