Omg
DUH HD parts guy
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 1,651
From: Olean, NY
Another thought, I don't know, but is there a year when some models started getting the hydro clutches mid year? So early production bikes had a cable and later produced bikes had a hydro clutch in the same year?
With my '06 Night Train, it was crazy how many parts were changed mid year on it. It was a bastard year for that model. I had brake pads given to me by an HD parts guy and had to return them because they weren't the same as the ones I pulled out of the caliper. When we looked in the book, he did give me the "correct" pads, but there was also another part # listed. It was a guessing game at which pads that year's Night Train took without having the pads with you to compare at the counter. The difference was just a tab, on one pad it was square cut, the other part # was shaped like a horn.
He had no idea, and had never came across this before. He asked the service guys about it and they explained a lot of the differences between models and mid year changes that can come up. At least it was a good teaching moment for the guy.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 14,231
Likes: 63,970
From: Other Side of the Tracks
Most dealers only pay these guys a few bucks above minimum wage.
Don't expect a mechanical engineer who knows the entire parts manual for every bike built since 1903 for what they earn.
Don't expect a mechanical engineer who knows the entire parts manual for every bike built since 1903 for what they earn.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
A local dealer here used to have a parts guy who knew a great deal about not only HD parts, but aftermarket parts as well. He was a real good guy to talk to and offered sound advice to anyone asking about buying anything for their HD, whether it be repairs or upgrades.
He and I actually became pretty good friends. One day his boss called him in his office and told him to quit recommending aftermarket parts to his customers. He said they didn't make as much money on aftermarket parts and from now on he was to recommend only HD parts. That conversation was the beginning of the end for my friend as an HD parts guy. He was fired soon after that.
That dealer hasn't had a decent guy behind the parts counter since.
Dennis
He and I actually became pretty good friends. One day his boss called him in his office and told him to quit recommending aftermarket parts to his customers. He said they didn't make as much money on aftermarket parts and from now on he was to recommend only HD parts. That conversation was the beginning of the end for my friend as an HD parts guy. He was fired soon after that.
That dealer hasn't had a decent guy behind the parts counter since.
Dennis
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,524
Likes: 57,080
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
We all ( at least most of us ) weren't born knowing everything ... I can't imagine that an entry level parts counterperson is knocking down a six figure income ... yet
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I know a great guy that used to be a parts guy at Auto Zone. I walked in there one day as some dude was screaming and cussing Him out, then stormed out the door. I asked my buddy "What's up that dude's azz?", He said "Dude was looking for a alternator for a 10 year old Saab, so I found Him one - damn thing was $400.00, so He broke on me. Kinda chit happens everyday. What's up, man?"
Their job is not an easy one, even for the good ones.
Their job is not an easy one, even for the good ones.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,726
Likes: 1,787
From: Toledo ohio
I usually go to Napoleon Harley and Keith helps me out a lot. He has been there a long time and knows what/how to look up the parts I need. After I bought my RK from Napoleon in 2014, I ordered a few parts for it right away. My first interaction with Keith ever. I brought it back the next early summer for a "free" 1000 mile service. As I walked past the parts counter, Keith says "Hi Tracy, how's it going?" I was amazed he remembered my name. If I go to the one closest to me, they are less experienced. There is one guy at Signature that is pretty knowledgeable. I only go there because it is close, and only buy small ticket items, like wire terminals, seals, stuff I need right away. They usually let me swing around to the computer and let me show them what I need. I don't mind, and I don't say bad about them. It is just easier for me to find it than try to explain it.