The opinions expressed here do not reflect the opinions of The XL Forum, it's management, sponsors, advertisers or members.
They are solely those of Dave.

I ordered a DynoJet kit, Screaming Eagle A/C Kit and SEII slip-on slash down mufflers for my 2001 XLH1200 from their website.

Two days after the order was processed, I received an email that the A/C was no longer available and my credit card credited. Fair enough.
I actually received the mufflers and jet kit on the day they're supposed to ship... Great :)

I took the mufflers out and noticed a nick near the SE logo (not the end of the world, they might get nicked on the first ride anyway). I measured the mufflers for "fit" and compared that measurement to the stock mufflers. On the rear muffler, the mounting tab hole was 1/2" farther from the input side then the stock muffler, the measurements were OK on the forward muffler, they matched the OEM.
I realized that if I were to put the SEII muffler on, the heat shield would be a half inch short, it wouldn't go all the way to the muffler taper like all the stock mufflers and all the SEII's I've seen. I also felt that would mean one-half inch less of clamp area as well.

I emailed their customer service and explained the problem. In my first email, I mentioned it would be nice to have a phone number to call, to speak directly. In the subsequent emails I got the feeling that the emails were begin generated by a computer, not a human. After three days of one email back and forth each day, I finally demanded a phone number to eliminate any confusion and so I could explain (directly) my concerns. I was concerned that when I sent the muffler back for the mis-alignment, I would be blamed for the nick. The person responding to my emails gave me a phone number.
I called and we had a pleasant enough conversation. He explained that they preferred emails because it gave them a timestamp.
He admitted he wasn't a motorcycle expert, but was good enough to listen and explained their procedures to me. He stated that they had seen nicks before, but they reserved the right to not accept it as damaged from the factory. I agreed to send him photos of the measurement problem for his "parts and technicial experts" to review.
I took the photos, added text in the photo to explain the problem.

He called me several hours later to say "Our technicial expert has reviewed your photo and took a set of the mufflers out of our stock. He measured 7.5" just like you did. He says that they will still work. We are an authorized Harley-Davidson Dealer, they know what they're talking about."
I then realized this gentleman I was talking might be a robot, it sounded like he was reading from a script, I tried to "interrupt" him to see if he would stop talking and he kept going, that was the end of my being pleasant.

Of course, I'm not satisfied with that, one thing for sure, I've never seen any Harleys that were "half-assed", everything looks like it fits correctly and belongs.
HD owners take pride in their cycles, and it shows!

I'll patiently await my UPS return label paperwork, send everything back and pay full price.
I now realize the $$ I tried to save on the SE II slip-ons and jet kit wasn't worth it.

Good Luck,

Those slipons should fit like a glove... something doesn't seem right.

For the record, I have ordered 2 or 3 times from Surdyke and have generally had decent service. However, I did have an issue once and it was a real problem not being able to "talk" to someone. Eventually, they did work it out though...

We need to start a rebellion against these guys, get the word out that they are not treating the customer as they should be treated. Bad customer service realy irks my soul.

I ordered a HD quick connect winshield from them earlier this year, savings of close to $80.00. After only about a week the pin fell out of the clamp and I had to go through the same thing as you, e-mails only no phone calls. They were quick on getting me a return authorization, but not on the replacement. They recommended that I purchase another and reference the RMA#. So i did that and finally today I got an e-mail saying that they were going to refund my CC for the original order. It has been four months. Was it worth the $80.00??? Four months only e-mails , no phone access. I can only say that there is a cost of time and if there are no problems you make out, if there are problems you're lucky if you break even. There is something to be said about supporting your local dealer, if they earn your business. Surdyke backed up the problem, just took some time. The local guy is not always trying to rape you, they are trying to recover their added cost of doing business.

I've only ordered two things from them, and one item was backordered so they kept the other item there until the backordered item arrived...I'm not sure if that's common in parts ordering or not...the two items weren't related at all (service manual and dip stick)...what confused me was I couldn't find where I got the 20% discount they advertise off on parts...ends up, they charge me full price on my credit card, and then credit the credit card back the 20%...it all worked out, but it was confusing keeping my checkbook straight! So, I really haven't had poor service with them...just somewhat confusing...

I live here in St. Louis, MO where this dealer operates his stores. He's earned a pretty lousy rep down here, mostly for charging way over MSRP for new bikes. It's probably a good idea for all of us to ask for references or feedback from each other, before ordering. I've bought from them, but only in person at their dealership, and just parts.

I have never order from them, but I have ordered from Chicago HD and got the 20% with no problems. As far as the mufflers, if you look in my gallery, the heat shields do not extend to the taper on either. I had to take a second look as I never noticed it before. Being a anal virgo, I would generally obsess about something like that if it looked bad.

I'm sorry to hear about the problems. I've just ordered the parts for my conversion and am patiently waiting for them to ship (website says next Monday). Now I'm not feeling so good about it.

I've ordered parts from Chicago HD and Zanotti HD. I have nothing but praise for both of these dealers. I had a problem with a order from Chicago due to them sending me two gasket kits and charging me for both when I had just ordered one. One phone call and it was taken care of!!!! Got a return pickup date and they credited my card right away, Great People!!!! :clap :clap
Zanotti does give a better discount though on internet orders!! :D :D :D


:dpepper :dpepper :dpepper :dpepper

There is something to be said about supporting your local dealer, if they earn your business. Surdyke backed up the problem, just took some time. The local guy is not always trying to rape you, they are trying to recover their added cost of doing business.
Right on to that. That is the world of discounting. I have purchased from Surdyke with no issues but I know what can happen if things go wrong.

Here's my stock in trade advice concerning accessories. Find a dealer or indy you trust. Do your business with them and let them know you could have gotten it cheaper but prefer to support your locals. Generally speaking, they soon learn that you're genuine and will reciprocate in ways you come to appreciate. The extra 10% or so I save isn't always worth the hassle.

BTW, if the dealer or indy ends up being a dinklewad... find another one. They're all over the place.

I have placed about 6 orders with surdyke in the last 2 months. I have been very satisfied with their pricing and promptness with shipping. Any back-ordered stuff was made clear up front. I have had only a good experience with them.
I have not needed to deal with their customer service, so cannot comment on that.

Here's my stock in trade advice concerning accessories. Find a dealer or indy you trust. Do your business with them and let them know you could have gotten it cheaper but prefer to support your locals. Generally speaking, they soon learn that you're genuine and will reciprocate in ways you come to appreciate. The extra 10% or so I save isn't always worth the hassle.

BTW, if the dealer or indy ends up being a dinklewad... find another one. They're all over the place.

My local dealer has a Loyalty Program (frequent buyer). Buy something and 10% is put onto a card and good for your next purchase. Got a $400+ jacket when they did the work on my wrecked bike. I'm probably 50/50 local vs net. Try to support all local businesses and when I stray I don't have blinders on and know if there is a problem I might not get the same service.....because I really didn't pay for service, I paid for the product. Only you know what your time and aggravation is worth, speak w/ your feet and wallet if the local hasn't earned your business w/ product and service.
There are exceptions out there, not much competition or you're out of the country, but I'm pretty lucky so far that my dealer has done me pretty good.
Surdyke had the product, shipped in a timely fashion but their lack of a person to talk with can be frustrating if there is a warranty issue.

I have bought from them with no problems once or twice. The closest walk in dealer to me is about 75 miles so sometimes this is my only practical choice.

I live here in St. Louis, MO where this dealer operates his stores. He's earned a pretty lousy rep down here, mostly for charging way over MSRP for new bikes. It's probably a good idea for all of us to ask for references or feedback from each other, before ordering. I've bought from them, but only in person at their dealership, and just parts.


I agree, Surdyke has earned the lousy reputation they have here in the STL area (actually they are south about 30 miles in Festus). I'm always amazed by the resonable rep I've read about here on this site. My stealer, Doc's, about 5 miles from my house has always made good promptly on any problems & concerns, has an everyday 10% discount on everything (punch card deal) and has 20% off parts sales about 4 times a year (in addition to the 10% punch card). I'd rather go and speak to humans regarding my needs than work through e-mail and the net, but I'm older than a lot of you young sprouts. That other oldster, Will P. is right, find a good neighborhood shop whether H-D or independent. Good stores take care of good customers.

Lefty

Wrap-Up
Thanks to everyone for your comments.
As far as the mechanical "bad fit" it seems that it's more common then I would have thought. I slept on the situation and decided to try and use what I already have in my hands, rather then waiting longer & dealing with Surdyke even more.

The carb re-jet with the DynoJet Kit was no problem.
I made a small extender, 3/4" x 1.5"x 1/8" piece of aluminum with holes that would match the support arm and the mounting hole so the muffler would be tight against the taper. I installed the front muffler first and realized if I played with the heat shield, I could get it to be spaced away from the taper. I got both mufflers to just under 3/8" from the taper. Not what I envisioned, but I can live with it.

And OH the sound!
A bit more volume then I wanted but the rumble and lower tones are great.

Now I have to get it leaned out a little. Puffs black exhaust when I crack the throttle from idle.

Also thanks to all the members who took time to post "how-to's" on re-jetting.

Regards,

Well I stand corrected on Surdyke. I ordered a AC cover on the 15th that was backordered until the 28th of August which I told them to cancel the order (which of course they already charged my CC). Several days later I receive a reply telling me they came up with the part and it was ready to ship and what did I want to do. Told them to follow my instructions and cancel the order. No reply...Sent them another email this morning telling I was going to charge back my CC. This evening I get a email from UPS telling me the package is been entered into the system and referencing the order (of course it has not shipped just the data has been uploaded). Just sent them a email telling them the package will be refused, cancel all orders and I will take it up with my credit card company. So I stand corrected about Surdyke. They really do have terrible customer service...and questionable sales tactics. :(

After you guys get tired of the sorry 20% discount Surdyke gives you (or even the more sorry price your local dealership gives you) ... start ordering from Zanotti.

https://www.zanottimotor.com/shopping/partLookUp.html

Case in point ... I ordered a set of black 05 883R rocker covers from Zanotti. I got a 39% discount from MSRP. Surdyke was 20%.

Not all parts are 39%, but they are at least 22%

The best thing you can do is enter the H-D P/N in the Zanotti web site above. They will give you the shipping charges after you click "Buy". Then compare to Surdyke. I doubt you will be buying that much from Surdyke after the bottom line ... which is delivered to your door.

Just something to consider.

Hey ... I have purchased from both of them.

I will give Zanotti a try. Surdyke emailed me and phoned me with apologies on the order. They told me to refuse the shipment and they will credit me back (they were having email problems). We will see what happens.

After you guys get tired of the sorry 20% discount Surdyke gives you (or even the more sorry price your local dealership gives you) ... start ordering from Zanotti.

https://www.zanottimotor.com/shopping/partLookUp.html

Case in point ... I ordered a set of black 05 883R rocker covers from Zanotti. I got a 39% discount from MSRP. Surdyke was 20%.

Not all parts are 39%, but they are at least 22%

The best thing you can do is enter the H-D P/N in the Zanotti web site above. They will give you the shipping charges after you click "Buy". Then compare to Surdyke. I doubt you will be buying that much from Surdyke after the bottom line ... which is delivered to your door.

Just something to consider.

Hey ... I have purchased from both of them.

I bought a couple things from Chicago HD, was sickened by their customer service, found Zanotti and have spent nearly a grand with them now. They absolutely rock.