I found an indy shop that the guy seems really good. I didn't discuss any work to be done with him not knowing if H-D sold parts to outside shops. If they do I have some things I would like him to do. I am hopeing he would be less expensive than the local dealer. I would like to get one of the detachable H-D windshields if I could from him.

 

Sure, they'll sell him the parts just like they would sell to you, full retail price.

 

so the only break I would catch is on his per hour labor charge? Oh well it was a good thought too bad it was a short one.

 

Well, you could search (eBay, Craigs List, etc) for the parts you want, then take them over to him for install. Even with retail HD parts he still may be cheaper or more available than the HD shop, so all is not lost.

 

If the part is HD, he'll pay the same price as you.

 

Not all dealers will. I know the indy near me gets his parts from a Harley Dealer that is 45min away and they give him 25% off. I think it's more of a "if you buy from us instead of the local HD shop we'll deal." kind of thing.

I also know our local shop gives bike shops discounts to other indy's. Biggest discount I know they give is 20%.

 

At the dealer there is a program called MVP, and you accumulate points, buying parts, going to events, purchasing motorcycles, etc. There is 60 dollar enrollment fee and then you get a discount on parts from 10 percent to 15 percent. Well, since I bought a bike this year and traded it in and bought another one, plus other things, I have reached the 15 percent discount. The enrollment fee has paid for itself now. Granted I know hd has a big mark up, it feels good when I purchase items from the dealer.

 

Good information from everyone. I guess I will now go and tell him what I want to do and get an estimate. I don't have any problems with the dealer doing the work they have been really nice guys to work with. It is just that if I could save some money to have the same work done in these times I need to do that. Still I don't want to burn any bridges between myself and the dealer.

 

Rider, the best thing to do is buy the windshield and install it yourself. About a 10 minute job and a no brainer.

 

I know of a similar situation. The indy won't reveal the dealer where he gets them, but he has a wall full of HD doodads and gives everybody 10% off.