[DiamondLil]

Is it typical that the folks at the dealership do not know much about it at all and take years to come up to speed or is this just something unique to the situation with the VRSC line?

 

[Hawkmann]

A lot of Harley dealerships and HD riders have no interest in the VRSC line and if you have no interest in something then why would you want to learn anything about that product.

 

[Pete Logan]

A lot of Harley dealerships and HD riders have no interest in the VRSC line and if you have no interest in something then why would you want to learn anything about that product.

Or to put it another way - for the dealers, follow the money.

 

[RubberDown]

It's sad. I knew more then my salesman did. While doing my paperwork, my wife pointed to a V Rod and ask me about it. So I was explaining the design and some of the facts about the bike that I had learned from watching a bike program. Each time I gave a background on why this or that, my salesman tried to correct me and give me a bogus answer. I'm just glad a more experianced saleman came by and told us "You'll have to excuse him, he's young AND new."

After that, I double checked every part of my contract/paperwork.

:woo

 

[EZE RIDER]

I'm guessing typical. I have figured out to not try and "learn" from salesman or parts guys. It's better to learn first and then pay a visit. Sad but true.

 

[DiamondLil]

Dave, you hit the nail on the head!

 

[sfarson]

I'm guessing typical. I have figured out to not try and "learn" from salesman or parts guys. It's better to learn first and then pay a visit. Sad but true.

With the turnover I've seen at H-D dealers, and others for that matter, it isn't surprising informed riders/buyers, especially with the internet, are often more informed than the salesperson on the floor.

 

[Nathang]

It's true in any cult market, the life-long Saab buyer is going to know much more than the Saab salesman.

Car and Driver quote: Weird-car fanciers have always had a choice, accept something less, or hold out for a Saab.

 

[scol]

Over the years I've learned the most informed salesmen is a good mechanic, profesonal or otherwise.

 

[88b]

What you have to remember is most salesmen ( or women ) are that, a sales person, their objective is to find out what you want then try and get more money out of you. Sadly many know little about the product because their last job involved selling washing machines or cars. Those that do know the product and look on the buyer as a customer who needs to be satisfied, in my experience usually get repeat business.
In 06 I wanted to trade my Heritage for an Electra Glide the supporting dealer for our HOG chapter expected me to buy from them and offered a very poor trade in value. A friend introduced me to another dealership and I was $6000 better off on the deal. Since that day I've sold that dealership 14 bikes by introducing others to them. The guy that introduced me has had nine bikes from them every one with the same excellent service and deal. A little often is better than a lot once.
As for the V Rod, you have to admire it as a bike but it has never been accepted completely. Harley didn't get it right somewhere in the mix. Probably half of them in Europe are ridden by women.

 

[DiamondLil]

...Harley didn't get it right somewhere in the mix. Probably half of them in Europe are ridden by women.

From my perch Harley got it real right. The V-Rod is an outstanding motorcycle and fits me and many women I know just fine.
:woo

 

[88b]

From my perch Harley got it real right. The V-Rod is an outstanding motorcycle and fits me and many women I know just fine.
:woo

That didn't come out quite right did it, what I meant was the V Rod is a good bike but many don't find it to their taste. I've ridden several V Rods, I'd own one but as a second bike. In England and Europe a lot of owners are female, considerably more percentage wise than baggers or Softails. Although one lady I know just traded her V for a Fat boy.
I could own this one

I built this one for a friend in May 08

 

[DiamondLil]

I understand. It is a bike for folks with unique tastes.

I would have that top one too. Tell us about the one you built, please?

 

[88b]

It's an 04 Phil the owner is on the short side so we lowered it with a pair of Hagon shocks, added the turn signals, 60 spoke front wheel and this head lamp, then he dropped it

So while the repairs were under way he decided on a 280 rear

it's tight but just goes in

Not a big job really much faster than a wide tyre on say a Softail. I was surprised how well it handled. He came to European bike week in Austria with us, a 2300 mile round trip

 

[DiamondLil]

Very nice. Is this a hobby or your profession?

 

[88b]

For over 20 years I built prototype vehicles and worked in R&D for Ford, got ill and retired at 45, so now I just play. A lot of people here have had enough of having their bikes damaged and not repaired or serviced properly by dealers, who charge up to $200 an hour. I'm in the fortunate position of being able to pick what I do now, help others out and save them money at the same time, plus it pays for my holidays.

 

[DiamondLil]

88b, what a good way to spend your time. In my short while in motorcycling I've learned of a handful of gentlemen who do work as you do and all have excellent reputations. Please do not hesitate to share your projects with us.

 

[Nathang]

I'd own one but as a second bike

+100.. and absolutely no butts about it.



Most air cooled Harley riders, even ones who really like straight pipes, if you have not been around any V-Rods with open exhausts, you really cannot imagine how incredibly loud 2 exhaust valves per cylinder would make this V-Rod. Under full power at near red-line, I wouldn't bet it's not as loud as a jet fighter with afterburners on takeoff. Punishing, brutal.

Interesting features on this bike not often seen at the local watering hole, this bike has a single sided swingarm, which requires that the belt drive sprocket is also the rear brake caliper.

 

[Kainam]

For over 20 years I built prototype vehicles and worked in R&D for Ford...

Interesting. Did you do anything with the Cosworth cars?

 

[88b]

Interesting. Did you do anything with the Cosworth cars?

Some on the original Sierra RWD a lot on the 4 wheel drive, Some on the V6 Scorpio and Escort. We even built one Escort with the 2.9 V6 but there is no space for the front wheel drive so it was rear wheel drive only. Stupid fast but too front heavy, so it never went into production. I personally built the first ever 2.8 I Capri, hard to believe that was the early 80's . The European range is very different to the US market, European cars tend to have smaller engines stiffer suspension and bodies.