I let the dealer install the chrome front end (i.e. Fork lowers and uppers) and the security system (no labor cost) and that was it. I have installed everything else on my 04 Ultra and buying the service manual for my bike was the best investment. I have saved 100's of dollars on would be labor charges and have learned a great deal about the bike.

Good luck and don't be afraid to take it apart. Remember, if it went together, it can come apart....and if you can take it apart, you can put it back together.



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there is a dealer here that when you buy a bike from them they give a 10-20% discount and install for free as long as you do it before it goes out the door. thought that was pretty reasonable!

 

When I first bought my Harley I was told that part of the Harley expierence was being treated like crap by the dealers. Thought the guy was kidding until I bought a tach kit at $306. I didn't use it because it required me to eliminate my windshield bag which I did not want to do. I keep too many valubles in there. I didn't think it through so it was completely my mistake. However when I went to return it to the dealer, Whitt's in Manassas, Va., they wanted 15%, $45 to walk 20 feet and set it back on the shelf. I asked for a store credit. No problem they said but were going to charge me the 15% regardless. Never again will I support a Harley dealer so they can do that to me again. I love my RKC, but I'm not Harley through and through like some. I own two Honda VTX 1800's also. The real shame I think is the true blue Harley rider who would not think of riding another brand. That guy deserves respect from the dealer. His loyalty should be reward by his dealer. I feel sorry for him because his loyalty is being trampled. What a shame. If you own a Harley dearlership, let's face it, you're a millionaire. What would it hurt the give back to the people who most of the time pay more than list price for their bike, a small 5 or 10% discount to those that support them without question. I get 20% from my Honda dealer anytime I buy parts. Personally if I heard of any Harley dealer giving a standard 10% discount on parts I would gladly stop odering on line and saving 20% as my way of saying thanks for giving something back to the people supporting you. But I believe Harley dealers to be the most money grabbing arrogant buisness people around, bar none. Too bad they can't rise to the class of their customers. My apologies to any rider this may offend.
Gary

 

I hate to say it, but I have to agree. I have had lots of problems with the dealer here. Although the parts guy is nice, the wrenches made me feel as if I was a bother. I spent LOTS of money and still they put me at the low end of the priority list. Went in to do a few mods and they kept my ride for over three weeks! In the middle, two wrenches decided to take a few days off, so it sat until they came back.

I bought two service manuals ... one for electrical and the other for mechanical. I am going to enjoy my new hobby.

Chaplain Wayne

 

If they pulled that on me I would probably hire a couple of postal workers to go over there and take care of buisness.
Gary

 

very well said gents!!

 

I hate to upset you all but I love my dealer!

I have been in there at least 50 times in the last year and the NEVER made me feel like I was bothering them. When I went to buy they saved me a ton of cash (close to 2g's otd) compared to the other dealers in my area. The service department rocks. Been on the phone with them many times just asking questions and they always treated me good. While I was in looking for a jacket I asked about my breaks making a bit of noise and without me having to ask they told me to pull it in, and they were packed with customers! Fixed it right then! The parts department is cool too, these guys also answer all my questions and are always happy to do so. All my HD parts are 20% off and aftermarket parts are 10% off. This is for everyone and anyone who comes in the door. They are even doing this online (not sure how long online). I drive 50 miles to do business with them and will keep doing so.

Now my bro-in-law and I bought 2 bikes at the same time. We went to three other dealers and they were willing to do NOTHING for us as far at the deal or throwing in some parts. These guys acted as if we were bothering them. We were looking to spend over 40'gs between the both of us and these monkeys wouldn't even call us back. Come on HD, get a clue and get these dealers under control.

 

Why can't they all be like that? You sound like a good guy so I'm going the give you some advice. As long as you own a Harley, DO NOT move to Virginia. Of 6 dealers in the area, nobody comes close to what you describe. May I ask what state you live in. I might want another bike soon (I'm very serious) and if not too far from Va., well you never know. A dealer near Columbus, Ohio did offer me a WG, black, out the door for $16,495, $800 for race tuner and pipes installed. I would have to pay Va. tax (about $550). Not a great deal but good I guess for a Harley dealer.
Gary