| Author | Message | ||
     Sprintex |
Found this link over on Sport Touring net. Not sure how much truth there is but interesting anyway. http://dalefranks.com/cycles/?p=995 http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topi c,44119.0.html | ||
| Chalupa |
I just read it and this Dale Franks seems to like to stir the pot for no real reason at all. He also seems to take great offense when someone disagrees with him. He really needs to get a hobby!  | ||
| Tginnh |
I just read all the comments as well and got a chuckle out of several of them. I think the guy made some valid points and observations. Who knows if HD will drop Buell??? As others have posted, it could be a good thing. I personally think the HD/Buell relationship is a queer one, but I understand how it helped Buell get to where it is today. Maybe it's time to move on? Never say never. | ||
| Froggy |
There is a multi page thread on the quick board about it. Dalefranks posts on here too. | ||
| Galloper |
He seems quit full of himself (after reading his "about me" and "Bio"). But hey... I'm just a biased, Buell owning, european. (Message edited by Galloper on September 10, 2009) | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Frank's made some good points, I personally think that the Blast being cubed was a monumental marketing blunder. I could imagine the corporate cultures of each company where worlds apart when HD acquired Buell - and entrepreneurs don't usually integrate well into large corporations. Leaving HD could be a good thing for Erik, Buell, and us, in the long term. . | ||
| Cash |
I think there is more truth in that article then I, as a buell fan/rider, may want to admit.I also don't think Buell can stand alone without HD's financial backing. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
What really surprises me is that Erik Buell is the Enzo Ferrari/Carroll Shelby of the motorcycling world, yet for some reason has never really gotten the mainstream recognition for all of his achievements. I'm being serious here - I don't get it. . | ||
| Nobuell |
I read is Bio as well. I did not see anything that makes him a motorcycle expert. I still do not under stand why the Thunderstorm engine is looked down upon by many. The 103 HP air cooled engine compares favorably to the air cooled engines from the European manufacturers. I do not hear complaints about the 95 HP Ducati, Moto Guzzi or the 110 HP BMW air cooled engines. I think the fact that it is a HD motor incites a desire in them to slam all things associated with the MoCo. I like the simplicity of the air cooled designs. If I did not have the Buell, I would more than likely have another air cooled design. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I don't think Buell is going to fail, if anything, I think they will begin to grow. The 1125 engine will be a big part of their success, but they have to continue to move forward. I am a big fan of twins, but there are merits to an I4 as well. Imagine what Buell could do with an I4 configuration? Humm...can you imagine a mass centralized "trilogy of tech" 600cc Buell competing in the new MotoGP class (the one replacing the 250 class). Just dreaming here....  | ||
| Florida_lime |
Humm...can you imagine a mass centralized "trilogy of tech" 600cc Buell competing in the new MotoGP class (the one replacing the 250 class). Any manufacturer can imagine, but MotoGP2 is a Honda 600 spec engine class only.  | ||
| Chadhargis |
Ah, well, you're right Florida....but rules change. I've found over my years of riding, that unless you are an expert racer, race bikes SUCK to ride. They are hard to ride. A good streetable motor, like the 1125, is a real joy. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Who knows if HD will drop Buell??? they will never drop them, might sell them but never drop Buell! And if they sell the Buell Motorcycle Company, you can bet it will be for BIG bucks!!! | ||
| Tginnh |
they will never drop them, might sell them but never drop Buell! What does that mean? So, if HD sells Buell off they will still be what? Good friends? | ||
| Petereid |
So, if HD sells Buell off they will still be what? Good friends? LOL maybe they'll be "friends with benefits" and keep screwing with each other | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Long term, I think the air-cooled engine's days are numbered, anyway - bite the bullet, make the switch to the 1125 engine across the board, ASAP, have that as your proprietary power plant (de-tuned for the ULY), and move on - whether with or without HD. Buell would be easier to sell off that way, and easier for it to maintain its individuality apart from the HD franchise, while still a subsidiary. I don’t see finding a buyer for Buell as the problem, nor finding dealers to carry Buell. Independence might be the best thing for Buell…..just don’t crush any more bikes in the meantime. . | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Long term, I think the air-cooled engine's days are numbered, anyway I've been hearing that about the Harley-Davidson air-cooled V-twins since the early 1970's. I'll believe it when I see it! | ||
| Thunderbox |
There is not a chance that Buell will drop the air cooled lump. It is their bread and butter. I love the lump, the simplicity of the lump, the sound of the lump the ease of maintaining the lump all lost if the 1125 engine were to replace it. Don't get me wrong the 1125 is a great engine in a bike like the 1125R or 1125CR but the Uly is Buells best seller by far and why would you change your best seller, duh. Not. Change the worst selling bike but not the best. Some people really need a lesson in economics and business sense. You improve what is not selling to sell more of them. Not the opposite way around. | ||
| Tginnh |
NEVER say never... | ||
| Idaho_buelly |
Thunderbox, +1 tp you..I totally agree | ||
| Cyclonedon |
talking about engines, this year at Buell's Homecoming, a group went to tour the Harley motor plant and said that the tour was cut short because of a area blocked-off with a new project they were working on. does anyone know anything about that or what they were going to make there? I didn't see any new engines in Buell or Harleys introduced for the model 2010 year. I'm just wondering if there is still something to be introduced yet this year or early next year. I haven't toured the plant so I don't know anything except what others were saying this year at homecoming. | ||
| Rightpecial |
Maybe the Blast replacement. | ||
| Cash |
I didn't see any new engines in Buell or Harleys introduced for the model 2010 year. I'm just wondering if there is still something to be introduced yet this year or early next year. i would expect that in the next year or two HD will come out with a water cooled big twin, I would think a touring bike makes the most since. With EPA restrictions it only makes since to at least head that direction. On the topic of Buell, I think that if HD could find a buyer for them they would make the deal. The new HD CEO is really trimming the budget and review all expenses, and Buell is a big expense for the motor company. I don't think they will cut Buell but I'm sure its something there looking at. Like any business decision, do the benefits justify the cost? | ||
| Erz |
Not too worried about this but I am worried about the more immediate problem, HD dealers are dropping buell like spent condoms from what I can see. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I don't see how Buell is costing HD anything if Buell is profitable. Now, MV Agusta is another story. Where is that getting Harley Corp other than costing 90 million and taking on their current debt. | ||
| Lens |
I guess that I just cannot see how Buell is able to get any bikes sold with the poor way that HD is handling them. In the past two weeks I've been in 3 HD dealerships (in MO, IA, and MN). So far I've seen a grand total of 6 Buells: 3 used, 1 new 2009 XB12XT, 2 new 2010 1125s. I've always heard the marketing truism that a small inventory indicates either a new business or an ailing business. This kind of support just tells potential buyers that Buell is a fading brand. I sure hope not. Or, am I all wrong and are they are selling so fast that the dealers cannot keep any on the floor? | ||
| Jpl9sx |
I sure hope they don't split, one of the considerations for me going back to a Buell (besides the wonderful Uly) was the close proximity of TWO dealers and the dealer network. I had to drive over 80 miles to get my BMW serviced which either involved spending a day at the dealership or two trips on different days. Having a good local Ducati dealer was another reason I gave the Multistrada a long look. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
I don't see how Buell is costing HD anything if Buell is profitable. Now, MV Agusta is another story. Where is that getting Harley Corp other than costing 90 million and taking on their current debt. Electraglider, I agree! MV Agusta sure didn't make sense for Harley to buy. I have no idea what on earth they plan to do with them either. Sure doesn't fit the typically Harley rider's motorcycle style. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Maybe they spend two months retooling for a 450 cc dirty bike.... Probably not  | ||
| Jammin_joules |
Funny how now it is written "Buell was saddled by Harley to use Sportster motors" when Buell was building tubers with them at a time that Harley had no ownership in the company. |
