Opinions Please: Best Dealer in KC Area ? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Notactingmyage · 12-04-2003, 05:27 PM

To avoid letting my emotions outrun my checkbook, I've not yet set foot in a Harley dealership. But once I get the coin together, I will be doing so with the intention of looking for a late model (twincam) or possibly a new Road King Classic. Would appreciate any opinions on which Kansas City area dealer is likely to provide the best overall long term experience (price, inventory, service, club sponsorship, etc.). Thanks.

kevsett · 12-05-2003, 12:04 PM

I've lived in KC for 15 years and before that was only 95 miles south, so I've dealt for parts and misc. stuff with a number of the "local" dealerships along with several of my friends who also bought new bikes locally. With my '64 FL several copped an attitude when I asked for assistance, advice, etc. and only seemed interested in my wife or I if we talked to them about their new/used stuff.

When money is no object go to one of the 3 WorthLESS stealerships; they'll put a big dent in your checkbook but they do cater to the posers, rubs, and yups as far as club riding, etc. Personally I only go there for the free food/music that they put out a few times each year.

For the better bang for your buck try Central (they are good people and I'm sure pricing is tough since they have only one store way out west of KC to compete with the 3 strategically place KC area WorthLESS stores) first, then try St. Joe, Topeka, and maybe even Yeagers in Sedalia. I believe they are all well over MSRP but I'm pretty sure they are still significantly lower than WorthLESS.

For my money I found all of the local dealerships prices to be too high (not to mention the attitudes) and so I kept a watchful eye out and bought a '00 FLSTC from an owner in Kearney. I'm VERY glad I waited b/c the savings was HUGE in this case and it was like new with only 7800 miles.

For new bikes one thing to possibly consider is finding an out-of-the-area dealer that is at or closer to the MSRP for your purchase. I'm sure you can buy outside and bring the warranty and service back locally. At least I haven't heard anyone say different.

Regardless of what you do, take your time, compare and take the plunge when you are ready, not when they are!!!!!!!

Good luck and hope to see you on the road soon!

Kevin
KC, MO

Notactingmyage · 12-05-2003, 03:00 PM

Thanks, Kevin. Appreciate your views. Will have to check out Central. I was by Yeagers last week but they're closed on Sundays. Would rather buy locally but have also heard that the dealer in Lebanon, MO is decent too.

Dick

84FXRP · 12-06-2003, 12:04 AM

Call Honey at Junction City HD.

playinhookie · 05-27-2004, 12:59 PM

Thought I'd chime in and defend one of the Worths. Gail, the daughter, is breaking away from the other two dealerships(Father and Brothers). She has even dropped the Worth name from her dealership and just calls it Gails. They are building a new facility on 71 Hwy just a mile or so north of their current location. Moving from Belton to Grandview (Belton's Mayor is nuts for pushing them out!!!). I've purchased two bikes from them, and both of my experiences have been great. I got an 04 FLHRCI for under 20k. They really take care of you after the sale too. I have yet to use the performance center(dyno...), but from what I hear, Mike seems to be good with the dyno.
If you work with them, they'll deal with parts too, I got the Gold Key package for my FatBoy for %20 off.

Larry

SonnyD · 10-11-2004, 08:40 PM

I got in on this late as I just found this forum yesterday. I'm sure that "notactinmyage" already has his bike but I've recently been shopping for a new bike. I bought a new SuperGlide from Central in 1972 and a new Sportster from Worth in Belton in 1991. I recently went to Gails, the old Worth store, and couldn't get waited on for the life of me, I tried chasing people down and that didn't work either. The girls in the Botique were very friendly though, so after and hour and a half, I left. The following Monday I went to Central, I was the only customer in the store and again after about a half hour had to hunt someone down, I had some extended warranty questions that he couldn't answer, so we asked the owner and she gave me the answer, I went back to the bikes, still no help, then the original fellow I talked to came over to play some songs on the jukebox, I asked him if it was alright if I sat on a couple of Sporty's they had setting there, he said sure no problem....half hour later still no help. Now, both of these dealerships had a showroom full of bikes, and crates of bikes in their storage areas, but it seems like no one wants to sell any of them. Every other dealership I went to was very friendly and helpfull, Bmw, Triumph...Ducati. I found a Triumph I like a lot, but they are sold out till the 05's come in and all they have is the Demo that I rode, and it's not for sale till the 05's come in......What's the Freakin Deal?? Central did have good prices on everything basically MSRP, with some extra Chrome and the Alarm system...883 Standards for 7100.00 and 1200 Roadsters for 9100.00 But I sure as hell am not going to have to beg someone to take my money!
Regards SonnyD

Notactingmyage · 10-13-2004, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonnyD

I got in on this late as I just found this forum yesterday. I'm sure that "notactinmyage" already has his bike

Hi - Yes, I ended up ordering a Road King Classic through St Joe HD, not so much becasue of lack of attention at other dealers but mainly because, at the time - January of this year, St Joe was best on price, strictly MSRP. The others closer to home were severl hundred $ to a couple thousand over. Took delivery in late June, have over 4,000 miles on it now. Couldn't be more pleased with the bike. Have had no problems.

SonnyD · 10-13-2004, 10:41 AM

I might have to check out the St. Joe shop. A buddy I worked with bought his in Topeka, a few years ago, they ordered it for him and it was still about 500 less then anyone around here. Glad your enjoying yours, and Thanks for the reply and tip about ST. Joe
Regards SonnyD

gunnut · 11-21-2004, 03:13 PM

I bought my '04 Deuce from City Cycle Sales in Junction City KS. For those that are not familiar, JC is about 2.5 hours (125 miles) west of KC. They sell for list and are a great bunch of people to deal with. I only saved about $800 over buying from Central, but have found the service dept to be a lot more helpful. I schedule a time to get my bike worked on, show up, and they get right on it while I wait. They even offer the use of a shop truck while your bike is being worked on.
Central on the other hand wants you to leave the bike and they'll 'get to it sometime this week'. That's okay this time of year, but not during riding season.
I prefer Central over any of the Worth's, including Gail's, but will always take my bike back to City Cycle if able.

bigblue · 11-24-2004, 09:32 AM

I have bought 2 bikes at or below MSRP from dealers in IA even though I live in KC. I have buds that have spent over MSRP here just to have bought locally - each to thier own I guess. There's plenty of competition in KS and IA to give my business to.
PS. I tried to buy from a WorthLESS dealer by offering a price match and I was quickly told no.