Didn't realize the junk I bought...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 638
From: Up North
By law, they're only required to sell parts for 10 years after a vehicle is in production. For decades HD serviced older bikes because they're dealers were small mom&pop places and parts were so standardized. This new crew of dorks they have running the company have big corporate (GM, Ford, etc.) style dealerships and policies.
I would never let them touch my bike even if it was new.
I would never let them touch my bike even if it was new.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 493
Likes: 92
From: NJ
I agree with wrenching on my own as far as my abilities allow me. That's what I do with most of my vehicles, even the ones under warranty. I do every service on my 2014 Ram diesel, and I also service and do most of my mods on my 2008 Wrangler including suspension work.
Someone mentioned this being a common practice in the automotive industry, up until a year ago I never had a issue like this before. My local Mercedes-Benz dealer was always happy to service my wife's then 12 year old diesel E series although they only had 1 diesel guy in the shop.
Another poster asked for dealers names, they are Bergen County HD in Rochelle Park and Hannum HD in Rahway. Both guys I spoke with were cool and somewhat apologetic about it, I am not trying to trash either the dealer or the employees, just seems unfair that the outfit that sells your product will turn you away when it gets old, it has now become common practice, I get it... Maybe I am old school and think about it in a different way, to me it sounds like it is bad for business.
Bergen County HD didn't have a problem ordering some chrome accessories for my 16 year old bike two weeks ago, didn't have it in stock but had it there within 2 days..., maybe that made it worse, I don't know.
Point is, if you don't want to have a thing to do with my bike, then I don't want to buy accessories from you, and apparently there are a lot of us with older bikes out there with the cash willing to pay for repairs and parts.
My next purchase will definitely be the service catalog, and I will also start asking around for a good Indy in area, thanks for the advice and enjoy your weekend!!!!
Someone mentioned this being a common practice in the automotive industry, up until a year ago I never had a issue like this before. My local Mercedes-Benz dealer was always happy to service my wife's then 12 year old diesel E series although they only had 1 diesel guy in the shop.
Another poster asked for dealers names, they are Bergen County HD in Rochelle Park and Hannum HD in Rahway. Both guys I spoke with were cool and somewhat apologetic about it, I am not trying to trash either the dealer or the employees, just seems unfair that the outfit that sells your product will turn you away when it gets old, it has now become common practice, I get it... Maybe I am old school and think about it in a different way, to me it sounds like it is bad for business.
Bergen County HD didn't have a problem ordering some chrome accessories for my 16 year old bike two weeks ago, didn't have it in stock but had it there within 2 days..., maybe that made it worse, I don't know.
Point is, if you don't want to have a thing to do with my bike, then I don't want to buy accessories from you, and apparently there are a lot of us with older bikes out there with the cash willing to pay for repairs and parts.
My next purchase will definitely be the service catalog, and I will also start asking around for a good Indy in area, thanks for the advice and enjoy your weekend!!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,586
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
When you buy or drive an antique, you need to know how to work on it or be on Jay Leno's league. If it's old enough to have points and you drive it in, all the mechanics run out for lunch and drinks...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,087
Likes: 1,962
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Those dealers must have all young guys or novices working on bikes. My dealer have some older guys working on bikes, so if the dealer can get the part, they'll work on them.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 905
Likes: 51
From: New Jersey
I was surprised at the post and have not known the metric dealers or Harley dealers in my area to turn away old bikes.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 377
From: Georgia
I was under the impression that the dealers made most of their money from selling parts, accessories and the shop. I don't understand why they wouldn't work on older bikes unless they are just so overbooked with warranty work... Or their techs aren't qualified to make repairs unless a computer tells them what part to replace...
