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Linda13
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2011
Total Posts : 2

Posted 11/8/2011 9:40 AM (GMT -7)

I need some quick advice! I am really hoping there is someone here who can help me out. I am here as a favor to my husband, Ron, who is totally computer illiterate. He is the new owner of a Goldwing and he really wants to fix it up and make it rideable. In order to get it to operate, he needs to get some certain parts for it. We want to know if anyone has ever bought parts online. Is it a good idea? We were searching last night and came across this motorcycle parts place but since we have never bought anything online, we were hoping to get a review from someone who has. If you have any recommendations or advice please let me know! He wants to get the project started ASAP. Thanks from Linda and Ron

Post Edited (Linda13) : 11/18/2011 8:39:40 PM GMT

06victory
Registered Member

Date Joined Oct 2009
Total Posts : 18

Posted 11/8/2011 10:08 AM (GMT -7)

Online shopping is a good way to save money. There are a lot of places to get parts. Try ebay lots of new parts being offered at a fraction of the cost from a dealer. Read the return policey before you buy. Watch your shipping cost some deals arn't very good if they have large shipping cost. Some places have free shipping if you spend a dollar amount. If you have never shoped online the one thing I suggest is to use a low limit credit card say $2500.00 max and only use this card for on line shopping. I do this for safety just in case someone gets my card number they can't run up to much dept. It has never happened to me but better safe than sorry. Online shopping is a lot of fun getting the best deals so go for it and have some fun.

Gone in 60
Lone Commuter of the Apocalypse

Date Joined Jan 2008
Total Posts : 657

Posted 11/8/2011 10:08 AM (GMT -7)

Hi Linda, and welcome. As the owner of two Hondas, I can tell you that buying parts online is very handy. However, if you're looking for factory Honda parts, prices vary greatly from one site to another for the same parts, so do some shopping. I purchase a lot of parts at www.hbhonda.com , which is a dealership local to me. They have the lowest online parts prices for factory Honda parts that I've seen, and being local, I can order online, pick up the parts and save shipping costs. Their online prices are lower than their over-the-counter prices. You might be able to check to see if a dealer near you does the same thing.

Work to ride, Ride to work
Honda VTX 1300R & 750 Nighthawk

RaptorFA
'11 Suzuki GSX1250FA

Date Joined Jun 2011
Total Posts : 493

Posted 11/8/2011 10:47 AM (GMT -7)

Hello and welcome. I completely agree with the two responses given. I do things just a bit differently if I and when I can. I shop online for whatever parts I need. But I am also old school in that I believe in building relationships with the guys that will service my machine. So what I will do is research and shop for a prt or parts and then present my findings to the dealer and give them a chance to meet or beat the price. Sometimes they can't but in many cases they can, so I get from them!

But if it comes down to actually buying online I always use a low-value card as suggested. But it's a great way to research and get good pricing for stuff. Many model specific forums will have known trusted online sources for parts as well. Good luck!

Regards -

RaptorFA

Play Hard, Ride Safe

Andy VH
Where is the earth shattering kaboom!?

Date Joined Apr 2005
Total Posts : 4952

Posted 11/8/2011 4:00 PM (GMT -7)

Don't forget your local dealers though! I used to be an almost all online shopper. But in the past five years I have worked part time at a local dealer, and I now see things from both sides of the parts counter.

We local dealers know who our local customers are, and we really appreciate their business. Plus also getting to know your local dealers means you may be able to use their knowledge, which can be worth far more than the cheap online prices you get when shopping nationally. I compare both local and online prices, and more often I can easily justify the local prices for the knowledge and services it also buys me, and I'm a 40 year rider with 35+ years of wrenching on many, many bikes.

Training, the best safety and performance "equipment" you can get!

Get MSF trained, check out: http://www.msf-usa.org

Richard47
Registered Member

Date Joined Sep 2004
Total Posts : 5552

Posted 11/9/2011 2:30 AM (GMT -7)

I buy stuff online for my three old Suzukis, often it's the only way to obtain discontinued items. However, I also use a dealer who is a Suzuki specialist (Crooks Suzuki, here in England) and they are very helpful. If it's available, even if it has to come from Japan, they will get it. I just phone them and they send it promptly. Easy.

Toilet Brush Dog Owner

Linda13
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2011
Total Posts : 2

Posted 11/9/2011 6:56 AM (GMT -7)

You guys rock, thank you so much! I'm going to get some more specific info from my hubby and ill be back to ask for details!

RaptorFA
'11 Suzuki GSX1250FA

Date Joined Jun 2011
Total Posts : 493

Posted 11/9/2011 9:10 AM (GMT -7)

Andy VH said...
Don't forget your local dealers though! I used to be an almost all online shopper. But in the past five years I have worked part time at a local dealer, and I now see things from both sides of the parts counter.

We local dealers know who our local customers are, and we really appreciate their business. Plus also getting to know your local dealers means you may be able to use their knowledge, which can be worth far more than the cheap online prices you get when shopping nationally.

I try to be very loyal to the guys I bought my machine from. And so far Andy what you said is true. They realy do appreciate that sentiment and go above and beyond to provide excellent service. Plus it's cool to ride in and know everyone by name, etc. To me it adds value to the ownership experience. Plus, when the chips are down and something bad happens to your bike these are the guys you want to have in your corner!

Regards -

RaptorFA

Play Hard, Ride Safe

GeoffG
Instant Classic

Date Joined Jun 2003
Total Posts : 10791

Posted 11/10/2011 12:52 AM (GMT -7)

The only thing I'll add about purchasing online is, know exactly what you need and make sure that's what you're buying. And don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call them (most sites have a "Contact Us" tab, and you can usually find a phone number...things I'm looking for if/when I do this is a) there is a real person who'll actually answer the phone, and b) said person seems to know something about what they're selling (actually, I've spoken to some very knowledgable folks on the phone, about things as diverse as parts for my sportscar and specialty snowboarding boots)--yeah, I shop online a fair bit, because I live in the sticks and brick & mortar specialty shops just don't exist here.

Shooter
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 45

Posted 11/10/2011 10:53 AM (GMT -7)

PM sent for Goldwing info...

Smitty
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 22123

Posted 11/16/2011 11:54 AM (GMT -7)

Some good post above, with honest feelings & understanding. One thing is when dealing a bit with the m/c dealer is usually good info plus they are in business over what they sell in protective clothing, bikes, to parts to even some serving. OTHERWISE some of those dealers can fold up, for many reasons & one is income, to the surprize of all the riders.

Remember all the others on the road are crazy & out to kill you.

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