| Author | Message | ||
     Moonrunrs |
I was at Bartel's HD in Marina Del Rey, CA -- one of the biggest HD dealerships in Southern California -- to get my Firebolt serviced and noticed there were no Buells on the showroom floor. I talked to a sales rep who said they dropped Buell completely from their sales dept. but would keep servicing them. They removed all the Buell signs from outside the dealership and carry no Buell merchandise either. I just thought that sucked. At least they still service the bikes, though. | ||
| Thespive |
Yeah, I was told not to go there because of thier lack of Buell support. When I called to shop around for my CityX, they were not interested at all in helping me. I work in LA and live in Huntington Beach, and had to go all the way down to Biggs in San Marcos to find the deal I want, fortunately they are expanding Buell there and have some real Buell nuts. Other than them, it seems like only Glendale really cares. California in Harbor City sucks, but they do stock some apparel. We lost OC Harley as a Buell dealer last year, but its not like they ever cared anyway... I wrote Erik Buell and e-mail about the lack of dealers in So Cal and he actually responded: "Thanks always for feedback; we are always trying to get better. I wish we had a dealer in Orange county too, but we just didn't have any that were trying at all, so it was not a good situation. Better to drive some distance to a good dealer than to go around the corner to one who could care less. We'll keep trying to figure it out. In the meantime, I am glad to hear Biggs took care of you. We do have quite a few really good dealers, and for that we surely are thankful." I do understand his point, but it still sucks we have to go so far to find a dealer that cares, one that has Buells out front and not tucked in a corner somewhere. I often wondered why Buell doesn't try stand alone dealerships in regions wher H-D doesn't want to carry the brand. I think these would be sucessful just by catering to the needs of Buellers alone. BTW, doesn't Bartel's race an XBRR or sponsor one? What kind of mixed message is that sending people!?! --Sean | ||
| Mutation_racer |
if they only new how to sell them they would still have them. as a sales rep for buell i like what i see, dealers that really want to sell them are and the one that don't are gone. | ||
| Keys |
My dealer (Longhorn HD) stopped carrying Buells and servicing them. I don't have anything to do with them now except eat their food (and make the bikini girls wash my bike) on their customer appreciation days.  | ||
| Perry |
I dropped by the Salt Lake City HD shop the other day, since they are a Buell dealer. They had a big Buell sign under the HD sign on the street. I walked through the entire place twice - there was not a shred of ANYTHING Buell in the place. The sign in front and my bike parked outside were the only things Buell for miles... I don't plan to go back. | ||
| Socalbueller |
Bartels does sponsor a team at Willow Springs and they do really well, I thought. Strange they would stop selling them. The last couple of times I went to Glendale the Buell area is 1/2 what it was a year ago. Buells need to be sold outside of a HD dealership if they want to keep/gain customers. The majority of HD dealers I've been to think they are the shit and if it doesn't have the bar and shield they know or want anything to do with it. Also the typical Buell owner is very different from your typical HD owner and I think having to go into a HD dealership is a big turn off for many potential buyers. | ||
| Mr_cuell |
I am impressed that Erik responded for one, and the tone of it clearly communicates to me that he wishes it were different, but is doing what he can with the situation. He cares about the brand more than anyone I have to assume, and would make it better/different if he could. Not that it changes it anything, but you'll never hear from Bill Ford, or Mr. Suzamahakiha, or have any idea what is on their mind - (Message edited by mr_cuell on October 03, 2006) | ||
| Thespive |
I was at Glendale today and they have like 4 or 5 Buells there and the selection of apparel is small (there is more non-Buell jackets and what not mixed in with the few Buell jackets), similar to what California Buell has. It is sad, really. However Biggs in San Marcos has a beautiful dealership and they are expanding thier Buell offerings, last time I was there they had 7 or so Buells on the floor with an other 5 or so on the way. They also have just started ordering product and apparel to sell and things are just arriving now. They also have a sales guy named Mike, who is thier Buell guru and is one of the few guys entusiastic about the product (and gave me a good deal). To me, it seems like they are the only dealer in So Cal that is actually trying to be known as the Buell people - they even have a good Buell tech. I had a good experience there and highly recommend them. Thier nearest competitor, San Diego H-D, didn't even call me back with a quote when I was looking (although, thier locations have a selection of Buells (Kearny) and apparel (Kettner)! Can you tell I have scoped aout a bunch of local dealers?  As for Erik, the three or four times I have e-mailed him, he has responded personally within a day or two. If that doesn't tell you about the passion of the man running this company and what makes Buell so special, I don't know what else does. --Sean | ||
| Moonrunrs |
Wow, Erik Buell responds if you email him? What's his email address? Bartel's said they could get you a Buell if you really wanted one from them. But they were carrying Buell bikes on the showroom floor as of recently, and I saw their XBRR race bike displayed on the floor, right by the main entrance, the last time I was there. I was surprised and disappointed they're not selling the bikes anymore, especially since they sponsor a team. Buell bikes are getting better by leaps. More good publicity and coverage in the motor sports press. A great ad campaign. They're racing again. And dealerships drop them. I'm scratching my head. | ||
| Fx1200 |
The best solution to the dearth of Buell dealers is for Buell Motor Co. to establish a online dealer franchise where Buell owners can order parts and accessories or clothing that is readily available from their online catalog. Buell should also offer DVD's showing various repair procedures that home mechanics can perform. Stand alone dealers may thrive in large urban areas but the less populated areas cannot support one. | ||
| Mutation_racer |
not at liberty hd buell all over our store we remind you that this is a buell dealer , to celibrate our 8th year in biz the day was all about buell , even eric and the thunderbolt were their, so i dont agree with it needs to be on its own we do just fine with our big brother. dealers just need to hirer people that are in to buell not forced to sell them | ||
| Dbird29 |
Perry, The Buells moved to the Sandy branch of SLC HD. They have sold a bunch of bikes this year. | ||
| Stinky_finger |
I'm shopping for a new (and my first buell) bike and I went by Bartel's on Saturday to look at a 2006 XB9SX. They keep the new buells in the used bike building. I also met their sole buell salesman (and the only one wearing a buell name tag). He was really polite and knowledgeable. I guess I don't look like a HD person since he was the only salesman who noticed I walked in. I'm going to come back next Saturday and do a test ride. Should I stay away from bartel's or is this a good dealer to buy from. | ||
| Socalbueller |
It's great that Liberty HD/Buell are committed to Buells. What I was getting at is Buells should not be limited to HD dealerships. They don't have to be stand alone either. Not many MC dealers can get away with selling one brand. Their are plenty out there that sell more than one; Kawasaki and Triumphs. Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki. I think Buells would do well if they were sold along side Triumphs, BMW, and/or Ducatis. Even a dealer that sold some of the 4 Japanese brands, Buell probably wouldn't be there #1 seller but as long as the dealership respected and wanted to sell Buells it wouldn't be any worse than long side HDs. Chances are somebody considering a Buell is not looking to get anything HD has to offer. When they walk in and the Buells are stuffed into a corner and a salesman comes over that has selling HDs over MSRP for the last 15 years, with a lack of knowledge about Buells and similar bikes i.e.: Monsters, Multistradas, Speed triples/fours, BMWs, the customer is not going to get a good impression. From the HD salesman side, are you going to spend your time on a product that is 1/2 the price of your main product line that you sell 7 of to 1 "cheaper" one? | ||
| James996 |
I know it's tough to find a dealer thats into Buell. But I must say Liberty in NJ are great to deal with. I have nothing but good things to say about them and I didn't even buy my bike there. I will purchase my next Buell or mybe even a Harley from them. Had to post something positive today. | ||
| Prof_stack |
The incredible shrinking Buell. Below is a picture from one of the top 10 Buell dealers in the USA: Downtown HD/Buell in Tukwila, WA. Once on the showroom and outside during the dry days, the Buells are now shunted off to a dark alcove near the service department. Its obvious they are not selling as well as hoped. The ownership changed recently and the Buells got moved out of the showroom. It is possible the Buells will disappear from this dealership. I will too, from this place. Today I bought a new XB battery from their competitor north of the city in Lynnwood. Their Buells are prominently displayed on the showroom, and they had a Uly outside.  | ||
| Moonrunrs |
Stinky, I've had absolutely no problem with Bartel's thus far. I've only received service there, but they've been great. the staff is friendly and helpful, treating Buellers the same as HD riders. I'm just disappointed they don't sell Buells and treat the brand in the same way they treat HD. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Which is worse guys? Fewer dealerships but with each one completely sold out to Buells or lots of dealers some great and some that do Buell poorly, sales and service. I'd rather have one or two Great Dealerships per state that absolutely eat, sleep and breathe Buell than to have a whole bunch that don't give a crap. Just my $.02. | ||
| Moonrunrs |
Personally, if Bartel's stopped servicing Buells, I don't know what I'd do. That dealership is very convenient for me and the other HD dealers are very far away. I'd actually opt for the latter of Ft's 2 choices. The convenience factor means a lot to me. | ||
| Ferret_bueller |
This is my first bike, so perhaps this is normal i don't know. But every time i've ever gone to Harbor City CA Harley/Buell to be serviced, it was minimum 1 week waiting list?? Are the other dealerships any better? jeff | ||
| Thespive |
I have heard mixed things about Harbor (California) service, so I ride over 60 miles to Biggs. Usually if I call a week ahead, they can service the bike while I wait and I can ride home. At lease there are some curvy options for coming home, including Ortega. --Sean (Message edited by thespive on October 04, 2006) | ||
| Teeps |
I stopped by Bartel's last Sunday. The parts guy didn't mention that Buell was no more to me. My opinion: (when combined with a $1.50 will get you a tall coffee at StarBucks.) Buell = niche market bike with limited appeal; sold at the wrong venue. Walking into a Harley-Davidson dealer and finding "The Buell" is true serendipity! However; finding "The Buell" at a boutique bike shop that caters to the air-cooled school, would be, well... logical. (Message edited by teeps on October 04, 2006) | ||
| Brucelee |
I use the Biggs guys. They have been quite good on the service side. | ||
| T9r |
I've got a good one for you. This dealer Rockville Harley-Davidson/Battley Cycles (http://www.battley.com/) covers: HARLEY, BUELL, BIMOTA, BMW, DUCATI, YAMAHA What a selection! | ||
| Yellowbolter |
rockville is where i got my bolt from...they also said the 7000 mile service had been done and that all the fluids and plugs had been changed.....bullshit..the plugs where old as shit and badly fowled and the oil was black and a quart low..but you know how it is anytime you buy a used bike change to fluids and do a tune up. | ||
| Skyguy |
HD sucks. It is a "lifestyle" dealer and honestly every time I go into a HD dealer I spend all of my time trying not to laugh at the freaking posers. I have never been one to run with the "in" crowd and dammit the HD scene is just that. Last time I went up to Hells kitchen it was like a bad fashion show. Most of the HD crowd walks around like they are in a bad 70's biker flik. Actually quite funny. Buells are for riders, not poser owners and I respect that. As far as I am concerned it is going to be great fun watching HD's crowd get old and die soon. Very few of todays young people want anything to do with HD's bikes. They will not last but another 20 years max. | ||
| T9r |
"Buells are for riders, not poser owners and I respect that." Ride... repair (repeat) | ||
| Rhun |
hmm Buell and Harley people are completely different? I raced out of the local Harley shop in the 60s and 70s. When life worked out and I returned to riding I went to the Harley shop. Buell caught my eye and I wanted a V twin. When my inseamed challenged wife wanted a bike, got her a 1200L sportster. It was the Harley engine that got me started and the handling that convinced me with Buell. When I finally grow up and slow down, unless I die of old age first, I'll probably move on to a big Harley dresser. Why dealers don't see the inter twining of the two brands eludes me. (Message edited by rhun on October 04, 2006) | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
"Why dealers don't see the inter twining of the two brands eludes me." What clouds the vision is the desire for profit today. Let's say I'm a dealer. In order to keep the lights on, I need to move merchandise. Buell guys are cute and I think their ATGATT thing is quaint, but they don't buy enough bikes to keep the lights on. There is an endless supply of Harley guys (and girls) walking in the door. They buy bikes. They buy T-shirts. They buy baby onsies and dog collars. They keep the lights on. I'll worry about the transition from Buell to Harley later. | ||
| Daves |
"They will not last but another 20 years max." Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah  |
