I walked into a HD dealership to buy a hat and a helmet and was shocked to see they raised the price from a $20 hat to $30 even, $35. I was also looking at a helmet. HD wanted $250 for a damn helmet. I walked out empty handed.
I stopped at my Local Tractor Supply store and bought 2 hats for $10. I threw one in my RK tour pack and will wear that from now on. I went to J&P Cycles website and purchased a helmet for $65. Same one the dealership had. If Harley Davidson wonders why their sales are falling off the charts, you have your answer right here. I own a HD motorcycle but it doesn't mean I' a dumb ***! I will never buy a HD OEM part if I can find another comparable knockoff for a cheaper price. So far it's a big loss for HD!
If you want a cheep China emblem for your bike, the dealership will have it in stock. If you need a critical part to actually get your bike running again, The dealer has to order the part because it's not in stock so you have to wait a week. I am so turned off by Harley Davidson, I will not go back to a dealership again. All my HD riding friends are doing the same. Sorry, just speaking some truth here!

 

I hear ya. I once almost bought a helmet but the service was so bad I didn't feel like dropping $250 there. I've bought enough shirts that the $65-90 price tag for a button down shirt and $40 for a t-shirt is ridiculous. I think the next time I step in a dealership will maybe be to buy my next bike. More than likely I'm just going to buy that with cash from an individual though to save the thousands more I'd pay at the dealer for a used bike.

 

Yamaha is always looking for more riders and owners... Maybe that's more your style...

 

I'm interested in the $265 helmet that J&P had for $65. Can you provide the link?

 

Gotta keep the corporate blood suckers knee deep in moolah. I can't imagine what the markup is. And proudly made in China.

 

i'm not going to dispute that there stuff is very expensive,some of it is good product and some is china junk.as far as parts go,the dealer i deal with is great.they always have the part i need,even on my 1998 ultra that i had up till 2 years ago.in fact i deal with two dealers with exceptional parts departments.there is also another dealer not to far away thats remarkably useless.i would buy a honda before i spent one dime in that rat hole.i do all my own work so i can't speak for service departments.i think you need to find another dealer if yours is jerking your chain that way.unfortunately with harley as with any manufacturer your forced to buy o.e.m. sometimes.

 

hey, the free hot dogs and crappy bands make it worth it. Dont forget your poker chip or free doo rag.

 

I agree! I do not purchase anything from the dealership - I search eBay or other forums and buy my stuff! While in South Carolina, I went to purchase a hat and some shades and when the cashier rand up $120 bucks, I smiled and went to Walmart! As for the Yamaha comment... Ignore!

 

I'm with you on this. I know the Harley tax is high, but I doubt this high.

 

Kryingame makes a good suggestion...buying from a dealership has always been more expensive, be it a motorcycle...parts...clothing...whatever. But in most cases, the quality and service reflect the price, and that's not to say that you'll always get a good deal, there are obviously situations where that's not the case.


That said, I've always gotten good service from my local dealers, and there are three in the area that I use. The goods are more expensive, but I've found that in general, I get what I pay for.


OP, you're probably gonna get some support, and you're gonna get some folks who think you're full poo...but that happens when you cry about something on the World Wide Web!!!