I need a couple parts for an Fork seal leak and checked all the usual places, Bike Bandit, cheap parts and a couple local Suzuki dealers.
Unfortunately local is Big Box multi brand lace, a mom and pop 35 miles from home and one in Holly wood and I don't care to traverse LA to find parts.
The prices varied a little and shipping from the on line was silly.
Then I remembered I got my oil filter from the local Honda-Kawi shop. Guy had Suzuki filters in stock. I called them and they were happy to order up the parts and the price was about the same as on line. Takes a couple extra days to get but I only have to go 1 mile to get my stuff.
I found out they have really good prices on tires too.
Doesn't hurt to check and see if your neighborhood stores can't be of service.

i get my parts thru a local independent who repairs harleys. but he is more than happy to order parts for me and match internet price. its nice to have local people. if they go out we will be in trouble.

I have always promoted supporting local vendors, usually, the money will make it back into your pocket sooner

I support my local dealer, the owner of the dealership and most of his employees have supported my business, money flows both ways, mostly my way

__________________
RandyO
IBA# 9560
07 Strom 1k (7x,xxx miles)
99 SV650 (135,006 miles)
82 XV920R
A man with a gun is a citizen
A man without a gun is a subject
www.gbhsurvey.com
http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/p...dStatesMap.jpg

I shop the local moto shop.

Apparently, there are folks who drive by a bunch of other shops to go there for servicing. They've always been more than fair to me and I'll continue to spend my money there.

__________________
Sent from my Hewlett-Packard 75C, using the Flying Merkel motorcycle app.

Stromin'Nroman NC28729, USA

DL650A K7 (Greywolf Moto Lab's R&D test mule) June 1, 2012 - present
DL650A K7 April 23, 2007 - January 6, 2012, RIP

"Look here brother, who you jivin' with that cosmik debris?" Frank Zappa, 1975

I am too far from anywhere to do local, particualrly when 9 times out 10 I have to make a return trip to pick the item up (minimum 40 miles round trip), and 10 times out of 10 they average 20% higher prices than delivered via UPS to my front door.
Its sad, but I didn't make it that way, it wasn't my choice, as they say..."business is business".

Now if I just wanted cabela points, I would shop local...LMAO

__________________
"Pain is weakness leaving the body"
"Nothings possible until its done!"
"If ya can't afford the fine, take the lead!"

Chaparral motorsports is about a 100mile round trip from me but they always have everything I need in stock. Last week I noticed a bolt from my chainguard and one of the bolt and washers from the rear fender were missing. I checked Chaparral and they had all three items in stock along with new rear brake pads and the new lock ring rear axle nut to replace my castle nut.

Next time you need parts check their site and see if they have it. Geez I feel like a walking billboard now.

__________________

'06 Silver DL1000
'08 Flat Black DL650(totaled)

I know everyone is different. Some have no local dealers. Me, I live close to several dealers and I try and support them as often as I can. Money that is spent locally helps support the local economy

I have dealers 20 miles in each direction

I don't think any of them ever had stock on anything. The Harley did have a tube once but it was $47 for a $12 tube.

__________________
Link Click Here >>> 2013 Northeast V-Strom Rally!

FILL OUT NEVA MEAL POLL If your attending
Also in events

8/2/2013

I buy all my maintenance items locally, but a few weeks ago I began looking for a new jacket, I settled on the First Gear Kathmandu jacket

At my local shop they wanted 419.00
Online at Canadasmotorcycle, they have it for 331.00 with free shipping, If the difference was 20 dollars or so I would just buy it here, but almost 100 dollars after taxes is too much of a difference.

__________________
05 DL1000

Like XDown, I'm a 100 mile round trip from Chapparrall. But it's just just another BIG BOX place. Berts's didn't have the parts and neither did the other places so I'd have to order the bits anyway. 100 miles, 2 gallons of gas, 2 hours of boring freeway time or wait until early next week...I'll wait. And ride the 'other' bike.