Charge for safety

[1996Fatboy]

I'm sure this is a really stupid question but does HD charge to setup or adjust a bike so that it is safe for the operator? There has been talk on this forum about what others would like to see the Motor Company do different to their bikes and I think user safety would be an area that needs great improvement. I really think that HD needs to instruct the dealerships to include sizing and setup in the sale price. How can adjusting a motorcycle so a customer can safely plant both feet on the ground be considered an option. Things like this would show the Company genuinely cares about their customers safety.

Possible stupid question #2- With all the advertising HD does, don't you think they could develop an interactive section to their accessory website that would allow the user to add any and all accessories to a bike model to see if it is really what they wanted? How many times has someone purchased an item and installed it only to find out it just wasn't what they wanted. My local dealership has a no-refund policy, so you're either stuck with it or store credit.

Just some Sunday night thoughts while hanging out @ AIM.

96

[humpbackbob]

In answer to stupid question 1.When I purchased my blke the Salesman did exactly what you are suggesting. I wondered at the time if he was just trying to jack up the price. Having got to know the guy since,I find that he is genuinly interested in the welfare/satisfaction of "his customers". Not sure if it Dealer Policy or just this fellow.

Stupid question 2. The Hd site does have an area to do precisely what you suggest.It is the Customizer.You can find it under genuine p&a in the left column. It is not fully functional at the moment but I see more and more options being added all the time. They dont have the Touring bikes on there at this time.Dunno why. It is fun to load a virtual bike up with all the options, untill you see the price at the end........scary.

BTW they were not too stupid questions IMO

I don't know what some of the shops do to prep a bike before the customer rides away. My last two bikes were a mess. Basic things were AFU such as the hard bags not bolted on properly and were ready to fall off by the time I got home. The seat was very loose. I was two quarts low on engine oil on one bike. Headlight not adjusted. Tire pressures way out of wack. I basically brought the bike home and went over every nut and bolt on it before I really started riding. I do this stuff anyway but when the bike is brand new and coming off the showroom floor you'd expect that this stuff would be right. I know they are busy but WTF. I'm sure that this problem is not exclusive to only HD.

[1996Fatboy]

Thanks for the response, I was not aware that the site had that option and I actually do visit it. That's what I get for not being curious and only doing what I went there to do. Will definately check it out.

In response to you Texan, There are a couple of what I consider local dealers here and they both have the same policy of No Refunds. My son decided to buy me a new leather jacket for Fathers Day and for whatever reason we needed to return it. That was when we found out about the policy. The jacket was $400.00 dollars and they didn't have a replacement. This was my son's entire life savings (He's 13). We ended up purchasing $400.00 dollars worth of chrome (I think I got 2 mirrors and an emblem,lol). Needless to say I felt bad for him, He had no idea that he was about to be screwed by corporate America so I refunded his money. May need to make some phone calls and start traveling outside the box!

96

[EZE RIDER]

Originally Posted by 1996Fatboy

I'm sure this is a really stupid question but does HD charge to setup or adjust a bike so that it is safe for the operator? There has been talk on this forum about what others would like to see the Motor Company do different to their bikes and I think user safety would be an area that needs great improvement. I really think that HD needs to instruct the dealerships to include sizing and setup in the sale price. How can adjusting a motorcycle so a customer can safely plant both feet on the ground be considered an option. Things like this would show the Company genuinely cares about their customers safety.

Possible stupid question #2- With all the advertising HD does, don't you think they could develop an interactive section to their accessory website that would allow the user to add any and all accessories to a bike model to see if it is really what they wanted? How many times has someone purchased an item and installed it only to find out it just wasn't what they wanted. My local dealership has a no-refund policy, so you're either stuck with it or store credit.

Just some Sunday night thoughts while hanging out @ AIM.

96

Your absolutely right! Riding motorcycles includes looking after all the safety issues yourself. In New York where I live a motorcycle inspection is beep the horn, check the turn signals and brake light then slap a sticker on. Thats when I go home and "inspect" the bike the right way. Some states don't even have inspections at all! Setup from new is something they will do if you ask but they should be asking you. I bet they asked you if you wanted the extended warranty though.

[JCourneyaP]

You can talk most Dealers out of the set up charge. There really aint that much to set up. Anyway no few hundred dollars worth. Have your sales person get one of the Mech's to adjust the bike before you leave the place.