Stupid dealership
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Tampa
RE: Stupid dealership
Just remember one thing... Dealerships are out for one thing, making money. Most Tech's that work at Harley probably know there crap but if they can sell you something they keep their jobs for another 3months. Most of the guys behide there service counter no very little about motorcycles but they are good at bull$hiting. Just my opinion...
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 770
Likes: 2
From: East NM
RE: Stupid dealership
The local dealer here is pretty good. Only thing they are lacking is a dyno service. If you want a shirt in a different size, or a current official design, they can usually get you one in under a week.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Stupid dealership
I have the same deal. I can buy a 29881-06 95" kit new off Ebay for 500, have it installed by an indie for 600, get the heads done for 500. The dealer wants $2800 for the kit installed with no head work. When I ask why so much the service manager told me and I qoute.."Because we are the dealer". It is a damn shame more people don't grow a set and start doing this work on their own, or subbing it out. My 06 Heritage has 15000 miles and hasn't darkened the dealers door since we rolled it off the showroom. They know they have the weekend warrior by the sack and they are not going to let go. Me thinks that is why they get $40 for a shirt that is basically their advertisement!
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,710
Likes: 640
From: San Ramon, Ca
RE: Stupid dealership
For the most part, HD dealerships pay pretty low. Starting posns at Starbucks pay higher. Our local dealer has a higher turnover rate than McDonalds. They pay parts people 10-12 hr. That's 1/3 as much as Journeyman Automotive Parts people . . . And you have to know just as much . . . to be any good.
I don't know the #'s, but techs don't make near as much as Automotive. It's not right!!! But, you can't expect as much. We all know the factory (MOCO) wants their dealers to have this high profile look to them, but it's just a bunch of kids working there . . . for the most part. The days of the mom n pop dealer with the 30 yr+ people there are a thing of the past at least around here (NoCal).
I don't know the #'s, but techs don't make near as much as Automotive. It's not right!!! But, you can't expect as much. We all know the factory (MOCO) wants their dealers to have this high profile look to them, but it's just a bunch of kids working there . . . for the most part. The days of the mom n pop dealer with the 30 yr+ people there are a thing of the past at least around here (NoCal).
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Stupid dealership
Can't speak for the service dept. Only used it once and was not to impressed. The Parts Dept.,Totally different story. They're on top of things,and if you're standing there waiting while the parts guy is looking in the back for your item,another guy will ask if you're being helped. Couple of times,wished I had a little sign that said,"Already Helped". Same for the Cloths Dept. Good Help.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Stupid dealership
Yes, it's a dealership here in Alabama. It's a family dealership. I think they just had their 35th anniversary. The service isn't bad in the parts department. It's just that everything I asked if they had in stock they didn't have. Too bad for them because I was ready to drop some money while my bike was in for its service. I didn't want to order anything. I'm too lazy. The service dept is by far my least favorite of the dealership. I have brougt my bike there only 3 times. the 1K and 5K service and the battery recall. There is an indie shop here that I prefer to go to for other things. I like that lace because they don't care if I help out. This way I can learn as I go as well. The HD dealership won't even let me talk to the techs that are working on the bikes. It almost seems shady, like they are keeping secrets or something.
Oh, and all the desk jockeys in the service dept recommend the V&H fuel pak over all the other stuff...including the SERT. That surprises me too.
I forgot to mention that I had asked the dude about a downoad too. It's going to be a while before I put pipes, a tuner, and an A/C on due to my budget so i was curious if a download would be good for my bike for now. I mentioned the popping on decel.
His reply was that the popping wil always be there. He said it may go away a little but you will never fully get rid of it. He aslo said that a download won't make a difference in my setup. (stock with rush 2" slip ons.)
I just get annoyed when I go in there. This is my first Harley and my first street bike. I am pretty clueless about performance upgrades and all that. It would be nice if they weren't a bunch of ********. I just get the feeling that they are talking down to me.
Oh, and all the desk jockeys in the service dept recommend the V&H fuel pak over all the other stuff...including the SERT. That surprises me too.
I forgot to mention that I had asked the dude about a downoad too. It's going to be a while before I put pipes, a tuner, and an A/C on due to my budget so i was curious if a download would be good for my bike for now. I mentioned the popping on decel.
His reply was that the popping wil always be there. He said it may go away a little but you will never fully get rid of it. He aslo said that a download won't make a difference in my setup. (stock with rush 2" slip ons.)
I just get annoyed when I go in there. This is my first Harley and my first street bike. I am pretty clueless about performance upgrades and all that. It would be nice if they weren't a bunch of ********. I just get the feeling that they are talking down to me.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Stupid dealership
You shouldn't be asking any of us questions, or have you already forgotten the answer to question number 1. 
"Answer: Those internet chat rooms are a waste of time. (then he chuckled) Those people on the internet don't have motorcycles."
"Answer: Those internet chat rooms are a waste of time. (then he chuckled) Those people on the internet don't have motorcycles."
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