what's customary for most people? We just visited another dealership in Syracuse, and they have a lot more bikes on the floor, than our local one. If the local does all of the maintenance wk, is it kosher to buy from another dealer? Do they care really where you got your bike?

 

They care about the american dollar. If they dont get it from the sales floor I guarantee they will take it in the service department

 

My Triumph dealer treats me great, my local HD dealerships, not so great.

 

It depends on your local salespersons, how much do you like them?
You can order a bike from your local and keep them in your area...no sales, no dealer.

 

I have at least 9 dealerships within 100 miles of me. Couple I like pretty much and a couple not so much with all the others falling in the middle. I am loyal to my wallet.

 

Both of my bikes were bought at the same dealership. Lancaster CA HD.
The dealership has changed locations three times since it was first opened.
Wooden floor, oil stains under the few used bikes in stock is what the shop was in 1986.
The original owner retired, but he treated me like a son, (I was 29 and he was in his fifties then).

New owner and salesmen but one of the original mechanics is now co-owner.
Haven't had any problem that made me need to look elsewhere when buying a new bike.

 

I have 3 dealers within 40 minutes of me. I just realized I've bought one bike from each of them. I take all the bikes to the closest one for service though, they really don't care where I bought them.

 

I worked in an H-D shop in the early 90's and bike sales were at that time a necessary evil. Mark up on a new bike was small and the real money was in the service dept. Now I think the accessory and motorclothes dept's probably make up the bulk of a dealers profits. Of course they would prefer you buy from them but I don't think they are going to sabotage your bike in the service dept if you don't.

Bottom line, it's your money, spend it where you want. When it comes to my bank account, I don't worry about hurting anyone's feelings.

 

I will try and do business with the dealer I bought from. They get to know me and I believe they go a little more out of their way to get me in sooner, explain things better, etc.
Maybe I am imagining it........

 

There are many dealers locally. I have only had the dealer I got the bike from work on it but that dealer is closer. I did buy both my bikes from one sales guy. But we got my husbands bike from another dealer. I also have taken my bike to an local Indy. The closet dealer who I got both of my bikes from are really nice to me. It is easier for them to remember the female riders since there are fewer of us.