Overheard at a HD dealership

[Momz]

A fellow Valk rider and salesman at the HD dealership was trying to sell a new bike to a yuppie type.

We were going to go to lunch when I heard him say........"If you're not riding a Harley, you might as well just ride a moped".

I left,...just couldn't stomach that type of sales approach.

[Patrick]

The Harley ' thing ' seems to be getting worse..

Two friends have recently gotten rid of very nice bikes and purchased Harleys for big, big, big money..  Over $30K each..

[Steve K (IA)]

I'd rather ride a moped before I would ride a harley. 

[Gavin_Sons]

I'd rather ride a moped before I would ride a harley. 

I agree

[Jess Tolbirt]

I'd rather ride a moped before I would ride a harley. 

I agree

really?

[Chrome]

I wonder what kinds of replies  to

........"If you're not riding a Harley, you might as well just ride a moped".

would get on the HD forums ?

Adrian

[Popeye]

I have enjoyed both of my Harleys.  My friend who bought my Interstate has put less that 1K on it since he bought it on 07.  I have put over 49K on my Harleys since then.

There are a-holes and attitudes on all brands of bikes.

[Jess from VA]

Hey salesman say and do what it takes to sell.... that's what they do.  And many basically live on commissions, so how can you blame them?  It's just business, don't take it personally.

Car and bike salesmen are among the worst offenders, and not to be believed...... "wait, I'll have to go ask the boss about that one."   Hahahahaha (choke)  

Politicians of all varieties are about the same.  I do take these personally, however.  


PS: Between a Hog and a moped, I'll take the Hog (and so would you), but fortunately there are additional choices.  

 

[RainMaker]

I'd rather ride a moped before I would ride a harley. 

I agree

Not me.  I've ridden a moped.  A Harley would be far better.

[BF]

Here we go again.     

[Jess from VA]

I'm in, where we going?  (I don't get out much)    

[steve 3054]

Never understood the argument...who cares...ride something...just ride!!!

[Fudd]

I helped my friend trailer his 4 month old "Electra Glide" ( that name sounds like some sort of shaving product), back to the shop for it's 3rd repair.  1st trip) oil leak, replaced defective crankcase.  2nd trip) mandatory 1000 mile check-up.  All they really did was change the oil and charged him $550.  If you don't do it at the shop the warranty is voided.  3rd trip) bad rectifier, Harley picked up the tab on this one.

I went browsing around the showroom floor while my buddy filled out the service order.  A salesman approached me in short order.  I told him, "I was interested in a bike but didn't know much about them."  He assured me that "no other bike made has the power, performance and relibility of a Harley."  He went on to say that, "all the jap bikes are just junk imitations.  You pay almost the same money, but in 5 years, you can barely get scrap prices for them."  I asked about the Victorys, he said, "what would I do for parts in 2 or 3 years when Victory goes out of business?"  (??That's news to me).

I told the salesman "I knew someone" that has a Valkyrie and says that it's a good bike.  He said, "don't waste your money, they don't hold up.  The engine is a nightmare, and I'd never get all 6 carbs working at the same time."  His shop doesn't even like to take them as a trade-in because they can't get rid of them.

My buddy that I rode up there with, had finished his business and walked up not saying anything.  He blew my cover with the salesman and then said, he was sick to find out his rectifier was back ordered and his bike would be in the shop 2 weeks waiting on the parts.  My friend then told the salesman that my Valkyrie had been in the shop less times in 14 years than his Harley had in 4 months.

We left the dealership.   I couldn't help myself but pause at the door,  smile at the salesman and give him a cheesey wave.

[YoungPUP]

HD dealers know what we've got. Ive been to events at 3 of the local (term used loosely) HD dealers, and have had offers to buy mine outright, or be given nice trade in offers.

[Patrick]

I like almost everything on wheels.. Most folks are good people,, but,, some Harley folks just rub me the wrong way.. Most of them don't know any different and can't be talked to..

[Steve K (IA)]

I'd rather ride a moped before I would ride a harley. 

I agree

really?

Well.....maybe not a moped, but a Big scooter.......SilverWing.   

[alph]

i like riding my daughters scooter.  don't care what people think of a 45 year old, bolding fat guy riding a 49cc moped......  little do they know that in just one of the cylinders of my cycle is 5 times the displacements of that little scooter, times that by 6.....  what's in thier cylinders?

[Thespian]

 For him it was the smart thing to say, and a fact, for those who have bought into the"legend". part of there branding. 

[Reb]

Big Al in 3....... 2........ 1........

[Rams]

Had a Harley attitude stop in where I work today, he needed some help.  I helped him but, as I did, I told him my story about towing in my good friend who has a Harley.  Told him I keep that tow rope on board for whenever we ride together.  He was not amused.  But, we parted ways on a friendly basis.  Told him that I didn't care what he rode, just  as long as he rode.  Also told him we could ride together anytime if he thought he could keep up.  He just smiled and waved.

[BigChris99]

This is cool.......so what weight oil would you guys run in the Harley.....or the moped?     

[cookiedough]

This is cool.......so what weight oil would you guys run in the Harley.....or the moped?     

Now what you gone and done that for, gonna open up another can of worms? 

Hey,  if a fellow likes to ride his 50cc scoot or HD paying 20 grand plus, more power to them.  Just don't say my bike is junk or they'll find out by seeing my plates from behind.   

If I could just get rid of my HD fanatic A-hole neighbor, the neighborhood block would be better off.  He's lucky I'm married with kids otherwise being single he wouldn't be around long or more likely me in jail. 

[3fan4life]

I'd rather ride a moped before I would ride a harley. 

     

[Dogg]

Well, believe it or not, the 2013 models are supposed to be water cooled 110 ci motors. Read great reviews on them so far. And as much as I hate fixed fairings bikes, I fell in love with a 2012 ultra road glide with full gauge setup and rush exhaust. Let me tell you, it was candy black cherry and black, blacked out motor and everything else chrome. And for 22k, I'd say it was a good deal. Especially since it has an alarm and abs. It isn't the bikes, it's some of the people, usually the ones new to riding and don't know any better, or the old skill die hards that refuse to update their brains. But everyone else is ok.
   Was at Gettysburg bike week and saw not 1 valk but mine. And I got some looks for sure. Especially parked in a sea of Harleys, it jus towers over them, making them all look small. Got a lot of respect last weekend because I was riding a 14 year old American made Honda like I stole it and still kept a smile on my face when the badgers came out. Besides I had about 30 peeps who had my back .lol

[Steve K (IA)]

I'd rather ride a moped before I would ride a harley. 

     

Hey.........like mopeds, someone needs to ride fat girls.   Looks like that one already has a cushy saddle.  

[WamegoRob]

so how can you blame them?  It's just business, don't take it personally.

I can blame them.  Salesman or not, if you're anything less than honest I don't have time for you and you won't be missed.

[junior]

ok so i ride a big moped that dont pop head gaskets when sitting in traffic and doesent leave a trail of parts to find my way home...................any questons?

[ChromeDome]

There are a-holes and attitudes on all brands of bikes.

+1

[BIG--T]

I was in a parking lot full of Harleys  and they all gathered around my Valk smiling and drooling! I showed them the nickel trick and they were impressed. One guy used to have an older wing that he said he loved and his wife had a new Stateline Honda which was a beautiful blue. They all loved the sound of the Valk and I got a new nickname-"NASCAR"! 

Now having said that a gal that always would hang around to see if a there was an empty passenger seat so she could ride. My buddy was on a Yamaha V Star and I told her she could ride with him and she said "I don't ride on nothing but a Harley" and meant it! lol! Another brainwashed one.
Even on tv it seems no one refers to a bike as a motorcycle but a Harley! Has anyone else noticed ?

[cookiedough]

Now having said that a gal that always would hang around to see if a there was an empty passenger seat so she could ride. My buddy was on a Yamaha V Star and I told her she could ride with him and she said "I don't ride on nothing but a Harley" and meant it! lol! Another brainwashed one.
Even on tv it seems no one refers to a bike as a motorcycle but a Harley! Has anyone else noticed ?

If that gal was cute,  I'd give her a ride on my sickle and then tell her it's not a HD and see then what she says! 

[X Ring]

Big Al in 3....... 2........ 1........

Marty

[BIG--T]

Now having said that a gal that always would hang around to see if a there was an empty passenger seat so she could ride. My buddy was on a Yamaha V Star and I told her she could ride with him and she said "I don't ride on nothing but a Harley" and meant it! lol! Another brainwashed one.
Even on tv it seems no one refers to a bike as a motorcycle but a Harley! Has anyone else noticed ?

If that gal was cute,  I'd give her a ride on my sickle and then tell her it's not a HD and see then what she says! 

Well if you consider Jane Hathaway from the BH, then she is cute!! As far as your plan, she knows more HD models that most men!! A real die hard HD fan!! 

[KilbrideTP]

My uncle was a motorcycle policeman for years....rode Harley's his whole career.  After he retired, he purchased a Harley for his personal ride.  He's not the die hard, attitude HD type, but is very brand loyal.  He stopped by my office this week and informed me that he sold his HD recently and bought a cruiser/dresser (Kawasaki, i think).  When I commented that I thought he would never sell his HD....his response was 1.) he was tired of the bike being in the shop more than his garage  2.) tired of cleaning the oil off of his garage floor and 3.) tired of cooking his groin on hot summer days here in NOLA.  He also made mention that since he's had his new bike, he basically just has to check his oil and tires, and keep gas in it. Now he just rides....probably to the tune 30,000+ miles a year.  Said he would never buy another HD.

[3W-lonerider]

Well, believe it or not, the 2013 models are supposed to be water cooled 110 ci motors. Read great reviews on them so far. And as much as I hate fixed fairings bikes, I fell in love with a 2012 ultra road glide with full gauge setup and rush exhaust. Let me tell you, it was candy black cherry and black, blacked out motor and everything else chrome. And for 22k, I'd say it was a good deal. Especially since it has an alarm and abs. It isn't the bikes, it's some of the people, usually the ones new to riding and don't know any better, or the old skill die hards that refuse to update their brains. But everyone else is ok.
   Was at Gettysburg bike week and saw not 1 valk but mine. And I got some looks for sure. Especially parked in a sea of Harleys, it jus towers over them, making them all look small. Got a lot of respect last weekend because I was riding a 14 year old American made Honda like I stole it and still kept a smile on my face when the badgers came out. Besides I had about 30 peeps who had my back .lol

so you were in gettysburg..and never called me..you coulda stayed at my place and saved some money. i don't go to gettysburg during bike week because when they moved it from the convention center to the campground..most of the vendors quit coming..

[Hook#3287]

A fellow Valker and I stopped by a HD dealership one day, just to look at what all the foolishness was about.   As we made fun of all the accessories made in Taiwain & Philippines, a salesman came up to us. 

He was trying to make a conversation and asked what we rode.  We told him "Valkyries" which he didn't seem to know and he said "Well, someday you'll be able to get a Harley".   We laughed, and I said "We ride Valkyries by choice"

A confused look came over his face, then he proceeded to tell us how he likes to put a golf ball in his back pocket when riding.  That, with the vibration of the Harley, apparently was something his lady friend liked.

Then it was our turn at confused looks, as we walked away.

[Jess from VA]

My uncle was a motorcycle policeman for years....rode Harley's his whole career.  After he retired, he purchased a Harley for his personal ride.  He's not the die hard, attitude HD type, but is very brand loyal.  He stopped by my office this week and informed me that he sold his HD recently and bought a cruiser/dresser (Kawasaki, i think).  When I commented that I thought he would never sell his HD....his response was 1.) he was tired of the bike being in the shop more than his garage  2.) tired of cleaning the oil off of his garage floor and 3.) tired of cooking his groin on hot summer days here in NOLA.  He also made mention that since he's had his new bike, he basically just has to check his oil and tires, and keep gas in it. Now he just rides....probably to the tune 30,000+ miles a year.  Said he would never buy another HD.

Similar story.  Got a Hog in '88 and rode it for many years.  I loved that bike, but not some of the chronic issues (which got more chronic at 100K).  So I decided on a multicylinder, watercooled, touring bike that made good power, and that narrowed it down to just a couple bikes, including the Valk.  When telling my Hog riding acquaintances I rode a Hog for 18 years, they often ask "so why did you make the change?"  I always tell them (with a smile).... "quite simply, I moved up to a better machine."  

This always gets mixed reviews....... but it is the truth.

[Dogg]

I planned on it Rick, but time got short and had way too much on my schedule of things to do. I stayed with some other friends so, cost was minimal. I'll be back up in august and we will stop by for a visit then.

[bigguy]

I've never even riden a Harley, so obviously I can't really have an informed opinion. On the other hand, I've never jabbed a sharp stick in my eye, but think I understand the mechanics of the proposal enough to know I wouldn't enjoy it. I just don't like the idea of a V-twin. Not even the ones that I believe are well engineered and built. (Freedom 106 for example) Some guys like butts, other like boobs. I like 6 cylinders.
But I will say one thing about Whiskey River Harley-Davidson in Texarkana. Almost every weekend, they are sponsoring some worthy cause. Often they're hosting benefits for locals in need. This weekend is a good example. A local policeman killed himself. There's a benefit this weekend with all proceeds going to his wife and kids.
I don't hang out there much, so I don't know what kind of attitude I'd get from their customers. But from what I've seen, the dealership is top notch.

[Momz]

This is not a Harley,....so is it a moped?

Gunbus 410 cubic inch V-Twin motorcycle



The Gunbus 410 cubic inch V-Twin motorcycle is complete. The monster engine placed in a motorcycle frame of comparable size looked impossible and many who saw the photos were skeptical of the bike ever being finished but I guess, Clemens F. Leonhardt is one of those persistent guys who ignores the naysayers and keeps at his work.

The fuel injected, 45 degree 6728 cc / 410 cubic inch V-Twin runs through a 3 speed transmission with reverse and actually looks pretty good in its finished state compared to the initial photos, in fact, everything looks good. It puts out 523 foot pounds of torque. Seat height is 31.5 inches and overall length is 136 inches. It is a little heavy at 1433 pounds so high speed corner carving might be an issue and there aren't any photos of the big bike on the road so I guess we'll have to wait for the road test, that is if someone can actually road test this monster.

This is actually going to go into limited series production and a sidecar will be available as well which might help with balance when waiting at a light. I don't even want to think about a driveway tipover. I think this is great! Now, where's the video?

[Tropic traveler]

But I will say one thing about Whiskey River Harley-Davidson in Texarkana. Almost every weekend, they are sponsoring some worthy cause. Often they're hosting benefits for locals in need. This weekend is a good example. A local policeman killed himself. There's a benefit this weekend with all proceeds going to his wife and kids.

I must agree about the generosity of HD dealerships. I rarely see the high level of commitment to the community from other bike dealerships that Harley dealers have.
OTOH.... After seeing what they charge for the product they offer, I know how they can be so generous with their money.

God bless the Harley owners!