Portland area dealers

[foxer]

Anyone have any favorites? Looking to pull the trigger on a new 650..

[stevewz]

I've been well taken care of by Action Motor Sports in Fairview. In fact, I'd say I've purchased 75% of my non-Internet-purchased accessories there as well. The price I got on my bike was fair and I was able to test ride it first, which was a requirement for me. Not all the salespeople know what they're talking about when it comes to V-Stroms (I worked with Will Altig in sales on mine, and he seemed knowledgeable).

Good luck! One thing I've noticed about Portland Motorcycle over off of I-205 ... the vibe of that place is quite a bit different. They almost act like they really don't want to be there, especially the guy at the parts counter. He'll find 9 ways to ignore you for every 1 way he could pay attention to you. I've never actually made a purchase there even though I went in with money burning a hole in my pocket on two different occasions. I'm not going to waste the gas next time.

[Berserker]

Anyone have any favorites? Looking to pull the trigger on a new 650..

It maybe which dealer has the bike you want this time of year.

I bought my Vee at Hillsboro Motorsports. Was able to work the price (January not spring). They have been ok so far on after the sale stuff, they do have a coupled of great mechanics. Like with any dealer get EVERYTHING in writing. Be smart during the deal, they count on you being excited and not paying close attention to the details. I caught several "items" once we sat down to start signing things, like my 6.9% financing being 11.9% on the contract, I told them that was a deal breaker and started to walk out and he changed it back.

Good luck in your search.

Your experience may vary!

[foxer]

Any experiences with Beaverton Honda?

[ratspike]

I bought mine from them and really have no complaints. I wouldn't say I got the warm fuzzies but I didn't want to start firebombing either. I was treated well and my salesman was friendly and knowledgable. If and when I'm shopping for a new bike again I'd at least poke my head in the door and see if they had what I wanted. I'm not a haggler at all and I positively hate the whole vehicle buying process.

I agree with Steve about the vibe at Portland Motorcycle. That place feels strange to me, almost a little uncomfortable. Even though they're much closer to me than Beaverton Honda I wasn't inclined to give them a shot on the Wee. Unless I was after a Triumph I doubt I'd go back for a bike purchase, and then only because it's the only game in town.

[Berserker]

Talk to Doug, he'll treat you right. He's been there for years, not like most of the kids that work there.

[cra1g]

Talk to Doug, he'll treat you right. He's been there for years, not like most of the kids that work there.

I'll second that; Doug's the guy I bought mine from. He's got a Strom of his own, too. They weren't too bad as dealers go--Doug is knowledgeable, but he did make me play the stupid "I'll have to talk to my boss" game for 3-4 rounds on the price.

I agree with Steve about the vibe at Portland Motorcycle. That place feels strange to me, almost a little uncomfortable. Even though they're much closer to me than Beaverton Honda I wasn't inclined to give them a shot on the Wee. Unless I was after a Triumph I doubt I'd go back for a bike purchase, and then only because it's the only game in town.

We bought my wife's Triumph there, and I wouldn't go back. Cascade Moto Classics in Beaverton is FAR better if you're ever in the market for a Triumph.

[ggoug]

I shopped for my '07 Strom a lot. Best price and service came from Doug at Beaverton Honda-Yamaha-Suzuki (Lamphere's) though I don't much care for their parts, clothes, helmet department.
Portland Motorcycle gave me the same feeling - I walked in with cash, tried to get someone to answer a few questions, couldn't even get a acknowledging nod. Decided I'd rather pay more somewhere else.
I've had the bike three weeks, between the rain and work I've put 120 miles on it; At this rate it will last forever.

[Skinny]

I've been well taken care of by Action Motor Sports in Fairview. In fact, I'd say I've purchased 75% of my non-Internet-purchased accessories there as well. The price I got on my bike was fair and I was able to test ride it first, which was a requirement for me. Not all the salespeople know what they're talking about when it comes to V-Stroms (I worked with Will Altig in sales on mine, and he seemed knowledgeable).

Good luck! One thing I've noticed about Portland Motorcycle over off of I-205 ... the vibe of that place is quite a bit different. They almost act like they really don't want to be there, especially the guy at the parts counter. He'll find 9 ways to ignore you for every 1 way he could pay attention to you. I've never actually made a purchase there even though I went in with money burning a hole in my pocket on two different occasions. I'm not going to waste the gas next time.

Ditto on what Steve has said here, I worked with AJ on my new '07 and got it for msrp plus title, plates. Maybe not a smoking deal but what are you going to expect in spring as gas prices are skyrocketing as bike dealers are smiling:)

[stevewz]

Skinny,

I live in Sandy too! Wow, two V-Strommers in the same burg. Who'd a thunk it? We _definitely_ need to get a ride in soon. If you're interested, PM me and we'll exchange digits.

- Steve

[Fatstrat]

What a coincidence!
Even though I live in Troutdale I bought my 07 650 ABS from Doug at Beaverton also! Just about 1 month ago. Lent me one of his personal helmets to use for a couple of weeks while I was waiting for my special ordered yellow Scorpion Rivit.
Doug came very highly recommended by Greg at Gresham Honda (when he realized that they didnt have a product to meet my needs) who I bought my previous bike from. It was nice that Doug rides a 650 as well. The insight was very helpful.
I gotta say that I had a terrible time getting help at Action Motorsports in Fairview. Since it was so close I went in there quite a bit when I was shopping and I just stood there while employees just walked right by or had conversations amongst themselves with hardly any other customers in the moderatly sized shop. Turns out they didnt have any of the rare ABS models anyway.
Portland Motorcycle is an interesting shop too. pretty decent selection, but if you arent looking for a BMW, well, then I just dont think they care very much. Last I was there though they had a couple of ABS in stock.
They did return calls pretty faithfully though.
:cool:

[Dragon Rider]

Well, just an FYI about BHY, see the link below, short story is I saw a custom rune, posted about it, original owner totaled bike, left it at BHY, they rebuit it, and then lied to him and me about the accident history of the bike.

Doug looked me right in the eyes and said, no that bike has never even been scratched. Had no answer when I said, that is not what the previous owner told me.

Note pics referenced are no longer posted,

http://www.runeriders.com/viewtopic.php?t=1813&highlight=

[Fatstrat]

If a dealership is willing to go that far, then I suppose its entirely possible that some of its salespeople/Doug was lied to as well. Not making excuses for apparent dishonesty but things are not always as they seem.
That being said, any bike dealer found guilty of this kind of crap should be shut down pronto.

[mrltt]

For what it's worth, Portland Motorcycle has always treated my family great - Kiwi in sales is a good guy. I sometimes think they are a little short staffed when the weather turns nice and it's a weekend, but once you have their attention they're very good. You can always give a call and set up an appointment. I'd absolutely go there first if I were looking again.

[Fatstrat]

I have spoken to 'Kiwi' on a number of occasions. Nice guy and knowledgable.

On the Rune deal at BHY above, it just doesnt add up. No lein holder is going to lend book $ on a marked title and they are going to verify if the title condition regardless of the dollar amount of the loan. Also, if the buyer is just paying cash they are going to see the title too. Instant lawsuit if the dealer does not allow the buyer out of the deal. The dealer would have to be very stupid and or very very desperate to try such a thing.

[Dragon Rider]

All I know is that I was a cash buyer, I was interested in the Rune, the original owner went and looked at it (saw all his custom parts, and his license plate, VIN, etc) and told me that he had wrecked it and they had the wrecked bike in the back for months, which explained the expired tags)

I have no idea how they would have hidden the title or worked the salvage information into the deal once the buyer had committed. Maybe something like, oh by the way, its a salvage title so we are giving you $500 off :mrgreen:

I am sure the dmv paperwork would have covered their asses.

All I know, is I will never buy a bike from them. :???:

but hey, its just my opinion, and we all know about opinions.

your experience may vary :)

[Fatstrat]

Thats cool Dragon. My intent was not to argue, I just wondered how a dealer could get away with it.
I would also add that Doug found a very small scratch on my left fairing. It was so small that had I seen it I would probably of ignored it anyway but he insisted that they replace it no expense to me. The part is waiting there for me to drop the bike off now. Just dont want to part with it for a couple days!:D
In any case, motorcycle sales cant be that different from car sales, and we all know how those can work out. It's sites like this that help us all protect ourselves when we are out shopping for a new steed. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[confedpirate]

For what it's worth, Portland Motorcycle has always treated my family great - Kiwi in sales is a good guy. I sometimes think they are a little short staffed when the weather turns nice and it's a weekend, but once you have their attention they're very good. You can always give a call and set up an appointment. I'd absolutely go there first if I were looking again.


I agree there Service Department is great and there Parts Dept I have no Problem getting someone attn. in there. Beaverton Honda charges you full retail on everything and there is no discount. I price a gel seat at Bob's 200 bucks Portalnd was 170.00. But i think the worst Motorcycle place is Pro Caliber in Vancouver parts guy dont have a CLUE!

[Dragon Rider]

Not my intent to argue either, glad you had a positive experience, I linked the original rune thread so interested parties could read the source material and come to their own conclusions.

Looking forward to seeing ya at a breakfast (if I can manage to make the next one)

:)