If you own or patronize a dealership or independent shop that you'd like Sacramento to know more about, let me know about it at: jackon2wheelz@yahoo.com
Name: Harley-Davidson of Sacramento
Owners: Jay and Christine Westbrook
Location: 1000 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA
Brands Sold: Harley-Davidson
Doing Business Since: 1992
What you need to know:
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The Westbrooks became co-owners with Mike Shattuck in 1992, sole owners in October, 2002 and are the 4th owners of “Sac Harley” dating back to 1919. They also owned and operated Elk Grove Harley-Davidson until 2009, when they closed it and consolidated operations (largely at the behest of the Mothership in Milwaukee). Prior to buying Sac Harley, Jay was a District Manager for the Motor Company and Christine’s background runs the gamut from Registered Nurse to licensed Insurance Broker. Clearly, this cross-pollination of experience lends itself well to owning and running such a business.
In the time I spent with the Westbrooks and their staff, a few things really jumped out: One, they are genuinely proud of, and enthusiastic about, what they do. Two, they are really concerned with the satisfaction and well being of their customers and employees. Three, they and their employees have the business, technical and motorcycle acumen necessary to survive (and thrive) in these troubled times.During the guided tour, Jay introduced me to every employee we happened upon. He knew their history with bikes, the company, their families and their personality traits. He had a story to tell for each of them and did so the way a proud uncle brags on the family tree. Similarly, we encountered customers whom he knew by name and they greeted each other with mutual respect.
To say that the sales, parts and accessories area has a cool factor going on is an understatement. Underfoot is an interior grade asphalt floor with polished diamond tread spread about like an area rug. It screams “Cool!” Dang, why didn’t I think of that for my garage?!! Bikes, helmets, accessories and clothing are everywhere. Up above is a mezzanine on three walls with beautiful antique and racing bikes on display plus an adorable little X90 “Shortster” they refuse to part with (I’ve tried). The employees themselves complete the picture, adorned in official and smart-looking Harley wear. No raggy t-shirts or holey jeans in sight. Jay is a military veteran and he & Christine clearly understand the notion of pride in appearance.
As a former service manager myself, I’m not easily impressed with service departments.But the truth is, Sac Harley’s service area is impressive. A quick example: When you want to drop off a bike for service, you ride up to the main double doors, they open automatically and you ride right in. Sweeeeet. The Service area has racks of tires, its own parts department and more than a dozen service bays with built-in lifts. But wait – there’s more! They have their own enclosed dynamometer that looks more like a time travel chamber, and a full service machine shop. When I say “machine shop,” I don’t mean a tire machine, air compressor and bearing press. I mean a full on shop replete with milling machines, lathes, welders and several machines I couldn’t even identify but looked like they did something really cool. When I beheld and entered this tabernacle, I heard angels and nearly wept.
The mad dog in charge of this nirvana is Monty Heath, whom Jay introduced and practically made the poor guy blush for the showering of accolades on his knowledge and experience. Indeed, Monty’s accomplishments extend clear back into the AMF years and the Carter Administration. Monty showed me some of the uber-trick stuff they are doing with suspensions, engines and electronics. It’s impressive. Hmm, that’s the second time I’ve used that word. For a moment it felt like we were in the race paddock at Infineon, given the topics of discussion. Monty and the entire crew know performance and know how to get it. Strange, though, he did not offer to hook me up with a test ride on a 170-horse supercharged bike they are working on. :)Details count. Nowhere is this more clearly demonstrated than the area where new crate bikes are prepped for the sales floor. The Motor Company says the bikes are ready to ride right out of the crate. Westbrooks say “no.” Each new bike gets about 4 hours’ time spent torquing nuts & bolts, tie-wrapping wires, checking wheels & tires, and installing the little harness for a battery tender. The process exudes quality.
As an ancillary but important (IMO) consideration, they are also engaged in charitable and patriotic events within the community and the state. They are the prime sponsor for the Fallen Warriors Memorial Show & Shine and Poker Run May 29th ( reported here last year), involved with the Gun Owners of California and actively promote women in motorcycling, ala the Women's Garage Party a few weeks ago.
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In summary, Harley-Davidson of Sacramento should be at the top of your list when considering the service of your Harley-Davidson, or if you are considering the purchase of any new or used motorcycle or any parts/accessories. The Westbrooks and their staff have the commitment and the experience necessary to guide your servicing and purchasing decisions, today and for your riding years to come.Until next time, stay tuned and upright,
Jack
Comments
The personal attention people get from any business is why the business thrives. I have seen Harley dealers go under; not because of the product but because of the attitude of the owner. I have also seen Harley dealers expand and grow because the owner knew, like the Sac owners, how to treat customers. Customers return to a place like that.
So when are you buying a Harley?
Ha haaa.... Good question. When Harley makes a bonafide sport tourer like my Triumph (and the Concours I owned before that), then I will be in negotiating mode for a new scoot. I'd love to own an American bike. I am very patriotic. But it has to be the right kind of bike with the right kind of performance.
Don't buy from Sac Harley!
I had a bad experience at Sac Harley. After buying a 2009 Road King and having an accessory speedo written into the contract, I never did get the part from them because they kept ordering the wrong one. To make matters worse, they told me to wait for my 1,000 mile service to have the speedo installed because the speedo had to be calibrated at 1,000 miles and that my warranty might be voided if I rode over 1,000 miles without the major service. They called me two days ago to tell me that they have the wrong speedo again but that it fits, so "take it or leave it" and that "I need to make up my mind." They were not waiting for me all this time, I have been waiting for them to get the right part...patiently.
Guess what? Thirteen months later I have 900 miles on the bike and they told me that they are not going to install the part now if they do get it because I was mean to the staff there (when?) and that Eaglemark was having th
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