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[Ditch]

I've taken my bikes to the dealer shops and almost always come out feeling like just a number. Take an oil change for example get on a 1 1/2 - 2 month waiting list then drop off your bike and wait for them to get around to it. I just had my bike in the "small town bike shop" and came away with the best experience I've ever had. Granted I was on a waiting list but it was only 2 weeks. They took my bike in for a 20K service, they walked me through what they were going to do asked if i had any questions and took the time to answer them. Then they took the time to listen to my other problems. Within 3 - 4 hours they had the service done and found out what the problem was with my idle issue. By the time they were on the phone to me they had already got the ball rolling to get the problem fixed with HD customer service and were just waiting for me to give the go ahead. I definitely feel like the small shop guys offer the best service for the money. It is a 75 mile drive to get to them but well worth it. I have an HD dealer within 15 mile of my house and don't see myself using them anytime soon. Just my opinion, I guess it all boils down to who do you trust with your bike and who offers the best service.

[ice6900]

i totally agree with u, i have had exactly the same experience, i was just wandering around at a small family run dealer (just over an hours ride away but unfortunately closed up now) window shopping one saturday afternoon, the husband n wife team introduced themselves we had a free beer n a coffee while talkin about bikes n general stuff, i eventually bought a oil temp dip stick, was back in the shop about 6months later n they even remembered my name, my wife has since bought a buell from them (discounted price  and no normal paperwork delivery fees we get charges at all other dealerships). I also got my cvo serviced there and the did a few mods and fitted the big sucker i had bought from the states

[JCZ]

I don't know if the size of the town has anythng to do with it.  I think it's more a case of the independant shop vs. the dealership.......in a large city or a small town. 

Jim's (hd-dude) shop is in a large city and it's always full of CVOs (members of this site) and just a few miles from Oakland HD, Fremont HD, Livermore HD, etc.  You're right, it's all about the service.

[Ditch]

I don't know if the size of the town has anything to do with it.  I think it's more a case of the independent shop vs. the dealership.......in a large city or a small town.

I guess my wording was off, you hit the nail on the head. Independent shops is the best way to describe it. They just seem to put a little more service in the word service..... By the way this independent I keep referring to is Mikes Motorcycles in Carthage, Mo. Well worth the 75 mile drive each way to get treated like they want your business and want you to come back!

[ice6900]

i think most independant shops would give a better after sales service than an official dealer, as u say they r intersted in ur future business, dealer only gets my business while my bike is under warrenty. I also ride about an hour to an indy i trust. But i also stand by my 1st post a smaller dealer will often look after ur needs far betta than a larger dealership.

[Rooster]

I don't know if the size of the town has anythng to do with it.  I think it's more a case of the independant shop vs. the dealership.......in a large city or a small town. 

Jim's (hd-dude) shop is in a large city and it's always full of CVOs (members of this site) and just a few miles from Oakland HD, Fremont HD, Livermore HD, etc.  You're right, it's all about the service.

I agree, it is nice when the guy working on your bike answers the phone instead of a service writer who doesn't have a clue and takes for ever to get you and answer to your question. And you still get a dumb answer. I wish he was closer as I would always take my bike to him. Thanks Jim.