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I support my dealer when I can, so that's where I buy my helmets. The appreciation is there when I take my bike in for service, etc... I go online when my dealer doesn't carry what I'm buying.
That, and I'd recommend not buying a helmet without wearing it around for 15-20 minutes. That's the only way to make sure there aren't any "hotspots" that might crop up during a long ride. You can't do that online. And speaking of that, I'd never try on a helmet, or any other article of clothing, at a local store then turn around and buy it online. I know people who do it, but to me its distastefully dishonest behavior.
+2 on dishonesty.
I buy everything that I wear in local shops where I can get fitted right. The little extra it may cost is more than offset by savings on mail order stuff that doesn't fit right and has to be exchanged or sold/ given away at a big loss.
I've read and re-read my response and can't find a whiff of anger.Since posting this simple question a few weeks ago, I am quite taken aback by the number of angry replies it generated.
Two things here:Well, I guess some of those folks either have too much disposable income, or not enough common sense to realize that internet commerce is a very very good thing for the consumer.
Nobody said you had to buy from a dealer. My points were 1) its helpful to support him when you can, and 2) its fundamentally dishonest to use your dealer's or any retail outlet's inventory, staff, and time to determine what you like only to turn around and buy elsewhere. Its disingenuous.Considering how much money I have spent over the years at BMW dealers purchasing motorcycles, having them serviced, and having them upgraded, and buying things like helmets, rainsuites, and riding gear, why are some of you begrudgeing me (and others) from also buying needed accessories elsewhere at an affordable price, and with a decent selection.
Yes, my local dealers have a great selection of helmets, if you don't mind paying $600-$800 dollars for an overpriced Arai helmet, or a Nolan 103 with intercom and bluetooth and all that other crap, or $450 -$600 for top of the line Shoei, when what I really wanted was a Shoei TZ-R.
I said that "I go online when my dealer doesn't carry what I'm buying." I bought my first pair of Held gloves from newenough.com because I couldn't find them locally (that's not true anymore). I'll probably buy my next pair of boots online because nobody local carries Frey Daytona, so I'll get them from helimot.com. But if I buy a pair of TCX, Sidi, or BMW boots I'll go local.And why don't BMW dealers sell high quality aftermarket motorcycle covers like the Guardian Weatherall Plus, instead of that stupid BMW cover with the clear plastic window for viewing the license plate? and p.s.- the BMW brand cover didn't even fit that well.
Kind of off topic, but okay.... I love Hickey Freeman. I have a stunning dark blue pinstripe Hickey Freeman suit that I found on sale at a fine men's store in South Bend, Indiana. That was 17 years and 50 pounds ago. I hope to continue wearing it after I've dropped some more weight. Usually I'm a Men's Warehouse or Brooks Brothers Outlet-Mall (we have one locally) kind of guy, but it was a great sale! I have a buddy whose Mom is an exec of sorts for Nieman Marcus, and she gets him Hickey Freeman and Armani suits at great prices! I'm jealous...And as for clothing, well. all i can say is if I really wanted to spend $800 or more for a jacket and $400 for pants, I'd go to Nordstroms and buy a Hickey Freedman suit!
Online is a great resource if your dealer doesn't carry what you want. I do like the Fox Creek site, and I almost bought their basic vented racing jacket (with snap sides - don't care for the laces). But I wound up buying a leather jacket from the Fort Worth BMW dealership. It was on a great sale ($300 off from $500, if memory serves) because it was a discontinued item. Quality is top-notch and its got great styling, too. I don't wear it a lot because, for me, textiles are more versatile.I'm old school when it comes to riding apparrel. I like thick leather jackets, deerskin riding gloves, maybe a pair of leather chaps, real leather boots. The small selection of leather riding apparrel available at most motorcycle dealers (except Harley, of course...but then who wants to wear a low quality jacket that also says Harley Davidson all over it!!) almost requires that one use internet sites to find these products (Vansen, Fox Creek Leather, etc).
Two things:So to those of you who think they must always buy everything from their local dealers, well, all I can say is goodby and good luck.
I agree 100%