| Author | Message | ||
     Theshinenz |
So why did Court delete his post? Posted by Court on Friday, November 13, 2015 - 08:13 am: >>>>I found your elf dust comment hilarious. As did I. The "age of Buell" was fun but, in all candor, the Elves are scattered, our day is past and it was a blast. I suspect there is going to be a significant undertaking to reconcile "Erik's vision", as he approaches 70 . . with "Bruce's $$". Bottom line is that Bruce owns it and has the final say in the direction. I, at this point, am unconvinced they even intend to reenter the motorcycle market. Bruce may, wisely, have bought himself the physical assets to move his expensive New Jersey fabrication operations to a a venue rich with inexpensive and talented labor pool. As one who's waited for more than 4 years for even a hint of what the AX is going to be . . . .I've simply lost interest. There was a time that The Elves could almost do the impossible . . . from rapid product development . . . to shattering Bonneville speed records. This times were fun . . but so were the Beatles at Shea Stadium. The Elves are now trying to decide when to take social security benefits and debating if it's best to buy an RV or build a weekend home in Vermont. Trying to get back to where we were . . would be akin to me trying to perform my high bar routine from when I was a champion all-around gymnast. | ||
| Buelliedan |
As I said the lack of communication from EBR has pretty much forced me to give up the idea of remaining an EBR dealer. I hope they have a good idea of how to somehow rise up again but the longer they wait the harder it will be. | ||
| Buelliedan |
Wow, I missed Courts post before he deleted it but now that I have seen it I have to say it is probably the most insightful thing he has ever posted here! | ||
| 86bgn |
"You just have no idea the complexities involved in selling, registering, servicing, warranty, parts, etc that is involved in the sale of brand new motorcycles. All of that cost money so how is that going to make the price of the bike cheaper" I do have a idea... I used to be a powersports dealer. EBR could set up a Customer Sales center in their state, or a private company that could be contracted to do all of the titling. They still need to be on the manufactures lists in each state that trickles down to each county. If they are technically selling all the bikes in the USA, I would say maybe a fee of say $250 a bike would be appropriate. Me the customer, could purchase the bike from them, they could then ship it to me. If I had say, 3 authorized repair facilities in my area that would be great. Then if there are warranty claims, service or parts that I need I would feel great. I bet right now I can find 3 shops just in my area that would be game, and provide better service than any dealer. | ||
| Buelliedan |
"I do have a idea... I used to be a powersports dealer." Powersports does not require titles so you really do not. At least here in CO it is 2 totally different worlds in what is required to sell on road vehicles vs. powersports. "I bet right now I can find 3 shops just in my area that would be game, and provide better service than any dealer." Like I said call them and ask them if they will work on a 2009 Buell 1125r much less an EBR. These bikes are way too complex and require too many specialized tools for just any shop to work on them much less assume the liabilty should they F up while trying to fix it. I am done talking now. Maybe you should call the new EBR and give them your suggestions. | ||
| 86bgn |
Motorcycles are not included in powersports? I was a new vehicle dealer, titles and all. And I called two, they said no problem on the 1125. Hopefully EBR is reading the suggestions and someone starts thinking a little outside of the norm. I bet there were a lot of great dealers out there, and some in it for the right reasons. I bet a lot are in it just to make a dollar too. I don't think EBR could ever really be Honda, but I do think they can easily be way more than what Buell was, and I thought that was pretty awesome. They need to put a new spin on things, and be able to stay the course while it matures. Once everyone knows they are here to stay, you can get one easily, for the right price, and have service and parts available, they will sell. Really, it was always Buells customers, Riding Clubs, bike nights, and ads that spread the word before anyway. | ||
| Buelliedan |
I suspect there is going to be a significant undertaking to reconcile "Erik's vision", as he approaches 70 . . with "Bruce's $$" Why do the words "I'm too old to put up with this sh!t" keep coming to mind when I read this?  | ||
| Buelliedan |
"And I called two, they said no problem on the 1125." really? Give me the shops names and I will call them to confirm what you are saying I actually get a lot of e-mails from Buell owners around the country asking if I know where they can get their water cooled Buells worked on and I would like to compile a list of shops so I can refer them. You are near Kansas City right? (Message edited by buelliedan on November 13, 2015) | ||
| 86bgn |
Really? This may be the funniest thing I have ever heard.... You honestly think that no one will work on a 1125? I am thinking about giving you the names, but not sure I would want to drag them into what has turned into some kind of great internet debate. It may not be bad PR for them, but I am just not sure lol | ||
| Buelliedan |
sounds like you never did call any shops if you are unwilling to give me their names. It's a very simple request and if what you are saying is true it would only help the shops involved. Why would me calling them to confirm what you are saying be a bad thing as it could only bring them new business? I can tell you that I am the only shop in CO and WY anymore that will work on a Buell 1125. I get them brought to me from all over the 2 states as no-one else will touch them. I actually have other shops call me quite often asking if I will work on them. (Message edited by buelliedan on November 13, 2015) | ||
| Hughlysses |
On a related note, I just saw on Facebook where Rider's Hill, the EBR (and other brands) dealer in Dahlonega, GA (near Suches) is closing before the end of the year. I wonder what they'll charge for their EBRs? | ||
| Buelliedan |
I wonder how much of Riders Hill closing has to do with the demise of EBR? | ||
| 86bgn |
Chaotic Customs, Kansas City North will look at your 1125? Let me know, I can find you another one if you want.... | ||
| Hughlysses |
I wonder how much of Riders Hill closing has to do with the demise of EBR? That's a good question. They were dealers for Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, EBR, and maybe another brand or two. When I was last there in March 2015, shortly before the axe fell, they had quite a few EBR's still in stock:  There were at least a couple more outside under their "porch". Having that much inventory of almost-impossible-to-sell bikes can't have helped them any. | ||
| 86bgn |
Actually, your right, i guess i didn't realize there was such a shortage of good shops around.... If anyone needs any Buell work done in KC, i would take it up to them. Great shop, reasonable priced, and they do quality work. You wont be disappointed. https://www.facebook.com/bigtwinscycles/ (Message edited by 86bgn on November 13, 2015) | ||
| Buelliedan |
I just got off the phone with Chaotic Customs in KC and I owe you an apology 86. The owner sounds like a great guy and he said yes he would be willing to try to work on an 1125 if needed and he has some factory connections to help for stuff he does not know. If anybody with a water cooled Buell or EBR in the KC area needs some work done please give them a call. Perahps we should start a list here on the forum of shops around the country that we can confirm are willing to work on the water cooled Buells. (Message edited by buelliedan on November 13, 2015) | ||
| Buelliedan |
wow at least 6 EBRS sitting at at Riders Hill!! I can see how having that much inventory contributed to their demise. On average each EBR cost about $200 a month just for floor planning so that would be over $1,200 a month loss. | ||
| 86bgn |
"wow at least 6 EBRS sitting at at Riders Hill!! I can see how having that much inventory contributed to their demise. On average each EBR cost about $200 a month just for floor planning so that would be over $1,200 a month loss." That really sucks.. How many do you have? Can you guys not legally sell them? | ||
| Buelliedan |
I luckily only have 1 sitting here that I paid for up front, not on floor plan. Unfortunately I cannot sell it right now as it only has an MSO and EBR is not recognized by the state of CO to get a tile issued. | ||
| 86bgn |
So how does that work? Not questioning you, but I don't understand the law. When the motorcycle was built, EBR was recognized as a manufacture for that year, make and model. Is it different than if I try to buy a studebaker, or delorean still on a mso? | ||
| Buelliedan |
it is all about politics unfortunately. The state controls the titling so they can make the rules. I am just a very small fish when it comes to a vehicle dealer in CO. | ||
| Steveford |
Couldn't you Title it to yourself as the purchaser, pay the taxes and sell it as a used bike? That's bizarre to own something and not be able to resell it. | ||
| Buelliedan |
"Couldn't you Title it to yourself as the purchaser, pay the taxes and sell it as a used bike?" Yes I can do that but it will cost me almost $1,000 in taxes and fees to do that for a bike that I would be lucky to sell for $8,000 at this point. I would lose around $8,000 if I did that. Honestly it is better financially to take a loss on my books and just use the bike for parts then it would be to try to sell it. This is why so many EBR dealers are so bitter. I am lucky in that I am out less than $20,000. I know of several dealers that are going to lose more than $100,000 this year because of the EBR closure. Many of these dealerships are small like Riders Hill and that is just too much of a hit to absorb in one year. (Message edited by buelliedan on November 13, 2015) | ||
| Hughlysses |
Their current inventory shows 5 bikes in stock (3 RX's and 2 SX's), but they had at least 7 and maybe 8 when we were there in March. I believe they had a demo event a couple of weeks after March Badness too. Here's there current inventory of EBR's according to their website: http://www.ridershill.com/inventory/?make=erik-bue ll-racing | ||
| Buelliedan |
Even 5 bikes is about $1,000 a month in floor plan interest. With the winter slowdown coming that most dealerships experience that can be the difference between paying the bills or not. The whole situation just sucks! (Message edited by buelliedan on November 13, 2015) | ||
| Classax |
Hybridmomentspass AF1 was pretty much the dealer that kept Aprilia alive in the US thru their near closure. AF1 has a national reach of customers and people who buy from them regularly ship their machines across the country for service. They are in fact maybe one of maybe three dealers in the country with the infrastructure to support a nation wide customer list for a a small OEM. | ||
| Airbozo |
Dan, what do you mean by "floor plan interest"? | ||
| Davegess |
Floor plan interest is what the dealer pays to the finance, bank, GE etc, each month until the bike is sold. The bike is owned by the bank, the dealer pays each month on unsold bikes. IT is part of the reason why you can save a little extra money on the last day of the month. the next day the dealer will owe the payment even if they sleuth bike into next day or so. It can get pretty pricey if you can't move the bike. | ||
| Mackja |
Riders hill is a really good dealer, I bought my EBR from them. The owner suffered some injuries from an non motorcycle accident, along with other issues caused them to make the decision to close. The have been the number 2 Moto Guzzi dealer in the country did well with MV Agusta, and Aprilia. EBR had no bearing on their decision to close. | ||
| Hughlysses |
^ Well that's good to know. I'm guessing there's no chance someone will just buy out the dealership and keep it open? |
