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The Ethics of Mail Order HD Parts

2K views 15 replies 13 participants last post by  helogene 
#1 ·
So, I'm kinda torn. I'm looking at the Red Front Brake Calipers for my 2018 RGS, and the price difference is about $50, plus local tax, between Surdyke/New Castle, and what my local dealer would charge....

BUT, because it's an ABS Bike, I've been told that it needs to go "ON THE MACHINE" to bleed the brakes correctly...

I know somethings I can install myself, and I don't have an issue with ordering them online.

The Brake Calipers are a little different. Would I invoke bad will if I brought those parts in from outside? Would it even matter?

I'm just curious....

Thanks
Gene
 
#3 ·
Ya. Depends on your relationship with the dealership. mine knows I do all my own work. And the times I've let them I've had to do something to fix or finish what they started. The parts guys know I spread the wealth. I mix up what I buy from them and online. I'm doing bars on my FW now and only thing I ordered there was the clutch and brake lines. After it's all installed I'll take it in for them to bleed the brakes. I dont care what the service guys think. They know they will only ever see my trike if its warranty work.
 
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#6 ·
I have a different view than many. The dealer I go to and I have a long relationship. Never had an issue with them in many years. Because they know me I get the same prices from them I would get anywhere else. And as for shop labor never pay anywhere near that posted price.
Dealers deal with a lot of jerks just price shopping. That place on the net will not be there when you need them.
As for the brakes. You may find that the ABS will need to be reset. If your bike is anywhere near due now would be a good time to do the required flush. Good luck. I am one that has never had a n issue with a dealer. There are some I know of I would not set foot in the door. But that is not just Harley ones.
 
#7 ·
I share your view with parts, motorclothes and sales. Too many mistakes made by the "techs" for me.

I get an automatic 15% off anything I buy. It's in the computer as soon as they scan it to my account its 15% off. And that's what the other guys sell 90% of they're parts at. 15% off. For 50 bucks I'm not hurting someones feelings and losing what I have. But then again. I'm getting that discount.

Handlebar install at my dealer is 6 hours. They did mine for 2. Ya I had all my controls roll forward when I left. Nothing was tight. Lol. But. They do negotiate times and costs if you're a good customer.
 
#8 ·
Is there more than $50 worth of value in the relationship with your dealer? Price is only an issue if there’s no value provided. Ask them for a discount the drop the dime either way.

Ride Safe Red Brakes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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#9 ·
As others have already said, if you have a good relationship with your dealer I don't know that I would let $50.00 stop me from buying from them. That said, you might try going to your dealer and showing them that you can buy the part $50.00 less online but that you'd like to give them your buisness, can they work with you on the price? Doesn't hurt to ask.
 
#12 ·
Here's the golden rule.

If you take the scooter to a shop, and that shop sells the parts you need, buy the parts from the shop! Period.

If you do the work yourself, buy them from whoever gives you the most value for the dollar. And don't forget to factor in the cost of the ride. Shipping and handling can be more than the dollars saved on the part.

I try to give my local dealer a chance to sell me MoCo parts. And if I give them a list of the parts and what I can get them for, plus shipping, they will usually match the price. But the next time I walk in, they will also try to sell me a $6 bottle of oil for $10. I shouldn't have to carry a price sheet in my pocket. Sure they will try to tell me I'm paying for convenience. But to me, convenience is having the Brown truck bring the stuff to my door, not taking a 20 minute drive over shittly roads to a hard to access store, who stocks more $'s in Tshirts than parts. So usually two trips.
 
#15 ·
id imagine you only need to bring it to the dealer to bleed the brakes if you run the master cylinders empty which in turn will drain the abs computer dry. as long as theres a steady flow of fluid through the abs unit you shouldn't have a problem bleeding it yourself. my 09 doesn't have abs and I do all of my own work in my garage so I know its done right. the only time the dealer saw my bike was if its was a warranty or recall repair. theres certain things I will buy from the local dealer as they are only 5 minutes away from me and the parts guys are pretty good dudes but i will buy more expensive items online because i can get them way cheaper than any local dealer can sell them for. if youre capable of working on your own stuff then give it a whirl. if you find you still need to have it bled then worry about it
 
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#16 ·
Well, I went into the dealer today, and talked to the parts manager. Told him what I found, for how much, and they were willing to match it.

SO, I'm "EATING" the tax, but, that's a small price to pay......

I'll try that again with my next major purchase, and see how it goes....

I know they're NOT family, they are a business. But, I'd prefer to support a LOCAL business if they can come close....
 
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