Harley Davidson Dealership Experience - Not Good
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 2024
- The experience of purchasing my new 2023 Low Rider S.
Email: csa1nt@outlook.com
#harley #harleydavidson #lowriders #motorcycle #softail #dealership #issues #problems #harleydavidsonlifestyle
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Several months ago I went to my local dealer to buy/order a bike. They offered me a deal at almost $4k US over sticker. I told them I had an offer at MSRP with NO additional fees from another dealership about 2 hours away. If they would match the deal, I'd buy it from them instead. They "called my bluff" and told me to buy it at the other dealership.
So I did.
Was very satisfying to ride the bike up to that dealership (the overpriced one) and show off the bike that I got for a price... and this is their words.... "Too good to be true".
They have also lost me for all of my service, all of my parts, everything. Not joining their HOG chapter, not buying clothes from them, nothing.
Same thing happened to me. I branched out about 200 miles from my house to find the bike I wanted. No dealer would even offer to work with me on the price and wanted me to finance through Eagle Financial. One dealer even laughed at me and gave me some BS about how bikes were "flying off of the floor." This was in May of 2020 during the height of covid. I walked into my local dealer and said to the GM, "Don't bullshit me, and I won't bullshit you." He found my bike in New Orleans, gave me 1k off, and even steered me towards a local C.U. where I got a great apr. I shook the man's hand and bought the bike. I added about $3600 in extras and gave him $2500 down on the spot. I emailed the dealer who laughed at me a pic of my new bike and what I paid. Funny, he never replied. My dealer has been great ever since.
I had that problem once 2002 camero ss told me 24000 back in 2004 I told them it was to much they told me the same thing went bought a 2000 z28 for 1500 same car just different badges and no leather seats went back to show them they told me if I come back I was trespassing and cops will be called I laughed as I walked out the door and was told i was a person who “ had no right practicing those bad business practices” but I knew right there that I won and was not just a lying kid in his 20’s I’m 40 now and that place is still in business but has a bad name on dealing a price for a car
I've had a similar experience from a HD dealership also. Nobody in that dealership EVER approached me for anything. So I walked out after about an hour and never looked back. I have a Goldwing now and I'm so so happy I made that choice. Just check my tires, gas up, and just ride and ride and ride.
Good! We need more people like you who stick to their guns and aren't afraid to walk.
It’s a joke. Harley dealers in general are dragging the brand to its demise. I know like 3 people under the age of 30 that ride Harley.
Harley has done everything to not sell you a bike. A local dealership in PA cannot give you a price on a bike unless you are willing to sit their for hours on end. Then you will get some crazy price over sticker. Harley needs to shop their dealers to see the games that go on and address the issues. A lot of riders will not even look to buy a Harley because of these issues.
I do not disagree with that.
Sounds like 3 rivers Harley
Correct, I almost gave up to buy one in Ireland. The bullshit and not welcome experience with a specific salesman there was endless. I almost gave up buying my first Harley but I said to myself: "What the hell, would I give up my dream for one place"? I finished buying private and I try to avoid that place as much as I can. I wont escape it but I am glad that I did not buy the bike there.
I agree ☝️ experienced it myself
If someone could start a dealership that is actually customer focused and not just playing pretend, they would set records.
There’s not many like that out there anymore.
They used to have them; they were family owned. Harley is closing them in favor of corporate owners. They've closed about a dozen shops just here in the Pittsburgh area, including the one that I bought from that was three miles away. The nearest store is 20 miles away.
WAKE UP!!! INDIAN IS WAY AHEAD OF YOU!!!
As a nee HD customer, I quickly why they are struggling. My first stealershit experience will be my last... absolutly horrible experience. Wasted my entire weekend and two hours of driving.
Would've owned one years ago scumbag dealers have made a name for themselves soo many story's can't put any confidence in any of them
Some dealerships are a complete nightmare… three years ago I brought my bike (with very low mileage, almost brand new) to a dealership for a quick service. They ended up breaking my oil pan, welding and painting it!! They didn’t tell me a thing but I knew something was wrong with my bike. It was leaking, but I never imagined they could do something like that. I brought it over and over again because of the leaks. They acted as if I was the problem… I documented everything, so when I brought it to another dealership and they told me about my oil pan, I made that first dealership pay for the repairs. I’m the end everything got fixed, but I was so pissed because they lied and because they didn’t care about putting my life in danger.
Wow. That may be the worst story about a dealer yet. Glad you finally got it taken care of.
Your first mistake was letting them take the trade in before your new bike was ready to be delivered.
Actually, his first mistake was buying a new Harley when the market is loaded with really good used ones that are relatively cheap. His second mistake was going 2 1/2 hours away. His third mistake was continuing after the first call about the tires and clutch. He should right then said I coming to get my old bike a ND my deposit.. Then call your lawyer.
@@jerryjones2818 Not everybody thinks that way, there are a lot of used bikes that people are selling becuase they have problems, some people just want brand new with a warranty. I do understand what you are saying some just want new.
@@jerryjones2818except most of thoes bikes are "customized" and it always seems that prior to someone posting their bike on marketplace they smoke a ton of crack and demand insane prices
@@jerryjones2818 I agree! Experience indicates these kinds of problems don't get better; they get worse!
Absofuckinlutely
As someone who worked for 18 months in a non-sales role at an H-D dealership and after reading the comments I am not surprised. Harley-Davidson's real goal is not to sell motorcycles but to get as much cash and credit out of your wallet as they can.
I would agree with that 👍
I said it once I've said it a thousand times, HD makes all their money selling trinkets, HD branded trash cans and leather goods made in any country other than the US.
@@bill6023 What other motorcycle manufacturer would sell a sub par performing motorcycle and then require you to buy a performance package to make it run right? And in the same vein, what kind of customer would brag about spending an extra $4K for the privilege?
Of all HD bike sales, ⅔ are financed thru HD. Of all sales in general it's about ⅔ are parts and apparel (not bikes/trikes). Last time I checked, last year.
@Peter OH really? I missed the point where ⅔ of the bike sales are financed, thus referencing the original poster's comment about HD wanting to make loads of money from loans? Hmmm, ya. Totally missed the point.
I had a 96 lowrider that the salesperson offered $2000 in trade towards 2022 Street Bob. It was a little low, but the bike did need some work. After they checked the bike out the next person in the sales lineup said they would give me $1500. I laughed and walked out and put the bike up for private sale asking 5k. Sold it two days later for $4000. Went back to the dealership and continued my purchase. They ran my credit and got greedy when it returned at just over 800. The finance guy did the typical try to sell you a bunch more crap and mess with the points to increase their profits. I was fed up at that point and went to plan B. Which was pulling an envelope full of cash and buying the bike outright. They still got me paying a little over the MSRP but I kept the bleeding down to a minimum. Harley dealerships are the worst.
Their value on your trade in was ridiculous. But I’m sure you surprised them paying cash 👍
Ya man. You really taught them a lesson when you bought the bike anyway, even after they tried to screw you. That'll show 'em!
@@canadiansa1nt309
I do the same also, cash 💰 is king 👑
We always traded in our ultras every 4 years or so and we always knew that we had to come to the table with an extra $12,000-$15,000 to make the deal. This year we went to two dealerships and they both came in around $22,000 more in addition to our trade. I walked out and told them they are making it very hard to be brand loyal.
It’s getting harder to get a fair price these days.
Not to go too much into it, but the dealership I dealt with left me in the dark after several emails and phone calls not being returned. So I got on LinkedIn and looked up who was their regional manager was. I emailed him at 10:30pm, showing proof of emails and phone calls. Had an email at 11:30pm with everyone that needed to be involved to correct that situation. I had so many phone calls and emails the next day. Everything was taken care of, I hate to do stuff like that but it was a lot of money and we as customers are paying a premium for these bikes and sometimes crap customer service.
I agree it’s not fun to go over someone’s head, but sometimes it has to be done to get any movement. I agree that for the price we are paying good service should be expected.
I drove 2.5 hours away, when I had a dealer 30 minutes away. I bought a used bike and got there at 5pm. They close at 6 pm. They stayed to make sure we closed the deal and at 7 pm, helped me load the bike. Pig Trails in rogers Arkansas was amazing. They let me pick out a jacket and ship it to me since they didn't have my size. I'll make that drive again for sure.
Sounds like they are guys to stick with. Not everyone will give you service like that.
I've been riding Harleys for 17 years but in the past 6 years I've seen less and less bikes on the showroom floor that I actually like. Between the dealership experience and the latest prices it seems Harley is doing everything they possibly can to keep people from coming back.
I would agree that their stock seems to keep getting less and less. Same with their customer service.
They are trying to market bikes to gen z and gen x hence why they have lost the plot of what made them harley davidson. But why would you go anywhere else? We're HARLEY Davidson?
@@muskokamike127 why would you want anything but 1950's tech anyway?
@@adam346 ahem, just a head's up? The flat plane crank in the new Z06 corvette is the same basic design from the 60's and earlier.
It isn't about tech, it's about design.
For eg: no self respecting contractor would be caught DEAD driving a cyber truck even if it was $20K and drove 1200 miles on a charge and gave hummers after work.
@@adam346 One other reason? 50's and 60's tech will still be running fine 50 yrs from now where no vehicle built in the last 20 yrs will be daily driven 100 yrs from now. You're lucky if you can get 20 yrs out of one.
I went to trade in my old Harley (bought from that dealership) and buy a new one from a dealership last year. The manager valued my bike and a salesman set up the contract for the new bike with all the extras I wanted for an 'on the road' price. This was all put in a sales contract which I signed and then paid the deposit. Next week they wanted an extra administration fee that was "on all bikes - there's nothing we can do about it". Next they noticed that my trade in needed new tires so they wanted to deduct money from the trade in value, then it needed work as "the indicators and tail lights weren't working". Then they needed to add workshop hours to adding the parts to my new bike. I pointed out that we already had a contract and I expected them to honour it. I was told if I felt that way I could have my deposit back, so and thanked them, got my deposit back and went to another dealer who ran an honest shop. When I pick up my old bike from them, the indicators and tail light were working - I called the salesman to look and he just shrugged his shoulders.
That sounds about right. The deal always seems to change once there is money down.
That's some crazy 💩, man. I'm glad you got your deposit and your bike back. No doubt there were a few more details they'd find to cheat you more later.
Harley’s dealers are slowly repelling customers, one by one. Indian (Polaris) will eventually put Harley out of business.
Wow, man. Moreof you guys should do that, BEFORE you sign. Its called "calling their bluff"
I went into a dealership a few days ago looking for my first harley/second bike. I walked in with a $15k budget with a little bit of wiggle room. With them being the biggest dealership in the area they have an entire underground parking garage of used bikes. My dream bike is a street glide. I sat on two bikes, neither of which were street glides and didn’t tell me anything about pricing. As we went back upstairs I saw an entire row of used street glides that he didn’t show me AT ALL, and proceeded upstairs to try and get me into a ‘23 street glide at TWICE my budget. Bad experience all around and has given me a bad taste in my mouth of ever owning a Harley.
Those salesman need to cater to the customer and show you what you want. It seems all they care about is the money now days.
I’ve bought 2 cars and then my first bike and have never had such a bad experience than I had at the Harley dealership
@@Peter-nm1ps yeah. Sure dodged a bullet by sticking with Honda
Similar experience here. Went into a Harley dealer with $10k down looking specifically at a used ‘22 low rider s with under 1000 miles. They made the deal/math so bad on that used bike that when compared to deal/math on brand new bike looked better. Had a choice of getting straight ripped off on a used dropped bike or go new and pay about the same over the length of the loan. I’ll only ever lowball and tire kick in Harley dealerships.
My boss has a lot of Harleys both new and old, He actually bought his first Indian motorcycle and told the dealership that it was the most pleasant experience he ever had buying a new motorcycle. Lots of people are starting to wake up to Harleys bullshit.
Can’t say I disagree. Their customer service has gone downhill over the years.
U DAMN RIGHT!!! AMERICAN RETURNS!!!!
You know I said enough to HD in 2014. Closed my eyes, bought a 2014 Victory X Country Tour. Awesome bike. I've never ridden such a machine. 55,000 well maintained. So alternatives are out there. Indians are an expansion of the Victory line. If my Victory wasn't so reliable and simple to maintain. . . I'd probably buy an Indian. F Harley Davidson particularly their dealers.
*An expansion of Victory*???? Polaris had a Choice, Indian WON due to their names HISTORY... Sorry to see Victory go but Damn Good 💯😊 Choice!!!!
Yeah but now your boss is stuck with a pos Polaris fake indian. The OP has a nice Harley.
I don't know how things work legally in Canada but here in the USA as soon as they changed the terms of the sale I would have backed out. You have far more patients that I do.
It was mostly an issue of having non refundable money down.
Would seem that if you have a signed contract with your trade-in value listed they would have to honor it. Sleazy way to do business but sadly not surprising.
Exactly....
They don't call them "stealerships" for nothing !!!
I wanted to buy my first Harley last Fall. It was the worst experience I've ever had trying to purchase something. Ranging from being totally ignored to bait & switched multiple times. Having agreements in writing they wouldn't honor when I showed up in person. I ended up spending 2 months talking to 8 different dealership in my surrounding area and ended up so frustrated by the whole thing I went out and bought a BMW. The BMW dealer gave me a fair OTD price the first time I asked, no BS, then handed me the keys for a test drive and didn't send a nanny along to babysit me. Came back from the test ride and bought the bike.
The BMW was a great bike but just didn't do anything for me. I love the bikes Harley makes, but I can't say I've enjoyed any other aspect. I still want a Harley.
This is the reason I buy used. Well that and saving money 😂
Depending on the model you bought, I'm surprised the BMW 'didn't to anything' for you. They can fit well into whatever style of riding, unless you bought a model that's designed for a type of riding you're not into.
They're well-made and designed high-quality and reliable machines. Their performance typically will run circles around typical Harleys.
I've owned BMW since 2003 and have put 150,000 trouble-free km on mine...
Compared to BMW, Harleys are heavy and mediocre performers that use old technology. They only change to more modern technology when legislation forces them to, such as going liquid cooled to meet emissions regulations...
@@garymaclean6903 The BMW (R1250GSA) was the best motorcycle I have ever ridden and I don't think any motorcycle is going to change my opinion on that in the near future (except maybe the new 1300GS). However, I found the bike pretty boring to ride, unless I was riding it like an asshole. Everyone's use case is different. I'm a weekend warrior and I'm not going to take a 590 lbs motorcycle on much more than a gravel road. I have a 300 2-stroke for trails. My riding is purely recreational and I just didn't find the BMW to excite me in any way, it felt like an appliance, it was just really good at everything. It's not a criticism, it just wasn't the bike for me. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is interested in one. My dad has been riding BMWs for decades and they are great motorcycles.
Same experience as you. The HD salesman actually swore at me. I bought a Honda.
And that's why there is Indian motorcycles and a whole slew of independent Builders out there that use high quality S&S Motors.
I’m in Indiana USA, and our dealership ownership/personal fully changed about a decade ago and it is now just awful. I hate when I have to go in there for anything at all. I went to buy a bike a few years ago and they were rude a totally dismissive of what I even wanted so I bought from a person instead. Then I ended up getting a new M8 from a different dealer and I’ve went in for basic service things and they are just unbearable to deal with. I don’t care how nice and polite you’re or how much $$$ you are throwing at them they are rude and will refuse to do the basic things you ask for, even though they have your bike for 2 months over a turn signal switch. If you aren’t on their little crew of nut-riding friends, you’re a peasant to them and they make sure you feel that way even when trying to have a basic conversation with them. I feel your pain….
A few years back I came across a 79 XLH, low mileage and almost completely stock. I had a new one when I was young and I couldn't resist. You know, relive your youth thing. So I go to my local Harley dealership to pick up some fluids and plugs, I did basic maintenance on my first one and kind of enjoyed it. Plus now I could afford more Loctite and better torque wrenches. I handed my list to a young guy at the parts counter and told him to take his time because I wanted to look around. The last time I had been at a Harley dealership was 1982 and I wanted to see what had changed. Pretty much everything. Dealers back then were small, usually family owned. No wall of chrome or a clothing store. The old shops had character, this place had none of that but everyone was wearing the same style of shirt. When I went back to parts the young guy had everything but the plugs. It seemed there was one mechanic in there that had ever actually worked on an Ironhead and they were waiting for him to get back from lunch to suggest a plug. Harley wants visiting a dealership to be an experience but judging from the comments on videos like this one, probably not the experience these people are commenting on. I think Harley has forgotten where they came from and its hard to know where you are going when you can't remember where you've been.
That’s a pretty good way of putting it.
I have an older Sportster too. It’s a 1988 so not quite as old as yours 👍
I can relate to your experience . I rode Harleys all of my life until just two years ago at 72 and I can tell you that Harley has never cared about their customers ( Just give me your money and go away ). I bought five new Harleys over the years and had many issues that would take too long to explain . But the worst experience was when I bought a new 1979 Low Rider and had to take it back for a leaking head gasket . The bike only had fifty miles on it when I took it in . They had it for a week including a weekend and when I went to pick it up the speedometer showed over 250 miles indicating that someone took it home over the weekend for a joyride . No explanations, apologies , compensation , nothing . They just didn't care. You should have named the dealer.
Good lord that’s terrible. I had better experience with dealers when they were smaller independently owned shops. Now they’re all getting bought up by large companies. Their service just keeps going down.
@@canadiansa1nt309 The change to car dealers owning Harley dealerships was spearheaded by Harley Davidson itself. In Calgary, the same thing happened, a Harley dealer that goes back to the '60s has to become an independent shop. The only Harley dealership is owned by a car dealership.
Yes sir. That is the reason for YT.
Name & shame. That should tidy their BS up. Just be weary to not get caught in lawsuits
A Ducati dealer did a similar thing to me. We agreed on my trade price and new bike price. When I got my bike there, they told me it needed a new rear tire and tried to gauge me for that. I used to work for a dealership and know how much tires cost as well as how much they pay 15 y.o to change them. We agreed on cost price off the trade in value. It wasn't until I got home and checked the invoice that I realized they charged me full price for the tire. My fault for not checking it. This was my second bike from them so you'd think they would look after a return customer. The only other Ducati dealer in the area was a rude prick so I refused to go to them.
They definitely charged me customer price for the tires and labour. Way more than they would have paid.
I haven’t had anything near the issues you have with a dealership but I can’t begin to tell you how disheartened I have become with HD. My first experience with HD was buying my first Harley from my local dealer 45 years ago. I was a snot nosed twenty year old who went in drooling over every bike on the floor. Figured out there was no way I could afford the Low Rider I was in love with so I went for a Sportster. I never talked to any of the sales people as they all sort of either were too busy to talk to me or blew me off. I can’t say I really blame them, as I didn’t really look like I could afford to buy a new bike. Not to say there were that many sales people. The dealership in those days was a small old school dealer. I went to my bank to talk financing and while I was there the bank guy called the dealer, and was asked asked who the salesman was I talked to. Well after saying I hadn’t been able to get a salesman to talk to me they put me on the phone. It was the owner I was talking to and he got me squared away on not the bike I was wanting (kick start), but another one identical to it with electric start. I later learned that he held a sales meeting and totally reamed the entire sales staff a new one over my not having been able to talk to anyone. I bought my bike and found myself on a first name basis with just about all the staff as well as the owner and his son (the head mechanic). I always got treated right by those people even after they were forced into building the NEW big fancy dealership that HD demanded all their dealers build. Quite a few years ago however that ownership passed from that family to another. No longer were the price tags placed on every bike telling you the exact price. Ask a salesman the price and get an answer like “Oh anywhere between 23 and 27 thousand.” So ok which is it for this bike right here? “Oh well it’s hard to say right off. Let’s go over to my desk and talk sales and we can work up a price for you.” Yeah no thanks. A lot of folks still in and out of there but I have long since lost my enthusiasm for the place and any loyalty I had has long since passed. Now yet another family has purchased the place and I was struck at the difference between my fist experience and the experience I had on my last visit. A salesman who was just as pushy as he could be from the moment I walked in the place trying to sell me a new bike. It was almost amusing. I’m still riding my 18 year old bike, the last one I bought from the original family and with what I have been seeing from my own experience and experiences of others like you here, I’ll keep on riding it for some time to come. Used bike prices are such that I wouldn’t consider a new bike anyway and I often wonder if I decided to go new, if I might just start at the Indian dealer. This isn’t your daddy’s or your granddaddy’s Harley Davidson anymore.
It seems that a lot of the family run operations are getting fewer and fewer as big companies buy them up. I had very few issues with dealers when they were smaller. Now the ones here all have big new buildings and with that came higher overhead and a loss of customer service. It has become more about the brand and the profit than the customer. I would not blame you for not wanting to buy new, or going to a different company altogether.
Sorry to hear that you went through that, I'm from Pennsylvania, U.S.A. and in 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic, I purchase a 2021 Road King Special. The bike had to be order and of course I have to put a deposit down too, sounds pretty much like your situation. However, in my case, my local Harley dealer did not increase the price after the MSRP and I did not turn in my trade in (2010 Road King Classic), until the new bike was in the dealer's possession. I respectfully say to everyone, that the moral of the story here is, "Never turn in your trade in before the new bike is in front of you". I do trust my local dealer, and I'm sure that there is maybe more details about your story, but even as much I trust my local dealer, I always keep in mind that their are in the business to make money.
God Bless everyone!! Ride hard but ride safe...
My only issue is that they would not have agreed to order the bike until they knew they would have the trade in. But it’s good advice nonetheless.
Harley dealerships have gotten awful. I bought a bike this winter at a dealership in St Louis. It turned into a shit show. There are a lot of good independent mechanics. Order your own stuff, and take it to one of these decent people just making a living. Dealerships are getting to the point, where they have no redeeming qualities.
I can’t say I would disagree with that.
The biggest problem we have is that this lack of customer service has become a contagious disease in the 21st century. Old fashion customer service by dealerships is a thing of the past, it seems employees are rewarded on how much 'short' term profit they make. This model/policy/disease is designed to boost the bottom line by not allowing 'customer loyalty' to be factored into the sales model for HD dealerships.
I think a lot of the problem is dealerships being owned by big companies. Once you move away from the family business it’s all about the bottom line.
I had the same experience as you first when I wanted to buy my fat boy, and then when I wanted to customized it and I guess something similar could happen now that I'm thinking about trading it for a new model, and I really appreciate your honesty and detailed explanation to understand what we (I mean your followers) must avoid and prevent before doing any deal with them, thank you! I tell you my friend, we must love a lot out Harley bikes to ignore that kind of bull shit coming from Harley Dealerships and this is happening because HD is not listening and paying attention on this kind of problems that everyday we must face, but someday someone must see this and correct the problem. All the best and congratulations for your new bike!
Thank you. This was the first time I had ever really had much of an issue buying a bike from a dealer.
Once upon a time my dream was to buy a Harley. Not any more.
I totally understand. Real soon I will be uploading a FULL video regarding the horrible Dealership experience I had here in SO Cal, and with Harley's Customer service. I will say this, Bike in shop 10 October, 2022 Under WARANTY Promised back November, etc. The Monday before Thanksgiving I was in the dealership where told my bike was being totaled. 2 hours later found out it was NOT my bike,. Then told it was 1000% covered and they would move me into another bike just as if it was 100% fixed (red flag #3 for the day) Then the sales manager tried to super lowball me because the engine was blown, yet sell me an older used bike with more likes and NOT an Ultra CVO for $30K, meaning I overpaid for replacement and gave them my Bike. Come to find out the dealership 1st contacted HD for warranty on 3 Feb 23, 4 MONTHS after the got my bike and kept promising completion nd tracking numbers (Which I have never gotten) Now, 11 May 2023, no bike, no tracking numbers, but they are trying to pressure me to "give" them the bike (they don't know when they parts will be there) and but a new one at over retail. OH, I forgot, HD told me I was no longer welcomed to call Corp. I am waiting on what my attorney does this coming week before uploading. As I told the dealership back in November "I want my bike fixed post haset and I will never see any of them again including their employees who migrate to another dealership. Yep, I finally had enough. Video coming soon.
Good lord. That sounds like a huge pain in the ass. The very least they could do is give you a bike while they screw you around.
It doesn't end with just Harley dealerships. I've bought bikes from powersports dealerships, same thing. Once the salesman is done with you, he never looks back. There is a big miscommunication between sales, parts, and service. I've bought used bikes from a powersport dealership and when they called me to pick it up. They can't find the keys. My buddy had a similar issue with one of those places. He bought a used Harley, he wanted the apes replaced with more stock handle bars. It took them 5 weeks to change those and they couldn't find his keys. When he got the bike home, we had to re-solder all the extended wiring. bad connections. But we weren't going back there, ever. Word to the wise, don't ever, ever trade in your bike at a Harley dealership. They will rip you off royally. Sell it privately. I wouldn't even use Harleys financing. I'll buy parts from the HD dealership, that's about it. They don't touch my bike. There's plenty of smaller shops out there that don't try to bullshit you in parts you don't need replaced. Two seasons ago, I had my Night Train stored at the HD dealership for the winter months. They do their 30 point inspection. They told me, I need 600 dollars in parts and 2600 hundred in labor. I'm like; Don't touch it. When I got the bike back, I took their list to the place I go to. Turns out, I needed rotors and pads. It didn't cost me 3200. HD dealerships have always been known to be greasy. All the small mom and pop dealers are gone. Now its just big HD dealer chains. Their too big to care about their customers.
Their prices are generally way out of line.
Man, that's nuts. I bought my first bike a few months ago, and emailed the Honda dealer asking for the OTD price, and they just sent it to me. Went in, paid the amount they told me beforehand, and left with my bike. Like, I wasn't even there long enough to even get an idea of how most of the employees are, lol.
That would be nice. Most Harley dealers aren’t like that.
The Japanese could show Americans, any day, how to sell their product. They "fall over backwards" to sell their product.
I bought my first Harley in Mesa Az. I walked away and told them they were charging to much. I got a helmet and a 18k bike for 12k signed. I got a used bike with a 2 year warranty. You walk in and start negotiating. Most people don’t no how to negotiate because they used to walking into a store and paying sticker prices
I think you have to be a real fan to go through all that, wait so long, and not tell them to stuff the deal.
Your experience plus others has made me realize that for my sanity and wallets sake, I'm probably going to have to buy my future Road King Special used from a private party or independent dealer. Then have any service that I can't do myself done at an independent shop. My litmus test for if I will even step foot in a H-D dealer, is if they actually list the prices of their bikes online, no "get a quote" BS. That usually tells me they're more upfront, and if I can probably work with them on a price.
You may be on to something.
Someone right now has my future road king special depreciating in their garage. In few years, I will buy it for half what they paid, and it will only have 5k miles.
@@MrJones-xw8mn Right there with you, I'm also waiting for this overinflated used bike market to wind down. Though I doubt we'll ever go back to pre-2019 prices. Harley has used the parts and new bike shortage (which is now over) to drive up and control the prices of their used bikes. It's always been said, Harley's biggest competitor is their own used market, so they've taken advantage of the lockdown to even this out. Right now, the price of a 5 yr. old used Harley (any model) with 20K clicks on it is the same price and sometimes more than a brand new bike. Nuts!
Running a dealership under the constraints imposed by a manufacturer is an art form that many dealer principals/owners either fail to grasp the concept of, or are simply incapable of.
The upsizing of motorcycle shops brought on by corporate mandates has sounded the death knell for small, eager to serve, family owned businesses where all employees involved rode motorcycles and understood motorcycle riders.
HD values the
'customer journey' through the purchasing process, however, they themselves have created this monster that due to the amount of parties involved, breaks down when one variable
is not in place.
With my 46th motorcycle, having ridden for 53 years, I miss the small dealerships where a tire change was done correctly in less than a hour without an appointment, and there were no pre-qualifying questions to determine a customer's worthiness.
I used to use a smaller dealership here that I had no issue with. Harley closed them in 2021 of course.
These HD dealers think they're doing you a favor selling you a bike. My local family owned small dealer got shut down and I never bought another one. Also, these castle dealerships are being paid for by you and other buyers with these $800 prep fees, $300+ doc fees, $500 oil changes, msrp, and other surcharges. Wing DCT Tour for me now, and I think it's an absolutely incredible bike.
I started riding recently and my 1st bike was a Vulcan S 650. Awesome sales/service. That changed when I decided last year to go with Low Rider ST. Ordered in April, was told arrival in June, got it end of Oct. so everything you said happened to me. I’m in Montreal, Quebec
That’s terrible. Basically ruined the summer. Hopefully the bike was fine when you got it.
@@canadiansa1nt309 the funny thing is when I was trading the Vulcan, I only had 4000lm, and they wanted right away, so I don’t put more km’s on it and be hard to sell. I wasn’t going to go all summer with nothing. Plus here in Quebec, we can’t ride from Dec to April due to the tire law
Never buy new. You can always find someone with something a year or two old with low miles that realized they can't afford the payments. They are everywhere.
Thanks for sharing your Harley Davidson buying experience. I've never bought a new bike from a dealer, always via Private Party and the one time I truly wanted to buy a new bike form a dealer I had real negative encounter...I definitely left the dealership feeling disappointed with my dealer visit.
You’re not the only one. Private deals can definitely be the way to go.
Good for you for speaking up! I have experienced this type of "upsell" (also in Canada) and you are bang on. It affects future sales more than they think.
Well, they won’t be getting any future sales from me, that’s for sure.
@@canadiansa1nt309 Bought a brand new harley, after 40 years of other models, when I retired. So pissed off at all the bullshit I sold it and will never buy another. Love my Indian
I hear ya man... I'm lucky i have a friend who worked for dealership and now has his own shop. Get out of the dealership and find a good tech.
I am a new rider. Took the MSF course through a HD dealership. Great instructor!! Great experience!! Now for the bad.... I started looking at HD sportster models at a local dealership. At first things were good. I was treated very well. Then that gradually turned sour. Intimidation, pressure, borderline harassment. Inflated prices, outrageous fees and financing. The sales manager became very rude when he saw that I was not falling for they're crap. I told them to never contact me again. Fast forward a month later. I found the HD that I wanted(not through a HD dealership btw which saved me thousands!). After that I've dealt with a further away HD dealership for service, customizing ECT. They have been fantastic. They have went above and beyond in providing the best possible costumer service. Thanks for the video. Enjoying your channel
Thanks. The dealers seem to get into a frenzy once money is involved. Definitely not a bad idea to try to avoid certain ones.
Yeah true enough. I just don't understand why HD headquarters doesn't have the same guidelines/customer service across the board. If they're trying to stay afloat and appeal to new riders like myself they need to learn a thing or two. I told that the dealership. Congrats on loosing a sale. Harley is slowly dying. You'd think they would wake up. Just my opinion
@@leeshepherd8486 They’re like McDonalds. Different manager, different policies.
I thought it was funny towards the end , your comment about where you live. I haven't watched your channel before , but mid way thru the video i was curious so i looked at your page and figured it out in about 1 minute. Internet videos are seen by quite a broad range of people and have a huge impact on businesses. Glad you finally got you bike !!!
Thanks. It’s definitely not hard to figure things out once you know where I live.
Sounds like they closed the wrong dealership.
The dealership you are dealing with needs new management for sure. Harley Davidson needs to know everything that happened.
A phone conversation with Harley Davidson is what I would want. You would be doing Harley a huge favor by letting them know.
Harley and the dealership’s parent company are aware of my experience there 👍
Former Harley Canada employee for a brief period a long long time ago.
You were right to get in touch with head office and the parent company.
Personally I would have walked away entirely. Only mistake you made was not going over their heads sooner.
Glad it's all sorted out now. Sorry you had to deal with that.
I figured going over their heads was the only way to get some movement.
I wanted to buy a new Road Glide Standard last year. MSRP was just under $22K US. I went into my local dealer and they didn’t have any. The sales guy took down my info and said he would contact me when he got one. He asked what would be the best way to contact me, and I asked him to email me, not to call me, since I work night shift and sleep during the day. Once he got a Road Glide in, he called me. I didn’t answer because I had asked him not to call. He called me 7 times a day for two weeks. I blocked the number. I went I to the dealership when I had a chance, and we spoke. The bike had already been sold. He then told me he could order one, and it would cost $36K. I told him I’d pass. He also looked at my current bike and offered me $7K on a trade in. I went home angry, and a couple days later I looked at their used bikes online. They had an identical bike for sale, with a scratched tank and a lot more miles than mine, and were asking $18K for it. I understand they want to make a profit on trade ins, but that’s just insulting. I won’t but another bike from them. They used to be a great dealer, but over the years the staff has gotten progressively worse. The parts counter guys are top notch, but everyone else is a prick!
Jeez that’s one hell of a mark up. Pretty much highway robbery. I had an issue with another dealer who didn’t contact me at all when the bike came in. I had to find out later one came in and they sold it. That was the local dealer here. That’s why I thought I would try someone else.
@@canadiansa1nt309 there are three dealers in my area. Two of them were selling bikes for those prices. One of them has brand new 2023 Road Glides and Street Glides listed on their website for $26999. That’s still $5K over MSRP. I remember 5 years ago when dealers would be happy to get MSRP for a new vehicle. Now they act like they are going to starve if they don’t get you to pay a huge markup. I’ll keep riding my old Softail and spend my money on something else. It’s funny, I had a salesman tell me that I have to pay the markup or I won’t be able to get the bike I need. I reminded him that a new Harley is a want, not a need. Especially when I already own a bike that’s paid off and runs great. I just wanted to try a touring bike. Harley convinced me that I could live without it.
We live and learn. Had an issue with my local kawasaki maintenance department, long story, dropped off first bike, they had it a week, didn't do anything to it, switched out bikes and they had that one for a week, they did nothing to it, switched again the bikes. Had it another week, called them a week later, still had not touched it. Took another week to get first one done. 180 dollar oil change. I was to leave the second bike for it to be worked on, but the guy had an attitude with me. I am nice like you. Rode bike that was done home. Ran 6 miles back to pick up the other. Took it 25 miles the next week and they did the work while I waited. Found my dealership.
Sounds like Harley isn’t the only dealership that has some issues.
@@canadiansa1nt309 HD I believe has gone more corporate owned and don't care much for the small dealerships that spent millions on the standard they set forth. Kawasaki that I know of are all independently owned and they get to run it the way they want. Service a lot of times is a separate third party. This facility had no care if I had my bike serviced at the dealership or not. He stated he had 200 bikes he needed to get out. He didn't need the work.
Subbed bud. Enjoyed the story. I worked at a Harley Dealer for a bit and really liked the people and the dealer. I have ran across another Harley dealer not far from the one I worked at that treated people pretty similar to how you were treated.
Thanks. It’s getting harder and harder to find good dealers these days.
The dealership I use to always deal with until the owner got too old to run it which he sadly sold. I did not like the sales person, but the price stated was always extremely fair, the work was always spot on and if they could do it for free or a very low cost they would. I got a small scratch on the paint and they touched it up at no cost to me. I was shocked, but they had a customer for life.
We need more dealers like that. 👍
Congratulations on the channel; fellow Canadian here. Sole negative experience was 17 years ago at a major H-D dealership - they went through three service managers (and I dealt with them; they were NOT accommodating) in six months. However, all thanks and humble praise to my initial dealership: they replaced the handlebars I wrecked on my first bike - the night I got it - FOR FREE (tried to pay for it twice; they wouldn't take it). All hopes that the place you were dealing with cleans up their act.
Thank you. I hope things clean up at the dealership but as it’s owned by a big power sports company I have my doubts.
After 15 Yrs of Riding Harleys, and 3 New Harleys over that Time span. I traded my last Harley for a BMW R1200GS. I have Never looked back. It’s 100 Times better than Any of the Harleys. Harley Dealerships act like they are doing you a Favor letting you Buy one. Meanwhile they Screw you over on anything they possibly can! They want to charge really High Interest Rates on their Loans, even if you have a Great Credit Score!!! I will never Buy another Harley, there are so many Better Built, Better Riding, Reliable Bikes out there, who needs a Harley. They use the same z as Frames from 30 Yrs ago with New Skins and same Motor just bigger. They never really improve much. I’ll stick with other Brands. Thanks for the Video.👍👍
My experience with Harley-Davidson goes back to 1973. At that time I purchased an eight-year-old 65 Harley from a dealership in Syracuse New York. In time I came to realize the dealership had a reputation of being a total rip-off. To no one's surprise I had a very negative experience dealing with them and unfortunately that hasn't been the exception to the rule over the years I have had in all my service done by aftermarket small shops. Not all of those have been positive but I have been fortunate enough to find a few really competent service people. Dealerships don't work to keep customers. People do if you find a competent mechanic that is honest treat them with respect
👍
Im a die hard HD owner for over 35 years and owned many of them , IMO the when Willie G retired and the new styling came into play for the younger crowd the whole ship started to sink , I hope they can hold on !
We’ll see. I’m more interested in how they continue to handle the environmentalists.
they got rid of the entry level Sportster, Now Yamaha & Indian have that market share. HD only wants to sell high end
Bought a used street glide on February 1 2023. It was my first Harley so I bought a used 09...beautiful clean bike. I road it once and brought it back...needed clutch plate, basket, starter, new wiring harness, and several other things. In 90 days I had to bring it back 7 times for the same issues. My dealership went above and beyond to dial the bike in...didn't cost my a dime. The owner had the GM cut me a check for my troubles. The bike is now in my garage and runs like a top. While it was at the dealership, I went out and purchased a 05 goldwing...starts every time. I will never buy another Harley, but my dealership was amazing.
Sounds like that dealer went above and beyond for you. Not many like that anymore.
I hear those Goldwings will go forever 👍
@@canadiansa1nt309 Godwings are bulletproof. Love my Harly but the GoldWing is a completely different riding experience. It's a 1,000-lb sport bike with tons of storage.
@@markbarrett4482 I’ll have to try one out sometime.
Same experience when I helped a girlfriend buy a 2002 HD 1200XL Sportster. That year Harley offered various paint levels. We chose a custom painted gas tank with a production run of 1200 that added $1000 to the price. No problem. Also changed handle bars. Both tank and bars were thru the Harley parts catalog. Factory parts no aftermarket. Then thru the dealership we ordered chrome braided cables, clutch and throttle. Dealership ordered them from a national well known company you and I can order from. I figured let the dealership do everything seeing that the bike is shipped in a crate and requires assembly. Brake lines were also ordered. Kool no problem we agreed on a price and given a date to take possession of this bike. This was after the dealership had talked with the sales rep from Harley. My girl was pre-approved for a loan from her bank. We exceeded that by a tad. We paid $2000 down, the following Friday went back paid another $1000 and in 2 weeks were to take delivery of the bike along with all the take off parts. 2 weeks later was told cables hadn't arrived, be here in 3 days. Ok. Following Friday dealership was still waiting on cables. I became a little warm and loud. In like minutes the salesman had the manager in the room. We heard I think like 3 excuses why the cables hadn't arrived and the best one was there was a problem with the dealerships check. When I heard that I informed them that come the next Friday the bike would be 100 percent ready to be rode off their lot or they had better be ready to refund our downpayment. Come Friday my girl was riding but nobody knew anything about the takeoff parts. That took another week and then they tried to pawn off some used cables as new. This experience left me with a total distrust of dealerships and cuz of that you will never see me on a brand new Harley. I still support Harley but not thru a dealership and never will
That sounds about right. I’m not sure what their problem is with parts. They could be honest about it as well.
They had to eat part of that trade in value so they decided to give you a hard time on the rest of it. That's what Harley does
That definitely could have been the case.
Idk seems to me that they always give bottom dollar trade in value. Selling instead of trading is usually best but definitely a pita!
A had a absolutely piss poor experience buying my 22 fxlrst at badlands harley in medicine hat too. They took advantage of me on the price charging me 2k more for a used one than what they quoted me for a new one. They bungled the install of parts to such an extent it was truly unbelievable. 30% too much oil, riser stud that wasn't even locktited and came loose on me, wiring that wasn't even plugged in, crimp connector one end wasn't even crimped and on and on and on. After I politely refused to bring the bike back in to get "fixed" it was total non communication. Not so much as a single reach out to say sorry, to say how can we make this right, nothing. Considering I was a brand new customer, only 40 so they could have had 25 years of new bikes, parts, swag etc from me and bought 15k of parts and gear on top of the bike, was beyond unacceptable. I will never step in that dealership again as long as I live, and I'm sure to tell anyone will listen about them too.
Geez, I hadn’t heard that about Medicine Hat. Good to know, though. I actually had the loctite issue with a handlebar install at my local dealer.
@@canadiansa1nt309 Yea apparently since the automotive group took over and Ivan has stepped back as owner it's all gone to crap. Wish I would have know that before dealing with them. At least calgary was able to figure out on their dyno and while jiggling it, that the last piece of wiring the hat did that I didn't remove cause it looked and tested ok while bike wasn't moving (throttle extension cause of taller risers), was actually done as piss poor as all their other work and was what was causing the bike to randomly rev up and down on its own as high was 4500rpm, throw codes, and go limp mode. That sure made riding overly exciting for a while. lol
@@2kanchoo sounds like pretty crappy deal. At least you got it figured out.
I am not sure you can blame the dealership for your poor purchasing skills but i can see how that would sour a relationship; however. if you paid too much, that is 100% on you. Its the dealerships job to sell for as much money as they can get, if your job to buy for the lowest price you can get it for. Somewhere in the middle is where a deal is to be made and by the sounds of it, you failed on you end, thats not the dealership!
Ive been to Badlands Harley, they are an awesome dealership with a lot of repeat customers
@@snakebite6511 Oh totally I agreed to pay it and did because I was excited and didn't want to wait. That still doesn't mean it wasn't slimy to quote and order me a new one for x then when a used one comes up magically mark it up 2k over the price of new on me take it or leave it. I bought another 15k of stuff there too so it's not like they weren't getting a lot of money out of me. No need to gouge me on top of it. Also how is that good business sense when they made 2k extra in the short term and as a result of that and truly horrific work by the mechanic lost out on a literal 25 years of brand new motorcycles and parts and servicing and merch buying from me. Especially when the number one problem harley is facing is the riders aging out. How is it good business to not even reach out to say how can we make this right when they found out about the all the problems caused directly from their mechanic including pictures and videos of said issues. I'm happy for you your experience was different but they are absolutely not an awesome dealership. Not since Ivan stepped back and that auto group took over. Downhill and in a bad way. Even his son got the hell out of there instead of taking over.
There is a HD Dealer in my town about 4 miles from my house. I bought a couple bikes from them and had them do my service. They are now corporate owned and treat their customers like crap (unless you are about to buy a new bike). I now drive past that dealership and ride 40 miles to a family owned dealership in San Diego County (Biggs) and do business where I am always treated like a valued customer.
That definitely sounds how the dealers work. They’re not bad until a corporation buys them out. You’re right to drive on by and go somewhere else.
Wow, what an ordeal. I'm fortunate that I have had pretty good experiences with the dealer I use. My only exception was during the supply chain situation a couple years back. Repair of my bike was held up waiting for floorboards and no local dealers wanted to sell or part with any of their stock to get it done. My bike took close to three months due to an accident not a purchase and required much more than just the floorboards.
There seems to still be some decent dealers out there.
It is unsat that you got treated that way. Indeed, the HD dealer I buy from is excellent; small, up-front, no hassle transactions. Made the mistake of buying from a mega-store a couple years ago, which very nearly destroyed my taste for ANYTHING Motor Co. Glad that you have a new ride, stay upright!
Thank you. I had no issues with my old dealership which was a little smaller. I thought I would give these guys a shot but live and learn I guess.
I had such a horrible buying experience with Harley that I'll never buy another one. They could have made money off of me for years to come but they're short sighted. I feel your pain.
That sounds about right. They just want the money now without looking towards the future.
@@canadiansa1nt309 exactly 💯💯💯
I feel you man, good presentation, stay strong.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Walked away from owning Harleys in the 1980's. I have had Kawasakis since and will never go back. My current bike is a VN2000, love it.
I’m sure you’re not the only one.
Wow. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter what you buy from a dealer in today's world. Harley, Honda, Indian. Or a new car or truck. Some dealers suck. The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. I'm glad you got it finally. And lesson learned don't gi back there.
I actually have never had a bad experience with a dealer up until now. Live and learn I guess.
I've found I hate going to the dealer now for anything, crap attitudes and crap service, just give us your money and don't bother us till you're ready to buy another new one. I'm grateful I can wrench on them, I buy used and build the bike I want with the money saved, and it's paid for!
A few years ago I was helping my son buy his first bike a Sportster 1200C to establish credit. He already had the bike picked out but they tacked on so many fees I told him to forget it. We don't need their service nor do I really want anyone else working on my stuff so we found a used one in literally showroom condition with very low mileage, two years old, and got his loan through my credit union. Overall cost was about half of what the new one would have cost. He paid it off in less than a year, still has it and has done all the maintenance and customization himself. I love Harley's and they closed my favorite dealer and the next closest one is a huge mega dealer that I don't like from some previous experiences so I just did the same thing with my new (to me anyway) Road King. Not much I can't do to the bike myself and with the cost of new Harley's I just can't see it. May make sense for people that are not gearheads but for myself probably not.
I like your style. Common sense, respectful, yet calls bullshit when sensing it. Subbed 🤘
Thanks boss 👍
My last experience with the local Harley Dealership, I purchased and paid for the installation of an alarm system and rear brake LED taillights. Regrettably, I trusted their service department QA practices and discovered the following day that the brake lights were not working. That in itself is a bad thing because I could have been rearended by another driver not noticing if I was slowing down and or stopping. Surely, they apologized for the oversight, but it appeared to bother the service personnel. When I left, I checked everything as I should have the first time. I can accept that mistakes are made by all human beings, but not getting pissed because of their mistake. I didn't say a word, and I guess that is what bothered the guys making the mistake.
I agree this is a terrible experience. I always get all the paperwork up front before I agree to purchase. Including the purchase agreement, valuation for a trade in, etc. Also you have to watch when they do inspections. Never let your bike out of your site. If they do not agree to this, run don't walk out.
This would be first inspection I was not there for. That would be why they tried to tell me the back tire was bitched and the clutch had an issue. Never again.
My dealer in Tampa Bay was great. I didn’t have a trade-in. I payed cash. The dealer was really up front with me.
I’m hoping that the dealership here in Launceston Tasmania will be the same in a couple of months when I see them about buying a new low rider s. It makes me bloody nervous reading these comments. It’ll be interesting if nothing else.
I feel fortunate! My first experience was at Arrowhead HD in Peoria AZ and it was great a little over a year ago on my first bike. A 2015 Heritage. What a great bike that was. Then i had a great experience at Thunderbird HD this past weekend on a new bike! Y’all rock Thunderbird!
Sounds like you’ve found some good people. 👍
I just purchased my first Harley Davidson Breakout from Warhawk Harley in Monroe Louisiana. I went in at around 10am and by 2:30pm I was riding my new bike home. No pressure by the salesman. Great experience all the times I've gone in since to buy extra stuff and a tshirt or two. Everyone I've met there is courteous and professional.
Sounds like good place. Hope the Breakout does you well 👍
Sorry to hear about your problems. It’s experiences like this at a bike or car dealership that ruins the entire experience. We found a dealership that is perfect. Unbelievably good. So good, we’re going to seriously miss it when we move away. Hopefully you are enjoying your new ride.
Thanks. I had a good dealer here too until Harley closed them.
@@canadiansa1nt309 my current bike I bought in 2017. Only 8 payments left! Won’t be buying a new one for a variety of reasons. I’m from Denver, Co. I think at the time I bought my current bike, we had 10 dealerships within an hour of each other. Some good reps, some not so good. They all don’t exist today. Just 5 years later.
I was looking for a Softail/Street Bob a month ago. Not once, from 3 major dealers in Denver, was the actual price revealed to me. They would generalize the price like high teens or low 20s. All of their websites say click for price. "We have to do an evaluation of your bike". I bought from a private guy and probably saved 8k and a lot of headaches. Your situation is over the top. At least you have the bike and can enjoy it. They are lucky you didn't walk.
Sometimes private is the way to go.
It sounds super fishy that they don't give you the price of a new frigging bike beforehand. In my country all the new bikes cost pretty much exactly the same, no matter what dealer is selling it
@@TzeiEm some places around here are definitely shady.
most of the issues are dealer issues ..
these were not Harley Davidson factory issues. I mean if you like Harleys, don’t blame the brand.
there is a pricing guide for labor called a flat rate manual. I was a motorcycle mechanic at three different dealerships. I got paid flat rate. If the manual said I would get paid one hour for changing/swapping out a pair of handlebars, then I would make one hours pay at whatever the flat rate was at that time. If it took me 45 minutes, I still got paid for an hour. But if it took me five hours, I only got paid for one hour.
most mechanics, in fact, every mechanic I have ever worked with at those different dealerships, could always beat flat rate. Example.
if I had to put a head gasket on a Honda, CB 750 which required pulling the engine. I would get paid eight hours labor. But I could do that job in five hours… I still got paid eight hours..
warranty work was different, you had to go buy that manual, and it always pay the mechanic Less.. The flat rate manual for that same job doing warranty work, would only pay about five hours pay, because they knew how long it would actually take..
pretty much every mechanic hated doing warranty work for that reason..
you know, the fact that that dealer overcharged you, that was actually worth it to you. Look what you have learned.
It’s like lending a friend money, ….if you never see them again-- It was worth it…
The riding school is a secret sales pitch, a very good one, but I had to block the dealership due to the amount of sales calls afterward. I don’t think I’d ever buy a Harley new, but I’d definitely look at a gently used one.
That’s probably a good idea.
I bought my first Harley from Durham Harley Davidson in 2022. It was hands down the best experience I’ve ever had purchasing a new vehicle. Top notch staff in every department.
I think someone else mentioned them as well.
Good to hear !
I tried negotiating a ‘23 HD Breakout but the absolute rape incurred at the dealer level was absurd, the plus pluses, limited availability charges, and additional fees from both HD and the dealer a cold hard stop for me. At the same time my brother was looking to trade a Low Rider and Wide Glide against a Breakout, both bikes under 4K miles and flawless. The dealer offered him $9,400.00 for both, which by the way were purchased there. Setting on the showroom floor at the time was an identical Low Rider in rough shape for $17,495.00, later reduced to $14,995.00 to be fair to the rapists. Immediately I deferred to BMW’s R18 which I had more than a mild interest; in stark contrast the BMW dealership acted as true professionals start to finish with no plus plus BS. I now own the R18 100 Years Anniversary which I love, and my brother, well he went home to ride what he already owned without a thought about it. These are toys, not necessities, and HD did not get our money and I will not darken their door again. Sometimes once a better mousetrap is found there’s no going back. Someone posted a video on BMW’s R18 and someone commented on it that HD had nothing to worry about, I replied they have more than plenty to worry about, it just doesn’t happen to be the R18. Thinking your video seconds my opinion. BTW, I’ve owned 3 HD’s and enjoyed each, I love the BMW considerably more; perhaps HD should be a bit nervous, if not worried. Thanks for sharing. Ciao.
That’s a shame. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of other decent dealerships around here.
@Peter Angles what kind of bike do you ride?
Thanks for sharing your story.
No problem. Thanks for watching it.
They did the bait and switch on you. I sidestepped the whole stealership thing by buying my dream Harley used from a private party. A low mileage 2006 Springer Classic with a lot of tasteful accessories from an older guy who had to go to trikes. I gave my 2001 Roadking to my son. He and I found a great independent HD shop in Willis Texas to upgrade the cam tensioners, cams and oil pump to S&S. I had a quarter sized dent on the front fender from a box falling on it, the bike was otherwise pristine. They fixed that 100%. It is my dream and last HD. I bought something a little cheaper, $1815 new, and smaller, 150cc. It's a new Honda XR 150L here in the Philippines.
Just want to mention that Woodlands HD in Texas, charges MSRP. The other dealer in Houston definitely doesn't.
Good info to know. Those springers are a great looking bike.
Harley has a reputation and it’s never going to change. And I’m sure it’s the owner, the people and their attitude.
I’m no longer a HD guy. Sold them and got something better!
Unfortunately, Harley is causing more and more people to move away from their brand.
Leadership sets the culture and should be doing surveillance to ensure the team practices the desired behavior. Sounds like the ownership parent company doesn't like what the dealer was doing so it falls on the management. Needs fixing or replacement. Don't go back and should tell all who the dealership was.
That's probably the best decision you ever made, I like HD bikes but the company and the dealers around me suck. I can say my last purchase was a 2021 road king and it's the last Harley I will ever buy. I'm done with them too
This was not a Harley problem. This is strictly a dealership problem and it sounds like the guy you dealt with is the number one problem.
Harley Davidson Motor Company is the next Bud Light!
When he said what can I do for you, I would have told him I'll pay for the repairs on my old bike, and pick it up. Then go straight to Indian dealership. Told him thanks for your time.
I could have done that. I just would have lost the money I put down. Then I wouldn’t have been able to go anywhere.
The Motor Company and the dealers are not one in the same. The dealers are at the same time terrified of Harley-Davidson Corporate and angry with them too. This is an adversarial relationship. I am sure the GM got a call and that puckered him right up.
I know for sure he got a call. He told me he did and he was not happy about it.
my dad wasnt into bikes until i bought Suzuki katana 750 in 2001 and he picked it up and rode it to my house 3 hours away to deliver it for me. few years later he bought a sportster for himself at harley dealership and they are a great place he does for all the events weekly til this day and now owns 3 harleys. my experience however at 2 different dealers back when buel was around was nothing but bad so i stuck with japanese bikes. its not the brand its the business owner and where i live they wasnt welcoming
I'm currently in Calgary and I must say that Calgary Harley Davidson did an awesome job when I ordered my Road King Special. The color I wanted, Deadwood Green 2021, was not available anywhere in Canada, as the 2022 models were already being advertised. However, the dealer managed to locate one for me in British Columbia. I made several upgrades to the bike and placed the order while signing all of the necessary paperwork. Overall, my experience with Calgary Harley Davidson was excellent. They have an excellent inventory and regularly host events to stay connected with their customers. They are a great dealer to deal with.
Thanks for the info. You are actually not the first to mention Calgary Harley as a good dealer.
Chd is an amazing dealership im on bike #4 from them always amazing!
Financing was annoying there, Edmonton North hooked me up… I liked that Calgary shop though, if it wasn’t for the financing I’d have bought my bike there.
Agreed, Calgary also and also very Happy with Calgary Harley for all new bikes i have ordered; however, i have never factory ordered a new Harley, ive always just picked something off the floor because they carry a huge selection
I to have been very happy with Calgary HD. 👍
I took a sportster 883 to harley, took them one year to install a 1200 kit on it, payed them all up front for parts and service still took them forever, I was told 1 month and it turned into 12 months, this is the last harley I will ever buy.
Good lord. That’s horrendous!
You can find countless videos with horror stories, just like yours. And I have horror stories of my own. It is so so sad that the Harley dealerships are ruining Harley. It really blows my mind that they still even have loyal customers. I had a sales manager tell me, after bringing me a price that was 5K over MSRP “ I don’t care if you don’t get this, if you leave here today without it, it won’t be on my showroom floor for more than two days before someone else does” how the hell are they even able to still get business? Harley motors needs to fix their dealerships before the company completely tanks.
Good onya mate stick it up them this is becoming too frequent I admire you for sticking too your guns.
They’ve been doing this crap for far too long.
I wouldn't go back either! That salesman needs to be fired! Glad you called someone.
Calling Harley directly seemed to be the only way I got any movement.
Next time, take your old bike back and tell them to stick it and go else where until you find one that treats you like they appreciate your business. I had two friends that purchased brand new street glides and when the dealership got done with them they ended up paying way more than what they were quoted thru little tricks and scams similar to what was going on with you. It's like they have all been trained in how to con you. Just to get an extra fob for mine turned into an ordeal.
I’m sure they have their tricks to rope you in.
Great Video and very informative. I live in the US and never really was interested in Harley's. Early on they were notorious for breaking down thus the nick name "Hardly Davidson". I have only owned Honda's and Kawasaki's and I currently have a 2010 Triumph Rocket 3 Touring. This Triumph is by far my favorite. My Honda CB 750-4 was back in the day. I bought that one brand new in 1978.
I was not surprised that BMW is popular in Europe. How is the Triumph market there and where you are? They are based in Great Britain and have been for a long time (started as BSA). They are quite respected here, but the used market is flooded with Harley's and Indian, as you noted, is gaining ground. My next motorcycle just may be an Indian Scout, when I decide to downsize. Keep up the fine work, I look forward to your upcoming videos!
Thanks. I like the Rocket 3. Their hp and torque is quite impressive. I’m not aware of any Triumph dealers around here and I can’t remember the last time I saw one on the road. Harley is a big player here, and I tend to see a fair amount of sport bikes like Suzukis, Yamahas, and Hondas. Actually, I don’t see many Indians either.
Msrp is just the starting place to negotiate. Ask to see invoice? Holdbacks? Rebates? Buying experience the worst part when it should be an exciting experience. I hate even walking into dealerships anymore with their shenanigans. I buy on line and have bikes/cars shipped. The trade ins are still a problem but less shenanigans with in line purchases.
Can'eh'dia'n, old prairie 'farm boy' and have lived and worked in all 4 Western Provinces. I think I've been to just about every HD dealership in Canada... and many in the USA (43 states so far).
Just come across your channel for the first time... subscribed. Riding since 1967 on 'too fast for fun shit' and first HD in '91, Heritage Softail. Now... '06 Road King, last I could get with a carb!
Still alive and survived crashes and cancer...lol... waiting for the F'n snow to melt.
Appreciate if you would somehow communicate where the dealership is, as to never 'darkin' their door. I have dealt with the Yorkton, Sask. people way back when and they were awesome. The Saskatoon people were "could care less attitude", if I even bought an F'n Tshirt. Regina... didn't even talk to anyone there. BTW... email is my name at g mail.
Thanks. Sounds like you’ve been through a lot. I usually dealt with Yorkton when buying bikes and never really had an issue. Of course, Harley closed them in 2021. There’s only two now and I wasn’t dealing with my local dealer.
@@canadiansa1nt309 OK.. understood, touchy subject. From past experience I think I know what the answer is... all good.👍 Will drop a hand on the road, for sure...lol... Definitely be through Yorkton this year. Hope the snow is gone...lol...
I've been wanting to buy a Harley for a few years. I've gone through the purchase process a couple times and the HD dealers are so frustrating and difficult that I cancelled the deal. The dealers try to over charge, wont disclose information until I'm in the finance managers office. At this point I think I'm going to stick with other brands because its the dealer that the customer has to interact with, not the manufacturer, and I don't trust HD dealers.
That’s too bad. There are some good dealers out there but they are hard to find. I had one here until 2021 when Harley closed them. I wish I had the answer but it seems like the dealerships just get bigger until they just don’t care about customer service anymore.
Look for a dealer that isn’t part of a chain or owned by a car dealership. A dealership owned by a family or individual is way better.
They’re getting harder and harder to find.
Bro, this was a great video.... I'm having worse problems than that, I should make one too. I bought a 2023 (whiskey neat) RG CVO and you wouldn't believe what I've been through and still going through!
That’s too bad. Hopefully things work out for you soon.
Yup! had a surprise charge when trying to buy a used bike and got a whopping $2500 fee on top of the $6796 price of the bike! Not including all the other fees. I walked out! Started shopping on marketplace.
That was not good customer relations. The sad part is, there are more stories. My friend had 2023 CVO Tike on order for months. Shipped, not shipped, built, not built. lost??... In the end they sold him a 22 model. The complete deal sucked. At least you ended up with the bike you wanted. That is a good thing. New sub here. Ride safe.
Thanks. Shame about your friend. The only thing I would suggest is contacting Harley directly if there is an issue. That seemed to be the only way I got movement on things.
How could he have a 23 CVO Trike on order when we don’t make them… We only made them last year.
@@Cipher160 thanks for your comment. If my information was not correct than bad on me. Please try Google.
It's important for any business to realise who is paying the bills. Small businesses usually do but big bussinesses lose sight. You can tell what kind of service you are going to get if the 'boss' parks out front and customers need to park elsewhere.
Too many dealers are owned by big businesses now. We need more “mom and pop” shops.
Thanks for the honest review.
No problem. Thanks for the view. 👍
I'm guessing you're talking about Saskatoon? I've always bought my Harleys from Gaslight Harley Davidson in Morden Manitoba. Best dealership I've EVER dealt with when shopping for a bike. Still a family owned dealership (Not a big boutique dealer) and believes in the honor of a handshake. You always deal with the owner who is a lifetime HD rider.
That’s good info. Perhaps I’ll have to go outside the province on the next bike.
Bought a Harley off the showroom floor in Florida in 1990. Great experience and the service crew was top notch and affordable. Fast forward to 2023 and went to two different stealerships in Florida and they both were like crooked used car salesmen. Ended up buying from a private owner, got a great bike for an honest price with a handshake.
That definitely is sometimes the way to go.
Shade tree surgeon talks up about Bert’s HD I tried them online. They would not sell me the bike I wanted trying to get me to buy a bike I could not afford needless to say, did not buy from them
@@jastaylor2730 shadetree sh tface is a propped up ewetube clown, as are ALL the channels that hover around it.
@@jastaylor2730 I’m sure he would talk them up. I’d probably be pretty nice to a dealer too if he gave me new bikes to ride. But screw em if they won’t work with you.
Me and my KLR......It's a beautiful thing.......