Raleigh NC Area Dealer Feedback Wanted

[tonyg08]

I'm looking at making a purchase in the near future ... first Harley. I'm interested in feedback on some of the area dealerships. Purchase price, service and support, selection (new and used), etc. Ray Price, Sheltons ... maybe even as far out as Rocky Mount.

I'm leaning towards a Street Glide although I'm wondering about all the posts on engine issues (heat) and the need to do mods immediately. Which of these dealers is likely to be straight on all of this vs wanting just to take your money?

Thanks

Tony

[FXR2]

I lived in Raleigh for about two years and wish I still did.....

Anyway, there will (probably) always be good and bad reports about any and every dealership but based on my experiences there from 2003-2005 here goes:

Ray Price: A big dealer with a big selection. Didn't buy a bike there but I had trouble with their parts counter--I always had to give them a part number and even then, they would try to tell me that the part number wouldn't fit my bike....when one just like it was currently installed.

Shelton's (the Durham location): They were much friendlier and welcoming, even when I didn't buy anything, than Price. The parts guys were more knowledgeable. Even when they weren't familiar with an issue, they at least tried hard and were open to customer knowledge. I used them mostly, over Ray Price, for dealer issues.

Rocky Mount: I would often stop there when I rode out that way, and they were friendly and eager to please. Their prices seemed lower than either Price or Shelton's, the dealership being much smaller than either of the aforementioned ones. If I was looking to buy new, I'd definitely ride out there and talk to them.

Roanoke Rapids (Collier's HD): You didn't mention this one but it's worth a trip out of Raleigh as well. See the same comments about Rocky Mount.

In sum, I'd rank the dealers (for the likelihood of a good deal on a new bike) 1-Rocky Mount/Colliers-Roanoke Rapids, 2-Shelton's (Durham), and 3-Ray Price.

If you don't have to have new, you might check Bikers Boulevard over on Glenwood. I bought my bike there on consignment and can tell you that the owner (Steve Bonsignore) is a good guy that won't take any used bikes on his floor unless they're darn near perfect. He always has a nice selection of "previously enjoyed" HD's.

[edit] Just looked at the websites and it appears that Collier's has a new facility since I lived in Raleigh and Rocky Mount looks bigger as well. So they're not really that much smaller anymore. Hope they kept their personalities.

[FunkyNova66]

I would have to agree 100% with the above post.

[runwme]

I recently purchased from Ray Price and had excellent experience.. good price, friendly staff and followup after sale
David

[tonyg08]

Thanks for the response. I'll definitely check out Colliers, Rocky Mount, Sheltons and Bikers Blvd. I've been by Ray Price a couple times but have yet to form an opinion. I do want to see if there are any changes for the 2009 models and am definitely considering used as well. Could probably get an older Glide, do some mods and be very happy for much less money than the new Street Glides. Seems that a low mileage Electra Glide 2002 or older would fit the bill.
Thanks
Tony

[R1Geezrglide]

I bought two bikes from Ray and was well taken care of, but this was some time ago. Although I haven't bought from Shelton, their parts and service were great.

[hardy]

I agree with FXR2 on the rating...almost.
Sheltons in Goldsboro generally has any part that i have ever tried to get...to a certain extent...so 1 in my book
Ray Price is 2 Parts guys don't seem to be as knowledgeable as I think they should be. but the techs seem to be top notch at least when I ask then questions...i do my own wrenching and that is another story.
RM is 3 just because I had a semi-irritating experience with the service folks..the parts guys are great.
I would rate J&E in greenville a 100 or the lowest rating available as they royally screwed me a few years ago.