Sunday, April 13, 2008

What makes a great visit to the Harley Dealer?

As everyone is aware, that is into Harley Davidson Motorcycles, they are not cheap machines. Even a Sportster can run you around 10k and if you think about it that's a chunk of change to lie down for a bike when you could probably buy a Honda for 1/2 the price. Since you are paying a premium to live the dream, one wants an enjoyable and memorable experience when you finally decide to join the Harley family. The experience shouldn't just end once you've bought the bike. That experience should carry on for as long as you can ride your beautiful dream machine. As I've traveled this great country, I love to stop in Harley Dealerships and check them out. It's fun to see what's out there and if other dealerships are more rockin' then the one in your home town. I'm a huge fan of Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson in Littleton, Co. Here is why...you enter the dealership and there is someone there saying hello and welcoming you. It's always a great feeling to feel welcome and they always have made me feel that way. As you make your way throughout the dealership the staff is there to help you and to just carry on fun conversations. They make you feel at home, like they truly are happy to see you and they make you feel like you want to return each and every time you make it to Littleton. And I always do. Customer Service and just a great amount of Respect toward the Harley customer is important.

Recently I stopped into Metro Harley Davidson in Cedar Rapids, IA and Hawkeye Harley Davidson in Coralville, IA. The staff at Hawkeye definitely out shined the staff at Metro. I'm not going to rip on Metro but I think a customer service course of some sort is needed at that store or maybe hiring people that have a true passion for motorcycles. Our dealership here in Des Moines is Big Barn Harley Davidson. Last year the dealership had an ownership change and what a difference that made. You can just tell it when you walk in the place. And I think Keith and the rest of the ownership/management staff are turning their dealership into a great experience. I'm excited to see what they have in store this year. Last year there were bike-in movie nights and a bike night with a band and a beer garden. There is just so much opportunity to build a strong motorcycle community even if you don't belong to the HOG and I think that Keith and his crew know this. Another really great dealership in Iowa is Silver Eagle HD in Waterloo. Even though they are not my home dealership they send me a Christmas card each and every year! And I stop there every time I'm home(I grew up in Cedar Falls/Waterloo) just because it's a friendly place to visit.

I'd love to know what your favorite dealerships throughout the US are...even if they aren't Harley Dealerships and what makes a good dealership to you. You can either leave a comment on the blog or e-mail me at motorcyclesandskulls@yahoo.com. If I receive enough replies I'll list them in a future post.

I guess I just feel that since I'm supporting the Harley name by buying Harley merchandise and riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle I deserve an amazing top notch experience each and every time I walk into a dealership. I don't expect confetti or a balloon drop but I expect a greeting and a smile.

Have a great week!!!

XO!
IHG

Friday, April 11, 2008

Vote for Bikers Against Child Abuse in the Oprah Big Giveaway!!

Please go to the following link and vote for Bikers Against Child Abuse in the Oprah Big Giveaway!!

http://www.ktbs.com/layouts/Oprahs-Big-Give