| Author | Message | ||
     Windrider |
Hey Court, I have seen in your posts for some time now that Buell is improving it's dealer network. I wanted to give you a quick summary of my experiences with HD Buell dealers as a new Buell owner. I have tried to keep my emotions out of this and simply give an account of happenings as seen by a first time Buell buyer. - December 05 Bought a new Ulysses -------------------------------- - When I picked it up the mechanic who prepped it said he knew of a guy who could "fix my pipe, to you know, make it sound right"... I though it sounded OK as is?? - The one salesman who knew the Ulysses was off on the day I picked it up. The salesman who went over the bike with me didn't know how to operate the triple tail or where the suspension adjustments were... he basically said, read the manual, you will figure it out. - Within 5 miles of the dealer the right mirror rotated in the wind and hit me in the elbow. Another 2 miles and the left mirror followed. April 06 -------- - Called the local dealer to get the 1K service scheduled. They have a 3-4 week backlog. I was planning a ride to the other side of the state and so I called another dealer and they could me in when I was there. I made an appointment and showed up with the Uly for it's 1K service. I requested that the TPS be reset and the mechanic became angry saying that he has been working on Buells for years and never has to do that. ??? I should have left but let them do the service. When I picked up the bike something is really wrong... the handlebars are bent! I roll it back into the service bay and the service manager looks at it and agrees that the handlebars are bent. After some debate they learn that the guy who cleans the bikes has dropped it and damaged the bars. They decide to take the bars from a bike that they have on the floor and swap them to my bike. My bike has grip heaters and this makes it a complex operation for the HD tech. He spends a lot of time on the wiring. When they roll the bike out they are closing... I have been there all day and now I am riding off into the darkness of a cool April Idaho evening. 2 miles down the road the right mirror hits my elbow. Another couple of miles later the left mirror spins loose as well. I laugh, is there a Buell procedure for adjusting the mirrors? When I get home I notice that they cut the outer cover of the wiring harness and just left it open for water to run in. I fix this myself. Fall 06 ------ - Recalls on both a tall windshield and a the kickstand take a long time to get arranged. I finally find out with the help of Buell CS conferencing on the phone to the dealer that the dealer was trying to order parts for the recalls through the computer and recall parts for Buells have to be ordered via fax. They finally get the parts in and get the work done. When I get my bike home I notice that the belt is tracking to the right... before the recalls it had always ridden the left side of the rear wheel pulley. I still haven't figured this one out yet. Spring 07 -------- - BAS recall. They actually took care of this one pretty good.... I only had to wait at the dealer for about 4 hours for this. Looked like about 15 minutes worth of work to me. Last Week --------- When returning from a cross state business trip I notice that my left fork seal is gone. Oil everywhere. I call the local dealer and they tell me that they have to determine if it is a warranty issue or not. In order to do that they have to see the bike and they can't look it for another 8 days due to their normal service backlog. I ask if they can order the parts and have them on hand and he won't even check until they determine that it is a warranty issue. OK... I am out of town next week so I ask if I can leave the bike and he says that it is likely to get damaged in their storage area because they have so many bikes there and people are always moving them around. I can hardly believe that we are having a real conversation at this point. I tell him that this won't work for me and I will just fix it myself. He seems relieved and happily hangs up. I go out to my shop and pull the fork tubes myself and take them down to a local suspension shop that does good work. I am going to pay to have my Buell fixed for a failure that should be covered under warranty. I actually feel good about this because I know the guy who runs the suspension shop and know that he does good work. I also have an issue with the cooling fan that just popped up. It is running real erratically. I will try to have the dealer look at that in early April and already have an appointment setup for that. In my experiences the Buell dealer network is the worst that I have ever experienced for any automotive product in my life. They are setup to deal with HD products and they have little to no interest in the Buell product line. IMHO Buell needs to go to independent dealers that actually care about Buell products and Buell customers. Even after the troubles that I have had with the dealer network I still LOVE that Uly. It is the best motorcycle that I have ever owned and incredibly versatile. I really hope that the situation will improve in the future but I don't see any change at all in the last 2 years from my vantage point. I think that with a better dealer network Buell could do much better in the marketplace and I hope that Buell takes this seriously because I want to continue to ride Buell motorcycles into the future. | ||
| Court |
The dealer network, in my opinion, is the single greatest problem Buell faces. Your observations, I am saddened to report, are not unusual. There is some improvement. Unfortunately rather than all dealers improving what has happened is that some dealers, seeing opportunity, have become very good. There are some things that desperately need to be done. One of the problems relates back to the old adage "when you are a hammer, every problem looks like a nail". I'm yet to be convinced that, using Harley-Davidson traditional thinking, that a solution will arrive soon. Here is where it gets good. The moment I say something like that someone at Juneau beats there chest and yells "look at our results, what's wrong with HD?". My response . . "NOTHING, you guys are geniuses. You know your product, your market and your customer better than anyone in the business". But you need to LOOK at the Buell customer and not presume that having the same number of wheels on the bike makes them cognitively congruent to a HD owner. The problem is exacerbated when they attempt to "think outside the box" yet recruit from inside the box. There is a solution. I think it's fairly clear to folks like Reg Kittrelle and I that you can't work an equation in millimeters and meters and expect an answer in feet and inches. There is great reluctance to so much as listening to outside thinking. I should say that there has been in the past. There is some new leadership at Buell that has the capacity and leadership skills to change that. Again, I'm confident and hope to be part of the solution. The soto voce' "get an independent dealer network" is, in my opinion, not a viable choice at this time. Would you open a motorcycle shop, say put up $500,000 to sell 5 bikes a year? The numbers, at this point, don't support the business model. If it were me, I'd do something like introduce a dirt bike. They are inexpensive, compared to street bikes, have wider appeal, make an excellent entry point to a range and could change the numbers enough to create a viable business model . . . .  By the way . . . Thank you for your comments. | ||
| Naustin |
Until the numbers do change, I think HD dealers should be forced to carry Buell and treat Buell owners no differently than if they were riding ElectraGlides. There should be secret audits by undercover Buell employees who show up with simply problems like a mis-calibrated TPS, or a worn tire - and then grade the service they receive. Any dealer that screws up should have its HD inventory curtailed as punishment. If they can't service a Buell, they shouldn't be allowed to sell HDs. That'll get their attention. And, Wille G. should personally tell the bad dealers that they can suck eggs if they don't like it and trade their franchise in for Victory. It's not like taking care of those 5 Buell customers per year is going to kill them. Crack the whip already. What are they afraid of? (Message edited by naustin on March 25, 2007) | ||
| Naustin |
PS - If my above post rings ridiculous in Milwaukee, then Harley Davidson should sell Buell to General Motors or Ford. Show me one Ford or Chevy dealer that couldn't find space in their showroom for some bikes. I already feel like I'd be more comfortable taking my bike to a Chevy/Ford dealer than a Harley dealer. Sure, they'll overcharge me for semi-competent labor just the same, but at least they won't ••••••• insult me in the process. | ||
| Windrider |
Court, Thanks for your thoughtful response. I think, however, that Buell is overlooking the independent dealer network. While you are right that it would be difficult to survive on Buell sales alone, there are already dealers out there who could simply add Buell to existing product lines. Most successful independents have 2-6 lines of motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes and snowmobiles to survive. Adding Buell to the mix would not be that difficult for most to achieve. I have been approached by riders on Ducatis, BMWs, and Triumphs to get a closer look at my Ulyssess. Obviously, these are the types of riders that are also interested in Buell, therefore putting Buells in the same showroom could reach the same demographics and increase sales. I have never seen a HD rider show anything but confusion when looking at the Buell. And hey, if you can adjust the desmodromic valve train on a Ducati, becoming a competent wrench on a Buell is a cinch! Here in Idaho, which is a great place to sell dual sport bikes, my local HD dealer, who has tremendous sales in the HD line can not even sell Ulys! They still have leftover 06 Ulys on the floor. This in a town where the local Kawasaki dealer sells 60 KLR650s before they even arrive. As you said, they know the HD customer and get great results in that market, but don't seem to understand the Buell motorcycle, or the Buell customer, or have any concern at all for fulfilling that slice of the motorcycle market. The dirt bike is a nice idea, and I would love to see Buell develop a more dirt oriented dual sport bike, but where are you going to sell and service it??? If you can't get the HD dealer network interested in the current Buell line I see even less success with a dirt bike..... unless you are proposing that Buell is planning on breaking away from HD with the rollout of the dirt bike?? Thanks for listening and Happy Trails. | ||
| Naustin |
HD would rather see Buell fail and write the whole thing off as a loss than let the other guys down the road sell them. Unfortunately, this selfish greedy sentiment gets watered down a little here and spiked a little there, and by the time it reaches the dealerships and filters down to the monkeys in the service department, the original feeling has morphed into a corporate directive that: "Buell must fail". 1%ers and HD technicians can't handle more than a 3 syllable sentence you see. "Lea-ther good" See there's another one. So the shop guys start kicking bikes over and leaving bad oil in the bikes instead of changing it and all the normal stuff we Buell owners are used to. (Message edited by naustin on March 25, 2007) | ||
| Court |
Several quick thoughts . . . then out the door. It's not as easy putting them in other dealerships as it may appear. Imagine, just close your eyes for a minute, that you are the guy who spotted $1,000,000 cash and a $1,000,000 LOC for your HD dealership . . now carrying Buell. You enter into a legal contract. . . quid pro go as we call it in the business. You give Bill Evers something, he gives you something. Now ol' Bill comes along and give Danny Downthestreet, the local Honda dealer, the Buell line. Along with it, of course, must go parts and tech support ergo access to the HD dealer network, computer system, etc. Danny can now order the parts for a number of HD. Yeah. . . it's a gross generalization and explaining it is not a solution. . . it gets pretty good when you introduce ego, personalities and huge financial consequences. Naustin. . . that, although great guy chatter over a brew or two, is completely inaccurate. There are real problems, a need for real solutions and side trips consume time and energy in my opinion. Court | ||
| Xb12xscpa |
I thought since I had bad-mouthed a Buell Dealer/service department in the past, that my current post would be of a great experience with a service department a little farther down the road. Maybe discussion/knowledge of the good dealers will force others to bring their service and support of Buell riders up to acceptable standards. I recently put my Uly in for 5K service, 2 recalls, and new tires. I was asked for my VIN when I made the drop off appointment. I was informed this way the bike didn't have to sit for upwards of 2 weeks waiting on parts from Buell or the local dealer to order them on a scheduled day. (bulk ordering if needed saves the dealer shipping costs) Anyway, dropped the bike off a week later and was told could be a week and a half because the parts weren't in for the recall yet. Not a problem, at least they shared this info with me instead of holding it back. They had the bike 5 days, got the call, bike is ready for pick up. The price we quoted you is higher than your bill. What time would you like to pick it up? I was treated like a true customer not a thorn, because I ride a Buell. Gentleman behind the desk (Chuck) kept me informed throughout the service, made sure I was happy with the cleanliness of the bike, and the service I received. I thanked him for the quick turn around and he stated that they don't hear that enough, they only ever hear the grumps. So that's why I thought I'd write this. Point is, there are good dealers out there and we should support them. Maybe the idea will get across (hopeful yet being realistic) and the service will improve. Buell of Frederick was the servicing dealer this time. Thanks guys! | ||
| Court |
Isn't it amazing that the very things that serve to make a good dealer a GREAT dealer cost the dealer and the customer nearly nothing. Tough act to follow . . congratulations. I love hearing things like this. | ||
| Naustin |
I think BWB should have a list pinned up somewhere of GOOD dealers just like we have the RAN list. When a BWB member has a good experience at a dealer, the dealer should be given credit. The dealer should maybe even get a post card - a 99 cent jobber is all - informing them that bwb has listed them as a "good dealer" and to be aware of it so that their good treatment of Buellers continues - and maybe they even discover this site. Buellers should make it a point when they visit these dealers to let them know they heard about them at BWB. Removing a dealer from the "good dealer" list should require at least 3 independent reports of poor service because people like me have have short tempers and high expectations.  I've been talking about a customer service audit project for a while now - but it occurs to me now that BWB is the perfect organization to take this project on! Nick EDIT HEY BLAKE - PS - I would be personally willing to volunteer time to help organize this project, write and mail post cards, etc. (Message edited by naustin on March 29, 2007) (Message edited by naustin on March 29, 2007) | ||
| Wakkagud |
I have a 2001 Blast and sent my bike in for service back in November. Got it back in December with the new front rotor and carb problem fixed. My first chance to ride was a few weeks ago and it still runs the same as before. Cutting out while idling or going down the road. Waited almost a week for the dealership to come pick my bike up to fix what should've been fixed already. | ||
| Wile_ecoyote |
Sure you wouldnt like to try a different dealer? If not satisfied one time I move on. Each time trying to convey my problem in a non combatitive way. Never badmouthing last guy just letting my fears be noted. I tend to ask, "if its not right after you work on it what are my options?" Will you make it good? That lets them know you are not gonna put up with the B.S. . I have wrenched for a local guy who deals MotoGuzzi. You want picky? Talk to the guy who spent 13 thou on a bike that has 5 recalls on it and its not even uncrated. You try to understand but communicate always came first. Its a two way street. As a customer your job is to be open for suggestions on problems that reappear. I.E. NO ONE is perfect. Even that guy behind the counter selling you the bike. Headaches are just that, your's, mine and his. Convey the situation well and expect to be advised. Most dealers will understand and work with you. If not, move on noting last dealers treatment. Just food for thoughtfrom someone who has seen both sides of the coin. Thankyou for listening........Mattu | ||
| Rd3501 |
Its been a while since I had the blast but I think your problem is the boot that goes around the carb. It tends to crack and let extra air in and this might be the problem. Have them take a look at how tight it is sealing...and made sure they have the right timing set on the bike.. | ||
| Naustin |
+1 on intake boot failure. Easy fix. +100 on switching dealers. | ||
| Wile_ecoyote |
I agree on the boot. Did some research on previous problems I've had and in my notes came up with that possibly leaking air and a timing issue. Most are computer controlled to a point. May also ask them to check valve clearance. Unfamiliar with the Blast motor, is it hydraulic valve train too? Hope it all works out for you, best wishes..........Mattu | ||
| Buell920 |
so here's my 2 cents from the other side of the counter. don't flame until you read this and re-read it. I started out at a young age racing motocross. I was looking for a part time job to put gas in the tank and a discount on tires. I had happened into a job at a local H-D shop washing bikes. as time went on I found to enjoy working on bikes. at the time I had never heard of Buell because the local dealer did not support or sell the product. After a Summer dealer meeting the owner came back from the show and was sharing with his wife a story about "Erik was there againe trying to get people to buy 1 yes 1 of his bikes again". Not quit understanding how a guy could sell his bikes at a H-D show I looked into it. Flip forward about 2 years and low and behold a gentleman came in to the shop who had moved to the area with a Buell. the service writer ( at that time was a parts man too) told him we don't like those bikes and will not service it. as the man smiled and walked away I shot out the side door and started asking him questions about the bike. he was happy to share a little about it and asked if I new how to service a XL engine. 3 hours later I was at his house with wrenchs in hand looking it over and reading the service manual (wich reminds me the v-rod rear pulley is nothing new to Buell) fast forward a couple more years and many services later I was out on my M2 loving life. as time went on I moved from service to service writer, to parts person to salesman, and a little time in motorclothes. then later on back to service manager. all the time watching Erik move forward and never give up. for the past 8 years I have seen many Buell owners get poor treatment and made up answers. I also have had the same bad treatment at dealerships. as time passed I heared more and more about how Buell should do this or that, how H-D is getting ready to close it down next year. yet Buell grows stronger each year. for 10 years I have been a Buell nut. I have read all the service manuals like there best sellers. watched people like AL at American sport bike grow. tried to get to know as many Buell owners as I can that come to the store. Then one day last Aug it finally hit me. This is were you the customers play the biggest part. I had a customer come in with one of the first FLHTCU's we had sold and started asking question about his new security system, the GPS unit in the radio and how to set it up. Also how to link his cell phone with the radio. I was waiting for the coffee cup holder question. not quite sure on all of the answers I asked him if I could go get the service manual, and a copy of the owners manual to try to help him. he said he had no time to stand around and look up the answer. but just as he was saying this one of the employees that had the same bike walked in. I quickly grabbed him and introduced them to each other. Then walked around the corner to review some paper work. as the conversation came to a end I could hear the customer SLAMING me and how stupid I was. He could not believe that I was employed at a dealership. ( I am probably getting slammed as a idiot on some other Bagger board). then it hit me. why in the world would this guy think I would know everything about his bike. I love Buell's. I study Buell's, I ride Buell's, I knew from the start of the conversation I could not help but as my job requires I tried to help find the answers. what I getting at is we as owners need not write Buell and complain about crappy people behind the service,parts, or sales counter. we intern need to call our local Buell shops and let the owners/General managers know we need a "Buell consultant" like the fry consultant.....?....sorry CHROME consultant. a single person in each dealership that rides, ENJOYS, and can help the Buell owners. lets be real, our bikes share hardly anything in common with the Harleys any more. our EFI system is so far off from H-D DELPHI system you could even say.....you get the point. I truly believe that each dealer has at least one Buell enthusiast in it. they may work in motorclothes, F&I, how knows. FIND THEM, ask them your questions. leave a note for them to call you later so you can order the correct part the first time. do what it takes to help them HELP YOU. then let the owners know how great that person is and recommend to that they should be the Buell consultant. do the same in your service department. give the tech a thank you when the service is done right even if it's only installing a Bulb. we can change things for ourselves but we must do it ourselves. (Message edited by buell920 on April 06, 2007) | ||
| Ratbuell |
Buell920: AMEN. jgoetz@hdoffrederick.com I don't have access to the "discount" button, but I'll be willing to bet I can get you the right parts...at least as quickly as I can get BMC to ship 'em to us, anyway. I work in Sales, but I have EPC on my terminal too. And for the record...the Nav system isn't the most intuitive (due to the lack of faceplate real estate - not enough buttons), and the Bluetooth is a PITA. Nevermind that I get on my bikes to make SURE I can't be reached!!  | ||
| Wile_ecoyote |
Nicely written gents, I'll agree on all points made except one. I actually have witnessed a hostile environment against Buells at a local dealer. What a piece of ---- why'd you buy that? Where's the bags for it? I thought it was ajoke and tried to roll with it but these were HD "PURISTS" . I think it may be hard to convince someone like this to hire a Buell guy on. | ||
| Naustin |
You should have kicked their chome hippo bikes over. "Purists" and racists are inflicted with the same disease as far as I'm concerned. Goddamn evil, small-minded needle dicks. (Message edited by naustin on April 06, 2007) | ||
| Ridrx |
I'm going to throw out an idea that may have been addressed already, so bear with me. There is a local Victory dealer that also carries Suzuki products. When you enter the store there are three counters...one for Victory parts/service and one for Suzuki parts/service and one for checking out your purchases. Now, would it be entirely impossible to put a small (3')counter in the HD dealer just for us? A Buell guy with Buell parts books/software/recalls/etc at the counter and a separate 1-4 bay(depending on shop size)Buell only service area...that gives me the warm fuzzies. They could hang the Buell parts behind the women's underwear (takes up one whole wall at my dealer?,I thought they sold BIKES?). A staff of two or three Buell guys, in stock parts, no more Mr.Chrome working on your Buell, and I bet the "purists" would be just as happy not having to deal with "us". | ||
| Wile_ecoyote |
I'll buy that Naustin. Although I'm atoning for my hostile youth. I walk a different path after being in the Army during Desert Storm. Hippo Bikes. I like it. I like the idea of a separate counter. That makes alot of sense. Sure would bring my faith up to par. Erik, are you listening? I think the "Motor Company" might not like the competition. I also think it may be a kick to the ego of those narrow minded purists to see someone enjoy a bike other than a HD. I dont care what anybody rides as long as its 2 wheeled. Love em all. | ||
| Wile_ecoyote |
BTW, Court hope you dont mind our conversation on your thread. It is a very valid point though. We all are grateful for you'r input also. | ||
| Ratbuell |
The only problem I can see (as a dealership employee) with the seperate counter - and I personally LOVE the idea - is the relative lack of traffic. Buell is coming along as a brand and in popularity, but they're nowhere near the 600+ annual allotment of bikes we move for HD at HDF. From the dealer principal point of view: numbers = dollars, dollars = staying in business. Needle-sized-appendages or not, "we" really don't care about that...only about the wallet. Crass as it sounds, it's the Materialistic Way (go, capitalism) and it sucks. On the flip side, I am rediscovering the love I used to have for motorcycles. Yes, my FLHP is comfortable and great for long rides and offers great protection from the elements, etc. etc. With all the money I've put into performance (10.5:1 forged pistons, ported/polished/big valve heads, .570" lift cam, singlefire ignition, etc etc) it actually runs pretty damn well for an old, 60k mile Evo. But I'm SICK of hearing "why don't you have more chrome?" My first bike was a 99 M2 (I know...late starter); loved it to death, sold it for insurance reasons (too many driving awards). Bought the FLHP, stayed out of trouble for a few years, became a better rider (I can run that FLH through battletrax faster than lots of guys on tubers and XBs)...bought my S1W last spring and rediscovered what I'd been missing. And now...I'm currently persuing selling the FLHP so I can get a nice S2/3 with bags to take its place. Why? The PEOPLE. We (Buellers) actually care about what makes a bike WORK, and about RIDING. The vast majority of the HD customer base cares about...chrome. Image. Fashion. While all that has its place....it's not for me. I want more Buellers in my dealership. I want to sell bikes to RIDERS. I just wish I was further up the Management Food Chain at work, and could do something about it  Everyone keep working on your servicing dealer. Remember, they have the *option* whether to carry the Buell line or not. Make it worth their time to invest in you as a customer. It really is a two-way-street, and seeing letters like the one above from XB12xscpa give me a little inspiration that it could actually happen. Some (maybe lots?) of us really are trying, I promise! | ||
| V11goose |
As a "Probably about to be a Buell (Ulysses) owner" and site lurker I've read this thread with interest. I have a few comments from the perspective of a person who has visited a lot of H-D/ Buell dealerships, owns a Harley (2006 Roadglide) and has also had some conversations with a few non-Buell H-D shop owners. First, the Buell or no Buell option isn't really a choice, HD is, or was, leaning very hard on HD shops to carry Buells. I had one shop owner say she was ready to go to court to stop HD from "Shoving what I don't want down my throat". Given that situation and the poor sales/ low profit from the Buells I don't find it hard to understand why some shops treat Buells and their owners owners like a problem rather then valued customers. In this environment Buells are nothing but a cost of doing business, not much different from the janitorial service that sweeps the floors and cleans the bathroom. The owner just wants to deal with the problem for as little money as possible. As much as I agree with Ratbuell's other comments I doubt these dealers have a "Buell guy" on the staff. What I do agree with is the support the good dealers statements. The dealerships that want to carry Buells and do a good job should be supported. In my way of thinking every dollar spent is a vote. Spend money at a bad dealer and you are voting for bad dealers. Yesterday I visited a Harley-Buell dealership (Ventura H-D) and spoke to a sales woman who owned and rode Buells. I've had similar experiences (even better, actually) at Fremont HD-Buell. I'd say that may be because they also carry Hondas and Kawasakis. Spend your money at a good shop and you are voting for the success of that shop. Living in the boonnies I know it isn't always as simple as it sounds, my nearest dealer is over 100 miles away. I may wind up traveling 200 miles to support a better dealer. A real PITA but I'll choose to spend my "votes" with people who will take care of me, not just the one who happens to be closest. For whatever small thing my opinion is worth I think the day of reckoning is coming for the really bad HD shops. I'm not saying HD is going into the tank or anything like that but some statistics I've seen recently indicate the days when anything with the bar and shield logo could be sold for twice what it is worth are coming to an end. As always, the good shops will survive and even prosper but I'm hoping some of the bad ones will be forced to improve or close. My HD shop (Santa Maria HD) has, so far, treated me well and I'm happy to do business with them. Another, slightly closer, HD shop has treated some friends rather poorly, I think they may be coming to an "attitude adjustment" in the future. JMHO, Goose | ||
| Court |
>>>>at least as quickly as I can get BMC to ship 'em to us, anyway. That shouldn't be a problem. Buell is shipping all orders within 24 hours of receipt. I'm eager to read the rest of this thread, but will be later in the week when I get time. Good discussion. Court | ||
| Buellshyter |
For whatever small thing my opinion is worth I think the day of reckoning is coming for the really bad HD shops. I'm not saying HD is going into the tank or anything like that but some statistics I've seen recently indicate the days when anything with the bar and shield logo could be sold for twice what it is worth are coming to an end. From what I've read, HD is aggressively marketing their products in Europe and looking towards China. If those plans succeed, America and not just Buell may become an afterthought for HD. | ||
| Court |
>>>America and not just Buell may become an afterthought for HD. That won't happen. There is a huge diffenence in a market not being the largest for demand for a product and therefore imputing that the market is ignored. That's akin to me saying my youngest son is ignored because he's smaller, younger or whatever. Nearly unrelated elements in the commercial scheme of things. In addition (Dora help me out here) if HD is going to aggresviely pursue the Asian market they'll need to shed some NIH weight and learn new skills in terms of marketing, research, how they interact with dealers, customer and media. They, in that respect, need to ADD to their skills not allocate them amongst various markets and cultures. Buell sells the MAJORITY of it's motorcycles overseas and if you had to put your finger on the globe and point to the single company country responsible for Buell being here today . . . . well, you'd be nowhere near the United States. In fact, in the last year one of the biggest (and quietest) Buell developments took place in a interesting country far, far away that has no Buell dealers. The world, commerence and the way cultures relate is changing. Bonus points for the smart . . . folks with pre-conceived long held stereotypes would be better served wearing cognitive leg weights. That's my take. . . Court | ||
| Buellshyter |
Court, you used to be a lineman or maybe still are. You know a contractor always takes care of their best clients ( the ones that write the big checks) first, all things being equal. You loving all your children equally is motivated by love - not by profit. Certainly, HD isn't going to abandon the U.S. market but demographics play an important role in product development and corporate focus. The concept Sportster spotted in Europe is an example of that. As I recall in reading, the styling is meant to appeal to a European audience. We all know the average age of HD's customers has been rising. I believe HD is a company in transition and is willing to explore new or rediscovered frontiers. Products like the V-Rod, the acquisition of Buell, the resurrection of a dirt bike line, the above mentioned Sportster all point to a corporate consciousness that things can't remain the same. | ||
| Court |
I pretty much agree. The next challenge will be to see who the emerging leader is that can teach them that you can't go on a trip and stay at home. That Sportster was there for other reasons as well. . . don't hold your breath on it seeing the light of day. Harley-Davidson is at, or rapidly approaching a very interesting chapter, for some of the reasons you touched on, in their history. The firm is led by folks who were passengers for the most part. . . they SAW it done. They were put in a very comfy place. Like all of us once your there it's quite difficult to leave or even think about leaving. There is a tremendous amount of corporate inertia . . a company at rest tends to stay at rest. Some of the innovative and creative thinkers who see the next wave of opportunities risk being seen as "trying to screw things up". There are a boat load of folks making a boat load of money at present. . . if they are less than keen about embracing a "we have to think about doing something different" you can understand. The first sign of problems is an obsession with profit. . . not getting it, but keeping it. By that I mean, rather that generate profit you look to create it internally by shedding certain costs. . . Covey kind of hit on this with his P/PC analysis . . it's the old golden egg story. The talent is in place. What I think is wanting is the champion. . the Teerlink, the Bleustein . . the element of true leaders. Some of the folks at the helm now are from the "Gawd man . . don't touch that dial". That's where you get "outside the box" B.R.A.G. staff that walked from the box across the hall. They tend to do things that they are familiar with, witness some of the recent event scenarios . . There's good news for Buell. In the big mix of things Jon Flickinger got tossed the Buell-ball to run with. Flick has smarts, gained from years with Ford and 11 years with HD and he's got the guts and conviction to do what's right. You're seeing some of the fruit off this tree lately. It's going to be a fun and interesting time in the coming 36 months. If it helps you . . . . I bought more stock this morning. | ||
| Bomber |
there is nothing on the planet more conservative than a successful business person -- it takes a great deal to bring change to an organization that views itself as successful, and, certainly, HDI is successful on many levels, and for many reasons it'll be fun to watch, and be part of, I'm certain! |
