For anyone in the area who knew this dealer by it's previous owner and got a bad taste in their mouth because of it, I strongly encourage you go back. Since Shumate took over it is like a different world.

From Pam at the door counter to Tom the parts guy, they are just awesome people. They didn't push nothing on me and worked hard to get me everything I wanted and at a great price. They even worked on a better interest rate and lower priced warranty when I wasn't even there. Came in the next morning and they were like, "hey we got you another point off..."

They have everything at MSRP now and are straight up with the cost of add-ons and upgrades.

This time last year, under the previous owner/name, they quoted me $2000 over MSRP without a thing added on and wouldn't budge a bit. I said no way and just sat and stewed on what to do. Figured I'd wait until some 04 and later models started popping up in the used shops and deal with them. Then Shumate took over and WOW what a difference!

It really was an awesome experience buying my bike. I've never felt so good about giving my money away!

So head into Shumate and ask for Kurt, he's an awesome guy.

Gotwa, I sent your post to a friend of mine in Pendleton so he could refer some of his friends up to Shumate H-D...here's his response...apparently they must not give as good of deals on Road Kings...then again, who'd want a BT anyway?
:D


Mike,

That is interesting. Our local HD dealer is Shumate in Kennewick, WA. Everyone here really dislikes them. All the way from Mike Shumate (who used to have the Honda car dealership) to their parts people. I had to go through them to shift my extended warrantee from the previous owner to me - had to work with the finance guy and you would have thought I was asking him to rip off an just to do the transfer. Their parts department rarely have the items I want, their sales merchandise is generally junk and the motorclothes folks are airheads. When I was looking to purchase my Road King, I looked up there and they were $2500 over MSRP and the line they took was: If you want a new Road King, that's what it'll cost you - sorry you don't like black that's the only color we have in Road Kings - take it or leave it. Fortunately, I found a good used bike (580 miles) for about $4,500 less than they wanted. Interestingly, everyone here in Pendleton will go all the way to Portland to buy a new bike from Latus HD in Beaverton. What is ironic, Shumate purchased the Spokane shop from Latus! Possibly, it might be the managers that each of them had in Spokane.

Steve

PlanB,

I think he hit it right when he said "must be the managers at each store." I got a hint that the Spokane boys weren't always thrilled with the mother store in Kennewick. It surfaced a couple times as a matter of fact. They wouldn't come right and say anything but just something you pick up on.

I can tell you that it did take them a little while to get things back to MSRP and what not after they took over. So the sign said Shumate but not much changed for a couple months but then pretty much everything did. In fact they launched an advertising blitz that was completely focused on the fact that they are at MSRP.

I can assure you that they (Spokane) have several varieties of every bike on the floor.

Even the Motorclothes lady was super cool. I finagled a credit towards a helmet purchase so the sticker shock of having HD on it wasn't so bad. She spent a long time helping me pick out a helmet, telling me how it should fit, and was honest about how they looked.

After the purchase they took me on a tour of the whole facility including the service shop and even one of the mechanics introduced himself.

It's weird because we have a couple car delaerships here that are owned by the same guy but one lot has jerk salesmen and the other they are really cool. So I guess it all does come down to the local manager.

I know Shumate bought out the Latus Spokane and Lewiston, ID stores not sure about Portland.

Man, It sure is nice to hear good things about a business anymore...it's kind of a rare event, it seems, but I'll sure go back to a business that even halfway attempts to be fair with me...I don't ask for much...just be fair...I know they have to put beans on their table, too! Thanks for the update on that part of the state!

Here's another comment from another buddy of mine in Pendleton:

In April Washington ABATE will have a Swap Meet & Bike Show, from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm in the United Steelworkers Of America Hall, E. 14015 Trent Ave., Spokane Valley, WA. Admission is $3. Contact: Teri 509-599-0393 for more information.

Spokane is only a little further than 200 miles. Also, there is the new HD shop to visit & if we're gonna be in Spokane Valley, the Easy Riders Store just over the border is a possibility.

Leave at 5:00 am, get breakfast in the Tri-Cities, Lunch in Spokane, head for home at 3:00 pm and get back to the Hermiston/Pendleton area by 6 or 6:30.

Any one interested??? It may still be a bit brisk on a bike in April.

Trust me PlanB, I am the most cynical SOB ever so I was really impressed that I was impressed. Sandy the finance lady who worked so well for me jumped up and gave me a hug when I signed the deal. She said, "Man, I'm happy for you. I was telling my husband how much I wanted this deal to work for you." You don't fake that kind of stuff you know? I mean, they even serve free hot dogs every Saturday. They call there service waiting area the Biker's Lounge.

I used to live south of Boise and made the drive from Pendleton to Spokane often (in a car). Could be touchy in April. That is a volitile month. Might have gorgeous sunshine or might have snow.

That USW Hall on Trent is really easy to find. In fact they will be just down the road from the Shumate dealership, it is on Trent as well. And they will only be about 25 miles from Cour d'Alene where the Easy Rider store is. Tell them if they come to skip lunch in Spokane and go over there. The Hard Rock Cafe is right next door if I remember correctly.

If I can help logistically with anything give me a shout by email. Not sure how much I'm going to be available in April but if they need directions or an emergency comes up or something I'll help if I can. You might tell them to check out spokanebiker.com, has a calendar of most of the local events. Shumate is sponsoring some rides in the summer that should be fun. My brother in law and best friend did one last year and had a great time. Be a nicer ride up for 'em too.

I travel 3 hours to the spokane store...its my nearest HD shop. with that in mind they gave my ladies night pricing even though it was the wrong day. 20% off, so we gladly bought a thousand dollars worth of stuff.

Hi All.

I just wanted to correct a couple points if you please......

Latus owns the dealership in Gladstone....they moved there from Portland last year.
The Tigard dealer was Destonation, and was sold 6 month ago to am local couple, It was Beaverton Harley Davidson, Then DHD moved It to Tigard, and now the new Owners call it Paradice Harley Davidson.

The New Latus Harley is, as i have ben told at least, the Largest dealer in the northwest(86,000 square feet) and a two level sales floor.

We are also lucky here, we also have Columbia Harley Davidson in Vancouver Washinton, wile the smallest of the three, they are the only MSRP dealer around here....and carrie a lot more parts and accesories, so much so that the other two dealers use them to make parts run from daily.

I have a freind(And he was one long before he started working there) who is semi-retired and is a Salesman at Latus, he was the guy that got me my new bike at MSRP, but for Latus, that is not the way it usualy goes....I guess that makes me special. :shhhh

Hey Gotwa! I just happened to see your post about Shumate Harley Davidson of Spokane while doing a search and wanted to thank you so much for your kind and supportive words. We just celebrated our first year anniversary yesterday! I took the liberty of sending your post to Sandy, Kurt, Tom, Motorclothes and our GM, nothing brightens our day like a happy customer! Come on back in and say hi to us....we all know who you are by the helmet posting...ha ha....not too many of our customers take the time to pry HD off the helmet! ( I think your wonderful tatt had something to do with us recognizing you as well) Looking forward to seeing you again..Tricia and the staff of Shumate Harley-Davidson of Spokane.

Hey Gotwa! I just happened to see your post about Shumate Harley Davidson of Spokane while doing a search and wanted to thank you so much for your kind and supportive words. We just celebrated our first year anniversary yesterday! I took the liberty of sending your post to Sandy, Kurt, Tom, Motorclothes and our GM, nothing brightens our day like a happy customer! Come on back in and say hi to us....we all know who you are by the helmet posting...ha ha....not too many of our customers take the time to pry HD off the helmet! ( I think your wonderful tatt had something to do with us recognizing you as well) Looking forward to seeing you again..Tricia and the staff of Shumate Harley-Davidson of Spokane.

What a great surprise! Tricia, you and the whole gang are more than welcome.

Heck, I stopped in a few days ago to order a part and Larry in service and Tom in parts didn't even have to ask my name, just remembered it. That's quality service!

See there folks, Tricia's reply is just the sort of "plain good people" enviornment I was talking about.

Oh and Tricia, about the helmet... :o

Check out their website http://www.latus-harley-davidson.com

They have the great custome service

Check out their website http://www.latus-harley-davidson.com

They have the great custome service

That link will get you to Latus but they are no longer in Spokane. Shumate bought 'em out. So if you're looking for the Spokane dealership use this one: http://www.shumateharleydavidson.com/