| Author | Message | ||
     Mad_doctor |
Does anyone have any Idea, on what the next phase of Buell is? I hope Erik and backers are able to put something together. I think there are enough Buell lovers out here to help keep the dream machine alive. I know times are tight, but with toys like this, it helps you unwind, and forget your troubles for a few miles. I would be willing to help out in any way I could, But we need to know what is happening in the background. | ||
| Conchop |
Who saw this train-wreck coming. Tightening your belt in hard times is understandable. Pulling up your bootstraps [ like HD did in 81] is the American thing to do. But don't hold your breath. This management team has a questionable business logic. Sub prime HD motorcycle sales financing put these guys in the toilet. That might be fine IF times are good and there are few re-pops. However, if times get bad, the bank of HD has egg on its face. All for some fast numbers and quarterly bonuses on top! Now this. Its a slap in the face. The value of our bikes just tanked, HD appears weak and stupid, and a progressive American success story cannot seem to repeat itself. Pathetic. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Guys, go to the "Court in Session" forum and read the "Tomorrow is a big day" thread. Big things are happening already. Harley may be through with Buell, but Buell ain't done by a long shot. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
""Big things are happening already. "" I read 'Tomarrow' and I keep hearing this statement - but what big things are actually happening? What am I missing here? . | ||
| Hughlysses |
Well, according to Badweb's resident sage of all things Buell, Erik was already working on a plan by COB last Thursday. This same sage had been contacted by two investment bankers with ample funds interested in investing in Erik Buell. Several posters with business backgrounds see definite opportunities for Buell's assets based on some of the legalease/business-speak language in the statements made by Harley last week. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
""Well, according to Badweb's resident sage of all things Buell, Erik was already working on a plan by COB last Thursday."" Okay, Erik has a plan ... that's a good thing, I guess. ""Several posters with business backgrounds see definite opportunities for Buell's assets based on some of the legalease/business-speak language in the statements made by Harley last week."" '...definite opportunities' ... as opposed to what, indefinite opportunities? Buell’s assets are Harley’s assets – Erik doesn’t own nor control Buell. Although, HD saying they were 'not' going to sell Buell, could be a hard-ball ploy, of some sort. Or perhaps they actually 'need' the write-down ($125,000,000)...Who Knows? Anyway, does all of this "Big Things Happening" stuff really come down to some sort of spiritual ‘belief’ type thingy or Kool-Aid?  . | ||
| Hughlysses |
Read the thread and tell me what you think. I'm hopeful. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
The more I think about this, I have to ask myself, what does Harley Davidson actually have to sell here? The Buell Name? Intellectual Property (patents, etc.)? The Manufacturing Process? The Tooling? The Distribution Network? The Plant/Real Estate? Good Will? The Skilled Workers? What? Has Buell been a profitable company over the last 10-11 years or so? Is there a sustainable income stream to justify the purchase? I need some business-types to enlighten me here.... please. . | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Hey Hughlysses Just so you know, I am hopeful as well - My XB12X has been the perfect bike for me, I have enjoyed every moment riding it (8,700 flawless miles) and I want to see Erik continue to keep making these great bikes. John . | ||
| Hughlysses |
John- No problem. It's easy to get caught up in what could be. Good idea to have somebody here asking reasonable questions about what's possible. Hugh | ||
| Atoms |
This is perhaps an obvious response from officials in the county where the factory is, but it is at least a tiny bit encouraging. http://gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-news/2009/oc t/17/walworth-county-officials-hope-retain-motorcy cle-c/ I absolutely love my Uly, and I would love to see Buell carry on somehow. But if the company gets resurrected and decides to take this opportunity to dump the air cooled motor, I'd probably start looking for a Guzzi or an airhead GS or something. (Message edited by atoms on October 19, 2009) | ||
| Johnboy777 |
I saw the article, and what concerns me is that it seems to be spearheaded by the local Chamber and Economic Development Agency. These are great agencies, I’m sure, but at the end of the day, any continuation of the Buell marque needs to make sound economic sense, hopefully spearheaded by a group with a background in manufacturing. In addition, commercial money is next to impossible to get at this point in time - (here in the northeast at least), banks are calling loans and credit lines on businesses that are AAA, because they don't want the exposure. Commercial loan delinquencies are climbing and forget about start up money. Two of our larger banks here (Key and Huntington), who historically have been active in commercial lending have stopped loaning on commercial/business. EDIT: Reality sucks - I'm gonna go back to sarcasm and wisecracks from now on. . (Message edited by johnboy777 on October 19, 2009) | ||
| Hughlysses |
In addition, commercial money is next to impossible to get at this point in time Evidently not- extracted from a response from Court in this thread: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/17/ 503482.html?1255966150
| ||
| Conchop |
Its all about making money. Buell motorcycles are widgits in the eye of the dollar bill. HD is blowing it. Can a Buell management team do what HD did in 81? I was once a motorcycle dealer. Its a very dangerous business world out there now. It takes a lot of clever people working together to put together a profitable plan. It takes wizzardry to see long into the future. It is really up to us - the clientele. Would you buy a new Buell if they were to build one? Chances are, most of us would. I planned to buy the Rotax Uly if it were built. If there is DEMAND, the money will respond. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Wake me up when you you get a 'Letter of Undestanding' ...unless they (billionaires) are a member of the 'lucky sperm club', chances are they got there by making sound business investments. On the other hand, they'd have the money for a very expensive hobby. . |
