Hello all,

I've been lurking around here for some time now and have viewed many of the interesting posts. Now it's my turn to actually post something.

I used to have a Kawasaki Cruiser but have always wanted a Harley. Last September I got rid of the Kawasaki and got a 2008 FLHRC. I'm a working schmuck and couldn't afford a brand new one but I took the time to shop around and I believe I got the most bang for my buck. Nice bike. I had a couple of months before the super cold weather set in so I got a couple of miles under my belt before setting the bike up to hibernate for the winter.

However, I'm not at all happy with HD and their customer service. I don't mean the dealership either but, with whomever supplies them. I ordered the Heritage handlebars because I'm too short for the correct reach. It took about 6 weeks for them to get here and that's only after I called to ask why it was taking so long. The response I got was that they just arrived at the dealership and they would overnight them to me immediately...at no extra cost. But, by then the riding weather was over so the handlebar change would have to wait.

Also, since the bike was used it didn't have a service manual or owners manual so, I ordered both. That was on November 11, 2010. I still haven't received them! What's up with that? The dealer said it's still waiting for them to arrive.

I've called HD and let them know I'm displeased with their customer service and/or parts dept. I also let em know that if things don't change I'm considering on getting rid of the bike and going back to another Japanese bike. I'd much rather have a Harley but, if that's the type of service I can expect...then adios! They weren't very much helpful but the guy I talked with sympathized with me.

The closest dealership is in either Twin Falls, ID, Salt Lake City, UT, and/or Las Vegas, NV so, it's not like I can just hop on down to see them. I have to either order parts over the phone or the internet. I prefer to use genuine parts so dealing with eBay is iffy.

Anyhow...that's my experience with HD.

 

Man,don't fool with them. Use Zanotti's HD online and get a 20% discount.

 

I think the only time I've used "Genuine" HD parts is if it was warranty, normally, aftermarket, for the simple reason that its cheaper and the same quality.

 

I have never had an issue getting parts from HD. If it's not in stock at the dealer, I can order it and have within 2 weeks. I feel your pain in not having a dealer close enogh. There are 5 dealers within an hours drive of me here in North Carolina. You might want to try the local Indy guy, he might be able to order parts and get them quicker. I would never go back to foreign bikes even if it took 6 moths for parts. (Just saying)

 

Should've checked out the classified section of this forum. Other sources are J and P Cycles, Dr. V-Twin, Jireh and Dennis Kirk to name a few. You could also order direct from other dealers, Barnett's and Zanotti's to name a few. You could also check your local/area "Indy" shops...

There's lots of quality genuine HD parts sold on Ebay every day. Bought and sold several on there myself.

I understand your frustration, but there are better solutions.

 

If I was going to buy parts from the dealer the only way I would do it is if they were right there on the shelf. Otherwise, it's off to the internet. I recently ordered a part for my Road King after checking at two HD dealerships to see if they had it. They didn't but if they did it would have been $85 + tax. Hello Zanottis; how about $55+freight!

I also look on ebay (you can get genuine HD parts there) and other parts houses on the internet.

If you are ready to toss your Harley because of something as silly and simple as this, you didn't really want it in the first place. Sell the bike and turn in your man card.

 

Not cool, maybe the dealer feels since he's the only one around you don't have a choice. I find that very uncharacteristic for an HD dealer. I've always loved HD and even when I didn't have on they treated me with respect, and now that I have one, it's like I'm family.

 

A lot of parts are on backorder right now. I had to wait six weeks for my oil temp gauge, which isn't a big deal because it's winter but if I had ordered it during the warm half of the year you better believe I would have been counting the days. My advice, order your parts now so you'll have them by summer.

 

Other than painted parts it hasn't taken me more than 2 weeks to receive anything I have ordered on line. The dealers around me seem to have most regular stuff (accessories) in stock. Most of the metric dealers take about the same time to get parts but have few in stock.
Find another dealer or order on line.

 

+1 on Zanotti's...