| Author | Message | ||
     José_Quiñones |
I'm cheap up to a point, but unlike Ray, I prefer to deal with a local dealer as much as I can, but I still try to get the best deal that I can. However, I use the fact that I will be bringing my bike to them for service/repairs and buy most of my accesories from them as bargaining tool to help the dealer "sweeten" the deal for me. Plus I ended up running the BRAG club and was very active in the HOG group before that, which counts for something, right? Tires are a good example, I know that I can buy them cheaper via mail order, but I'd rather go buy it and get it mounted at the same dealer the same day; more expensive yes, but convenient and faster. I do try to wait untill the dealer has a special price during an open house event or over the winter, where our dealer has lower labor rates. But I eat all the sausages, hot dogs and hamburgers that our dealer has every Saturday in the Summer, part of a balanced diet, you know? | ||
| Ara |
"...dealerships that you don't support..." A curious turn of phrase. My thinking is that the dealerships are in business to support the customer and that's why they can turn a profit and stay in business. My $0.02, and not worth further comment. | ||
| Daves |
Jose, Yes running the BRAG club for them should count for something. I know you guys have a great club and that has probably helped them sell lots of bikes and stuff. Tires are cheaper thru the mail or internet. That's one item I really can't be competitive with. Most everything else I can be real close with the mail order and internet companies. I'm sure you and your dealer have a good relationship and they are probably happy to take care of you. That's the way it's supposed to work! Nothing wrong with waiting til the stuff you need or want is on sale or trying to get a better deal on anything. If you didn't live so far away I'd like to have you as a customer! Of course if you need something thru the mail just let me know. Ride to the Edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center Waterloo Ia 1-800-342-7539 ext 14 dave@iowaharley.com | ||
| Bomber |
I posted this recently elsewhere, but I think it bears repeating . . .. . . there are over 10 motorcycle dealerships with a 30 minute ride of my garage that have disappeared in the last decade . . . . I had purchased something from all of them, and bikes from two . . . . dealers ARE, in fact, in business to turn a profit, and offer free food (along with other things) as incentives to get customers in the door . . .. I won't eat at a dealership that I won't buy something from, as I've had a business, and know how shakey american businesses can be . . .. it struck me odd, however, that, during the SE Wisconsin B'trax series, how many of the sponsoring dealers had literally nothing Buell to buy (other than bikes) . . . they had an audience of 25 to 40 Buellers (and others), and no accessories, no parts (spark plugs, fer goodness sakes), not even a tshirt . . . . aw well, I'm sure, had I actually graduated college, I'd understand (smile) I do consider my custom to be a form of support, helping to ensure that, when I NEED the dealership (I also do my own maintenance and such, but I'm gonna need parts, I'm gonna want them in stock, and, eventually, I'm gonna need serious engine work) they will be there . . . .it sweetens the deal that they know me, and smile when I walk through the door . . .. . I agree with Daves when he says that many dealerships don't know how to sell anything . . . many cycle shops (not just harley) think that selling consists of unlocking the door in the morning, and a successful customer event consists of separating them from the maximum amount of cash in the shortest period of time . . . . I'll gladly pay a bit more for a good dealership, cuz I know that I'll be happier in the long run, and that's worth some dough to me sorry Ara . . .I though this was worth further comment | ||
| Court |
When it comes to motorcycles, dealers and me, I like to think in terms of "quid pro go". There is a mutuality of respect and responsibility due in BOTH directions. The dealer has a duty to "dealer" well. The customer has a duty to "customer" well. Nothing should infer that either compromise their best interests, either personal or business. My opinion of the guys who shop the local dealer who provides all the bennies that make riding fun is that they should try going home and "splainin' "You're the greatest gal in the world on your good days and at the things you do well" but for Roast Beef I'm going to the neighbors. This exercise, if you survive, will provide a keen sense of how your dealer feels after he pays for demos, your hot dogs and then watches you cart in your $19 "Netlops" to be mounted. DISCLAIMER: My opinion is, likely, skewed by having had such a great dealer. Frankly, I'd crawl to Topeka, Colorado, Modesto or wherever before I'd buy a Buell or a part within 100 miles of where I am sitting. | ||
| Buelliedan |
I give all my dealer business to Austin HD which is 75 miles away. I have a dealer right here in San Antonio but they have shown very little enthusiasm towards Buell so I take my business to a dealer that does support the brand. They have a BRAG chapter and put on an annual event each year. This has earned my business even if it is a drive to get there. | ||
| Mikep |
Wow ! ! ! It struck me that this has become the 'Subtopic' - Ethics. Remember when and if you took that course in H.S. or College (or Kindergarten)? mikep | ||
| Daves |
Jeez Court, you forgot Waterloo! I'm sure it was just an oversight. Ride to the Edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center Waterloo Ia 1-800-342-7539 ext 14 | ||
| Retiredmxer |
HarleyBritt, If your bike isn't quite as comfortable as you'd like it, then I personally don't know much that can be done. I too am a new XB9R owner, and wasn't satisfied with the power once I started breaking it in. Several people on here recommended "Nallin Racing", and being that they're right down the road, I payed them a visit. Brian Nallin is a great guy, and really enthused about the potential inside this bike. For a little under $3000, I'll have 100hp at the wheel. Now if I can just keep the other wheel on the ground  Also, as I payed under MSRP for my bike, this additional expense takes me a little over list. Hope that gives you something else to think about. Good luck Blake | ||
| Retiredmxer |
Oh yeah...that previous post is by me, Blake M....not the board admin "Blake". | ||
| Buellish1 |
Hey Dan, how ya do'n, are you ready for another ride, can you wait till March? Hemi | ||
| Buellish1 |
Oh, and by the way, Austin HD/Buell is a very good dealer and supports us Buellers 100%, after all, they sponcer the event Dan spoke of. They don't have a "Buell" person at this time, but they send someone to represent them to all of our Buell meetings. Hemi | ||
| Captainplanet |
I have got to agree with the others. Austin HD/Buell is great. They had my XB9r in for its service late on a Friday afternoon, and out on Saturday afternoon. That is hard to beat. Nice guys, great service, and great battletrax events. Jeff | ||
| Court |
Jeff: Great news and always good to hear....now go RIDE THE THING and report back! Court | ||
| Captainplanet |
Court, I ride every day. This morning was 40 degrees and raining, but I still love the ride. I just can't get enough of the firebolt. | ||
| Daves |
Ara, The support thing is supposed to work both ways. Sorry I didn't say it that way the first time. Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center 4022 Sergeant Rd Waterloo Ia 50701 1-800-342-7539 ext 14 | ||
| Joey |
How I selected a dealer: Last time I went to the Seaford, DE dealer, looking for a windshield, the parts guy had to ask someone else where the Buell stuff was. From more than 20 feet away, he saw there was no windshield in the Buell area, so he told me there were none in stock. I walked into that area and found the windshield. I asked him for hardware, and he said it didn't need any. I told him it did, and pointed out the upper mounts. He said they had sent all their Buell stock to another dealer. It seemed too much like he didn't care. I now get all my stuff from Anapolis, MD. They actually stock Buell stuff! I didn't have to order windshield or brake pads, and when I needed a clutch cable, they had one from Baltimore the same day. When the manager tells you that you don't matter enough for the dealer to stock common replacement items beyond oil filters, you find someone who does care. My response has been, "If you did stock those items, maybe you would have more Buell customers." I still need to talk to Spuck about this one. I got my Blast! at Worth HD in Gladstone, but when I needed a minor thing checked, I didn't want to wait a week. I ended up at the HD/Buell dealer on the west side of KC. Can't remember the name. I have my eye on the Firebolt, and my wife likes the way it looks, too. Since I'm almost happy with the power of my stock Blast!, I probably will be more than happy, for a little while at least, with the Firebolt. Perhaps Nallin will have his name on both of my Buells eventually, that is, if my wife authorizes the purchase ... | ||
| Court |
>>>I ended up at the HD/Buell dealer on the west side of KC. Can't remember the name. Central HD/Buell, across the street from Shawnee Cycle on 63rd . . . I've bought 3 Hondas (shhhhhhhh) from them. The GREAT news is that you are a chip shot from one of the best Buell shops in the nation...has been for 12 years, in Topeka. Sir Dave of Iowa: Oversight?. . . more like HINDSIGHT, hind, as in ass on my part! Hey, we're getting enough standout/up Buell dealers that I now have to THINK (new experience) to recite them. But, I love the way you make that kid do all the work and claim to "hold the bike". I hereby convey on you, the FIRST Buell Tom Sawyer Award Court | ||
| Daves |
Court, Got any fences that need whitewashed? I agree with you, the number of Buell dealers out there doing a good job grows every day it seems! This is great news for Buell and Buell riders! There is going to be another big push on Buells at the winter dealer meeting this Jan. They are going to "showcase" dealers that are getting it done to show the doubters out there in dealerland that it can in fact, be done. I am proud and honored to be one of the people they have contacted to get info,stats and other stuff to help prove their point. I, of course offered my services to be the "poster child" for them. We could make up posters with me on it and the saying at the bottom could be "See even this long haired,40 year old freak from flatland Iowa can sell Buells so anyone can" they just laughed and said they'd think about it. Anyways, with the new bikes and all the dealers that are now doing a good job, I think the future of Buell looks pretty good. Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center 4022 Sergeant Rd Waterloo Ia 50701 1-800-342-7539 ext 14 dave@iowaharley.com | ||
| Court |
>>>>>They are going to "showcase" dealers that are getting it done to show the doubters out there in dealerland that it can in fact, be done. Man o' man would I LOVE to have 30 minutes to speak to that group! I already have the speech, in a 3 ring binder, from 1995. I just added the "9 Essential Elements to Selling Buells" in 1997. Keep us posted. . . I see TONS of opportunites ahead. Court | ||
| Budo |
Also, as I payed under MSRP for my bike, this additional expense takes me a little over list. ----------------------------------------------- So you payed a bit over 7k for your bike? Just where did you find that deal? | ||
| Elvis |
Court, I'm just being a smartass but, . . . did anyone listen in '97?  | ||
| Court |
Yes, one. | ||
| Daves |
Court, I'd love to get a copy of that! Should we try to get you 30 minutes? Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center 4022 Sergeant Rd Waterloo Ia 50701 1-800-342-7539 ext 14 | ||
| Kcfirebolt |
Joey Check out the KCMOB section under storm fronts. Join us for a beer some night. Did you go to the Worth HD north of the river? The folks at Worth South have been good to me. Not much Buell stuff, but they are always friendly, and Robin (the mechanic who works on the Buells) seems to be very good. KC Firebolt | ||
| Stormfool |
That magic phrase--100rwhp If Nallin can do it--why doesn't the factory--is it only emissions issues? Or (as I suspect) is it a reliability problem. I have been told by Cyclerama (as far as my X1 goes) that I have already done all I can do to squeeze power from my X1 (Race Kit PowerCommander) without compromizing reliability--and that is at 87RWHP. If my 1203cc thunderstorm can't produce a 100rwhp without problems down the road then how in God's green earth are you going to get it out of the XB powerplant? Just trying to interject a little reality here. I'm all for more power--but if the machine leaves you stranded what good is it? Am I missing something here? | ||
| Reepicheep |
Not to sound like a smart ass... but the XB powerplant, while sharing a lot of characteristics with your X1, is a new engine with a new bore, new stroke, new heads, a new intake, and a new exhaust. I don't know how any of us, besides the people who are actually beating on the things as we speak, can make any speculation about the maximum power the XB engines can make. But I do know that at one point a while back, I distinctly heard Aaron (who from my observations here seems to be very conservative and realistic) say something about a "streetable 50hp blast"... and that was half a XB engine and a carberautor. I can read the writing on the wall, and do the math. Also, Buell could absolutely positively unquestionably NOT afford to have the XB's be unreliable bikes. If I were them, I would have designed the engine around 100 to 105 horses (read: f4i eater) and derated it 15% or so for the first couple of years until it prooved itself. Just speculation, just my opinion. I REALLY hope it happens... not because I want a 100 hp XB9S, but because I want a $5500 used XB9S, and my best shot at that in a reasonable timeframe is lots of people driven to upgrade by a new more powerfull bike | ||
| José_Quiñones |
Bill, Nope, same bore, 3.5 inches, for every Sportster since what, 1988, and every Sportster based Buell ever made. The XB just shortened the stroke from 3.8 to 3.125 inches like the Blast. This is what allows them to rev them higher. Anybody can and has made a big bore high HP Buell Air Cooled engine, the problem is that they make too much noise in the drive by test to be sold as a "street legal bike". Buell has built these monsters during development work, but they can't sell them that way, until they find a way to keep the noise down. After you buy the bike anything goes as far as your wallet will allow. The Twincam uses 3.75 inch pistons, but look at how HUGE the cylinders are. Part of the reason for their size is to keep the noise down. | ||
| Blackmotorcycle |
Jose, What do you think I should do with mine if I get inside there and find lots of damage? | ||
| José_Quiñones |
How much money do you want to spend? I forget what your bike had, but your bike was far from stock from what I remember. |
