He's grumpy to "weed out" the people he doesn't want to deal with. (this comes from Howard himself) So in other words...if you don't kiss his *** you get no shocks.
Waaaaaaaaaaa

Here is one example of his attitude on another post here:

No, you did not just ask a question but you did make a statement both here and other posts which I will not get into. I am real sorry that I did not cater to your sense and idea of what it is to be a customer. I gave you just the facts only. I try to give no personality just what you need to know. If you wished to be stroked, be pandered, and/or told lies to, than you definitely made the right decision if this is the case. I try and weed out those who I feel would not be capable of understanding how to benefit from these performance products I support. I do not wish to deal with any customer who fits into that nitch, I am not saying that you ruddi are that person. I do not curse out, cut someone off, or be rude to any customer unless it is warranted and for many reasons. If you wish a politician or a carny barker, look some place else and do not even call me in the begining (NOT DIRECTED AT RUDDI). If you are a man and actually know how to ride a bike than call me.

As far as I'm concerned, you can be the most knowledgeable person in the world and have a great product...but I'm not laying down my cash to someone with that kinda attitude.

On top of that, his website is one of the biggest messes I've ever seen

 

Maybe he needs to get some customer service employees. My experience was that I wanted to know how to send a set of shocks back to be reworked, heavier springs etc. I couldn't find any info on the web site at the time. I called and was told he would me call back. Waited a couple of days and no call back. So I called again, same thing. Week later I call a third time and he tells me he's busy, he will get back to me when he can. That was 18 mos. ago, still no call.

 

I think he is an interesting guy. Certainly knows shocks and he wants to tell you what he knows. I believe he thinks it is his responsibility to educate you as best he can. If he feels like you think you know it all already, he will test you and your knowledge. Once you get past that side of Howard, he is your best friend. I mean you can call him ANYTIME. I called him Super Bowl Sunday and asked him which way to mount the JRI 13" B's I bought from him. Most guys would not even answer the phone and he spent 10 minutes talking with me about that silly question. Say what you want about him, but get past the "gruff" Howard and you've basically got a 18/7 suspension "help desk". Can't beat that IMHO.

Anyway, if you can't get past that, go somewhere else. Many vendors and brands out there.

 

Howard's a straight up dude, and needs no explanation one way or the other.

It's simple enough to deal with, and it sure ain't cool to come on here and bad mouth any sponsor.
Really ain't no point is there?
Did you think that you were going to hurt his biz, or something, is that why the negative post, or?

If you don't like the way he talks to you, don't deal with him, simple as that.
I'm sure he would say the same thing.

People are wayyyyyyy toooooo thin skinned these days..

 

That is a **** poor reason to treat someone bad, especially a customer.

mikebaby

 

There is a difference IMHO in "bad mouth" and a negative review based on a personal experience. If you want to come here and share a bad experience, that is fine. I have seen some real aggressive bashing of another sponsor that was totally unwarranted. The moderator dealt with it accordingly. In this case, most negative reviews are based on Howard's "straight shooting" way of dealing with customers. I personally don't find him difficult to deal with but I can see home some may.

This is the place to share bad experiences as well as good and there will always be some who toss in their 2 cents just to see it in print. I do agree that if you don't want to go through the sales cycle that Howard requires you to do, then don't call him. If you have 30-40 minutes and want to learn something about shocks and suspension, give him a call. He is glad to help you. Just check your ego at the door... he won't :-)

 

No shocks for you! Next!

 

I was in no way bad mouthing Motorcycle Metal, Howard, sponser or not doesn't matter, or anyone else. I was just looking for some input on Howard. I did not think about it being the week prior to bike week when I called nor when I posted. Btw my conversation with Howard lasted less than a minute. I got the impression he was brushing me off, and I can understand his mood if he was very busy with Daytona coming up, but it would have been better for him to just say "I'm extremely busy ATM, can you call back in two weeks." I didn't get my feelings hurt, I am impatient and wanted to get shocks ordered so they would be installed before the snow melted. As far as being weeded out, maybe so, but I do ride, I am on my 6th street bike, 2nd Harley, (first one I got in 1988), not including the rockets I have owned. I averaged about 10000 miles a year before twins were born last year. I do not however know much about Harley touring suspension. I was blessed with my 86 fxst to have a friend do all my work over the 13 years I owned it, while I did all the work on his truck. I never had to ask vendors questions, I just told him what I needed and what my budget was and it happened. Now I am doing it all myself and I am still learning, and am dependent on vendors and this forum among other things to get the information I need to make a decision! I would rather ride it than work on it, but so far I have done everything myself other than the 1000 mile service. But, back to the point, I want to do it right the first time, I have wasted too much money doing upgrades multiple times because I chose poorly on which way to go. If he is the best option, wether it be ohlins or jri doesn't matter, I just don't want to buy multiple sets of shocks to get what I need, and again, I don't know **** about motorcycle shocks except what I've read on the Internet. I trust a professional to explain the differences and pros/cons of each option, and assist me in making the right choice!

 

Look at his web site. As some have said, it's not the best organized web site out there, but the information is there. Then if you like, give him a call. He will quiz you a bit and then tell you a lot. He will have something that will work for you.. or make something that will work for you.

 

I emailed him over 3 months ago and have never gotten a response and since I don't chase after folks he won't hear from me twice.