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I am looking at getting my first Harley, probably a Heritage. What are some dealer options I should be thinking about getting. Any other tips for a first time buyer?
The Heritage is a great bike. It also comes stock with two of the most sought after options. The bags and windshield are standard. My wife has changed the handlebars to Fatboy bars because her arms hurt. She also has since had the SERT, Stage 1air intake, Vance and Hines double barrel pipes, and recently put new Hardbags on the bike.
Truthfully if the bike fits you well you really don't need anything just ride.
I know when I got mine, I had to threaten to go elsewhere if they didn't throw in the first service for free. I know I didn't get the extended warranty, but I probably should have... Other then that, beat them down in price as much as you can. I'm sure some others will chime in with some of the deals they got. Oh, and more important: Welcome to the club!
Not much else you need with a Heritage. Maybe a windshield bag. On my 2010 after a while I did put on Rush 2 inch slipons, (that gets rid of the cat) better air filter and comp upgrade.
Save a bundle for mods by buying a late model w/ low miles from an individual, lots out there for sale. Then you can justify all the changes you will make!
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I demanded a helmet and jacket. They didnt give me either but did give me a $500 gift card, which was cool. Here is something else to think about, if your going to buy a new bike, why go to the dealer while negotiating price? You know the bike is going to be new. Find a few dealers and work them against each other on the phone. When I bought my bike, I called around back and forth and finally one gave in and gave me the price that I was after and the gift card. Personally, I would buy a used bike off of the forums, everyone on here takes care of there bikes and it will save you a few thousands. Good luck.
Ask for a gift card to do a stage 1 mod or at the very least exhaust with it. $500 gift card is common although that won't get you all that many choices. I'd angle for $1000 gift card, free first service, and 20% off any other items added at delivery. then spend time combing the forums to see if there is anything else you want to change.
Thanks for the advice, I will definately be shopping around at a few dealers trying for the best deal I can make. I just wanted to understand my options and what I needed to try to bargain for!
The reason I got a softail is because I wanted the balanced motor. That being said I purchased a Heritage because it came with the things I needed for touring; windshield, bags, driving lights, floorboards. The only options I decided on were different exhaust, chrome front end kit, detachable saddlebag kit, and white wall tires. Great bike with a great price...
Get whatever you can out of them on a gift card and use it on gear, or servicing or sit on it for awhile. Then just ride the bike and enjoy it. It'll run great out of the showroom and there is plenty of time for other stuff. The Heritage is a great bike as is. It's my 4th HD and I see no need for another one. Stroll around and look at their used bikes and note how many are sitting out there with low miles and a lot of extras. I'll bet there are a more than a couple. Those are the old bikes of people who liked the idea of owning a Harley more than riding it. Welcome to the family and get out there and enjoy it. It will cure all that ails you.
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