But does it make sense for them to not make any money rather than make a little less by meeting the other dealership's prices?

 

Some folks are like that. They'll go so far, but when they hit their personal limit, that's it.

Buy a new bike from them and see what happens.

 

agreed!! everybody like loyality, and its a give and take situation, these guys were good the the op for a long time, and got rewarded by him shopping another dealer to leverage against them, thats starts getting old and a little on the disrespectful side, if you got their best price and it can be beaten, don't rub it in their face after they've been good to you, loyality is a fading characteristic. Maybe they were a better dealership than he was a customer

 

Possibly, yes it might make sense. Scenario: Maybe the dealership has dug itself into a hole by being too good to customers, thinking that those customers would become loyal and would occasionally show the love back by being willing to pay retail time to time to keep a good dealership in business. Then the dealership finds out that all they did was create a lot of spoiled customers who demand deep discounts on everything without a care they are bleeding the dealership dry. So the dealership decides to let those customers go and focus on new customers who will help them make a profit.

Then again, maybe they are just greedy jerks.

 

Look at it from the dealer's perspective. A good relationship requires a little give and take by both parties. For 4 years you have enjoyed good service and discounts (minimal profit) from the dealer and given nothing in return except walk through the door. As soon as the dealer asks you to reciprocate, you run to another dealer merely to benefit from a 20% discount. How do you know that this new dealer will be as good to you over the long haul? In short the dealer served you well for 4 years and as soon as things don't go your way, you run out. Not a very loyal customer.

 

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I think that is exactly what the dealership is wanting.

 

I think that all of this business about the OP asking for too much is ridiculous. These dealers get their parts from H-D at the same (or close to the same) cost. By refusing to match a price that dealer is making no profit rather than a small profit. Too bad for them.

Also, good customer service is not always about lower prices and free parts. Often it is about general respect for the customers and valuing their business. Something as simple as an old fashioned thank you card after someone buys a bike can go a long way to making the customer feel valued and making them loyal to that dealership. Sometimes it is nice to know that we are more than an open wallet for these guys.

 

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"I'm steak"