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[mark]

When I walk into a bike shop, forgive me for being old school, but I really want to talk to people who know more about their products than I do.  I don't want to talk to a sales person.

What I’ve found is that motorcycle junkies (like most of us) read forums, articles, etc., and stay up to date on motorcycle news and issues.  Rarely do you encounter a salesperson with the same knowledge, and as a result, you get a lot of BS. 

[OBB]

You mean like this?

This the new store they just moved from a few miles down the road? If so a buddy of mine helped ride the bikes to the new store from the old one.

[J.D.]

Example... typical uneducated sales guy pressing me to look at a new bike while I'm walking through the showroom to the parts counter, talking up the paint or whatever.  I ask him if they've changed the oil pump design yet to resolve the sumping issue.  "The what?"

[Smoketown]

Example... typical uneducated sales guy pressing me to look at a new bike while I'm walking through the showroom to the parts counter, talking up the paint or whatever.  I ask him if they've changed the oil pump design yet to resolve the sumping issue.  "The what?"

Back in the day, the son, son-in-law, nephew, or whatever he was, would get one of the mechanics from the shop to answer your question ...

It has always been that way and I do not see it changing.

Those that actually know something about the bikes usually work on them ... The money is typically a lot better 'in the back' than it is 'in sales'.

[FLSTFI Dave]

Most of my trips are day trips, and if I was to break down I'd have it towed back to home and fix it myself rather than a dealership  So the dealer network is no longer important to me personally.

Makes sense when that is how you ride.  I ride long trips, usually 2 at around 5000 miles each a year.  Dealer network is very important to me.  Out in the rockies you can be 500 plus miles to a BMW Dealer or Indian dealer.

Heck, on my local rides they can be 250 to 300 miles, so you would be 150 or more back to the nearest BMW or Indian dealer, but 50 or 60 to HD.

My wife also rides her bikes cross country, last year TN to CA by her self, two years dealer TN to OR by her self.  Nice to know dealers all along the way if she has an issue with her Road Glide Special

What I’ve found is that motorcycle junkies (like most of us) read forums, articles, etc., and stay up to date on motorcycle news and issues.  Rarely do you encounter a salesperson with the same knowledge, and as a result, you get a lot of BS. 

As for Sale People at SMHD there are a few that are very up on the products and new parts.  On occasion they have beat me to the knowledge of it.  That said our sales people ride, and love riding.  Our parr's staff is also good, most are very up on newest stuff and most will go out of their way to help you find what your looking for. 

Its one of the so called Boutique stores.  That said the majority of employees ride, and its Family owned.  Set up to be a place you want to hang out, have lunch and a beer or watch a live concert. 

[ultra13]

Our local store "Mid-Ohio Harley Davidson" shut down for good 2 months ago....

[OBB]

Our local store "Mid-Ohio Harley Davidson" shut down for good 2 months ago....

Where was that one located?

[BUCKNUT GREG]

Where was that one located?

It's Springfield Ohio.  New owner is the Loomis's same ones own cagers in Plain City and the one in Piqua Ohio.  Hope this helps you Mike 

[OBB]

It's Springfield Ohio.  New owner is the Loomis's same ones own cagers in Plain City and the one in Piqua Ohio.  Hope this helps you Mike 

Thanks Greg 

[2smoke]

I think I bought 10 brand new Harleys so far. For a while it was a new one every 2 years. I always filled out that stupid survey they send in the mail after you buy a bike. In the later years (after the 100 year anniversary) I always wrote that the biggest negative to buying a Harley was I had to go to a dealer to get one. For the most part I HATE DEALERSHIPS. I suggested they allow customers to order a bike direct from the factory. Then I never would have to set foot in a dealership. I want nothing to do with Chinese trinkets and junk and I have NO desire to join the HOG club. I see the new way to buy a car is order it online and get it delivered to your house. I'm all in! Let me order online so I don't have to interact with NOBODY at the stealership. I'll go to Goodwill and get a H-D t-shirt (in like-new condition) for $4. Thank you.

[bigC]

It's Springfield Ohio.  New owner is the Loomis's same ones own cagers in Plain City and the one in Piqua Ohio.  Hope this helps you Mike 

That didn't last long. They just bought that dealership less than 2 years ago.

[ultra13]

Yes BigC I guess sales went down. If you don't want to deal with the public your not going to survive...

[2soaper]

Well here you go 2smoke:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON - HOME DELIVERYEnd Date: 4/30/2020
Choose your model, your color, and get your bike delivered to your home — all from home.

Explore the range of Harley-Davidson models.
Connect with a participating dealer expert, discuss the bike, accessories, and payment opportunities before committing.
Delivered to you on your schedule, and at your convenience.
Delivery available for a limited time through participating dealers. Availability is subject to applicable laws, regulations, and government orders. Contact your local dealer for additional information.

[iski]

Well here you go 2smoke:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON - HOME DELIVERYEnd Date: 4/30/2020
Choose your model, your color, and get your bike delivered to your home — all from home.

Explore the range of Harley-Davidson models.
Connect with a participating dealer expert, discuss the bike, accessories, and payment opportunities before committing.
Delivered to you on your schedule, and at your convenience.
Delivery available for a limited time through participating dealers. Availability is subject to applicable laws, regulations, and government orders. Contact your local dealer for additional information.

 

[2smoke]

Well here you go 2smoke:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON - HOME DELIVERYEnd Date: 4/30/2020
Choose your model, your color, and get your bike delivered to your home — all from home.

Explore the range of Harley-Davidson models.
Connect with a participating dealer expert, discuss the bike, accessories, and payment opportunities before committing.
Delivered to you on your schedule, and at your convenience.
Delivery available for a limited time through participating dealers. Availability is subject to applicable laws, regulations, and government orders. Contact your local dealer for additional information.

Nice! They are getting closer but once again you are going through a dealer. I don't want to deal with them in person or over the phone. By buying factory direct any dealer mark-up can be passed along to me in the form of a discount.