Total Motorcycle Community Forums

When buying parts/riding gear and just browsing through new bikes ive found that the smaller "mom and pop" type dealers seem to be friendlier and more honest than the big "superstore" type dealers. But I guess it varies alot. Definitely shop around all the dealers in your area until you find one that has friendly staff and seems legit.

For instance, there is a big superstore type dealer the next town over, just a few miles from my house. I went to buy a jacket there one day and just look at some bikes and saw that the place was run by a bunch of punks and a-holes. Needless to say I ran away from that place and never went back, despite it being so conveniently close. Instead I drive 30 minutes away to a smaller family-run dealer when I need parts or gear, since they are helpful, friendly, and most importantly appreciate my business.

all you guys that defend dealers answer me this?? Why do EVERYBODY, and I MEAN EVERYBODY!!! that buys ANY USED bike for a dealer finds out the dealer made a mistake when he wrote down the "WRONG" VIN NUMBER on the registraion and sales forms?? I SWEAR! Everybody I know that purchaced a used bike from every dealer had that same problem! Why do they always get it wrong? I know why they do it, you tell me why? Here is some good advice for anybody buying any bike from a dealer, make sure the same VIN Number thats on the frame of ur bike is the same number thats on the sales and registraition form! Oh yea? for you guys that already own a bike I would suggest that you get ur registraion and insurance and title and make sure it matches the same number on ur frame! If not ur going to have big trouble if you either wreck or sell ur bike if its wrong!

Is this the same shithole shop that you claim is selling new bikes for ~1/2 the msrp? In case you hadn't noticed, no one really pays any attention to your idiotic rantings moto.

And as a point of fact, it's illegal to sell a bike without matching the VIN numbers. So maybe if you bought the bike from a REAL shop, instead of some stupid chop shop you would get a bike that actually worked... instead of that pos bike you're lying about having now.

yea. I know its illegal, but there's a form you sign when buying the bike that lists in fine print that you have approved that all the information on that form is correct, that takes away the dealers responcibilty and shifts it to you, if you have the wrong VIN Number the insurance co can reject any claims, or the dealer isn't responsible for any saftey defects on ur bike, and you won't be able to sell it or trade it in, and if you do sell it without knwing its the wrong number you will be charged and arrested. I know many many many people with this problem and it was a long drag out legal mess to get it corrected, and you need the tax reciept the dealer sent in to the state and the dealer will refuse to give it to you, then you have to hire an attorney to obtain a court order against the dealer to release his records, its a mess! My point is the dealers do this on perpose! Just because they are lowlife scumbags! They are worried that after you buy the bike you go down the road and the wheel falls off then you sue them, but the dealer will win cause of the wrong VIN Number!

every biker around here knows about it! Its common practice, I guy I know that purchaced a new HD Fatboy noticed the paperwork had the wrong vin number and he refused to sign anything untill it was corrected, The salesman checked the number on the bike and the paperwork and told him, yea its wrong and he typed up a new form, but the vin number on the new form was also wrong again, he got it right the 3rd time. Not only did this dealer try to rip him off the first time, he tryed to rip him off the second time, these dealers and salesmen have no honor, they rip off everybody everyday. When you walk into any motorcycle dealer he's no friend of yours, he's the same person as a thief that robs you in a dark alley. Im giving you guys some good and honest advice, USE IT !!

Am I ever glad I dont live in the PA with you Moto.

And its not just because of all the scary crooked dealers either

thanks for the replies everyone! Since I have Christmas week off I think I'll spend it visiting many dealers here. Fortunately I feel like there area lot here (L.A.) so at least there's a lot of competition which is hopefully good for me.

MotoF150 wrote:yea. I know its illegal, but there's a form you sign when buying the bike that lists in fine print that you have approved that all the information on that form is correct, that takes away the dealers responcibilty and shifts it to you, if you have the wrong VIN Number the insurance co can reject any claims, or the dealer isn't responsible for any saftey defects on ur bike, and you won't be able to sell it or trade it in, and if you do sell it without knwing its the wrong number you will be charged and arrested. I know many many many people with this problem and it was a long drag out legal mess to get it corrected, and you need the tax reciept the dealer sent in to the state and the dealer will refuse to give it to you, then you have to hire an attorney to obtain a court order against the dealer to release his records, its a mess! My point is the dealers do this on perpose! Just because they are lowlife scumbags! They are worried that after you buy the bike you go down the road and the wheel falls off then you sue them, but the dealer will win cause of the wrong VIN Number!

Once again you have no idea what you're talking about. Do you ever get tired of publically embarrasing yourself?

Im just trying to help you guys out and you make fun of me, im betting everybody is reading this and checking the vin numbers on their bike and making sure they match the numbers on their registration, and I will bet there are a lot that don't match! I have been in dealerships and overheard their conversations and after a customer leaves they brag to each other how they ripped him off, every motorcycle mechainc has his secret place of his own parts stash, these are either new or good parts that he has charged out but never used on a bike, some say they are "test" parts. These motorcycle dealers are NOT ur friend, they will rip you off any chance they get.

MotoF150, I'm sure there are a few dealers as you say, but I know for a fact there once was a Honda dealer that was not that way. Joe started selling Hondas about 1965, and by 1972 was one of the highest volume dealers in the world. Eleven full-time mechanics on staff. You see, Joe was a motorcyclist first, and he loved helping people ride. He was good to his employees, and did fair business with everyone. He provided a good value for dollar spent on everything the shop offered.

About 1974, Joe had a heart attack. He sold the dealership to George. There was absolutely nothing George would not do to make a buck, from cutting wages to charging for parts not used to installing used parts to replacing usable parts. George was a short, fat businessman with a severe case of little-man-syndrome who drove the shop into bankruptcy within three years. I have no doubt George would have mis-typed a VIN if he thought doing so would make or save him a buck.