| Author | Message | ||
     Nobuell |
I would be interested in an EBR for a track bike if the long term viability of the company somewhat known. I do not want another race bike that I have a hard time getting the race parts for and really have no support for racing applications. | ||
| Court |
I think folks . . . starry eyed over the thought of those inventory bikes, in unknown states of completion, are loosing focus. There are a LOT of commercial issues in play as well as a plethora of tasks that need to be addressed quickly if this train is to get on the rails. Worrying about those bikes is akin to trying to steer a ski boat by watching the wake. Just my PERSONAL opinion. . . . | ||
| Hughlysses |
Court- I think I get what you're saying. Even if they could sell all those bikes at full retail next week it would provide a negligible benefit to the long-term viability of the company. I just think a lot of us are still traumatized by the dumpster photos from when Buell closed and we'd REALLY hate to see the same fate befall these bikes. FWIW, a poster on another forum claimed to have called the receiver's assistant prior to the sale and asked about the bikes at the factory as mentioned in the lots of items to be sold at the auction. He said he was told there were 250 completed bikes plus parts to build another 100, aside from whatever parts were in stock at the factory for use as replacement parts. Bruce seemed to back up that statement with his posts here about his motorcycle collection. (Message edited by Hughlysses on October 07, 2015) | ||
| Court |
Whatever . . . anyone ever see that episode of Magnum P. I. where Magnum is trying to pick the lock to get in and the 2 Dobermans are running, full tilt, across the yard toward him. I learned a great business lesson and Magnum focused on the lock . . . repeating to himself . . . ."don't look back, don't look at the dogs". It's like a motorcycle racer who worries about crashing. As Reg Pridmore used to say . . or maybe it was Keith Code . .. "imagine you have $1.00 to spend . . that's the sum of you attention. It may take $0.37 for steering, $0.45 for throttle and so forth . . . But, if you spend $0.30 worrying about crashing you haven't enough left to tend to the tasks that demand and require your resources". Neither Bruce nor Erik Buell reached this point in their career without knowing how to be myopically focused on success. . . . Just as is prescribed in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People  | ||
| Nobuell |
Between Buell and EBR, people gave been twice burned. The Buell Folks as a result have had to deal with parts scarcities, no dealer support, poor communication at best, orphans to a great extent. I am still amazed by the loyalty out there. Communication regarding the future plans are not a lot to ask for. It does not have to be detailed. 10,000 foot disclosures will go along way. So far we do not know much more than when EBR closed. This makes people nervous and does not promote a positive picture of the future. I have had nothing but Buell for many years. I still love the brand however, no information means a much reduced consideration for next springs purchases. I am currently considering a new platform for next seasons races. KTM and Ductati do quit well. Do I want to go that direction? No, however with either of the brands, I know I can get parts, race equipment and available knowledge on set ups. With EBR, who knows. One thing for sure, no information pushes me in one direction. | ||
| _lightshow |
_lightshow- Could you BE any more cryptic in your posts? Indeed I could; I'll try not to, though. I don't do FB (and won't) so to get filtered information here is a GROSS insult to me, the customer, and to the dealers who have a "stake" in this (sad,so far) game. | ||
| _lightshow |
I will try to ride down to the Green County, NY Court House to see how the Belfer Case is progressing. Will post the results of my excursion _here_. | ||
| Court |
It's GREENE County ..... And don't forget your $7 to pay for the file. | ||
| Reepicheep |
A pent up demand for more information, leading people to give information that isn't yet firm or accurate, just makes a bad situation worse. It is, IMHO, one of the things wrong with our culture today.
From: A Time for Trumpets: The Untold Story of the Battle of the Bulge by Charles B. MacDonald This was written by a journalist that was previously critical of the Army's policy for not releasing early information for publication. We had real journalists then. | ||
| Buellmojo |
What bad situation? Harley Davidson was at fault... no longer in the picture. HERO was at fault... no longer in the picture. Giving true and accurate information is very important!?! | ||
| Bruce_belfer |
Reepicheep, couldn't agree more. Rather than keep everyone guessing, here's the straight skinny: It has been 8 weeks since the AMG acquired the assets of EBR. Although full operations are not yet underway, there has been a great deal of activity behind the scenes. As you may or may not be aware, the Receiver entered into a settlement with HERO just prior to the court date. Although in the long run this is a good thing, in the short run it has caused some delays. At the 11th hour, the HERO settlement excluded some assets that were previously included in the bid, and then the company's assets were relocated between buildings in a less-than-organized fashion, making a proper inventory assessment more complex, and postponing the financing package while it was being sorted out. This literally forced us to re-approve the entire finance picture, re-doing in 8 weeks what had taken 4 months to complete. Essentially, we are still awaiting the final closing, and working with the receiver to get it done. No one is more eager to get going than we are, but there is only one way, the right way, to do so, so that is what is under way. While we are busy finishing up with HERO, the following have also been accomplished: -Incorporated in Wisconsin (Docs filed, tax ID, employer ID, etc. -Set up local bank accounts -Set up employee files -Set up payroll account -Ordered payroll checks -Set up insurance -Restart the website -Fix the phones -Established shipping accounts with freight carriers -Re-validated the inventory -Re-approved the finance package -Set up revised preliminary operating budgets based on actual inventories -Refreshed all financial due diligence. Throughout this period, the core team at EBR is at work and getting paid by AMG. Now that there is an incorporated business in Wisconsin with which to begin doing business, next up are: -Employee re-hiring and placement -Dealer contact and management -Vendor contact and management -Customer contact and management -Race team contact and management -Floor plan contact and management -Social media/Forum/Web management and updates -Warranty related issues -Parts, accessories and merchandise availability and fulfillment -Open order assessment and fulfillment -Restart of production line -New product development Rest assured that EBR has my undivided attention. We know what the dealers want. We know what the owners want. We know what the market wants. We are busting our humps to make sure we can give it to you. Never said it would be easy...never said it would be pretty...but it's getting done. Thanks for your patience. Bruce | ||
| Froggy |
Sounds like things are coming along nice Bruce! | ||
| Airdale |
Thank You Mr. Belfer for all you and EBR elves are doing to bring EBR to be a successful Company You have my support Sir! | ||
| Hughlysses |
Thanks much for the update. Sounds like there was a significant wrinkle in the process that I don't think any of us had thought about. Glad y'all are working through it. | ||
| Submax |
Thanks for the update, Bruce! Kudos to you for all your hard work and for communicating with the Buell faithful directly yourself. From my perspective, that kind of communication is rare and says a lot about who you are and what your are trying to accomplish. Whatever happens...thanks to you and your team for giving it their all! | ||
| Meoff_69 |
This update Mr Belfer is greatly appriciate and assures us actual 1190 owners your dedication to customers is real and a priority. To that we thank you for your hard work | ||
| Buelliedan |
"We know what the dealers want" Really? How do you know that if you have not spoken with them? And turning on the website that still shows 2014 model bikes does you more harm than good IMO. I just do not understand what the new EBR is thinking right now. You say the right things but unless you are planning on some new way to sell the bikes I do not see how you think not communicating with your old dealer network is a good idea Bruce? (Message edited by buelliedan on October 08, 2015) | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Love to hear the news! -Ordered payroll checks Sure would love to have my name on one of those! Have any need for a Marine Corps Veteran that has been riding for over 40 years, former racer, MSF instructor, Iron Butt awarded, WV Buell Rally organizing individual? | ||
| Bruce_belfer |
How do we know what the dealers want? Stevie Wonder can see what the dealers want... Many of you (yourself included) have been quite vocal here and elsewhere, in public and private communications, both before and after the shutdown. We are paying attention. More constructive communications to follow, but first things first. Thanks... | ||
| Lance_z |
Thanks Bruce for the update-it's refreshing to see a business owner who actually has the time to respond to customer and dealer concerns-the thing we need to realize is that grinding through this process is going to take some time-especially with the challenging issues and general housekeeping that needs to be done first. We all want answers, the owners, dealers, and fans-and he's doing much more than most by keeping us "in the loop" but doing it right the first time is the only way to ensure he can make a secure run at customer and dealer concerns. From what I see above, he is going above and beyond what is required, by quite a bit, regarding restarting the company. Patience is going to be key, but he's certainly pushing ahead to achieve his, and our, goals. Best of luck Bruce, thanks for all your effort! | ||
| Bsanorton |
Thanks for the update! All the best on setting the new EBR up. Can you shed some light on your communication with Erik and whether he is helping the effort? | ||
| Bruce_belfer |
Erik is every bit as eager to get going as ever, as is the rest of the team. Back to work now... Bruce | ||
| Ratbuell |
If there's anything I can do from Maryland, between the day job and an alarmingly full gig schedule for my sound company...please don't hesitate! I'm not too bright but I can type fast  . Oh, and I seem to like the product and the people! | ||
| Firemanjim |
Hip-Hip-Hooray!!!!! Good on you Bruce!! | ||
| Carbonfibrebob |
Bruce, Thank you for the updates. I am waiting patiently for the new "Buell" to be up and again producing product. It bothers me every day that I am not currently riding one of Erik's creations. I do have a pedal powered "tuber" that I am working on and will be riding as I wait. Thanks again and good luck to you and all concerned. Bob | ||
| Reepicheep |
Clearly, the corporate lawyer / professional communication nannies aren't on the payroll yet. (Thank goodness)  | ||
| Dennis_c |
I know what to do with the all the EBR bikes at the factory have a big drawing for EBR and Buell owners only.  Every body on the bad web would go for that.  | ||
| Steveford |
Bruce, We prefer to refer to them as Villain. I guess it's no surprise they threw a monkey wrench into the works at the last moment. Best wishes for this venture, I think you'll make it work. Don't forget that we're getting older and like fast touring bikes. | ||
| Coxster |
The American dream is a live and well!! | ||
| Classax |
I like that there is a race team contact in the plan. |
