First Bad Experience with HDL (short rant)

[Steve K (IA)]

 I have spent a Ton of money at HDL with no complaints....until now.  Ordered a set of dampers Sunday...on the internet...as always.  Just now get an e-mail notice that they will be sent out today.  Check the tracking, and UPS hasn't even picked them up yet.    Want to guess when they will get here?  The bike is still on the jack.   

When I lived in the Cedar Rapids area I could order parts on a Monday from my dealer and I would have them by Wednesday.  Guess I should of went to the dealer here in Des Moines, they did me pretty good on a fork seal set a few weeks ago.

I guess the bike will go back together without changing the dampers.  Not going to let that bike sit, it's the wife's ride and that's what she wants to do.  She has a long weekend because of the Holiday and I just can't let it sit. 

The real pisser is when I have to do any work on these bikes it usually means getting down on the garage floor.  With all the getting up and down, my low back slips out and it's another trip to the Chiro.

OK.....Rant Over.

[F-106]

NICE BIKE :cooldude:I have had the same problem with them. i have learned over time to order way in advance if possiable so i have everything before i start. when i did my intake runner o-ring i ordered them aong with the i/s carb springs and a few other parts not related to the carbs. they held up the whole order for a airfliter. no e-mail no phone call. i was told all parts were in stock at the time i ordered. 4 weeks later it all showed up. the only problem was the intake o-rings were the wrong size. i called and was" told to bad it happens. " i am finding it much less stressfull to go to my dealer and they give me my military discount. comes out the same.

[T.P.]

How long have you noticed that the rear dampers were bad ?

[Robert]

I never order by the Internet and always make sure the part is in stock.

[Jack]

Just because they are to be shipped today doesn't necessarily mean they will be picked up today.  In the summer, it is best not to be in a hurry with HDL and a follow-up call after ordering does help.  They do try to give a good service but........

[SteveL]

Pretty Valkyrie

[Steve K (IA)]

How long have you noticed that the rear dampers were bad ?

T.P.
My wife rides the Std most of the time, but last week I had a chance to take it out and that is when I noticed some play in the drive line.  When I got the rear wheel off, I could get definite movement out of the drive flange.  Also the aluminum bosses in the rubber dampers were loose.   Since she isn't hard on the bike, I will put it back together for now and dig into it again next week.  Got a Bike Night to go to Friday in Knoxville (Iowa)...sprint car capitol of the world.

[Steve K (IA)]

Pretty Valkyrie

Thanks for the compliment.  I found this one in Oklahoma back in 2004.  RJ helped me get it back to Iowa with his trailer.  It needed a lot of cleaning and a whole bunch of accessories.

I think my Black I/S is just as pretty, but the Purple and White gets a lot of attention when we have it out.

[Momz]

My local dealer (Rosenau Powersports) in Dearborn Heights, MI always beats HDLs prices.
And if you order on Monday, the parts are always ready by Thursday.
I will use Rosenau for all my OEM parts purchases....Period!

[John Schmidt]

Their prices are as good as HDL and if there is a backorder, they ship the parts received. Last time they actually sent the backorder via 2 day express to me in Florida. I've found I get stuff faster from them in Indiana than if I order from HDL, and HDL is about 200 miles away in the same state. Another plus....I don't get the "attitude" if I call and question something.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

I have to pay tax and shipping,when using hdl.
I usually go with a cheaper alternative,unless their is a sale going on.
 

[3fan4life]

The other day I went to the local dealer to get an oil filter for a V-Star (no-one else in town had one).

While there I checked on an air filter for my VALK they had one in stock (highly unusual) but wanted several dollars more than HDL.

I declined the filter and the guy at the parts counter asked why.

I told him that even with shipping that I could buy it cheaper at HDL.

He checked and matched HDL's price.

This is the first time ever that this dealer has acknowledged that they weren't the only game in town.

I was assured that they would continue to match HDL's prices.

This is the first time ever that this dealer has offered any kind of discount.

Maybe, the current bad economy is affecting them.

It can't hurt to ask your local dealer if they will match HDL as well.

If the dealer in Roanoke, Va can begin to act human then there is hope for others as well.

[BF]

That is just about the prettiest purple & white I think I've ever seen.   

btw....Where did you get that blue dot tail light lens?  Gotta know. 

[Six Guns]

Steve K (IA),

PM sent.

[norm]

support your local dealer, They will be there when ya really need them, if you don't then they will be out of business and then where will ya be. these internet sales are usually cheaper because no tax is paid, so now you are hurting your local economy again. How would you like it if someone compared your price for labor or what ever you do to all the other people in the country? Internet only if it can't be found in your local area or if Your local dealer is just BAD

[Tundra]

Nice looking bike Steve I like those, they are rare? I've only seen two in person, or in Valkyrie. A guy I know has one for sale, but he doesn't take care of anything or I'd consider it.

[Steve K (IA)]

Nice looking bike Steve I like those, they are rare? I've only seen two in person, or in Valkyrie. A guy I know has one for sale, but he doesn't take care of anything or I'd consider it.

Rare?  Could be.  I have only seen 2 other Purple & Whites in Iowa.  That doesn't mean there aren't more.  Probably about as rare as the Orange & Blacks. 
It needed a good cleaning when I got it.  I'd say it's as nice as the day it was made 13 years ago.

Last fall, I added a Hoppe fairing and (functional) I/S pods.  It is quite a nice ride. 

[Steve K (IA)]

That is just about the prettiest purple & white I think I've ever seen.   

btw....Where did you get that blue dot tail light lens?  Gotta know. 

That lens was on the bike when I got it.  I think J&P Cycles have them.  So would JC Whitney.