Southern California Dealers?

[OCDeluxe]

Anybody have any good experiences with the sales departments in any dealers in the LA, OC, SD area? I've heard the Orange County Harley is known for high pricing and a "I don't care if you buy the bike or not, I'll sell it to someone" attitude. I liked SJC Harley since it was smaller and more personable, but they aren't there anymore.

Thanks!

[ShakyJake]

Originally Posted by OCDeluxe

Anybody have any good experiences with the sales departments in any dealers in the LA, OC, SD area? I've heard the Orange County Harley is known for high pricing and a "I don't care if you buy the bike or not, I'll sell it to someone" attitude. I liked SJC Harley since it was smaller and more personable, but they aren't there anymore.

Thanks!

I can only speak of San Diego area dealers. Biggs HD in San Marcos is a real good place, I have had only good experiance with them. Sweetwater HD in National City is good also. I would steer clear of San Diego Harley in my experiances they have the same problem OC harley does. I will not even start on my opinion of NY Myke (and yes that is how he spells his name) JMHO

[XL1200C/C]

Hey OC;
I have had some experience with two San Fernando Valley Harley dealers, and I just bought my second new bike from Glendale Harley. I bought the last one from Van Nuys Harley, and I must say, both of them are pretty good to deal with. I know what you mean about the attitude of some of them, but I dealt with Earnie at Glendale, on the referal from a friend at work, and I had as good an experience as you can, when dealing with a salesperson, for just about anything. Not my favorite thing to do. I traded in a 2007 Sportster on their "get what you paid" deal, and picked up an '09 Ultra Classic, and I am just thrilled. You are automatically given a membership to the Glendale chapter of HOG, and I went to my first meeting last weekend. They are the ones that put on the Love Ride every year, and I enjoyed meeting them all, and I think I will be very involved with them, and I am not a very good Joiner. Lots of rides and activities with these members, and I think it will be fun. Anyway, ask for Earnie in sales, and I think you will be happy. He looks like a 1950's greaser, sliked back hair, rolled shirt sleeves, rolled up cuffs on the levi's, but a really nice guy. He races sportsters on the weekends, and knows his bikes too. Good Luck, and I hope some of this helps. GeezeyRider

[OCDeluxe]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it! Looks like I'm equidistant from both Glendale Harley and Biggs. Although the ride back on my new bike from Biggs would be nicer than going through LA!

It's really hard to find a dealer that really cares, and treats me like a friend and equal, especially since I'm not the typical Harley customer... I'm 27, look younger, short and Asian! (Sorry to stereotype "typical" Harley owners, but you have got to agree, most have a "look" about them.) Little do they know I've been riding for 10 years, owned 4 bikes and have a lot of seat time!

Hopefully I'll be getting my Deluxe soon!

[Ultra89Rider]

I have tried several Harley Dealers in the Inland Empire and west to Covina. I bought several over the years. I have found that Laidlaw's Harley in West Covina has been the fairest and honest dealer I have ever dealt with. I knew the original owner, Robert (Bob) Laidlaw. And I know the current manager Jerry Laidlaw. Yes, he is Bob's son. I have been dealing there from 1982.

I was able to purchase Electra Glides for under retail. When all of the other dealers were selling well above the SRP of any Harley, Laidlaw's didn't inflate the prices. I work on my own Harley, but when I needed some work I could not do myself, I went to Laidlaw's. The shop had the experience to do the work. They have new mechanics, but also have some Old School wrenchers that can help answer questions that the new school graduates never are taught.

This is just my opinion. Try to form your own.

[GB'sFLSTS]

I've been dealing with LA HD in Paramount, off the 105/Paramount exit, since 1993. Original owners still. I remember back before they opened this shop, probably in the early 80's, they had a place on Lakewood Blvd/91....looked like a shack. I used to ride my 10 speed there and dream. It was all dark and dirty inside. Things sure have changed. Parts guys are really great, have some old timers in the shop that know Pans/Shovel...but never took my Pan there. I don't think the service wriiter would even even take in someting like an old Pan to be worked on, never tried it. I bought two bikes from them, no problems, no pressure. Always have free dounts and coffee every Saturday morning, free BBQ's every Saturday during the summer, but I think most dealers do this....I think. Smaller place, more personal I think. Don't like Bartel's....kinda have egos over there, Laidlaws was OK at there old location, I only been there a couple of times, didn't get the warmNfuzzies, but the new location seems to have changed thier personalities.....JMO. I'm sure others will agree/disagree, and have built relationships with their own dealers and are happy. Good luck!

[OCDeluxe]

Thanks Ultra and GB. I've been to Laidlaws once a while back to rent a bike for the weekend. Also heard some other good stuff about their prices...

LA HD in Paramount is close to my office, think I am going to stop by there on lunch one day to check them out. Thanks again!

[fatboym]

SJC & OC HD were owned by the same person. I know most of the guys there very well. They both sell to the same clientel, which is mostly made up of people that can afford to buy in cash & pay top dollar. The customers also have a very OC attiude (better then the rest). OC customers want the best deal even thought they can afford it (on EVERYTHING!), they also spend alot of milling around asking questions monopolizing the salesman time then not buying. I see customers ride in just for the free hotdogs & sodas on the weekend, then want to show off the dime they dropped on the bike to all the employees. So yes you can get a little attitude when you go there unfortunately. But they are great guys & gals.

I grew up in OC for 27 years, I dont work at OC or any HD for that matter. I just know the area & employees.
With all that being said, I think you hit it on the head when you spoke of stereotype. I see that alot from HD riders & salesman/parts counter. If you dont know the right question to ask & how to ask they get fed up with you & make you feel like you are wasting thier time.
Thats what drove me here to learn & ask the stupid questions to get real opinions so I can approach people in the know & have a good conversation about what I love..... My 07 Fatboy!