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[RedBone]

Volume - twice over...

Small block V-8's are less costly to manufacture because of large volume...

2 cylinder harley engines are more costly to manufacture because of small volume...

(and because they know we will pay it...)

Well then we should complain about our 110's should be dirt cheap hell cylinders alone should only be a few bucks LOL

[grc]

Volume and competition.  There are a handful of companies making parts for that Harley, versus untold thousands making parts for that Chevy.  BTW, this isn't just a motorcycle phenomenon, it applies to most any recreational product I can think of.  Ask the guys with boats how they like buying parts for those "holes in the water into which you throw money".

Jerry

And yes, they charge that much because they know we're stupid enough to pay the freight.  A better question would be why do we tolerate the lousy stock parts that cause us to have to spend an additional $600 and up for a decent seat, or $400 and up for shocks that actually work?  Compare the price you pay for that Harley with all it's cheap ass parts with what you pay for a 5 passenger automobile, and then try to tell yourself they aren't screwing you.

[Zekester]

It's not just parts and supplies for our Harley's. I just picked up two quarts of 2 stroke oil for the dirt bikes - cost as much as a barrel of crude! 

Zeke

[hdhog1]

  Thanks gang.  I am glad so many of you have responded.

  I expected to hear what you all have been saying.  It just makes me feel better.  I now know that if I am an idiot, that I am part of "The Collective" .  I was feeling kinda lonely.  You know what though.  If I didn't have this great sport of motorcycling, I'd be spending my money on booze & broads.... Anybody wanna buy some bikes? 

[Admiral]

  Thanks gang.  I am glad so many of you have responded.

  I expected to hear what you all have been saying.  It just makes me feel better.  I now know that if I am an idiot, that I am part of "The Collective" .  I was feeling kinda lonely.  You know what though.  If I didn't have this great sport of motorcycling, I'd be spending my money on booze & broads.... Anybody wanna buy some bikes? 

What do you have for sale.  (Pictures required)

[hard10]

Volume and competition.  There are a handful of companies making parts for that Harley, versus untold thousands making parts for that Chevy.  BTW, this isn't just a motorcycle phenomenon, it applies to most any recreational product I can think of.  Ask the guys with boats how they like buying parts for those "holes in the water into which you throw money".

Jerry

And yes, they charge that much because they know we're stupid enough to pay the freight.  A better question would be why do we tolerate the lousy stock parts that cause us to have to spend an additional $600 and up for a decent seat, or $400 and up for shocks that actually work?  Compare the price you pay for that Harley with all it's cheap ass parts with what you pay for a 5 passenger automobile, and then try to tell yourself they aren't screwing you.

My family is in the manufacturing business so we know a thing or two about costs and overhead. Dad & I were standing in the garage last week looking at his Tri Glide. He turns to me and says "you know there isn't more than $8000 worth of material in this bike." Now think about that big party they had in Milwaukee over the Summer and you'll understand the high cost.

In retrospect, lets be glad they aren't aircraft parts.  Imagine paying approx. $40 each for spark plugs and needing 12 of them for your Lycoming
TIO-540-J2BD. 

While in that same garage, we started talking about service. $700 to change the spark plugs on an '03 MB E500 and $300@ for tires. They said it was a "big" job to change the plugs hence the expense.

[Fired00d]

My family is in the manufacturing business so we know a thing or two about costs and overhead. Dad & I were standing in the garage last week looking at his Tri Glide. He turns to me and says "you know there isn't more than $8000 worth of material in this bike." Now think about that big party they had in Milwaukee over the Summer and you'll understand the high cost.

While in that same garage, we started talking about service. $700 to change the spark plugs on an '03 MB E500 and $300@ for tires. They said it was a "big" job to change the plugs hence the expense.

Guess I will not be getting one of those anytime soon.. Ridiculous!!!!

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[hard10]

I would have to agree that the cost of bike parts are grossly overpriced, but the way I see it, tht is just the way it is. There are some cost cutting measures a person can do especially in the labor department, checking out the many discount or resale places, fabricate or customize some of the parts yourself, etc..., even budget yourself to a lower cost ride, but that is a personal preference.

I bought my CVO discounting the cost to what I expect to get out of it and I am definitely getting my money's worth. I've been one of the "have not's" for too long and worked my @$$ off for others depending on my income to support the things we need and sometimes just want for our enjoyment. I can look back on a lot of things my wife & I spend on a monthly basis and see a lot of "non-essentials" that easily total more than what I'm spending on my bike.

I realize this is all taken in good humor but I don't feel I'm part of the "we" in stupid, it is just part of the high cost of owning certain rides, otherwise I'd be riding a budget rat bike built on cheap & frugal parts, and maintaining it myself. Still thinking about doing that also, but I only have room for one right now.

Well said DE! Even though some complain about the costs, rarely do we see people here that regret owning one of the motorcycles.

[Twolanerider]

I don't feel I'm part of the "we" in stupid, it is just part of the high cost of owning certain rides

The cost of goods is just part of the cost of having and using and enjoying the bikes.  We know that going in.  Or we do after the first bike we own.  And a willingness to pay to play isn't (necessarily) stupid.  That was in jest but that was understood.

However....  There is something odd about a group of people who rather willingly regularly pay $100-150 or more for non-radial, narrow, short lived tires that often run less than 10k miles on a rear wheel when for half that an all season radial that will go 50k miles is bought all the time.

[Red07]

Have you guys looked at the price of the new washers and dryers $1500.00 - $2000.00 just because of a good paint job.

[screem]

Have you guys looked at the price of the new washers and dryers $1500.00 - $2000.00 just because of a good paint job.

stay away from the new Maytag CVO 110 limited edtion...I hear they are leaking and overheating...but sure do look good

[grc]

Have you guys looked at the price of the new washers and dryers $1500.00 - $2000.00 just because of a good paint job.

Bosch and the other's obviously took the Willy G. course, "Style is all you need".  Got to admit that big red front loading set does look very nice every time I walk by it at the local Lowes, but after looking at the prices I'm thinking an old fashioned scrub board (or some rocks in a stream) is looking pretty good too.  Best part, wait until the electronics fail and it costs another $500-$1000 to get it running again. 

Jerry

[Fired00d]

Bosch and the other's obviously took the Willy G. course, "Style is all you need".  Got to admit that big red front loading set does look very nice every time I walk by it at the local Lowes, but after looking at the prices I'm thinking an old fashioned scrub board (or some rocks in a stream) is looking pretty good too.  Best part, wait until the electronics fail and it costs another $500-$1000 to get it running again. 

Jerry

I remember my friend Jerry that used to post often to CVOHarley until his wife read this post.

Happy New Year Jerry wishing you and yours all the best in the new year.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[CVOJOE]

Cause we is stooopid and we pays it.

Thus endeth the lesson.........wait, wait that was Don not Hubbard! Hmmmmmmm

[BIGDOG]

Having recently gotten into the parts supply business, I can tell you the cost must lie with either the Mfgr or the big supply houses, cause the dealer mark-up ain't squat on aftermarket stuff. Most stuff we're lucky if MSRP is 30% above our cost. Doesn't sound bad till you try to compete with the high volume folks like Jenny S doing 20% discount. $100 on a $1,000 by the time you pay overhead doesn't leave anything in your pocket.

B B

THANK YOU - truer words were never spoken