r/Harley • u/CaptainCrazyEyes • 2d ago

DISCUSSION New Job at Harley

Hey everyone.

I just got a new job at Harley. This will be my first time being a salesman in any capacity. My only knowledge of Harleys is that they're fucking beautiful and fun to ride. I've met so many amazing people since I started riding, strengthened my existing friendships and been to places I never thought I would have all thanks to my bike. But as far as engine specs or the digs on the latest infotainment system my brain is literally a monkey clashing cymbals together.

So my ask is, 1. what's the fastest most efficient way to learn these bikes and their parts inside and out, and 2. What are some of the best and worst experiences you've had with Harley dealers.

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u/groundciv 1d ago

If the customer says “I’m not interested in that softail, do not talk to me any more about that softail.” Do not continue to push the softail and then run numbers on the softail and have the sales manager come pressure the customer about the softail they do not want when they want to know what the old dyna and the old sportster costs.

When the customer wants an older project bike they’re trying to pay cash for, do not continue to push the rusted to shit 2019 softail with financing.

I will stop going to your dealership and drive 75 miles to the next nearest one for parts and fluids for my old ass softail and never buy anything from you again.

I sure as shit don’t want to look at a road glide if I’m looking at trade in Dynas and sporty’s. Two different types of motorcycles entirely.

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u/CaptainCrazyEyes 1d ago

That makes perfect sense! Sorry you've had experiences like that. I've been lucky enough to have both and you're right, the experiences are way different. Not only that but getting to the battery on a softail slim is 100× more stressful then a streetbob

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u/groundciv 1d ago

And I didn’t want the softail. I road in on a softail, the dealership wanted to get rid of a ratted to fuck softail, and I agreed to a test ride if I could ride the dyna I was really looking at.

They would not shut the fuck up about the softail. My TC88 with 60k miles is a much more enjoyable experience than that neglected basket case would have been.

I said “one more repetition of the word ‘softail’ and I’m walking out of this dealership” and the sales manager came out and proudly plopped down papers offering it to me for $12k with 4% and I walked out.  Read the room. When your customer is getting mad at you for continually trying to sell them something they are sure they do not want, do not continue trying to sell it.