Chuck Page had crashed his beloved 2002 Road King® , leaving both he and the bike damaged. For the rest of his story:

The bike repair estimate came back at a tidy $9,000.00. Just under the amount for totalling the bike. After deductible, I was in possession of an $8600.00 insurance check and a damaged 2002 Road King®. What to do? Before the accident, I had planned on selling it and buying a new Road Glide®. How could I go without a bike for the eight-week repair period? Enter Ron K. to the rescue, buying the Road King® to fix and use as a commute-to-work bike.

This freed me to buy a new Road Glide®. I liked the bike and Robin had been lobbying for a while for a tour pack with a "Queen Seat" . I checked out all the Southern California Harley® dealers for the best deal and guess who has the best price?

The best deal in Southern California is our own sponsoring dealership - Bartels' Harley-Davidson of Marina del Rey. This gave me a chance to give back to a dealer that supports our chapter so well. And it was a pleasant, stress-free, money-saving experience. Let me tell you how it happened.

I walked into Bartels' and talked with Forrest and Jorge (I could have spoken to either) . I told them I was a member of LA#1 HOG and that I wanted to give them first crack at the sale. Jorge went to a shelf behind his desk and opened a copy of HOG Snorts and read me the deal: $250.00 under MSRP; $100.00 store credit; 15% off of clothing and accessories purchased on the date the bike was purchased; and FREE 1000 mile service.

But, I said, I wanted a stock Road Glide®; not one all chromed up. No problem, they said. I decided on a color; they checked to see when the next one would be coming in; and that was that. No muss, no fuss, no hassle.

I put down my deposit and two days later picked up my 2006 stock Road Glide® (one has just arrived before I came in to talk with them). When I picked it up, Jorge introduced me to Scott in Parts Department and he helped me order the exact custom parts that I wanted.

I have purchased a lot of vehicles in my 54 years. And I never had such an enjoyable experience. When it was over, I came away from the experience with not only a new Road Glide®, but with also a new set of friends.

There are three keys to successfully negotiating the LA#1 HOG pricing from Bartels': First, go in and talk to Forrest or Jorge personally. They will set you up with the pricing. No muss, no fuss. Second, tell them what you want. If you want the chromed up bike on the floor, fine. If you want a stock bike that you can customize (with your 15% off on the date of pickup), fine. I had been one of those people who would walk into Bartels' and see all the chromed up bikes. I never asked if I could get a stock one. When I asked, no problem, the next available one was mine. Third and most important, have fun. I almost spoiled my experience by thinking it was too good to be true. But it wasn't too good to be true. Just true. Once I realized it was true, the party was on and I could really enjoy it.

I can't say enough how pleased I am with my Bartels' experience. Not only do they sponsor our chapter with newsletter printing costs, and gift certificates, they also make purchasing a motorcycle as much fun as riding one. My thanks to Bill, Merle, Forrest and Jorge.

On another note. When you see me on my new 2006 Bartels Road Glide®, check out my new jacket and helmet. I vowed that I would not crash again without full-face helmet and body armor. I purchased the new Harley® jacket with elbow, shoulder, and back armor. It has zip-off panels to make (used with electronic) an all-weather jacket. I also purchased the Harley® flip up full-face helmet. If I must wear a full-face, this one is a functional and comfortable model. Stop by and see Ellie in MotorClothes® and ask her to show you Chuck's jacket.

Til next time, have fun, ride safe, and don't crash on any rocks.