My Experience Dealing With Harley-Davidson Dealership... SHOCKING

[@AlexRides808]

About 5 years ago I went to an HD dealership in Irvine, CA. I took public transportation to get there because I had a pre-approved check from my bank for 30k and my mind dead set on a Road King. The bus stop was right in front of the store. I also had enough cash in my pocket to buy all new HD riding gear. I spent about 30 minutes looking at gear and nobody even spoke to me. I went and sat on a standard black Road King and was absolutely set on the bike. Salesman just strolled past me like I wasn't there. I sat on another couple of Street Glides and nothing. Only person that remotely acknowledged my existence was the lady at the sales counter....from a distance. Pissed off, I called a friend up to come get me and I ended up at a Kawasaki dealership. I bought a used Roadliner (mostly because it reminds me of that Road King, but don't tell her that), and have put almost 70k miles on it. Yamaha cost me a fraction of what the HD would have cost so I reckon I should be grateful that they are the snobs they are.

[@CageFreeMoto]

Thanks for sharing! Looks like you ultimately made the a forced but good decision. I go back and forth on my next bike and I keep coming back to the Road King Standard or a Heritage. Also good to know they hold their value. BUT... so expensive. I need to go look at more metric cruisers. Stay safe out there!

[@molonlabe459]

molon labe 1 second ago When I reenlistd I walked into the Harley dealer in Long Beach Ca. After being ignored for a half hour I walked up to 2 salesmen and asked about a bike. The guy took a look at my military haircut and said " you fucking guys always buy rice". He didnt know i had a picture of a Harley above my desk for the last year and enough to pay cash for the bike. I thought well then fuck him and went to the Kawasaki dealer in Santa Barbara where 8 other guys from my ship had bought bikes. That guy greeted me like a long lost relative! I did call and get hold of the dealerships owner and told him this story. he was not amused.

[@KevinFreist]

Right on man! that's a great bike. i agree w you about the metric bikes. and the harley snobs. and harley snob will buy a part befor he buys food. im still rollin on two and can afford lot's of food for the price of a harley. it is sad to me because i would Love to support American made but to get took to do it is un American of them. i do have a Ford though! atleast it was affordable and nice. 97 f-250 w stroke. ill never sell it.

[@cruiserjohn74]

Yamaha motors are bulletproof and really robust. And a you say a fraction of the cost. Dont get me wrong I like HD bikes. Especially the Heritage Classic. Love the look of the that bike.

[@1doug62]

Harley is NOT American made anymore anyway! It's globally sourced and American assembled now!

[@leeshepherd8486]

As a new rider I tried to buy a bike from my local HD dealership. I wasn't comfortable with all the dealership fees. I was told that I could get a new bike for just a few dollars more a month. It calculated out to be almost 20K for a bike that had a 12K book value. I did buy a Harley but not from a HD dealership which saved me thousands.

[@CageFreeMoto]

Thanks for sharing! There are good and bad dealerships and II ran into that a lot when car shopping. It comes down to the leadership that drives the culture of the dealer. And I have seen good people at a bad dealership apologizing and some admit they are looking for another dealer. With the internet is is much easier and faster to work deals at multiple dealerships to get what works for you. I do that when car shopping. Good for you to not get sucked in and still found something that works for you. Take care and stay safe on your HD :)

[@d.f.9064]

I find great used HD's online all the time. Buy used, off-season. Dont be afraid to travel for what you want. If everyone buys used, Harley OWNERS profit, not the people that don't deserve your money.

[@CageFreeMoto]

Yep, I agree

[@veton2wheels104]

I also enjoyed your video. I had an experience basically the same as Jonathan below. I went to a local HD dealer and I was determined to pay cash for a good bike. There were three salesmen b-essing in the middle of the floor. I sat on every bike there for about 20 minutes and not one of them even bothered to say hello. I drove 70 miles and bought a Suzuki Boulevard C50. Took it home the same day. Rode that bike for a few years and decided to upgrade but certainly not to a Harley. I went to a Kawasaki dealer and bought a 2019 900LT. I'm not worried about not having too many dealers around when I travel. Kawasaki is a better quality motorcycle and I know a fellow who put 100k miles on his without any issues. Harley owners have lots to worry about. One example is the new Milwaukee 8 engine. It appears to have lots of problems and HD is not admitting it. That engine runs so hot it burns the head gasket on #2 cylinder, usually after the warranty expires. They have issues with the clutch and transmission... and so it goes. But hardcore HD owners don't want to admit any of that. I need to mention that my first bike in 1963 was a Harley and it was a good bike. My next upgrade when the time comes may be an Indian Challenger or a Vaquero. A new basic Challenger = $22k and the Vaquero is $18k. I have seen new leftover 2020 Vaqueros for $15k. Better than $30k for a problem Harley. No offense to my HD friends, just the facts.

[@CageFreeMoto]

I have been to just about every HD dealer around me and either no ones pays attention or they are very low in inventory. I am thinking of checking out a Vaquero.

[@The66Leadfoot]

I'm two minutes away from a HD dealer but we're willing to drive for the closest Kawi dealer for a reliable and affordable pair of bikes. The missus will likely ride a 900 classic LT, and I'm torn between the Vaquero or the Versys 1000. Just gotta try them on. C'mon spring! Cheers from Canada

[@CageFreeMoto]

Vaquero is nice for sure ;)

[@KevinFreist]

yea man . Harleys can be nice but the dealers and some private owners think it's a Bently or somethin.... bull shit. i ride a 1995 Kawasaki vn 800 and a 1997 Suzuki Marauder. for the xtra 15k i would spend on a beat up worn out harley , i could buy 15 of these bikes! these japanese cruisers just are all geared low at factory and just need some modification to hang with most anything you will find. Barron customs makes a set of pulleys to give that bike the 6th gear range top gear. my vulcan has a 19 tooth front and a 39 tooth rear .with the 16" rear wheel , it goes quite nice and can run the gears out longer . no real noticable loss of pull. i did some carb mods too so it has a bit more thump than stock. i don't think i'll be buyin any harleys till the cost becomes more realistic and reasonable. they are just f'n rediculous. i put a custom belt drive on the Suzuki and NOT SCOOT WORKS😂! i used Savage pulleys and ordered a custom 2002mm long belt for it. did have to move the swing arm to the right to fit FAT rear pulley but it wasn't that hard. some custom spacers and deleted output cover . looks great and works even better. i have a short vid of it at my thumb nail. vulcan gets a belt next. i hate chains. i was a industrial welder and mechanic so i didn't buy any bolt on anything .all my work. nobody sells anything for a marauder anyway . that worth buying.

[@CageFreeMoto]

Yep, understand sales is a tough job, but that heritage was not worth the asking price. Was surprised on the straight face on the sales pitch.

[@Themanfromohio]

How much did you pay for the full service on your KV900, and what did it include?

[@CageFreeMoto]

I paid 470.00'ish our here in California. This is a great question and I can share in a video with invoice and what was done on the first service. - Stay tuned...

[@lifebetweenthelines8576]

so i have a Vulcan 900, a Striker, and a '16 Road King. the Vulcan is a great back roads bike and i like it a lot but it cant hold a candle to the Striker in power or comfort. The Striker is what you would call my daily until i got the Road King. i still absolutely love the striker and have no plans of ever letting that bike go but the Road King is leaps better as a highway bike than the Striker. I'm not an HD fan boy but will admit that even a 15 year old HD can and most likely will always cost more than even a brand new Vulcan 900. The soft tail Heritage is at the top of the soft tail line and a very nice bike that is often cross shopped with the Road King. owning a HD is not for everyone and i spent a lot of time looking for the right bike for me when i decided to buy mine. every dealership is different but it sounds like you found a good one. i kinda hope by now you have actually ridden a HD and maybe have an idea of why they are so expensive.

[@dtogo4286]

In terms of value, what makes the HD so special to justify the additional price?

[@michaelb.42112]

I also own the Yamaha Stryker 1300, and a Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500. These are the two BEST bikes I've ever owned. I'll NEVER own another Harley.

[@darrell6642]

Sticking with the 5th generation Honda Goldwing. My goal is to get 400k out of it. The ONLY time I go into ANY dealership is for my yearly safety inspection.

[@CageFreeMoto]

That is a very nice Goldwing and I am sure it will easily hit 400k. Keep us posted :)

[@CageFreeMoto]

@@PeterAngles-ks9fp Thank goodness that has not happened to me on my Harley with 23k and just over 2 years after buying it new.

[@kennithbarch98]

Stay with Kawasaki

[@CageFreeMoto]

Well, I ended up purchasing a 21 Road King and happy with it. The Vulcan was awesome though. But I want to take long road trips and the RK seems to check allot off the boxes to do it in comfort and with a classic look.

[@molonlabe459]

When I reenlistd I walked into the Harley dealer in Long Beach Ca. After being ignored for a half hour I walked up to 2 salesmen and asked about a bike. The guy took a look at my military haircut and said " you fucking guys always buy rice". He didnt know i had a picture of a Harley above my desk for the last year and enough to pay cash for the bike. I thought well then fuck him and went to the Kawasaki dealer in Santa Barbara where 8 other guys from my ship had bought bikes. That guy greeted me like a long lost relative! I did call and get hold of the dealerships owner and told him this story. he was not amused.

[@CageFreeMoto]

Thats a terrible customer experience!! Good that you told your story to the HD sales after you purchased your Kawasaki. Frustrating to be judged based on looks... this sales person made a bad call. Congrats on the Kawasaki and stay safe out there!

[@molonlabe459]

@@CageFreeMoto I bought a 1983 GPz 750 and rode it cross country twice by myself. Not a touring bike but I was a lot younger then.

[@molonlabe459]

@@CageFreeMoto and it was half as much as the harley.

[@CageFreeMoto]

I rode a 250 scooter to Mexico and back. Yes, much younger and if you want to travel no need to wait for the "perfect" bike... just go and have an adventure. :)

[@michaelbrown7637]

I recently purchased a new harley , was treated great,like my business mattered...right up till i signed the papers...not so much after that ...!!! These things kill a business...hope your hearing your customers HD ..!!!!!

[@CageFreeMoto]

That's terrible! Hopefully you find a better dealer near you for service.

[@MrAl67]

I believe there is a front pulley that will reduce your RPMs on the highway.

[@CageFreeMoto]

Yes, I have heard of this. I have come to accept that this is how the Vulcan 900 is built and works as designed. A GREAT motorcycle as it is. So I left it as it is and changed to an HD Road King to match my riding style. I do miss the Vulcan though... should have kept as a second bike.

[@d.f.9064]

Test rides are so important. I wanted a Road Glide until I figured out the frame is too big for me. Narrows it down a bit.

[@CageFreeMoto]

I test road a CVO Street Glide with a 117 and loved the engine but that was it, shorter shocks in the rear made it uncomfortable to ride for me. So yeah 💯 agree with you!

[@brandontapia4155]

Harley Davidson is pricing themselves out of business that’s so many dealerships are closed. They just don’t tell you that

[@CageFreeMoto]

As avid riders and enthusiasts, it's hard to ignore the current state of affairs in the motorcycle industry. Some may argue that Harley-Davidson's pricing strategies have left them vulnerable, with a growing number of dealerships closing their doors. While not always openly discussed, it's evident that the financial aspect of owning a Harley-Davidson is a concern for many riders. As a motorcycle enthusiast, I understand the importance of keeping an eye on the market and the challenges that arise. It remains to be seen how Harley-Davidson will navigate these challenges and continue to serve their loyal customer base. Take care and ride safe!

[@edfrench6095]

What you didn't know there was a $10000 unboxing fee? Back thirty years ago it was the $5000 on factory chrome.

[@CageFreeMoto]

You are correct, I did not know and that seems very pricey... hmmm

[@dannytrudell6798]

Really enjoyed your video. Nice bike ride safe my friend God bless

[@CageFreeMoto]

Thanks, you too!

[@mrutherford8590]

I found a 2004 883 sportster with 6,000 miles showroom condition for $3,000. Good enough for me. Who needs new bike prices.

[@CageFreeMoto]

Woah! What a DEAL! Totally agree with you! Was at an HD dealer and was looking but those prices! I paid mine off already and do not want a payment again. Like you happy with what I have and do not need a new bike price/payments. Stay safe buddy!

[@trackman174]

In lieu of recent events at HD and the overall downturn in motorcycle sales in general, I would be treating any potential buyers like royalty.

[@CageFreeMoto]

Totally agree!

[@billgraham4630]

Bought a yamaha 2020 starventure TC it will last for ever awesome bike great warranty cheaper price and loaded.

[@CageFreeMoto]

The Yamaha Star Venture caught my eye on a group poker ride and I had to go up and to it and check it out. It has a very sporty aggressive look and the one I saw was a very nice blue. Was disappointed to find Yamaha stopped make them, however, a used one is well priced compared to a new Motorcycle in its class. I would hang on to yours as I mentioned it looks nice and comfortable. Would love to test drive one if I find one at a dealer. Thanks for sharing Take care and stay safe!

[@michaelb.42112]

My buddy has a new Harley and it's ALWAYS breaking down. Vulcan > Harley anyday for me.

[@CageFreeMoto]

WOW a new one! Maybe a lemon... the Vulcan is a great motorcycle

[@michaelb.42112]

@@CageFreeMoto Well, new meaning 2 or 3 years old.

[@CageFreeMoto]

@@michaelb.42112 I ended up buying a 2021 Road King new. I bought new because so many people modify their HD and I did not want to figure out what they may have done or solved their problems. I can say I have no issues with mine and super reliable. Took to the East coast and back. Oh! And I found a great dealer 1.5 hours from my house. :)

[@michaelb.42112]

@@CageFreeMoto That's great !

[@roberthambly9926]

My thoughts exactly

[@wmason1961]

I dont understand how anyone can even tell the difference between the various harleys. They all look the same to me. Kinda like the pirate uniform many harley riders are fond of. Looking like an antique while claiming to be modern just doesn't work for me. Either produce a modern properly priced bike, or I won't buy.

[@CageFreeMoto]

Have you seen the 2024 RG & SG. Everything for exception of the frame has changed in response to not being modern and I think that is why vivid black is not the base color anymore so more colors are out there then just black and chrome or black on black. And yes, I have Black on chrome and it is what I always wanted. :)

[@johnnyx9892]

It's the same bullshit that car dealers have spouted for as long as I can remember: "We give you more for your trade!" "We sell for less!". And how exactly does that work? Oh yeah I remember now "the boss is out of town and we are marking them down!". 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CageFreeMoto]

Yep, thats how it feels, some small used car dealer. But they are nice about it though 🤣. When a buy a car, like my 2022 Rubicon, my sister is by my side as she has worked finance at dealers, banks and now a VP for a car loan company and she rips through these type of sales people... my personal shark LOL.

[@Kcducttaper1]

I had a similar experience with several HD dealers in my area. Just super obnoxious, snobby, and pushy people there with overpriced bikes. I did ride some Indians too and found them to be a LOT nicer just overall. The dealership experience/atmosphere and the bikes are both top notch! Suffice it to say, Indian is one of my dream bikes and HD isn't even on my radar.

[@CageFreeMoto]

I am going to go checkout Indians next due to my experience. Plus Indian provides 750.00 to first responders and military (active or Veterans) which is awesome! Any specific Indian you are eyeing? Keep me posted :)

[@Kcducttaper1]

​@@CageFreeMoto Nice! I didn't know about that. It's still a ways down the road, but I'm generally drooling over 3 models: 1) Chieftan Limited. It's a hard-bagger with a fork fairing and the 116 motor. 2) Challenger. Also a hard bagger, but with a frame mounted fairing. It's also a slightly smaller engine (108, I believe), but it's liquid cooled, so it makes a bunch more power than the air-cooled 116. I believe it's the most powerful v-twin out there. 3) One of the new 2022 'Chief' models. I'm leaning towards the Super Chief Limited. It's bigger than the Scout, but smaller than the baggers, yet it still has the big 116 engine for about $20k MSRP. Looks like it would be a blast!

[@markmacfarlane6044]

Harley dealers are the lowest of the low. I hate to say it but the dealers are ruining a good brand. They misrepresent what they have in stock. They will offer thousands less for your trade than its worth. They will jack up msrp a high as they possibly can. Dealer markup, setup fee, transportation cost, conveyance fee, extended warranty etc,etc. Expect to pay 5,000 to 10,000 above what is on Harley website. Stay away, because ohhh they lie! Great bikes tho..

[@CageFreeMoto]

Yes, typical car and motorcycle dealers. But you just need to find that fair one out there. It's all about the people. I just took the my Road King for service while on the road and loved that they had all the prices posted for many of the common and recommended service (based on milage). The nice guys at the counter and the transparency of the pricing impressed me because it is the first time I have seen it at a Harley Dealer. Buyer beware, be educated and pivot to another dealer if you are not happy with them. I will never go back to the dealer I went to in this video because I gave them multiple shots and every time I was disappointed. Fortunately, lots of HD dealers and found one that is working out now. To you comment "Stay away", totally agree if a business does meet the customers needs in a fair way. Take care and stay safe!

[@PaulG75]

Juat under $20,000 my ass. What until the finance manager gets a hold of you and works in his shady ass smoke and mirrors.

[@CageFreeMoto]

Yep, they do the paperwork everyday and to us it is new and can be overwhelming. We just need to take our time and ask questions. Fortunately my sister is in the business and works with many dealers to approve or deny loans. So, she knows the paperwork I have her do a sanity check. Nothing wrong with bringing in someone that can support of callout something that we may overlook because we're still thinking about the last 1 or 2 things we quickly talked through with the Finance person.

[@PaulG75]

@@CageFreeMoto I actually bought my last bike 7 months ago at Wilkins Hd in Barre Vt. It was over 1,300 miles away. That how bad most of my local dealerships are. The were completely up front, no hidden fees and had out the door prince in 5 minutes. Every time I tried to get a price here that wanted me to talk to a finance manager before l could get it. I’m 47 years old. If I had to get someone to work out a monthly payment for me to afford a bike l wouldn’t buy one.

[@thelost_woods]

Indians are just as expensive and their aftermarket parts are insane....$700 for a springfield backrest. No thanks

[@CageFreeMoto]

Yep, I agree

[@knowone6214]

Owned a couple of Harleys........NEVER AGAIN....LOL....guess I'm a slow learner

[@CageFreeMoto]

To each their own, but yeah, that HD tax