why do we all do it
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 862
Likes: 2
From: WI
Sorry, I cry bullshit on this one. No offense Brett, but every person I've run across that works at a dealer thinks that their dealership is the poo. Yours might do all those wonderful things you say it does, but I have not had that experience. Most MoCo dealers treat their customers no different than the local Ford or Chevy dealer.
That said...
And, since I'm on my soapbox, explain to me why a leather jacket with the HD label is twice as much as one without even though it's made by the same manufacturer? Don't even get me started on the HD branded $35 t-shirts!! How is milking it's LOYAL customers for an extra $15 on a t-shirt an experience?
Their mechanics and techs at the dealership are really good, and I will do technical upgrades there. Warranty work is a no-brainer there. When I had my dyno/tune done, the guy actually wanted to do it, because he was interested in the look and feel of the bike, so he came in a couple of hours early to get a jump on it. I had expressed a concern that maybe there was a little exhaust leak, and he wanted to be certain he had enough time to fix that if it was a problem, and not have me without my scoot an extra day.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 96
From: Eastern North Carolina
[Rant On] Sorry, I cry bullshit on this one. No offense Brett, but every person I've run across that works at a dealer thinks that their dealership is the poo. Yours might do all those wonderful things you say it does, but I have not had that experience. Most MoCo dealers treat their customers no different than the local Ford or Chevy dealer. Crappy coffee in a dumpy little waiting room, salesmen that don't remember your name regardless of how much you've bought, and parts monkeys that smile and push the MoCo brand but sell the right aftermarket stuff to their buds. Hell, half of them don't even own a bike. Oh sure, some dealers ring a cow bell for you to signal to everybody that there is a sucker born every minute, but by and large, the "experience" you speak of is the corporate ***-raping found at any car dealership. And, since I'm on my soapbox, explain to me why a leather jacket with the HD label is twice as much as one without even though it's made by the same manufacturer? Don't even get me started on the HD branded $35 t-shirts!! How is milking it's LOYAL customers for an extra $15 on a t-shirt an experience?
I very much enjoy my 2 Harleys, don't get me wrong. But, out of the three different branded dealerships by me, only one knows me by name and makes me feel like part of the "family" and it isn't HD. And, this dealer actually has 2 former HD mechanics and a former HD service manager. I guess there is no brand loyalty when you need a job, eh? Most of the HD mechanics and parts guys give the appearance that they hate their jobs, hate the MoCo, and are punching a time clock. And this isn't just at my local dealer as it seems like it is nation wide (at least all the dealers I've darken the doors of).
Bitching aside, (most) of the dealerships are ultra clean, (most) hire attractive motorclothes girls that are friendly, and (most) are worth a visit while traveling. But (and this is a biggie), most people who work there are just employees and do not share the passion that you or I have for the product. Period. I know more about the 2014's than the local sales staff because I devoured the info as soon as it came online. I know more about what products fit what bikes because I study the catalogs. I know more about the best local rides and places to eat/camp/stay because I'm out riding every chance I get. Most of the local dealer's employees HATE wearing MoCo labels when they are off and drive everywhere in their cars because they HATE even looking at motorcycles. Kind of like people at McDonalds HATE eating at McDonalds.
So, don't hand me this bullshit about how buying a Harley is buying an "experience" or being part of a "club". I get an experience every time I ride my bike. I get it going to rallies and events and hanging with others that are passionate about the brand. I get it going back and forth with members of this board (who are here because of a similar interest). Or reading through the latest magazine or catalog I got in the mail.
The only experience I've ever gotten from a dealer is a sore *** and an empty wallet by some MF'er that could give a crap about the "experience". [/Rant Off]
I very much enjoy my 2 Harleys, don't get me wrong. But, out of the three different branded dealerships by me, only one knows me by name and makes me feel like part of the "family" and it isn't HD. And, this dealer actually has 2 former HD mechanics and a former HD service manager. I guess there is no brand loyalty when you need a job, eh? Most of the HD mechanics and parts guys give the appearance that they hate their jobs, hate the MoCo, and are punching a time clock. And this isn't just at my local dealer as it seems like it is nation wide (at least all the dealers I've darken the doors of).
Bitching aside, (most) of the dealerships are ultra clean, (most) hire attractive motorclothes girls that are friendly, and (most) are worth a visit while traveling. But (and this is a biggie), most people who work there are just employees and do not share the passion that you or I have for the product. Period. I know more about the 2014's than the local sales staff because I devoured the info as soon as it came online. I know more about what products fit what bikes because I study the catalogs. I know more about the best local rides and places to eat/camp/stay because I'm out riding every chance I get. Most of the local dealer's employees HATE wearing MoCo labels when they are off and drive everywhere in their cars because they HATE even looking at motorcycles. Kind of like people at McDonalds HATE eating at McDonalds.
So, don't hand me this bullshit about how buying a Harley is buying an "experience" or being part of a "club". I get an experience every time I ride my bike. I get it going to rallies and events and hanging with others that are passionate about the brand. I get it going back and forth with members of this board (who are here because of a similar interest). Or reading through the latest magazine or catalog I got in the mail.
The only experience I've ever gotten from a dealer is a sore *** and an empty wallet by some MF'er that could give a crap about the "experience". [/Rant Off]
Holy smokes! 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
I do it because it is in my blood, my DNA. I rode my 1st Harley when I was 13 in 1970. I even took an *** beating for taking that ride, I knew I was going to take an *** beating before I took off on it and it was worth every whack I took. I have never looked back since. Shoot, I even got slapped around from the age of 8 for trying and wanting to hang around a clubhouse that was near the house I grew up in. I heard those bikes, I seen all that crazy paint and the chrome and I was hooked. I also do it for another very simple reason, because I can. Harley does not make all their money selling bikes believe it or not. There largest source of revenue are from parts, accessories and clothing items. If they made them bullet proof with everything already on them they would lose most of that revenue.
Truth is, I wanted to get a harley after I started watching Sons Of Anarchy.
I kid, I kid.... Decent show, but has nothing to do with change of lifestyle.
But Tony, I completely understand that the MoCo makes most of their revenue from parts, accessories and clothing items (ESPECIALLY THE CLOTHING ITEMS!). But that company would still make a HUGE fortune without gouging their customers with ridiculous prices on clothing and gear. I personally will probly never wear any item of clothing from them, but my wife on the other hand loves their clothes. Sucks for me. But they do make some sexy gear for ladies. But I guess they'll keep their prices high because there will always be someone willing to pay those high prices.
I kid, I kid.... Decent show, but has nothing to do with change of lifestyle.
But Tony, I completely understand that the MoCo makes most of their revenue from parts, accessories and clothing items (ESPECIALLY THE CLOTHING ITEMS!). But that company would still make a HUGE fortune without gouging their customers with ridiculous prices on clothing and gear. I personally will probly never wear any item of clothing from them, but my wife on the other hand loves their clothes. Sucks for me. But they do make some sexy gear for ladies. But I guess they'll keep their prices high because there will always be someone willing to pay those high prices.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
I agree Arrogant Bastard, Harley gouges us because it's HARLEY and they can. There is always going to be someone willing to pay the price just and because of no other reason then there will always be someone willing to pay it. A girl I dated 13 years ago bought me a Harley coat, 600.00 back then!!! I also agree they have some hot stuff for women to wear. I will pay the price for original Harley and SE parts for the bike for personal reasons but nothing else. I just can't see dropping 30, 40 bucks for a T-shirt.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 4
From: Florida
My dealership is awesome. Very helpful friendly and they know my name, even though I didnt buy my bike from them. They have very clean organized shop and go out of the way to make customers feel good. Have pool tables popcorn cookies and soda all free. Parts guys are great. Not sure what bad dealers others have gone to but it is all about the people at the store not the company.
As far as shirt prices go the reason they are soo expensive is so that the wannbee's who only buy shirts can help support our cause. Besides if they were cheap you would have a ton of them and even at $30 a piece how many do you need?
The real question from OP was why do we buy Harleys and I think he meant the bikes. I used to ride jap starting all the way back with dirtbikes. Then went to rice rocket and swore I would never ride a "Hardly" even made fun on my brother when he go his. Then I rode it and shortly after sold the CBR and bought my nighttrain. I love the style the reliability and quality of the bike and the best part is this is the most customizable brand of motorcycle on the road. Options to make this your own are endless.
As far as shirt prices go the reason they are soo expensive is so that the wannbee's who only buy shirts can help support our cause. Besides if they were cheap you would have a ton of them and even at $30 a piece how many do you need?
The real question from OP was why do we buy Harleys and I think he meant the bikes. I used to ride jap starting all the way back with dirtbikes. Then went to rice rocket and swore I would never ride a "Hardly" even made fun on my brother when he go his. Then I rode it and shortly after sold the CBR and bought my nighttrain. I love the style the reliability and quality of the bike and the best part is this is the most customizable brand of motorcycle on the road. Options to make this your own are endless.
Agreed. I don't buy any parts from the dealership unless I absolutely have to. My indy guy got all of my parts for me at a much lower price than what the dealer wanted to charge me. And 30 to 40 bucks for a T SHIRT! Hell, I'd rather go to Walmart and get me a 4pack of Hanes plain white T-shirts for less than 10 bucks and go spend the rest of that money at my local watering hole.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Alberta Canada
Not to play devils advocate here (ok, maybe a little), but some of those t-shirts that cost so much have got all kinds of colours on them. Or very intricate designs. Silk screening that many colours raises the costs of the shirts I am sure. Now, some of them are plain and "boring" but cost the same.
I don't have tons of money to spend on superfluous items, but if I like the shirt, I am willing to pay for it. Which is why I don't have many shirts. It has to be one hell of a shirt before I buy it.
As for the bike, I have wanted one since my first ride on one when I was 12. I just could not afford the one I wanted until literally 2 weeks ago. I still have my metric, and love it. But it isn't a Harley.
I don't have tons of money to spend on superfluous items, but if I like the shirt, I am willing to pay for it. Which is why I don't have many shirts. It has to be one hell of a shirt before I buy it.
As for the bike, I have wanted one since my first ride on one when I was 12. I just could not afford the one I wanted until literally 2 weeks ago. I still have my metric, and love it. But it isn't a Harley.
