It's Getting Ridiculous
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,469
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
Everybody wants the techs at the dealership to be superbly trained and motivated, and to always do a great job.
AND, they want the labor rates to be so low that you wouldn't go anywhere else.
AND, they want every brand new motorcycle to be below MSRP.
AND, they want all the motorclothes, boots, helmets, and accessories to be 100% American made, and priced below online prices.
AND, they want every rider to do all his own work, otherwise they're not real bikers.
Of course, if every rider did all his own work, the dealers and indies would all be out of business.
Of course, if all the labor rates were low enough to please the haters, then all the good techs would be making more money at McDonald's.
That's beyond naive, it's idiotic.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 735
Likes: 5
From: Bluffton,SC
Yeah I think $560 is too much. I don't think $160 is too much for labor thou ( dealers gotta pay their people and the bills). $400 is way too much for a tire and a battery, better deals else where. You need to find an other place to have work done on your scoot. I wouldn't change a tire (if I get that old) when I am 68 ether.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,469
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
I'm 66 and reasonably fit. There are two parts here:
1. I support my dealership, whenever possible. They're incredible. Really.
2. I have my limits. Two Michelin Commander II's through the dealer are $500 plus tax. Installation, $250. Total, $750. If I buy the tires online, they're $300. If I take the wheels off, installation is $120. Total, $420.
$750 vs $420. Not a moment's hesitation on that one.
1. I support my dealership, whenever possible. They're incredible. Really.
2. I have my limits. Two Michelin Commander II's through the dealer are $500 plus tax. Installation, $250. Total, $750. If I buy the tires online, they're $300. If I take the wheels off, installation is $120. Total, $420.
$750 vs $420. Not a moment's hesitation on that one.
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 263
Likes: 30
From: Canada, Thailand
Some people say the two happiest days in a boat owner's life are the day he buys it and the day he sells it. I'm beginning to think the same may be true of bikers. I went to pick up mine today after it had to be towed to a local H-D dealer because of a dead battery. While it was there, they told me that I probably would need to replace the rear tire in a thousand miles. So, since I am planning on a mountain trip this Spring I opted to have them go ahead and replace the rear tire. Bottom line, $540 for the tire and battery and labor. If I had to pay that for a car, I would trade it. In my opinion, $160 for labor is a bit much for changing a rear tire and installing a battery. Oh, they said the labor charge on the battery included checking the charging system. That probably took all of five minutes.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 331
Likes: 1
From: PHOENIX
Yes sir, thank you for your service. This is America, and what you decide to service or not on your bike is your business. Certainly nothing wrong with getting a free tow. Don't know what my dealer charges to replace a battery but they did tell me install is free if they sell me the tire. If you have multiple dealers in the area you may want to shop prices before you call the tow truck though. My dealer will match others in the area.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario
Stealerships
My battery died after a week too. I had them pick up the BRAND NEW DEAD HARLEY...they said it was a battery failure. No charge....then they tried to get me for a $85.00 towing fee. One week, 200 miles and they want me to pay for their POS in?
I have had five Harleys and the dealers have become progressively worse. Before you got to know the wrench and they told the truth, now it's dudes behind a desk with their manual on how to stiff folks.
There isn't any incentive anymore to buy a new bike. Stay with a trusted privateer. they want your business and will work to get and keep it.
Not Harley, to them you are just another cow to milk...
I have had five Harleys and the dealers have become progressively worse. Before you got to know the wrench and they told the truth, now it's dudes behind a desk with their manual on how to stiff folks.
There isn't any incentive anymore to buy a new bike. Stay with a trusted privateer. they want your business and will work to get and keep it.
Not Harley, to them you are just another cow to milk...
Some people say the two happiest days in a boat owner's life are the day he buys it and the day he sells it. I'm beginning to think the same may be true of bikers. I went to pick up mine today after it had to be towed to a local H-D dealer because of a dead battery. While it was there, they told me that I probably would need to replace the rear tire in a thousand miles. So, since I am planning on a mountain trip this Spring I opted to have them go ahead and replace the rear tire. Bottom line, $540 for the tire and battery and labor. If I had to pay that for a car, I would trade it. In my opinion, $160 for labor is a bit much for changing a rear tire and installing a battery. Oh, they said the labor charge on the battery included checking the charging system. That probably took all of five minutes.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 435
Likes: 11
From: Colorado
I turned 60 on April 1st. So my opinion is worth **** and going down the *******. But I really can't believe what the majority of posters on this forum expect out of their bikes and dealerships. The big internationally-funded manufacturers and dealership networks have you wrapped around their little finger.
I ride these, I maintain them, I change their tires, I love them. They are my mules, my horses, my means of transportation, and my access to sanity. Nearest motorcycle dealer is 60 miles, nearest Triumph and Harley dealers are almost 200 miles. These guys are MINE, not some dealer's.
Doesn't make me better, doesn't make me anything - but different. Very different and, apparently, much more happy.
I ride these, I maintain them, I change their tires, I love them. They are my mules, my horses, my means of transportation, and my access to sanity. Nearest motorcycle dealer is 60 miles, nearest Triumph and Harley dealers are almost 200 miles. These guys are MINE, not some dealer's.
Doesn't make me better, doesn't make me anything - but different. Very different and, apparently, much more happy.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: New Mexico
I turned 60 on April 1st. So my opinion is worth **** and going down the *******. But I really can't believe what the majority of posters on this forum expect out of their bikes and dealerships. The big internationally-funded manufacturers and dealership networks have you wrapped around their little finger.
I ride these, I maintain them, I change their tires, I love them. They are my mules, my horses, my means of transportation, and my access to sanity. Nearest motorcycle dealer is 60 miles, nearest Triumph and Harley dealers are almost 200 miles. These guys are MINE, not some dealer's.
Doesn't make me better, doesn't make me anything - but different. Very different and, apparently, much more happy.
I ride these, I maintain them, I change their tires, I love them. They are my mules, my horses, my means of transportation, and my access to sanity. Nearest motorcycle dealer is 60 miles, nearest Triumph and Harley dealers are almost 200 miles. These guys are MINE, not some dealer's.
Doesn't make me better, doesn't make me anything - but different. Very different and, apparently, much more happy.