2009-01-11
Narrowed Down
This is a quick recap of today's motorcycle shopping trip. I'm reposting from a forum so some things may not be completely in their best frame of reference. I'm narrowed down to the Kawaskai Versys and the BMW G650GS.
I started the day at Xtreme Power Sports, the closes Yamakawizuki dealer to me. They used to be called Shrout's but have big signs saying "New Management! New Attitude!" Which is false. The staff is as self absorbed and clueless as they have ever been. Despite saying that I will be paying cash, they kept bringing up financing ... which will not be done.
I asked about the maintenance schedule of the Versys, specifically the valve inspection/adjustment. And the sales guy said that he didn't know and that it would be in the manual.
There was lots of talk about putting me on a bike today ... but when I asked about test riding the Versys I was told that insurance wouldn't let them. I then said that I wouldn't even consider a bike that I couldn't test ride. He called me three times within and hour of me leaving.
From there I hit a Harley dealer, Blue Springs Harley-Davidson. I purchased my Nightster here and they are a fine dealer. Helpful and friendly. I thought I would like the XR more. It's over what I should spend, but I would make it happen if it grabbed me. Maybe a ride would be different, but just sitting on it didn't do anything.
Engle, the BMW and Triumph dealer, was the highlight of the day. Pat had an answer for every question and shot straight the whole way. He never asked about payments or financing. I told him I was making my list and needed to sell the Sportster first and he respected that and encouraged me to sell it as I would come out way better than on a trade. The feel here was relaxed and conversational. Their remodel also makes it less cramped.
Gail's Harley was also typical friendly, mostly knowledgeable Harley dealer. They offered me a killer trade-in but I promised my wife that I would stick to my budget this time.
The second Yamakawizuki dealer, Freedom Cycle, was better. He actually knew some about bikes and the sales guy would find answers (like the maintenance schedule) if he didn't know them. No pushiness or sleaziness.
The service at Engle pushes me more toward the G650GS as I like to spend my money with people that treat me well.
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