| Author | Message | ||
     Captainkirk |
In shock and disbelief, I sent Erik an email last night sometime after midnight. This morning, by 8:00 AM I already had a personal reply from Erik showing his appreciation and as customary, his concerns were for his employees and we Buell owners, that he would be able to provide parts and support for US!....on probably what may be the darkest day of his life. A true gentleman. And a true American! | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
Court thank you for your efforts in keeping us informed. I know you're "just A construction worker" and that you really go above the call of duty for Erik and all your friends in the Buell world. So thanks. | ||
| Tricklidz |
Where are these $4K Buells? | ||
| Eryngium |
It occurred to me this afternoon that there's a real philosophical problem here. Let me first say that I'm sure there are many good people in the HD organization. I'm not here to point fingers, but least of all at them. They're doing their jobs just like the rest of us. In fact, I don't see anyone to point fingers at. And I'm not here to bash HD either, so if I fail to give credit where credit is due, I sincerely apologize. The philosophical "problem" is representative of what seems to be a sad attitude in our consumer culture. The sad reality is that Harley survived while Buell got axed because we like image and marketing - we don't demand substance. Here's the part that may sound anti-Harley, but isn't intended to be. My observation is that there has been little innovation at Harley in years. They appear to be little more than image. From what I see, very little changes on Harley's year to year beyond paint schemes and chrome packages. They can't afford to change much. They need to remain the same to remain recognizable or people won't buy t-shirts. And that's what Harley seems to be to me - a t-shirt and leather jacket company that makes bikes. That's why I didn't buy one. I never considered it. Everyone in Wisconsin has a Harley. I didn't want to be like everyone else. And now they seem to be a contradiction of the very image they continue to push. I saw an ad today that said "Freedom to be a Badass." Unfortunately badasses don't spend enough money to keep a huge machine like that afloat. I don't recall seeing a badass meter in the dealership last time I was there. The only thing you have to prove is your credit-worthiness. It seems to be all about image. We're willing to pay (A LOT!) for the image, hollow as it may be. And then there's Buell. Buell represents all those things Harley wants us to believe they are - the outsider, the original, substance, independent thought. How's that for representative of who we are - Harley survives today because they have unparalleled marketers and Buell risks extinction because it didn't market well enough. In the end it wasn't the bikes that cast the deciding vote, it appears to have been t-shirts. | ||
| Tricklidz |
Eryngium, All correct points. My theory ever since I attended Daytona Bike week (with my Buell) and witnessed what my GF labeled the "costume party" on Main Street. Seems all the "rebels", individualist "bad asses" look and dress alike!! Hmmmmmmm...... BUT, some don't conform and WE "RIDE" Buells (and Ducatis, Aprillas, etc) because we prefer to be different than the sheep (even the "bad ass" sheep). Like Harley owners are what to say.."If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand!"  | ||
| A10tankkill |
Ditto the above. I've never been a big cruiser, leather bags, tassels from the handlebars( I really don't get that) person. The Buell hit it right for me and it was American made. Even made less than 60 miles from home! Ticks me off the bike I was trying to get all summer, and then resaving for next year, is going away. I tried to get a hold of the wife today to give me a ride down to Uke's to grab one of the $3995 deals, but she was in meetings all day.^%$& I'll have to call around tommorow, but I don't think in the Milwaukee area there are any left approaching that price, which I could do now. I know what it is to have a job go away, and I feel for those people and Mr. Buell and his family, and wish them the best. Even though I haven't made it to owner of a Buell, I think I'll send a card anyway. | ||
| Hooper |
Yes, BUT, there's something really FUN about riding a cruiser with some attitude. And a cruiser with attitude means something aggressive with some classic qualifications, such as looks, engine, feel, riding position, etc. I started on a cruiser. Even though I eventually went to a Uly, I wanted to get back to a cruiser for other rides. And I found that the best example of that was a Harley. However, I peeled the nameplates off. What does that say? | ||
| Court |
Excellent and insightful comments . . . I totally dig reading your guys' thoughts. Interesting how much you can learn from each other. There is a lot going on and rays of light are showing . . . . spirits are on the mend and hopefully I'll get some sleep tonight. You guys are great and I assure you that your kind words, thoughts and support ARE making a difference. I got to talk to a lot of folks today and it aways bothers me that it takes something like this to be reminded of how much support there is. You guys and gals are super! Court | ||
| Dennis355 |
Court, I am new to this website but a dedicated Buell rider. All of this really sucks. I am an older racer not going anywhere in the sport but living out my dreams. Racing a Buell is what keeps me getting up for work to go to my job so I can race. I have an XB9R race bike and a few months ago got a 08 1125 R and have been part by part getting it ready to race next year.I know H-D will continue to supply stock parts but what about the race parts I get from Henry? Nobody seems to have that answer. | ||
| Geforce |
Court... I went out to the range again this morning in beautiful WSMR, NM to continue testing our new weapon system. I needed to blow off some steam and vent a little so I grabbed some spray paint from one of the techs and climbed on top of a T-72 remote controlled tank and painted up a big bar and shield... The chaos that commenced afterwards was most pleasing... We sent the tank down the strip and I armed the system and with much anger held my finger above the launch button and said... "This is for Erik and the Elves..." The following flash of brilliant light from the explosion was truly amazing. The adrenaline rush I had was also nice. But I'll be damned if the warhead didn't go smack dab in the middle of the bar I painted and there wasn't much left of anything but molten chunks of metal and smoldering debris. Unfortunately, I CAN NOT post pictures and we were not allowed to take any. But rest assured there was some form of "farewell" on our part for this "sillyness" as I have been calling it. Rest assured I am not upset at the HD riders or dealers. In fact I called my dealership today and had a convo with the owner who is both shocked and truly upset about this whole ordeal just as we are. He also truly believes in Buell and the machines we ride. What I have been enraged with just as most of us are...is the lack of a "sell" option on their behalf. If you could just do me one big favor and pass that along when you get a chance. That test was dedicated to EB and the Elves. Please tell them I am very sorry for not being able to provide a before and after picture but that is absolutely not allowed. We believe, we will survive, and we will ride again. | ||
| Court |
Cory . . . you do understand that I am going to have to frisk you before allowing you into Homecoming next year right?  "No tanks allowed" | ||
| Geforce |
Awww shucks... I won't bring it, I promise.  | ||
| Indy_bueller |
Aw c'mon. Just a little one. | ||
| Bigredwood |
Court, Thank you for the 'personal' insight. Please thank the Elves and Erik. Similar to most, I found happiness riding one of their creations. To the folks of BadWeb . . . I found some great humor in the management of the big HD today . . . See . . . Erik Buell has always been interesting to me. I heard of his bikes in the late 90's. I even laughed at a friend's S1. But then I rode that S1. It isn't something different about a Buell . . . It is something that is just right. So I began to discover Erik Buell's story and the history of his endeavor to build sport bikes. In my mind, Erik was the first 'true' revolutionist of motorcycles in America. We were stuck in the same tired idea for a long time. The rest of the planet moved forward with sport bikes as we held tight to a XR750. When I talk of the man who's name is on my bike, I hold him in the presence of some of the biggest contributors to our modern motorcycles. - He has always shown the 'never-give-up' attitude and thirst for more like Burt Munro. - He has given innovations that can be considered as groundbreaking as John Britten's. - He started building frames/bikes around the motors he could get . . . similar to Massimo Tamburini. But after a day of decompressing from the fact that this great engineer was 'fired'. (In general that in what it comes down to.) I realized that Harley-Davidson has bigger problems then Buell. In a single year they fired Massimo Tamburini, fired Erik Buell, dissolved Buell, have to sell MV Agusta and lost more money than . . . well a lot of profit. The simple fact that they fired both Tamburini and Buell in the same year has started a gigglefest in my head. The man who created two of the greatest sportbikes of all time (Ducati 916 / MV Agusta F4) and the man that has a fan base that you just have to join once you have ridden a Buell. Better yet, these two men have endured more hard times and setbacks in their quest for the 'great' sport motorcycle. Harley Davidson management hasn't made but one good decision in my mind. They set Erik Buell free. I find great anticipation in the coming years. When everyone said sportbikes were the best they could be . . . John Britten gave us the V1100. The bike that was built by hand in a garage and scared every major brand at Daytona in 1991. When it was said that Massimo Tamburini had given all he had to Ducati in the 916 . . . he gave us the MV Agusta F4. It has styling and power that has constantly been coveted by others, yet body lines remain the same since 1997. With the help of Elves, What will Erik do next? We as Buell owners will finally get what we deserve. With our loyalty and pride for our Buells, we will finally get a motorcycle with complete backing. I believe Court is correct. This isn't the end, but a beginning. I packed a tent and await the opening of the next 'Erik Buell' motorcycle and possible dealership. I don't know when, how, or where it will happen. But Believe Me . . . along with several of you . . . I Will Be There! | ||
| Cyclone8u |
My letter to Erik. It's going in the mail today. Dear Erik I want to first express my deepest sympathy to you, your family and the employees of Buell. I know that this is probably one of the more difficult times you've faced, but as Court Canfield has pointed out not the worst. I've been a part of Buell's history for nearly half of its short existence, and have savored every moment. I currently own two of your fine motorcycles and plan on more in the future. My wife has recently left me, so I know first hand the pain of having something your passionate about ripped away from you. But as I will pick myself up and move on to bigger and better things, I'm sure you will too. My plan is to go racing next spring, and I plan on doing it on a Buell. One of the fondest memories in my entire life was the day I got to spend with you and six other Buell riders riding through the White Mountains of New Hampshire a little over ten years ago. I remember your enthusiasm for your motorcycles, your passion for innovation and the smile that you wore like the rest of us while riding your creation. Watching the video of your announcement brought tears to my eyes, and I certainly look forward to the day when we can watch a video of you with that smile once again making an announcement of something positive. Because, like thousands of others out there, I'm convinced that there will be positive news coming from you on the other side of this dark cloud. If there is anything that myself or any of the thousands of Buell enthusiasts out there can do for you and your team of innovative employees, please let us know. Court has been very good at getting us the up to date information to us, without rumor and speculation, through BedWeb. We all look forward to doing what we can to help get you and your team through this difficult time, and we all sincerely hope that this will be a mere footnote in the history of the bike carrying your name. Sincerely, John S. Washington II | ||
| Ourdee |
before allowing you into Homecoming next year right Court, When is Homecoming 2010? | ||
| Curtyd |
Do you think we can get the square-FOUR two-stroke motor back in street tune (I know, THAT may be impossible)??? DAMN, I guess that's why I'm driving this big KAWASAKI today since 2 years ago. | ||
| Dano_12s |
With 360 billionaire's in the US I think there has to be one of them that is a motorcyclist,just waiting for a great opportunity! | ||
| Court |
>>>Court, When is Homecoming 2010? I've kinda tossed that one to Steve and Tony. I don't have time to manage the process at the moment but the two of them have the experience, contacts and know how. When they decide, they'll let us know. I'll be there. >>>With 360 billionaire's in the US I think there has to be one of them that is a motorcyclist,just waiting for a great opportunity! There are. I got two calls Thursday. Money is not a problem. | ||
| Tbenson |
I thought some of you would like to read these articles? Quoted from another Forum: The worst aspect of this is that while the MOCO is putting MV Augusta up for sale it is closing Buell -- apparently locking away Erik Buell's ideas, designs, and even his name. He made a deal with the Devil in order to get the capital he needed to pursue his dream. Buell was doomed from the beginning. While scattered Harley dealerships "got it," most didn't want the bikes and didn't understand them or the type of riders riders attracted to Buells. Many potential Buell customers were ignored or treated like crap when sales people learned they weren't interested in a $20,000 billet barge. Dealerships stuck Buells in dark corners or back rooms and didn't stock basic parts. Buell enthusiasts have put up with a lot of shit over the years -- and a lot of it came from the people who were supposed to be "family." But they stayed loyal to the brand because they are "funner than Hell" to ride, in spite of the bike's quirks and poor dealership support. The Devil just called in his markers and it smacks of desperation. Got a few minutes? Read these articles. http://hellforleathermagazine.com/20....html#comme nts http://hellforleathermagazine.com/20...n-to-erik.h tml After you do, you'll probably come to the conclusion that MOCO management is clueless. The CEO's statements are little more than incomprehensible double speak. Gotta love this quote: "We also know Harley-Davidson has strong relevance as a lifestyle brand beyond the dedicated motorcyclist. Some people may never ride a bike yet are strong enthusiasts." His "plan" after shutting down the only forward thinking and innovative part of the business and offering for sale a part that should have never been purchased to begin with is to further "leverage" the brand, whatever the Hell that means. Be sure to let us know how leveraging a "lifestyle brand" to non-motorcyclists works out for you. Speaking of leverage.... Quoted from the second article: "Indeed, Harley isn't killing Buell because it's unprofitable, it's killing Buell because it wants to invest every last penny back into Harley to save that brand from possible failure. It's not actually sales that are Harley's biggest problem -- although they can't help -- it's the troubled finance wing. Harley's practice of giving sub-prime motorcycle loans to unsuitable candidates has bit the company in its proverbial ass, forcing Harley to borrow $1 billion in operating capitol at 15%. That's only enough money to see it through to the end of the year. So far this year, revenue at Harley is only down 17 percent, yet net income has fallen 71.4 percent." It is interesting [and ironic] that the MOCO management feels that Buell is so dependent on the Harley-Davidson infrastructure that it has no value outside of it and doesn't believe they could find a buyer. In the opinion of many, the Harley-Davidson corporate culture and infrastructure is largely responsible for Buells' failure to realize its potential. Put it on the market and see if it gets a buyer. The American employees at Buell deserve the same chance as the Italian workers of MV Augusta, no? If he wishes it, release Erik Buell from any non-compete clauses and free up his intellectual property and his name. If your plans include making more large cruisers based on decades old designs and aggressively marketing more Chinese made clothing and silly accessories that have nothing to do with motorcycles, you probably aren't going to need ZTL brakes, fuel in the frame, underslung mufflers, and Rotax engines, are you? If you find a buyer, a few million dollars you weren't expecting might fund the golden parachutes you are going to need when Warren Buffett comes looking for his money in a few months. Buffet will probably end up owning Harley-Davidson in six months to a year, buying it at a deep discount. This was probably his plan all along. You think things are are screwed up now, wait until Buffet's bean counters from Omaha get a hold of the MOCO. I've seen first hand what happens. It ain't pretty. The death of Buell is just a precursor to the bigger show, I'm afraid. Yeah, the economy is in the crapper but the MOCO management doesn't seem to have much of a plan to position the company to survive the storm or thrive in its aftermath. Buell was the sacrificial canary in the coal mine. End quote! ________________________________________ Some insight there? Again, optimism is what it is, and facts are what they are, left on the table for you to play Judge and Jury! Troy | ||
| Eulysses |
Guys...new to Buell (love it) here but old to biz world. Lots of good people trying to make things work at HD. Lots of good thinking here on Court's thread. My take? HD should have let Eric race earlier...and marketed this unique brand through independent dealers needing an American brand to offset the all the foreign stuff. Lots of American guys shop those stores who don't buy into black leather. HD could have eaten their cake too. It is not over. It will actually take death to bring new life here. The tax value of "killing" the brand this year for HD is significant. In 2010...suddenly Buell is an asset again...either for sale or remake. If the non-black leather American baby boomer can see this thing (and economy is allowing spending again)...it will fly like an eagle. I saw the Uly by accident. Hanging with a buddy while he was drooling on an orange Evo...but not interested in the whole Harley culture thing. Wandered over to a t-shirt section and saw these Buells for the first time. Immediately I said to a parts guy "this thing looks like it would fit me...what is it?" Sat on it...absorbing the numbers he pitched...got a ride 3 days later. What a bike. Bought the Uly and had NO intention of a new motorcycle (putting on my DR 650). The market has not been touched. "Buell sales by accident" has been the marketing plan. So...as an old biznis guy...watch for the phoenix to rise...it is all there...just needs redialing. (Message edited by Eulysses on October 17, 2009) | ||
| Rainman |
There are patents associated with the "Trilogy of Tech" upon which our bikes are based, but there are no patents on the concepts. New drawing board, new challenges to the same problems. H-D don't want no sportbikes, so maybe we'll see something out there. Can-Am, perhaps? I will not give up until they pry my cold, frozen fingers from around my Blast's throttle. | ||
| Jumpinjewels |
As I read all of this it brings tears to my eyes. I truly have become a Buell Addict. My hubby can only shake his head. I LOVE this bike. As a matter of fact we just put money down on a Black 1125CR. I was planning on getting one next year....but we'll be picking it up next Sat. The dealership was so busy getting the Buells they sold out the door today that we told them we can wait Better things to come and our prayers are with Erik and the Elves. We can't say in words how much we appreciate you and your concept. | ||
| Teach |
Maybe HD will be using the Buell technology to produce it's own sportbike. Since it would have "HD" on the tank, it might encourage HD sales people to be more motivated to make the sale. Any racing success then would be "Harleys" and attract the attention of the younger riders. As these "younger riders" age, they would transition to the Harley cruiser scene. Just spitballin' here. | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Teach, that make more sense then anything I have read in the last three days. Bob | ||
| Court |
It's starting . . .   | ||
| Court |
Interesting. I'll be eager to see who they get to do this. After the development disaster on the XR1200 perhaps they'll be in a better position to try to engineer and produce a sportier bike. I'd call it a long shot. Shame they "released" so many of their talented engineering talent (I mean the HD engineers they got rid of, not the Buell folks). HD is stuck in their old ways are are just sure they can recapture another motorcycle "gang" mentality. I'm not sure that'll work with leather marked MADE IN CHINA and poor workmanship. Harley lacks the leadership. | ||
| Cataract2 |
After you do, you'll probably come to the conclusion that MOCO management is clueless. The CEO's statements are little more than incomprehensible double speak. Gotta love this quote: "We also know Harley-Davidson has strong relevance as a lifestyle brand beyond the dedicated motorcyclist. Some people may never ride a bike yet are strong enthusiasts." His "plan" after shutting down the only forward thinking and innovative part of the business and offering for sale a part that should have never been purchased to begin with is to further "leverage" the brand, whatever the Hell that means. Be sure to let us know how leveraging a "lifestyle brand" to non-motorcyclists works out for you. Does anyone else this AMF years when they read this coming from the HD execs? Seriously, are we going to start seeing HD boats again? HD plungers? Oh, wait, we already do see of those things. Seriously, these guys are retarded. They already leverage the name. What the heck more do they want or think they can do with it? | ||
| Madduck |
Careful here I am in the market for a motorhome and Holiday Rambler used to be part of that AMF bandwagon. | ||
| Eulysses |
Wisdom would be to restart the asset in 2010 and market through independent dealers (but backed by Harley) and sales would be many times more than through HD stores. HD stores have said who they are...the leather/chrome gang. That is the niche and well defined. But these bikes are hot...and belong in hot bike stores. Really simple. After this tax season though. |
