HD parts guy says Dennis Kirk sells JUNK
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 860
Likes: 28
From: southbury connecticut
if you think they just chuck out the pipes that arn`t perfect instead of selling them cheaper, your in LA,LA Land
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: Princeton, NC
I have bought some JUNK in the past that has H-D stamped all over it. The H-D Premium Air Horns are a prime example. As well as footpegs, windshield, tank bra, rear sprocket, drive belt...aw hell - I'll hush.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 244
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
I’ve ran across some of the most unprofessional and misinformed sales and parts folks at Harley Davidson dealerships (Not all but certainly a few). Most of those guys do a very good job at talking themselves out of a sale.
In my experience, I’ve purchased items from J&P, Dennis Kirk, eBay and many others.
I’ve never noticed a difference in the quality of a part.
DynaMightBuzz, it is because of your post and many like it, not to mention poor salesmanship at dealerships, that I continue to get parts and accessories at places other than HD dealerships. They don't have the market cornered on that, they never will - and it is easy to see why.
In my experience, I’ve purchased items from J&P, Dennis Kirk, eBay and many others.
I’ve never noticed a difference in the quality of a part.
DynaMightBuzz, it is because of your post and many like it, not to mention poor salesmanship at dealerships, that I continue to get parts and accessories at places other than HD dealerships. They don't have the market cornered on that, they never will - and it is easy to see why.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
I try to support local mom & pop shops when I can - especially if they're biker friendly.
I always wear Levi's, black, boot cut jeans when I ride (515's maybe?). I have... 15, 16 pair of them at any given time. As they fade, I move them to another shelf - wear them when I'm mowing the lawn or working on the bike or whatever. I buy these jeans all over the place. If I can catch a sell, I can get them for $15... more often, I pay about $20.
So, there's a denim shop near my house. They're very geared towards bikers. We've bought some stuff there. We've got some good deals on stuff there. They sell the Levi's jeans I wear there, and will hem them for a dollar. I'd mind paying a little extra for the extra level of service, so, I ask her how much she gets for the jeans. She tells me $35!
When I told he I usually get them for $20, and sometimes as low as $15, she launches into a story about how Levi's makes different levels of the same jeans, for different sellers. She tells me the large, chain, retail stores have Levi's make them these jeans using thinner denim... that the jeans *she* carries are actually a much higher quality.
I checked the mirror to see if someone had tattooed "Dumbass" across my forehead without me noticing. Nope.
Haven't been back there since.
If she would have just said "They get a better discount because they buy in huge quantities - I can't compete with them on price & stay in business." ... I'd have bought 2 or 3 pair of the jeans from her.
I always wear Levi's, black, boot cut jeans when I ride (515's maybe?). I have... 15, 16 pair of them at any given time. As they fade, I move them to another shelf - wear them when I'm mowing the lawn or working on the bike or whatever. I buy these jeans all over the place. If I can catch a sell, I can get them for $15... more often, I pay about $20.
So, there's a denim shop near my house. They're very geared towards bikers. We've bought some stuff there. We've got some good deals on stuff there. They sell the Levi's jeans I wear there, and will hem them for a dollar. I'd mind paying a little extra for the extra level of service, so, I ask her how much she gets for the jeans. She tells me $35!
When I told he I usually get them for $20, and sometimes as low as $15, she launches into a story about how Levi's makes different levels of the same jeans, for different sellers. She tells me the large, chain, retail stores have Levi's make them these jeans using thinner denim... that the jeans *she* carries are actually a much higher quality.
I checked the mirror to see if someone had tattooed "Dumbass" across my forehead without me noticing. Nope.
Haven't been back there since.
If she would have just said "They get a better discount because they buy in huge quantities - I can't compete with them on price & stay in business." ... I'd have bought 2 or 3 pair of the jeans from her.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 1
From: pottsville,pa
I've bought alot of parts from DK without any problems. Of course they also have a outlet store for parts that are scratched or dented. It doesn't surprise me though, every dealer HD or indy wants to make the most money they can and if they don't want to be competitive with prices, it's their loss!
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 5
From: In the north
The reason DK can sell stuff cheaper is due to a much higher volume. It is not because the same part is inferior to what you would get from another company.
I was in the recreational biz for a bit. We sold and maintained the polaris brand of snowmobiles, atvs and watercraft. We sold alot of Parts Unlimited (same company as DK) stuff and we never had a quality issue with brand name parts.
I was in the recreational biz for a bit. We sold and maintained the polaris brand of snowmobiles, atvs and watercraft. We sold alot of Parts Unlimited (same company as DK) stuff and we never had a quality issue with brand name parts.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
Ive ran across some of the most unprofessional and misinformed sales and parts folks at Harley Davidson dealerships (Not all but certainly a few). Most of those guys do a very good job at talking themselves out of a sale.
In my experience, Ive purchased items from J&P, Dennis Kirk, eBay and many others.
Ive never noticed a difference in the quality of a part.
DynaMightBuzz, it is because of your post and many like it, not to mention poor salesmanship at dealerships, that I continue to get parts and accessories at places other than HD dealerships. They don't have the market cornered on that, they never will - and it is easy to see why.
In my experience, Ive purchased items from J&P, Dennis Kirk, eBay and many others.
Ive never noticed a difference in the quality of a part.
DynaMightBuzz, it is because of your post and many like it, not to mention poor salesmanship at dealerships, that I continue to get parts and accessories at places other than HD dealerships. They don't have the market cornered on that, they never will - and it is easy to see why.
You're absolutely right RoyBoy. I really didn't want to purchase anything from them after that pathetic sales pitch. One day maybe they'll figure out that not all people who walk in are idiots.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
The reason DK can sell stuff cheaper is due to a much higher volume. It is not because the same part is inferior to what you would get from another company.
I was in the recreational biz for a bit. We sold and maintained the polaris brand of snowmobiles, atvs and watercraft. We sold alot of Parts Unlimited (same company as DK) stuff and we never had a quality issue with brand name parts.
I was in the recreational biz for a bit. We sold and maintained the polaris brand of snowmobiles, atvs and watercraft. We sold alot of Parts Unlimited (same company as DK) stuff and we never had a quality issue with brand name parts.
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I have been out to Rush City to visit DK. It was some time ago, but nonetheless it was a huge facility and spacious sales area.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 212
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
This may be a little off original topic, but reading this thread I had to chime in. I don't know how far back all yall go buying parts or service from dealerships or indys. Time was you couldn't buy anything but Harley parts from a dealership. Wouldn't even consider ordering from an after market catalog at the parts desk. You might get them to order certain items through the service desk, but very few, and of course they installed it. I go back to a time when there was no Dennis Kirk, Drag Specialties, J&P ect ect. S&S Had just started up and only made performance parts for your harley. Cams, carbs, and various internals. Couldn't buy a complete motor. The after market manufacturers have come a long long way over the last 40+ years. As Harley has. You don't seem to remember the AMF years when Harley almost wasn't any more. Harley parts weren't much better than aftermarket stuff, internals at any rate. The indy's have come and gone. The ones dealing in less the first rate aftermarket parts didn't last long. You seem to forget ultimitly your dealing with individuals at your end of the food chain. All having different points of veiw and agenda's. Step back and see the big picture. You can't blame the manufacturer for what a particular vendor has said or done. That's just my 2 cents.
BAGGERNATE
BAGGERNATE
Last edited by BAGGERNATE; Sep 7, 2009 at 11:29 PM.