| Author | Message | ||
     Cruisin |
So a lot of the people I ride with are on older BMW's, Guzzi's, and Ducati's. One in particular (Guy) rides a 1978 MotoGuzzi SP 1000 with over 200,000 miles on it. He runs knobby enduro tires on it for traction anywhere. Now, you'd have to know Guy to understand, but he's a little on the strange side. He pulls a 6 foot camping trailer with all his gear down any road, including some forest access roads. He doesn't own a car. For the winter (in Conn.) he has a side hack that he runs. No, that's not the strange side...you'd have to meet him for that. I mention to him that Buell has a new "adventure sport" bike and point him in the direction of the website. After looking at the features, specs, pics, etc...the comment? "Nice bike...I'd buy one if I won the lottery." For someone like that to say they'd own one, Buell did something quite right. As it is with all Buells, you either love the look or hate it, but it's a damn fun bike. | ||
| Cruisin |
The above comment was reinforced by the fact that he sent me a custom wallpaper he made. He immediately downloaded all the wallpapers available of the Ulysses, and now this.  Full size: http://www.xb12r.com/images/UlysessFlower-WP.jpg | ||
| Court |
I am certain that the dealers I am talking to are not a statistically representative sample, but it appears, once you get outside the world of Badweb, that many XB12X's are getting snatched up and some are already seeing some "within the intended use of the vehicle" action. I predict that at least 50% of those who buy the XB12X, this year, will have never owned a Harley-Davidson or Buell product before. Takers? | ||
| Southern Marine |
Court, you have some gmail.  I'd definitely own two Buells if I could, my 12R and the 12X. Right now, I think I would seriously consider swapping my R for an X. Then again, if I can mount those bags to my R, who knows. | ||
| Ingemar |
You're not alone, SM. I'm seriously considering a trade next year. | ||
| 2hogs |
Court, Am I alone? Mine should be here next month and I have a '03 Road Glide and a '05 Night Train. Not sure about keeping all 3 bikes. But if the XB12X is as good as I think, the N. Train would be sold. I've even talked to a friend who is a mechanical engineer about providing insight for removable side and top case mounts that could mount either the factory or aftermarket cases. Maybe just 3 short tabs on the bike when the brackets are removed! Cheers | ||
| Court |
You are not alone. The first wave of "hey, this could replace my HD" was reported in Colorado. Based on reports coming from the staff at the Buell indoor show at Sturgis, the trend is continuing. | ||
| 2hogs |
Cool. Hopefully strong consumer interest will result in a strong customer base and allow Buell to expand the line in the future. | ||
| Bbstacker |
I can see myself scratching and begging for all the O/T I can get. I gotta get a 12X, but there is no way I'm giving up the 9R to do it. | ||
| U4euh |
I knew I should have invested. Dam... | ||
| Jlnance |
The first wave of "hey, this could replace my HD" was reported in Colorado.  I suspect that wasn't exactly what HD was aiming for when they purchased Buell. | ||
| Chopperboy |
I wonder if Buell will provide us "Buell Loyalists" with any special incentives to purchase new models like the XBX? I would think that Eric would want to keep us around and develop some kind of loyalty purchase program for those of us who have owned five or more Buells over the years and continuned to be loyal to the brand? Anyone else agree? Maybe Court could run block on this? | ||
| Bomber |
chopperboy -- as you know, it ain't Buell that makes decisions, like that -- it's HDI, them that distributes the bikes that Buell makes as for incentives, they've hurt a lot of industries, and, besides, why cut the rpice on womething you can't keep in stock? I'd love a break on the price of a Uly, believe me, but, as a capitalist, I can't see a reason to give me one, ya know? | ||
| Midknyte |
the best incentive is all of this continued improvement | ||
| Tripper |
I WILL NOT DUMP MY S1 FOR THE ULYSSES I WILL NOT DUMP MY S1 FOR THE ULYSSES I WILL NOT DUMP MY S1 FOR THE ULYSSES I WILL NOT DUMP MY S1 FOR THE ULYSSES I WILL NOT DUMP MY S1 FOR THE ULYSSES I WILL NOT DUMP MY S1 FOR THE ULYSSES I WILL NOT DUMP MY S1 FOR THE ULYSSES I WILL NOT DUMP MY S1 FOR THE ULYSSES | ||
| Glitch |
I hear an S1 calling "Glitch...save me....I wanna go back to the south....I wanna be with the 3%ers....Tripper is in love with another....Glitch...save me....save me..." | ||
| Bonesbuell |
Damn Hippies! Now you're using Buells to getcha through your flower patches and clean running streams. Out to the mountains to see the little squirrels! HAHA, gonna love chasin critters through the valleys and forests. | ||
| Chopperboy |
Guys, Just feel that all of us who have lived through, what I call, "Teething Problems" should be appreciated. I believe that Buell did some sort of incentive back in '98 that ended up getting diluted? I know I received a letter in the mail for $500 or $1000 off the negotiated price?? You know, I may still have it, will look tonight. I agree that all of the improvements are some satisfaction but I also know that my local HD-Buell dealer will command list everytime they can, especially on a new XBX. Note to digress but I think what HD is doing to S&S is really stinky. Maybe HD can't remember as far back as 1981 when they were on the ropes?? JMO.  Todd | ||
| Court |
>>>>I wonder if Buell will provide us "Buell Loyalists" with any special incentives to purchase new models like the XBX? A couple thoughts. . . Sales incentives and the likes are the domain of Buell DISTRIBUTION Corporation, a separate entity from Buell Motorcycle Company. My guess is that the initial interest in the 2006 range will spell little in terms of actual "sales" incentives. But, and this will mean different things to different folks, I can assure you that many good people worked VERY hard on the new Buell lineup for 2006. You can not begin (I think I may need to do a tale on this) to realize how much testing, sweat, tears, victories and defeats this process involves. For what it's worth, I can offer, on behalf of these folks, a HUGE "Thank you" for your continued confidence, input and loyalty. The folks who, for obvious reasons can't and don't post their days work on the internet, are tickled pink at the reception the bikes are getting. Each Buell is built as if it was going to be paid for, at the end of the line, by the very folks turning the wrenches. For a GOOD glimpse, don't miss Abe Askenazi's video clip (see the DEVELOPMENT VIDEO) at www.Buell.com. Nothing really hits home like THANK YOU. Court | ||
| Chopperboy |
Court, You are right, "THANKS" does mean a lot to me and all of the other Loyalist. | ||
| Buellgrrrl |
I spent the weekend camping with the WI Guzzi folks at their rally- they're an open minded and friendly lot that appreciates Buell and any other good bike. Thus I would not be surprised at all to see a few Ulys joining Guzzis in garages. The BMW GS riders are another matter, fanaticly devoted to their GS's despite their problems. They get real defensive around Buells, resulting in my getting booted from two BMW lists for saying anything positive about my Buell. The KTM riders are hard core and would be riding GSs if they were looking for a more road oriented bike. That leaves us Buelligans as the major potential market. I must admit the Uly looks tempting, but my 2001 M2L with 34K miles is probaby worth maybe $3000. Besides, I've got three years left on the extended warranty and I want to be the first rider to put 100,000 miles on a Buell without pulling the heads or cracking the cases. So yes, some incentives from Buell might put a new Uly in my garage before 2008. In the meantime some of those Uly parts look lke they'll fit my M2L... | ||
| Court |
I don't see the Ulysses as making much of a dent in the GS market...it will destroy the, now winged and floundering F650. The Guzzi folks are a unique group. Remember, I am from Kansas the de facto world HQ of all Guzzi owners. I suspect that over 50% of the XB12X sales will be to folks who have never sat or ridden on a Buell or Harley-Davidson. U.S. sales will be a drop in the bucket compared to European. Court | ||
| Duck |
I just sold my Guzzi Quota :>  to help buy my XB12X and I will be riding it to the Michigan, Kentucky and Nevada Guzzi rallies. I know it will be well recieved there. Guzzi folks appreciate bikes that are "different" | ||
| Old_mil |
Personally, I think the Uly will poach GS sales. It is, after all, a solid $5000 cheaper. | ||
| Slippy |
Coming from a dealership, your incentive to buy another Buell should come from the dealer. Parts discount and whatnot. As for it killing the GS market, dont think it will do that. As we know BMW, KTM, Triumph ect.. customers are very loyal. Plus the last person I want to deal with is someone who owned a BMW and is now dealing with me! I came from a import dealer and in my own they are the worst to deal with. Since we have had the XB12X on the floor, it has been a nonstop parade of dual-sport bikers coming to see it. Most sitting on it and leaving with a grin. I just wish they would stay off my bike! |
