dealer prep question
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
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From: USA
dealer prep question
sanity check..
I'm assuming that since every HD is put through a 1.5 mile stationary run-in before leaving the factory, that the bikes are shipped to the dealer with all oil systems filled. Correct?
Or, are the bikes drained of all fluids for shipping then refilled at the dealer as part of the $345 "dealer prep" fee?
I'm assuming that since every HD is put through a 1.5 mile stationary run-in before leaving the factory, that the bikes are shipped to the dealer with all oil systems filled. Correct?
Or, are the bikes drained of all fluids for shipping then refilled at the dealer as part of the $345 "dealer prep" fee?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
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From: Front Royal, Virginia
RE: dealer prep question
I can't help with an answer. I am pretty sure, no, I'm positive, that "dealer prep" is just another way to steal, repeat, steal more of your money. I can't do anything about the fact that I love my RKC. But I do have my own little protest against the rip off dealers. I never, never, ever buy parts and accessories at the dealer. I only buy on-line. And I never, never ever buy "Motor clothes" (They are of excellent quality though). I need to sign off as I can tell I am ranting.
Gary
Gary
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 100
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From: Central NJ
RE: dealer prep question
I heard before that the bikes are shipped w/o oil. I can't prove that, though.
And when I asked my salesman what the dealer prep fee was, he said it's the cost of them assembling the bike after arrival. Makes sense, I guess... but how many man hours does it take to put on the bars and set all that up? Oh well.
And when I asked my salesman what the dealer prep fee was, he said it's the cost of them assembling the bike after arrival. Makes sense, I guess... but how many man hours does it take to put on the bars and set all that up? Oh well.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 0
From: Front Royal, Virginia
RE: dealer prep question
One of my customers works at the local HD dealer. She sells Motor clothes. She was telling me when she bought her RK Custom, the mechanic came to her and said her bike had just came in. And, that he would let her know when he got it ready. 40 minutes! I figure at $345 that comes to over $400 an hour. Wonder why I think there Crooks?
Gary
Gary
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 298
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RE: dealer prep question
I have a copy of the HD Predelivery and Setup manual for 05's. Somebody on this site emailed it to me a year ago. I have a hard copy, but can not find the PDF on my computer. In summary they.
Uncrate and Assemble
Initial Assembly - things like windshield, tour-pak,mirrors and cables
Check Oil levels (Page 2-12)
Check fuel system
Check electrical system
Check tire pressure
Check brakes
drive the bike
done
Uncrate and Assemble
Initial Assembly - things like windshield, tour-pak,mirrors and cables
Check Oil levels (Page 2-12)
Check fuel system
Check electrical system
Check tire pressure
Check brakes
drive the bike
done
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 851
Likes: 1
RE: dealer prep question
When I went through the York factory tour they said they are shipped dry because of the "Hazardous material" possibly could spill and the shipment would be in a whole different catagory.
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
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From: USA
RE: dealer prep question
ORIGINAL: vulhalla
When I went through the York factory tour they said they are shipped dry because of the "Hazardous material" possibly could spill and the shipment would be in a whole different catagory.
When I went through the York factory tour they said they are shipped dry because of the "Hazardous material" possibly could spill and the shipment would be in a whole different catagory.
On a side note, I wasn't necessarily looking to start a rant regarding the dealer "prep" fee, but....
When I was filling out the paperwork for the Glide, I asked my salesperson if the service department had access to a digital camera so that I could get some pics of the bike during the uncrating phase. (I've done this with every new bike I've owned and in those cases where I couldn't be there to do it personally, the dealer was always willing to do it.) My salesperson told me they didn't have a camera available "...and anyway, the guys prepping the bikes are our minimum wage bike washers. They wouldn't know how to use a digital camera" Hmmmm, ok. So I'm paying $345 for a $6.85 per-hour washer to do a job that apparently shouldn't take more than an hour - especially since I didn't add any farkles at time of delivery. And for $345, I don't even get a friggin' picture taken of the uncrating. (I would've done it myself but I could not get away from work.) I should have pressed for this at the time but I was running under a very tight schedule that day and in fact, had taken some "unauthorized" time off from work to go handle the paperwork.
At least with my BMWs, I know that those bikes were shipped partially disassembled (no doubt due to minimize the overseas shipping charges) and it takes about 3 hours to do a make ready. I have pictures of my 1200RT being suspended while the front wheel and fairing is being installed.
Although I absolutely love this bike, the dealer prep scam and unwillingness to accommodate my request for a simple picture may come back to haunt the dealer when I get the factory survey.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
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From:
RE: dealer prep question
I am new to the HD scene. 6th bike, but 1st HD (Road King Custom). Our local dealer doesn't charge any dealer prep OR freight. You pay MSRP for any new bike in the store. I have noticed other manufactuers are charging prep/freight...but many time negotiable....