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[TN]

 we all know what a good dealer network HD has and the beloved HOG too. Say you're on the road several thousand miles away from home, a card carrying member of HOG and you realize you need an oil change in the worse way. Would you expect to be able to go to a dealership and have it done that day while you wait? Do it in the parking lot? I'm sure there are other scenarios and expectations. I would like to hear real world situations along with solutions too.




TN

[FreestateSE3]

In all of the miles my wife and I have ridden, (over 100K in the last 5 years), anytime we had an issue, a dealer got us right in, because we were traveling.  I'm not sure if this would pertain to an oil change, but for flat tires, repairs, etc., we've never run into a problem with a dealer.  I have heard stories of dealers that will not move a traveler to the front of the line, because "I have to take care of my locals".  It just depends on the situation, I reckon...

[gabe]

In all of the miles my wife and I have ridden, (over 100K in the last 5 years), anytime we had an issue, a dealer got us right in, because we were traveling.  I'm not sure if this would pertain to an oil change, but for flat tires, repairs, etc., we've never run into a problem with a dealer.  I have heard stories of dealers that will not move a traveler to the front of the line, because "I have to take care of my locals".  It just depends on the situation, I reckon...

traveling is first in hd shop

[porthole]

During the 9/11 weekend the IAFF National Rally had bikes coming in from around the country for the 9/11 Tribute Rally. The event was held at the OCC facility in Newburgh.
The local HD dealer went out of their way to assist all the travelers coming in. I was surprised at all to the "they took good care of me" stories.

[Screamin]

Rapid City H.D. needed a tire late in the day. Tech stayed late and took care of us. Yellowstone H.D. stopped in for an oil change, right in and right out. Mile High H.D., Aurora, Co., seal leaking, got me right in and stayed after it. Chicago H.D., shift lever stripped. In and out in 1/2 hour. All and all I've always been treated great when traveling. I've never been asked if I'm a HOG member nor had volunteer it. I always follow up w/ a letter to the G.M. when I get home.
FWIW, my dealer, Century H.D. in Medina gives priority to those traveling as well.

[Mano]

This past June while on my bike trip i was north of New Orleans. That same morning i called New Orleans HD at 9:00 am and asked if i could come in for my 8000 km service/oil change. They said sure and we close at 6:00 pm and ask for Mike the service manager. I got there at 2:00 pm with a buddy who has a 2010 Ultra. They took us both, no questions asked. I also asked if they could check my stereo which they analyzed as a defective amp. Put some oil on my squeaky clutch lever and tighten a loose screw on the left lower. All was done. My buddies Ultra was just and oil and filter change. Both bikes where washed and ready to go by 5:30 pm. While we waited we bought some t-shirts and other things and the time flew by. The service was fast and friendly considering they where really busy and dropped other things to get us in and it was cheaper than doing it here in Toronto.

[Chains]

In my case it has always been the dealer when on the road.  Primarily do to the lack of local knowledge about the independent shops.

[grc]

Let's assume you didn't leave on a planned 10000 mile trip without first changing the oil and filter and performing all other maintenance items.  If you are running a top quality synthetic, I wouldn't sweat it if I had to go over my self-imposed 5000 mile oil change limit until I got back home.  Lots of miles over a short period of time is easy duty for motor oil, it's the short trips and long time intervals that are the real problem as the moisture and combustion byproducts build up and acids form.  

If you run a specific brand of oil exclusively, and it isn't SYN3, you may have a problem getting what you want if you just pop in at the local Harley store.  Some have become more progressive and actually stock other brands, but many still only offer H-D branded stuff.  Not really a big deal, since SYN3 is a decent motor oil, but I thought I'd mention it for those who are overly anal about things like oil brands.


Jerry

[grandpadoc]

Twice this Summer the dealers took me in and got me out the same day. Of course the case of Coronas helped a little for the more serious breakdown in Arizona.  Doc

[faceracer]

2 Stories:

1) While at Sturgis in 02 I let one of those independent guys in a tent downtown change my oil. He had Hd oil which I was running (01 FXDL). Much to my horror he took a pump on a drill and sucked out the oil thru the dipstick hole? I immediately said something and he told me he does not remove drain plugs because they could be stripped or damaged and he didn't want to take the blame! BS the guy probably cross threaded somebodies already and had to fix it. My Thought? Why change the frigging oil and leave all the contaminants in the the bottom of you oil pan! Da! Waste of time and money! Should have left the oil in it and rode it home! Never use and independent again!

2) Little Sturgis 05 Battery took a crap in the low rider. I was at Bud's HD in Evansville, IN. first thing Monday morning. They took me right in and got me out in less than an hour. Bravo !


Face Out!

[naitram]

ive used dealers on the road for needed work and always been treated well. only indy i have used on the road was metal dragon and that was pre-scheduled

[dayne66]

From this thread, it would seem that the dealers are getting complacent with the locals, their bread and butter....in favor of catering to the traveller.  Having satisfied 'regular customers' AND satisfied travellers are not mutually exclusive concepts. I too, have heard great, happy stories about my local Island dealer from travellers....and way too many 'not so great or happy' ones from locals.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for getting the traveller back on the road, but they have to start treating their regulars right .....or all they will have is travellers in need and not knowing their reputation.

Maybe I would have had been treated respectfully and received competant service if I had registered my bike out-of-province and pretended to be on holidays.

Oh Ya, the only time I needed service on the road was near Salem, OR......I got flatbedded there with 10 mins left before they closed(got stuck behind a major accident on the I5)...the got me in, changed the front motor mount, and back on the road in about 45 mins.
Since I had been there just the day before and already had a t-shirt I went for a bit of a walk....bought a box of beer for them on that hot September Saturday.

[King Glide]

I was told 40 years ago by a dealer that Walter Davidson required all dealers to fix traveler's bikes before local customers. It was in the franchise agreement. Don't know if it is still the case.

[AXIL]

  It wasn't in the franchise agreement then or now, didn't have to be. calling hd a way of life back then ment
something. now? not so much if any.     sad.

[JoMo]

In my time on the road and my riding buddies have all had good things to say about HD on the road 
I myself also have a good relationship with my dealer NYC HD.


                                          Jo Mo NYC