I know the forum focus is to hate HD, but like it or lump it, HD dealers are generally the only places to buy spares. And before you slate me to say you use Halfords oil and filters, and NGK spark plugs and CRG levers etc., I am talking about things like gaskets, seals, manuals, cables (shame Venhill wont make them) etc...

So, instead of slating the local dealer for being rubbish, support him/her to ensure they don't hit the wall...

Easy to think that going to one of the UK tax havens is always going to be cheaper, and I think sportster_mann pointed this out a year or so ago, but you would expect to get a 17.5% discount.

Well, today, I bought a 27002-89 from the dealer close to my parents (I bought my first bike from there and I have known the owner for 25 years - but it isn't my local dealer where I have got to know the guys on the parts desk quite well), they were just closing, but they turned their systems back on again for me and I was charged (no discount asked for nor offered - I probably would have asked for it if I was not inconveniencing them) £9.55. Compare that to TaxHavenHarley where the same part is £8.94 with a charge for postage. I would have expected it to be £8.13 which is the VAT free price...

Experience shows that if you have a rapport with the parts desk at your local dealer and you demonstrate your support for them, rather than buying from places like TaxHavenHarley, they will give you a discount 10% (or more), this would have made the 27002-89 cost £8.60 with no charge for postage...

Next question, what happens if you don't have a local dealer? I would suggest you support Black Bear as they are proper enthusiasts, have supported us in the past and will continue to do so in the future... And don't forget to ask them for a discount... They can only say no and are most likely to say yes...

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08 Specialized Langster

I guess that was wine fuelled rambling:

1. Buy parts and stuff from your local dealer
2. Don't be afraid to ask for a discount - 10% is a good benchmark - they know you can always take your business elsewhere
3. Don't think for a minute that dealers based in tax havens are always cheaper
4. If you have no local dealer, use Black Bear and ask for a discount - they get free advertising on the UKBEG calendar

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08 Specialized Langster

I thought you must have been drinking or smoking crystal meth.

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Buell S1
Buell S3 (Topless for now)
Buell XB12S
Piaggio X8 400ie
Yamaha XTZ750 Super Tenere (x2)
Suzuki GSXR750WR
BSA B441VS
FJR1300

pash. I have done just that since local dealer set up here and they are very helpful with my Buell!

I'm always using my local dealers QB Bikes for Yamaha parts and Cradley Kawasaki for you know what

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Should Have Stuck To making Tubers

The parts guys at Edinburgh Harley are pretty good, and yeah, they normally knock a little off for me..... and I'm not a particularly big spender there either.

I always used my local dealer whenever possible - not that it did much good.

Thanks, Pash. Call Nobby on 01638 664455, mention UKBEG and you'll get a 10% discount Sorted

Steve

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Back on the road again!

At least I won't have a contradiction of conscience anymore - always thought that I should support my local dealer - looks like Black Bear now fits the bill ...

No thanks needed, you were 4 out of 4

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08 Specialized Langster

I think that we're all paying the price of love - any sensible owner would have disposed of their bike as soon as the Buell closure was announced ...

What would I replace it with that is such a hoot to ride?

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08 Specialized Langster

Getting to the point where we might as well drop the E from the website title.

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2001 X1 2009 1125CR 2006 Uly X3 2010 Uly a fully Maz'd S1 and a 1991 RS1200 Westwind.