Smoky Mountain HD...Thumbs up!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 3
From: Moline, IL
I consider SMHD my "home dealer" even though it is not the closest one. Great folks there and they are very customer service oriented. They keep their service department open all weekend specifically to help riders like you that have a problem when visiting our great riding roads on a weekend. SMHD rocks and I'm glad that they got you on the road quickly. 
i use mike in sales, big dave in service and chuck in parts.
when i bought my SG, they were really backed up and so it was taking a while. so while waiting the owner of the dealership took me to the BBQ and ate lunch together, on his treat. i doubt many dealers will take care of you like that.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 406
Likes: 14
I agree, good people in the service dept. We were in the area from Iowa and Paul scheduled his 1K service to be done on his CVO RG on Sunday. Said he'd be first in line unless there was an emergency for someone traveling. Well Dan bumped him back a space when he lost his back brake the night before in the Daniel Boone National Forrest. Got both done fast and back on the trail. #1 in my book.
WUZFUZ
WUZFUZ
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 690
Likes: 26
From: Knoxville, TN
SMHD has been owned solely by Scott Maddux since he founded it 10 years ago.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 690
Likes: 26
From: Knoxville, TN
Perhaps you were just there on a very busy day. I'm sure the flat was unexpected and that you were a "walk in" without a scheduled appointment. That is normally the way flats happen - unscheduled. They do their best with unscheduled repairs/service, but sometimes there is just more that they can handle quickly.
As for the cost - they are an HD dealership, so they are much more expensive than an Indy shop. I believe that SMHD's shop rate is $96.00/hour. And Harley parts prices are... well, you know - "pricey". I don't think that their costs are out of line with other HD dealers and they usually do not overcharge on the number of hours that they bill.
I'm sorry that you had a bad experience. I would encourage you to give them a 2nd chance if you are ever in the area again. My personal experience is that they are the best option for at least a 2 hour's drive radius. I hear many more positive reports than negative ones coming from SMHD customers.
As for the cost - they are an HD dealership, so they are much more expensive than an Indy shop. I believe that SMHD's shop rate is $96.00/hour. And Harley parts prices are... well, you know - "pricey". I don't think that their costs are out of line with other HD dealers and they usually do not overcharge on the number of hours that they bill.
I'm sorry that you had a bad experience. I would encourage you to give them a 2nd chance if you are ever in the area again. My personal experience is that they are the best option for at least a 2 hour's drive radius. I hear many more positive reports than negative ones coming from SMHD customers.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
Yes this is true and it was a busy weekend. Back in those day it used to be the MotorCo's policy that dealerships get on the road riders bumped to the front of the line. I don't hear that too much anymore but in 07 that seemed to be the MotorCo policy. 96.00 an hour is probably about right. Up here in Pa the rate runs right about 65.00 an hour @ my local Harley dealership.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 915
Likes: 16
From: Seymour,Tn.
On a road trip to the tail last week and throttle came loose from the housing leaving me trying to merge onto the hiway with no throttle!! After a bit of an *** pucker, I figured out that if I push hard into handlebar assembly and twist simultaneously I can get the throttle to.engage and up to speed where the cruise can take over. Normally a simple fix at home with time and tools but not wanting to chance the same occurence on the dragon we stopped in Maryville TN at the dealership. Damian took a look at it, rolled it back and said we'll have you on the road asap. Went across the parking lot to Stinkys bbq and bar for lunch and a cold one after 250 miles on the scoot. By the time I had lunch and bought my wife and I a shirt each it was ready to roll. I'm not sure this is a good thing but the two shirts were more expensive than the fix! They didn't even charge a full hour labor, which I thought would be a minimum at the least. Gracias for the fair service and great atmosphere.
I highly recommend anyone needing service while here for a visit stop there!
Did you stop at their Retail store at the Dragon?
Regards
Ed
Last edited by tennheritage; Jun 11, 2014 at 01:48 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 915
Likes: 16
From: Seymour,Tn.
LeadSSled is from Knoxville, I am nearby SMHD also,I'm from Seymour
Correct, and I believe he also owns a dealership in Kentucky, Maryville is the Flagship Dealership, and of course the ones in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
I have ALWAYS been treated exceptionally well at the Maryville store there!
I use Jimmy in Sales and ALL the parts guys are good!@
Regards to All!
Ed
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 690
Likes: 26
From: Knoxville, TN
And you are right about The Shed. We go there often... was just there last Saturday night. What a great venue for live music. And the BBQ at Stibkers is very good, not as good as mine but very good.
SMHD is a great place to visit!
On a road trip to the tail last week and throttle came loose from the housing leaving me trying to merge onto the hiway with no throttle!! After a bit of an *** pucker, I figured out that if I push hard into handlebar assembly and twist simultaneously I can get the throttle to.engage and up to speed where the cruise can take over. Normally a simple fix at home with time and tools but not wanting to chance the same occurence on the dragon we stopped in Maryville TN at the dealership. Damian took a look at it, rolled it back and said we'll have you on the road asap. Went across the parking lot to Stinkys bbq and bar for lunch and a cold one after 250 miles on the scoot. By the time I had lunch and bought my wife and I a shirt each it was ready to roll. I'm not sure this is a good thing but the two shirts were more expensive than the fix! They didn't even charge a full hour labor, which I thought would be a minimum at the least. Gracias for the fair service and great atmosphere.