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View Full Version : Why is buying parts such a PITA??


Russ
11th December 2004, 05:34
Background: Dad bought an '04 XL a couple months back. He heard mine with the Cycle Shacks and decided he wants to pay his Harley Taxes on his bike as his Christmas present.


So the parts breakdown went like so: He was going to buy the pipes, Mom was going to give him his air cleaner, and I was going to get him his jet kit. Easy enough, right? HA

First, the pipes: He wants the Cycle Shacks that look like the stock mufflers. No biggie... Or so I thought... Took me a little while digging around several different sites before I found them. Emailed him the link (Dennis Kirk) and he ordered them. Step 1, complete. Time invested, oh.. 2 hours or so.

Next, Air Cleaner and Jetkit. Mom is a stroke patient, so she doesn't drive. I live about an hour away from the folks, so I don't get to get over there too often. So today, since I got off work early, I made plans to go pick up Mom, take her to lunch (Cerrano's Salsa Co. Good stuff. :D), and then head to Harley of New Orleans to get Dad's air cleaner and jet kit.

HDNO is having their holiday sale, 15% off parts and accessories in stock and 20% off motorclothes. I picked up some chrome bits (yes I'm an addict. The first step to recovery is admitting the problem) for my bike and grabbed the AC off the SE display (where they had a SE carb top... blah!). Took it to the parts counter to get it rung up and get the jet kit. Told the guy what kind of bike and pulls out a Thunderslide kit for $139 and change. Apparently, they don't stock the $75 Dynojet kit. "This one works better." So I bought my slightly discounted chrome bits and told him I'll get the kit I want elsewhere.

Took Mom home (this was all in the 'Stang by the way, not on the Sporty) and headed home. Called Nortshore Harley and asked about the jets. Again, only the Thunderslide kit. But no discount, even for HOG chapter members. But that's not surprising, the dealer's so tight there he squeaks when he walks.

So I finally resorted to going online and ordering the jet kit from Chicago HD with a 20% discount, 6 dollar shipping and no sales tax. :clap

3 different parts, 3 different shops. Such a pain in the ass...

Broncodog
11th December 2004, 05:41
Whatever happened to one stop shopping? :laugh Ahhhh but in the end a sweet sporty :clap

Shark Doctor
11th December 2004, 14:17
But in the end, it's your time investment - including a little time with Mom - that makes the gift even more thoughtful and worthwhile. (Remember, it was a gift for Christmas!) I'd give a lot to have a Dad that rode and time with Mom for a little shopping... And if Dad knows anything about how much of a PITA it is to shop for pieces and parts, he'll appreciate an already awesome gift that much more. Nicely done...

Broncodog
11th December 2004, 14:23
But in the end, it's your time investment - including a little time with Mom - that makes the gift even more thoughtful and worthwhile. (Remember, it was a gift for Christmas!) I'd give a lot to have a Dad that rode and time with Mom for a little shopping... And if Dad knows anything about how much of a PITA it is to shop for pieces and parts, he'll appreciate an already awesome gift that much more. Nicely done...
Nicely put there Doc! :clap

flathead45
11th December 2004, 14:53
that sounds like a fun way to spend the day , try finding parts for my three bikes
I haven't found a h.d. shop yet that carries parts for stuff that old , I spend more time in the auto stores that h.d. stores

glad I found an indy that is near by and kool as hell (greasy counter, pieces and parts stuffed in every corner , ya know a kool shop)


hope dad love the gifts ( I'm sure he will)

skooter
11th December 2004, 16:40
Do a survey of how many sportys in your area and start your own shop. The parts are out there it just takes "someone" with dedication to pull them all together. And when your shop is up and running you can hire that "someone"