This is not *quite* a consistent analogy. A better one would be to say that I think only authorized Mercedes dealers should be able to sell a brand new Mercedes...*from Mercedes' point of view*. In other words, I'm saying it *may* be in Mercedes best interest to attempt to have some control over the customer experience, and to make sure that the dealership operates in a way that Mercedes deems is consistent with their vision of the customer experience. This way, if a customer is interested in the "Mercedes experience", they know where to go. I am not at all saying that other people can't work on them. In the tip example, anyone can buy a Kamui tip and put it on a cue, whether for themself or for someone else. If you have someone you like that does tip work, great. However, if you don't, and you are interested in finding someone who does them according to Kamui's advice, and hence you are looking for the "Kamui experience", I see no issue, and in fact many good aspects, of having a network of *authorized* Kamui installers. Do you see a problem with Harley Davidson holding certain standards? I sure hope they do!! As such, what's wrong with "certifying" various mechanics to work on Harley? I imagine this might then allow them to do warranty work, etc. So to use your analogy, you could still go to anyone to fix your bikes or cars. But if you want to have the full support of the manufacturer, do it their way!
I don't see the complexity of the product as a relevant detail. If anything, the *more* complex products would be harder for a manufacturer to support if the customer wishes to "do their own thing". What impact does stuffing a new cam and a supercharger have on your Harley's factory warranty? Especially if some no name guy at the end of your street does it in his garage?
I'm sorry you misunderstood so thoroughly. Not sure if that might be related to you not having a clue...I was not joking. But I have a pretty good ear for sarcasm
I don't know who s&s is. I imagine it is some high end tuner shop? In any case, does Harley Davidson support the work of s&s? If s&s truly does great work, I imagine they would not have too much trouble being authorized by Harley to do work on those bikes?
Smokey, perhaps you are not able to tell the difference in performance between different tip installation techniques. It really isn't particularly difficult to install a tip well, yet so many installers don't do it!! Remember that becoming an authorized installer allows you to buy the tips at a reduced cost. The idea is that Kamui and the authorized installer are entering into a mutual agreement. Is that a bad thing? Your going on and on about this...you could have spent that time becoming an authorized installer. Why don't you just look into that? I'm sure if you call kamuitips.com John would give you the details.
Hope this helps,
KMRUNOUT
