You are paying for the network of dealers. I have been a Honda Goldwing guy most of my life with the occasional Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. Only ride Italian race bikes though which is fine since I always have 2 of the same model and just order parts, keep disposables on hand, and do my own engine work. Network is not an issue.
When you travel, then network and dealerships matter and are worth the extra purchase cost. Metric dealers just don't care about the traveler. They are too busy with quads and and side by sides. Have had to leave it for a month or rent a truck and trailer and take it home to leave it for a month. Harley dealers take care of the traveler, you don't realize what a big deal it is until you do.
You can't pull in and get a cup of coffee, donuts in the morning, have food vendors or a band on many weekends when out traveling. Even if they cut the network in half it would be twice as good as the rest. You have to decide if that extra cost and convenience is worth it. Even if you buy used you pay more but get access to the network.
It sucks if small dealers have to go or if there are too many in an area to support the market or they can not meet the perceived value of the quality of the expected amenities of the location. But that is the market. If they want to carry the m o n i k e r they have to be able to live up to the expectations of the purchasers. Each person is free to decide for themselves and I have no argument with anyone has a different view.
I ride a Harley, but I have never used the dealer "network" like that. I have not needed one because I was broken down and needed a dealer on the next corner. I also do not stop in at dealers just to stop in. $hit, they are all they same. They all sell the same bikes, same t-shirts, same garage widgets, cup holders, coffee mugs, boots, helmets.. etc.. You been to one you have been to them all. It's just me, but I've never understood the appeal of going to the dealer just to go to the dealer, collect poker chips or t-shirts... I've got 4 within 30 miles of me and I couldn't tell you the last time I've been at any of them. Again... that's just me.
I think if dealership network really so dense, then one can rely on dealerships or HOG roadside assistance. But if you have several dealerships for all country, then it makes no difference, do those dealerships exist on not.
Damb, can you imagine the monthly expenses on a place like that?
Maybe that's one of the reasons their service department is open on Sunday's. How many dealers do you know that have service technicians performing work on a Sunday?
I've been in quite a few dealerships, and I have never seen one selling t-shirts for $50 lol, hell, I was actually in the huge one you're referring to today, and I bought a t shirt, it was $25, expensive af but still not $50, there was an event and the place was swamped, very busy and doing a swift bit of business. Idk man, you seem a little bitter towards the Harley brand, maybe I'm off, but it feels like you are
anyways. Pocono HD is a beautiful dealership!
and here's where I bought my SGS in June, it is now shuttered, sad to see these dealerships close up, such a contrast to the behemoth above
I've been in quite a few dealerships, and I have never seen one selling t-shirts for $50 lol, hell, I was actually in the huge one you're referring to today, and I bought a t shirt, it was $25, expensive af but still not $50, there was an event and the place was swamped, very busy and doing a swift bit of business. Idk man, you seem a little bitter towards the Harley brand, maybe I'm off, but it feels like you are
Ya.... You're off. If I was bitter, I'd just sell my bike and be done with them all together. It's just called an opinion... We all have them.. :-) Of course you can buy a T-Shirt for $25, you can also buy them for $50 like I said. This is the dealership 8 miles up the road from me..
Plain Jane black T with the words Harley Davidson on it... $50... A Hoodie.. $95.00... I'm not dreaming this $hit up...
10-17-2020, 09:38 AM
