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Bought my first Harley in June this year and the buying experience was GREAT. I like the dealer and especially the salesperson but the service department is simply NOT easy to do business with. They never remember who you are and they try to be difficult when ever possible. You are usually always interrupting a two or three person conversation when you arrive and they stop talking long enough to ask what you want. When I ask them questions like why the noise in 5th gear I get a quick They all do that answer. I have told them twice now at the 1000 mile and the 2500 mile service that the clutch does not seem to be adjusted right. No change and simply It is okay.
I read on here were a lot of folks use independent shops and I was lucky enough to stumble on one that has really impressed me a lot. The guys folks owned a Harley dealership for years and he worked there and is factory trained. He and everyone in the shop are extremely friendly and took a lot of time to go into detail and answer all my questions beyond what I expected. I took the SG into them for the 5000 mile service and guess what all three folks up front remembered me and they assured me that I would be very happy with their work. I did not say anything to them about the clutch but the minute he got on my bike and started it up to move it inside he looked at me and said This clutch is bad out of adjustment.
Their work was excellent and they were a few bucks cheaper then the dealer but the main thing is that they really gave me my monies worth and made me feel that they appreciated my business.
This has put another smile on my face with the whole Harley experience and I just wanted to say thanks to those of you that posted regarding independents and hopefully many others will find shops like I have found and support the little guys. Competition is always a GOOD thing.
These guys also have a really good stock of clean used bikes at fair prices if anyone is interested. I would sure recommend them to anyone in the Piedmont area of North Carolina.
I learned quickly after my first Harley to never go to the dealership for service. Whatever I can't do myself, I found an indy that does a better job, at about half the price, and in half the time of the dealership.
Other than parts, I have no use for the HD service department at my dealer. I'm sure the wrenches are fine but you have to go through the factory trained denial idiots first. I'll buy a tool or make one before they see a dime from me. Incompetence at it's best.
Ron
I found a great Indy " Twisted Metal " an find the same good things true about
these guys. Its a shame HD stealers dont seem to give a shiz. Its good to have a excellent Mech. L.ray
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