What's your opinion?
 

Hi I'm an automotive and motorcycle journalist writing for a variety of newspapers and magazines. I'm located in Connecticut, and have 30 plus years' riding experience.

I'm interested in your opinions on two subjects.....

(1) Buying bikes at dealerships..........what have been your experiences, good and bad. What are some practices you've encountered you'd like to tell fellow motorcyclists about....did you get fair pricing, did you have to negotiatie, were you well taken care of, etc.

(2) Motorcycle exhaust noise issues....what's your opinion. Do loud pipes save lives? Do they cause a bad biker image? What's been your experiences.


For an indepth contact with me, you can contact me at Dieselengine8581@aol.com...............Thanks, George B

(1) Buying bikes at dealerships..........what have been your experiences, good and bad. What are some practices you've encountered you'd like to tell fellow motorcyclists about....did you get fair pricing, did you have to negotiatie, were you well taken care of, etc.
I got a good deal I bought at end of year when new ones where coming out and they wanted to get rid of previous years new bikes in stock and got good price,but had to show them when contract was written up they "forgot" $1000 discount also got PM package which dropped my APR 1/2 % but I ride a lot and used it quick. Some get the 5 oil change and major services and then never ride enough to use them in time that is a waste-I ride my bike
HD sells for OVER MFSR here anyway(cause folks pay it) I went with another V-twin and got more CC's and accesories included for $10K less
(2) Motorcycle exhaust noise issues....what's your opinion. Do loud pipes save lives? Do they cause a bad biker image? What's been your experiences.
Yes first thing I did after 600 mile breakin was to put the 2.75 longshots on I love that deep throughty Rumble and if I "crack" pipes that soccer mom beside me drops her phone and gets back into her own lane.
yeah I know all about the "doppler effect" I also know that folks hear me when I am near them and they sometimes respect my right to be on the road.
The only way I truly stay safe is to ride defensivly and always expect the cagers to do what I think they will,change lanes/pull out in front of me come up behind at light too fast ect and prepare for it.
I have been riding 25+ years myself and still doing this have gone down 4 times but its about Freedom and its not that bikes need more saftey ,
cagers need harsher punishments for hitting us then they will see us hear us and stop hitting us
-it worked for MADD- til then I will stick with my Loud pipes!

Buying bikes/exhaust noise
 

I have a collection of bikes and i have found over the years to simply go to either germany or italy to get the cheapest bikes around. But if you consider that too much, dealers are after all trying to make a killing not a living! Their prices are far too dear and if its a jap import you are after then go direct and cut the middle man out. But if its a harley then i dont know as i dont have much experience with them.
Exhaust noise really depends on the bike, some use it for extra noise and may abuse it and then you have the bikers who use them for safety. A load exhaust is safe because the person in front can hear you coming but it has a down side aswell, the cops also hear you moving and wait for you. It depends of personal taste you either like them or not. The emissions are a bit high but id rather be safe out there and a load end can or exhaust does the trick!

Xaxer...thanks for your fast reply about bike buying at a dealer. I would like to talk with you in a bit more depth for the article I'm writing. Can you reply to me at Dieselengine8581@aol.com please. That way I can set up a phone call with you. This is for a biker mag article. Thanks.

Borg that's interesting. Do you have any problems brining in bikes to US from other countries?

George, I am not big on new bike dealers. I have only found one in my area I find to be honest and reputable. I even reccommend them to my friends and customers. Most dealerships are more concerned with moving whats in inventory, not what the customer is really looking for. Its more of a car dealership mentality. People who buy bikes are not necessarily buying transportation, so the sales and presentation shouldn't mimic car sales. We are buying a life-style, or adventure, or both. The dealerships that understand the biker mentality, and sell it properly, enjoy the benefits of loyal repeat customers. And the lucretive accessory market. The sevice departments at most dealerships are their downfall. Inept, inexperienced and rude service personnel can ruin a dealership.

I have been riding Harleys since the seventies, and I believe loud pipes do save lives. The most common excuse for wrecks involving bikes is "I didn't see him". The car drivers may not see me coming, but I guarantee they hear me! I still love my loud drag pipes.

Add the helmet debate to your article. I now wear an approved helmet. Mostly because I'm not as hard headed as I once was

Jim

As far as buying a bike from a dealer: bad idea if you are just looking to try it out or just starting riding. It is truly baffling how much value is lost when you drive your brand new bike off the dealers lot. You wont be selling it for nearly the price you bought it, not even the next day. Start out with an older bike or buy from owner. It will definitely pay off in the long run. As far as the dealer that beyondthepaintinc is talking about, it might be worth checking out.
Sort of changing the subject, yes I do think louder pipes save lives. It just makes you seem bigger and people know you are there. Whenever I am riding and I hit a stoplight it never fails, someone is right on my ass. People dont respect motorcycles and think they can push you out of the way. I just give my bike a good loud rev to spook em a bit and when I pull away from the stoplight they back off. You just have to watch out for yourself cause you can't depend on everyone else to.

I'm with Bull, I think buying used is the best deal. All of mine have been used. But there are some people who have to have brand new. To them I reccommend last years model left on the showroom floor. It has depreciated some, but its still brand new.