| Author | Message | ||
     Corporatemonkey |
Hello all... First post here I am considering purchasing a XB9SX, but my experience with the local Seattle dealers have been less than reasuring. Eastside Harley Davidson (bellevue) had only two buells onsite, both were hidden in a storage area. The sales person made it very clear that they deal very little in Buells. Cycle Barn lynnwood had also had two buells, and seem a little more with it. When I inquired about them the sales guy just ranted about "Jap sportbikes..." I found that very unprofessional. Are there any Buell friendly dealers in Seattle? (Before you flame I searched) Buell seems to have an interesting product, but if this is how the dealer network is set up I might look elseware (Triumph 675 looks cool) | ||
| Aussie_buell |
did you try Destination HD in Tacoma, they seemed Buell friendly when i was there 18 months ago. | ||
| Cadzilla |
Give Downtown Buell a try. They were friendly and had more than a few bikes on display last time I was there... Sept if I remember right. Had the new Ulysses and Lightning long. Also had used and some models where they had mixed and matched wheels. 13001 48th Avenue South Tukwila, WA 98168 (206) 243-5000 | ||
| Vito |
I bought my XB12S from H-D of Seattle (Cycle Barn) in June of this year. No fuss, no muss. With the race kit, tax and license, $12,931. Pierre Boileau knows Buells, and so does Frank Kai. They have a few really good wrenches in back that know Buell. Steve in the sales department knows and rides Buell's. Hope that helps! Downtown H-D as Cadzilla said has a HUGE selection of Buell's (I was there on Tuesday), probably the most in the area. I haven't had any service on my Buell there, only my Wide Glide, and their service department did a great job on it. | ||
| Vito |
I bought my '05XB12S from H-D/Buell of Seattle (Cycle Barn) in June of this year. With the Race Kit, tax and license out the door it was $12,931. Pierre Boileau know Buells, as does Frank Kai. Their service department does a pretty good job, and has a few wrenches that know their stuff. Brent Newkirk in parts rides one and always knows the good stuff! As Cadzilla says, Downtown H-D/Buell has a HUGE selection of Buells (probably the largest in the area). Steve knows Buell in their sales department and he rides one or two. I haven't had any service work done on the Buell there, but they have worked on my Wide Glide and they do a bang up job. Hope that helps. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Thanks for all the suggestions. That comforts me to think that there are at least a few Buell owners around here. (I think I have seen a total of 3 buells ever on the street) Now another question. Are Buells exceptionally expensive to insure in Seattle? I got a quote from HD insurance broker ranging from $1200 (Dairyland) - $2500 (progressive). That is as much as a the quotes for a squid bike (R6, GSX600, etc...) I live downtown, and realize I will have to pay through the nose, but why would they compare a buell to a true theft magnet? Frame damage if dropped? | ||
| Cadzilla |
Jamie, I had a similar trouble finding good rates on insurance on my Buell as well. I ended up going with State Farm for everything house car truck BIKE ect. Their MC rates were considerably cheaper than others I had gotten quote from. But I am not in downtown Seattle as you say. | ||
| Daves |
Could I interest you in a trip to Wisconsin to get your bike?  I have a City X on the floor,ready to go. | ||
| Pwnzor |
Daves, based on the helpfulness I have seen you display on these forums, I believe the next time I am in the market for a bike, I probably will come see you. | ||
| Vito |
Jamie: I pay about 700 per year for insurance on my Buell, and I live in Federal Way. I am 41 years old. I ended up going through H-D insurance, and they got me a pretty good deal, although it did take some complaining. All of the other insurers said the same thing-it is a performance bike so hence I paid more. I can't believe that they would charge really bad just for living downtown, but you never know. | ||
| Prof_stack |
Downtown Harley is the biggest seller of Buells on the West (or left) coast. Owner Russ Tom is committed to Buells. He used to race a XB9R at Pacific Raceways. (206)243-5000. I bought my Blast there in '00 and traded it there for the XB9S in late '02. I almost traded that for a Ulysses there this summer. That might happen later. Yeah, give them a holler. | ||
| Prof_stack |
Oh, insurance. Geico does my Buell for $450/yr and my Electra-Hog for $190/yr. YMWV, of course. But you have to call around to find the best quotes. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Thanks for all the insurance info. I am planning to visit downtown harley this weekend. Prof_Stack, may I ask what neighborhood you live in? Geico is not exactly known for low cost moto insurance. I received a letter pack from HD with my insurance quotes. Not surprisingly they want over $200+ a year for uninsured/underinsured... "Welcome to WA State, please bend over..." J | ||
| Martya |
i would give the triumph a miss if i was you,at least for the first season. new model,new model premiums, and sure to have new bike gremlins! (dont forget they are still a low volume builder compared with the big 4) just like the new T509 i bought when they came out, bad fuellin, first night at home dumped a full tank of gas on the garage floor!, and the worst thing?, crusty old guys stopping you all the time to say, "i used to have a triumph!" look's a cool bike though. why would you look at a sport's bike (triumph) against the buell? (roadster) | ||
| Prof_stack |
CorporateMonkey: In Seattle I live on Queen Anne hill. Insurance rates are part item analysis and part voodoo. I'm over 50, married, own a house, bike locked in garage, etc. The bike is not used for commuting, just for pleasure. That helps the rates as well. Plus, I reject the underinsured option because I can and I don't need it. Geico has quoted me the best rates for the past two years. Next summer I'll shop around again before deciding. Hey if you want cheap insurance, get a touring bike!  | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Well today I wondered into Downtown HD. Nice selection, including quite a few XB9s (demos maybe?) I talked to "Steve" he seemed to know his stuff. They really seem to be on the ball. Prf_stack, at least we are not the far away from each other, so I have a goal at least coming close you your rates. Martya, I would agree with you about a new model, but Triumph is really betting the company on the new 675, this product will have no room to fail. Plus I have always had a lust for Triumphs... Although the "Kick Ash" City X i sat on today had a sinister look to it. Very cool...  | ||
| Cadzilla |
CorporateMonkey, I'm with you on the new 675 Daytona that's a good looking bike. I was just up at Cycle Mart just outside of Olympia Two fridays ago and they had an 05' yellow 650 Daytona. I prefer the 06' 675 though as they moved the silencers under the seat. The other Triumph I like is the Blue 1050 Sprint. Can't imagine that 1050 triple singing away at 9,250 RPM + making 123BHP. if Money grew on my trees I would have My Buell XB12Scg , a Triumph 1050 Sprint, and Ducati Hypermotard. But they will NEVER have the instant low end torque my 12Scg has. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Well the idea of a triple is quite interesting, best of both worlds. Low end torque, and top end rush. I did hear online (can't remember where) a sound clip of the 675, WOW, totally unique. J | ||
| Cadzilla |
Awesome! | ||
| Paulson |
Corporatemonkey, I bought my XB9 from Scott Moon at Eastside HD (in '03). I believe he is now the sales manager there. If I hadn't been referred to him directly by a fellow Bueller, I probably wouldn't have bought a Buell. Eastside and Cycle Barn (lynnwood) seem to not notice you unless you look like the atypical HD rider. But Cyle Barn's service dept is awesome. Downtown HD impressed the hell out of me. They had lots of Buells and accessories. And they treated me like a person. However, I watched them put their Buells away at night, and was shocked (every one of them was rolled off the curb and hit the muffler). And their service dept put the wrong kickstand on my bike (too long). Even with all of that, I do believe that Downtown HD is the BEST place to get your Buell on. Just look the bike over before you buy. I got my insurance through the HD broker and Dairyland. They had the best price, and dropped the quote by $200 when I signed on. And their claims service is great (the adjuster and I know each other pretty well).  But my rates were for the Northgate area. Although I am now in Syracuse NY, I should be back in Seattle within the year - enjoying that awesome view of Mt. Rainier. | ||
| Firebolt428 |
Hey Corporatemonkey. I race my Buell XB9R and I am sponsored by H-D Buell of Seattle (Cycle Barn) only road racer they sponsor. www.pushrodracing.com They are a good bunch of guys up there and I think they are pretty dedicated to promoting Buell. The biggest problem is as soon as they get one in, its sold. They always seem to have atleast 2 in there but as soon as they get new models they fly out the door. Downtown Harley has a big selection too. Russ Tom I think I saw at the track once in 2003 and that was the first time for him. Since then I have been the only one flying the Buell flag. So if your up North I would go with Cycle Barn. I make them keep stock of alot of Buell XB9R parts. So if you need any parts or upgrades they will know where to get it. Plus they built my motor and are building my second bike's motor this winter. I have a ton of spare parts too..My bike is actually up there on the floor. Anyways where ever you go to if you need advice or help you have some local Buell Boys here for you. I live in Crown hill North Ballard. Oh on the insurance thing I had State Farm and it was $50 a month. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Firebolt428: Cyclebarn has had the same early 05 cityx, and an older firebolt (12) on the floor for quite some time. They did have a nice road-racing bike (well flogged) in the buell area. Since you seem to have a good relationship with them you might want to mention that they need to work on their sales personnel attitudes when it comes to buells. Every-time I have been by there to see what's on the floor, they either completely ignore me, or show a complete lack of interest in selling their product. Now when a 45+ year old guy walks in to check out an HD they are on them like stank. I do realize the profit (hence commission) is much higher on a HD, but still it makes them look unprofessional. Downtown HD was the first place that actually seemed proud to carry Buell, instead of having Buell forced upon them. As for insurance I have contacted State Farm. It would be a logical choice, but they require that also have an auto policy with them. Since I live downtown I do not own a vehicle (any more, too costly for how little I used it) Now I just use Flexcar. The only item left to iron out is parking. I had private reserved parking for years down the block ($225 a month - ouch), but gave it up when I sold my car. Now the same garage has a new policy of NO MOTORCYCLES!!! Not for monthly, or regular daily use. Called Imperial parking (who own the garage), they informed me that they have this new policy for all of their garages in Seattle. The regional manager (whom I was speaking) declined to tell me why they have banned bikes. Some of the other garages are willing to take a bike, only if I pay for an entire spot (no discount - anywhere from $200 - $485 a month - not a typo) Seattle sucks sometimes... J | ||
| Firebolt428 |
DAMN.. that is some expensive parking. If you were closer I would offer a spot at my place. When I referred to new models I meant the Ulysses and the new 06 models. I had a buddy who had put his 04 Firebolt on the floor and it was gone in 5 hours. Ya those bikes have been there forever, I think almost since the beginning of '05. I will pass that onto them about there sales people. Buell's are actually good money makers for dealers. Not sure why dealers don't have more of them. Downtown Harley I believe basically bought a demo fleet from Buell. Its nice to have a dealer with a ton of them in our state. I was racing last year in Cali and needed some Buell parts and there wasn't a dealer for 200 miles in the area that carried Buell's. So we actually should be thankful we have 3 in the area. some better than others. |
