[marion]

So, what are your thoughts on this...

I'm going to be spending approx. 1,350 on parts to do some upgrades. Looked up the parts in the HD catalog and this is what I got for costs.

Then, I look at the site with a approx. 20% discount on HD parts. I would have a savings of about $400.

Do I buy the parts at the $400 savings or 1) deal with the dealership of trying to make up the difference in labor, or some other underhanded way, or 2) take it to an independent bike shop to have the labor done?

Obviously, the dealership don't want to see me save $400 vs in their pocket. Not sure which way to go on this. The dealership said it was a 2 hour job for labor costs.

 

[mcaccamise]

Get the parts at a discount and either do it yourself {purchase a manual} or take it to the Dealer $ 170.00 in labor.

 

[Miles Tequillya]

When I bundle a couple things together... And have a total like that at the dealership... I've had no problem getting 15 percent off... It doesn't hurt to ask... But as stated... If you are able and willing... Get a manual and do as much as you can by yourself...

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[2stangs8689]

$400 is a lot of gas money to ride on. Loyalty only goes so far, but ultimately we all want to save money, especially that much.


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[wachuko]

I would order the parts from Jon @ Horney Toad.... Unless you know a really good independent shop, I would take it to the dealer to do the labor... simply for the warranty.

Having said that, it depends on your relationship with the parts guy... during the work that I was doing to the 48 the local HD parts manager agreed to give me the 20% discount... I did shared with them that I would order online if they could not honor the discount.

I still paid more than if ordering from Jon because of the tax, but felt good to give the local guys the business. In my case, I did all the install...it is my way to relax...

 

[Louisville Joe]

It's always nice to save $400. The dealers make money on both the labor and the parts but as you know they probably aren't wild about you getting the parts elsewhere and them only making a profit on the labor. So, if you can find a competent independent who will allow you to get your own parts naturally you are ahead.

I found an independent that does my work. He isn't any cheaper than the dealer but I trust him and so far he has never failed me and I can't say that about either of the two HD dealers here in Louisville. But my indy doesn't permit "bring in" parts or accessories. Dale, my indy, used to run a thriving shop but he has cut back and is basically a one man shop these days and he is not actively soliciting a lot of new business. But when I drop my bike off to him I know his eyes and hands will be going over every inch of my bike and I really believe he has my safety and interests foremost in his mind. I really don't mind paying him his price because he finds the little things ahead of time and takes care of them before they cause me grief out on the road somewhere.

Bottom line is that it is always nice to save money. But to risk trouble or problems to save a little money isn't worth the risk to me.

 

[wachuko]

When visiting the local dealer here, it is clear that the Parts department is managed completely separately from the Service department... so bringing the parts has never been an issue. And you are bringing HD parts anyway...

Also, most dealers will give you a discount on the labor if you are a HOG member...

 

[Mister B]

If the dealer's only quoting two hours of labor, it can't possibly be that complicated of a job. What are you wanting to do? Odds are really good you could do it yourself.

 

[marion]

All good points, if it were just accessories, I might think of doing it myself, but its all the front end. New 19inch tire, new agitator rim, new disks, bearings.
I might try asking for a discount at the dealer. If that doesn't work out, I could find an indy locally to do it.
Gearing up for the Winter projects....
Now if I could just find a 2015 faring, I would attempt to install it myself.

 

[webco2]

All good points, if it were just accessories, I might think of doing it myself, but its all the front end. New 19inch tire, new agitator rim, new disks, bearings.
I might try asking for a discount at the dealer. If that doesn't work out, I could find an indy locally to do it.
Gearing up for the Winter projects....
Now if I could just find a 2015 faring, I would attempt to install it myself.

How about a compromise ; take the new rim, tire, bearings and have them all put together, install it on the bike yourself .

With the money you saved you can get the MoCo Service Manual and the Parts Book . Winner all the way around then . :thumbsup

 

[BigDawgQC]

The local dealer here, if you are buying a new bike, they will give a 15% discount on parts the day of purchase, they will install them & you get the 2 year warranty on those parts. If you buy later, you install & it's just 30 day warranty or mmanufacture warranty, or pay dealer to install & still 30 day warranty or manufacture warranty.

 

[lakeforktx]

Heres my take...bite the bullet let the dealer put on the wheel...cause when it doen't want to fit just right...and chances are it aint..and the non-floating brakes want to rub on your fancy high dollor rotors...and they stop funny, rub,make noise,are just a major pain in your ass...like I have found...you can keep carrying it back in and you will have someone to bitch at till they make it work....just a thought...

 

[TmikeX]

I go outside of the dealer on a regular basis. Money is money.

 

[lakeforktx]

I go outside of the dealer on a regular basis. Money is money.

I do to on many things...this is a area to cause problems..and you get parts here and put on somewhere else....you can see where it going to turn into a pissing match trying to get your problem handled...just sayin..

 

[2stangs8689]

Heres my take...bite the bullet let the dealer put on the wheel...cause when it doen't want to fit just right...and chances are it aint..and the non-floating brakes want to rub on your fancy high dollor rotors...and they stop funny, rub,make noise,are just a major pain in your ass...like I have found...you can keep carrying it back in and you will have someone to bitch at till they make it work....just a thought...

Bah. Order the wheel, have a indy install the bearings and mount the tire, put the wheel on yourself. Save the money, it's a bolt on deal. Very easy.

 

[marion]

Bah. Order the wheel, have a indy install the bearings and mount the tire, put the wheel on yourself. Save the money, it's a bolt on deal. Very easy.

I would have guessed you would say that Stang! There is nothing you wouldn't try after that 'transformation'

Yep, I'm leaning that way. I can see Lakes point, but your right, it's only a wheel. I'm not doing the brakes, just the wheel. I was thinking about the progressives springs in the front but it's not a must have.
Good winter project.

 

[marion]

Bah. Order the wheel, have a indy install the bearings and mount the tire, put the wheel on yourself. Save the money, it's a bolt on deal. Very easy.

Ok Stang, your the faring replacement guru, any thoughts on swapping out faring for a new 2015 version? Any wiring concerns I should be aware of?

 

[2stangs8689]

From what I have read, the wiring is a lot different for the 2015. I haven't had the chance to take one apart yet either. I looked at the fairing really quick while on vacation, and I didn't pay attention to how it mounts.

If you don't have a ton of extras in your bike, it may just be easier to trade up, and get the newer geometry as well as the motor upgrade, not to mention the electronics.

I'm not sure how I feel about the new inner fairing yet, the glove boxes open the wrong way in my opinion, and there is minimal storage. I love the glove boxes on the old RG fairing.


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[2stangs8689]

You would also be getting the 19" wheel. Lol


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[chasarms]

Ok Stang, your the faring replacement guru, any thoughts on swapping out faring for a new 2015 version? Any wiring concerns I should be aware of?

One concern I would do my homework on is the info-tainment system.

Even if you can get it powered up and wired, you may not be able to get it to work correctly.

The radio is fully integrated into the ECM. If your ECM won't talk to the new radio, you have issues as the Rushmore bikes use the radio display to communicate all kinds of data about the bike.