| Author | Message | ||
     Nameso |
If Buell bikes had The Harley Davidson Label on the tank & market them as Harley Sport Bikes. Would they get more deserved attention. | ||
| Perry |
I don't think so, and neither do the experts at HD (or they would do it). I would never buy a bike with HD on it. HD is an image, a lifestyle, a t-shirt company that also sells motorcycles. Knock yourself out, but not for me. People who want a high-performance bike like the Buell don't usually browse the HD cruiser inventory. I didn't. The real question is whether Buell would do better with independent dealerships. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
No | ||
| Ironheadsporty |
i dissagree... about the not browsing cruiser inventory statement. i own a harley, but i did not get it for the image. i got it because i want to buy an american product, and partially because i was brainwashed as a kid. my dad rode a harley, his dad rode a harley, his dad... you get the point. i am going to buy a firebolt in the spring to support my theory. that you dont have to be a lawyer trying to be a bad ass to ride a hog. not trying to be a dick..... but i think alot of people were brought up as i was and would buy a buell whether it has a harley symbol or not.... just my opinion.  | ||
| Phantom5oh |
I wouldn't have even considered my XB if it had the Harley badge on it. The hardest thing for me to swallow when I was buying my Buell was the fact that it's affiliated with HD in any way shape or form. | ||
| Bads1 |
I'd still buy it even though it would never happen.Don't knock HD's Perry,I've seen quite a few that with all the hard bags packed,the radio on would smoke a Buell in a straight line. But then again why compare the two,waste of time?? | ||
| Espcustoms |
"I would never buy a bike with HD on it." "I wouldn't have even considered my XB if it had the Harley badge on it." So, nothing more than a logo makes that decision for you guys? After all, the bikes you're riding ARE made by HD when it comes right down to it. HD is less concerned about selling more Buells and more concerned on protecting the brand image they've spent so long to build. To sell the Buells as HDs would confuse the very strong and clear image that HD has and the customers that they cater to. | ||
| Buellshyter |
I've heard mention that some HD dealers, etc, wanted Buell to replace their name with HD and Erik Buell was none too happy about it, as one would expect. I don't know if this story is correct but I suspect Court might know. | ||
| Perry |
That's exactly what I was talking about. I'm sure Harley makes some great bikes, but they just aren't my style. I'm not knocking them, just saying they aren't for me. A sportbike is what I was after, but I wanted one that was not just made for the track and I could ride without having to be in the uncomfortable riding position of a repli-racer - and I visited all the major vendors of sport bikes before visiting Buell after seeing some pictures in a magazine. I must admit the GSX-R still looks pretty good though! I never went to Harley because they have done a great job of marketing and I already knew EXACTLY what they are about. They have the most powerful image and identity in the industry (kudos to HD marketing). But I want a Buell, not a Harley. Merely branding the Buell with Harley would really confuse what both are, and thereby reduce sales rather than increase them. | ||
| Jackbequick |
I think, other than the engine characteristics, Buells and H-D's are apples and oranges. It is appropriate to brand them differently. And to not force dealers to sell them if they don't want to. I don't want too buy anything from a guy that does not like it and does not want to sell it. You can't legislate brand perferences, brand preference is a key marketing tool, it has its place and needs to be "honored". If I had not bought a Buell and developed an irrational fondness for the characteristics of the H-D V-twin, I would not have moved on to a Dyna FXD. Buell is the Elementary School of motorcycling, The Dyna is Junior High School of motorcycling, And in about two to ten years I'll be ready for High School (A brand new FLH** with foot boards!). College? I don't wanna go to college, I'm too busy having too much fun! Jack | ||
| Bads1 |
College is a trike when your to old to hold up the weight at the lights any longer. | ||
| Percyco |
"HD is an image, a lifestyle, a t-shirt company that also sells motorcycles" That's the biggest line of Bull$hit that I have read here in awhile.  What's causes your hate for the #1 cruiser MC company that just so happens to OWN the Buell MC Co.? Can't afford one ? Watched the Wild One and noticed he rode a Triumph ? Mom a member of a 70's biker gang ? I own some, Hondas a Yamaha a Buell and a T-shirt mobile !!!!!!  | ||
| Buellshyter |
Don't forget - beef jerky too http://www.junkfoodblog.com/2006/10/harley-davidso n-beef-jerky.html | ||
| Bcordb3 |
It's all the marketing - Build it and they will come! Package it with the Harley logo and it will be bought. I agree Buells would probably sell less if they were marketed as Harley's. Most Harley riders want the fraternity that is offered with owning that sort of thing. Most sport bike riders want performance. | ||
| Jtylr50 |
I don't see the problem to be so much with the branding on the bike but with the dealer network that doesnt want anything to do with them.Case in point you walk into one of these new mega size H.D. superstores and there may be if your lucky three bikes one pair of gloves and maybe two helmets.Then theres service go the service desk and ask for any info on service or god forbid a performance question and they will look at you like you are crazy.Buells are great bikes but i think H.D is not marketing the bike correctly. | ||
| Jiffy |
It is the same reason Yamaha made the Star cruisers their "own" line. Yamaha makes Star, but Yamaha wanted Star to have it's own personality and image differentiated from Yamaha sport and dirt bikes. It has much to do about image. We as a Western society are very much caught up in image and marketing tactics. Harley is a great company, but to say that image is not a large part of HD's marketing strategy is foolish. | ||
| Nameso |
If they had no Affiliation with HD Riders Might think oh a Buell. Most say: Oh a Harley. It's a Harley. I say: No it's a Buell So the HD is a negative for Buell? | ||
| Pwnzor |
When I was shopping for my bike, I was looking at all brands. I really wanted something American, but wasn't really happy with anything in its stock form. I even looked at custom choppers (yuck). After almost 6 months of window shopping I broke down and bought a Ducati. Three weeks later I found what I believe was the first XB12R to hit the showroom and bought it on the spot. After that the Duc was just taking up space in the back of the garage. I rode it when the dealer would keep the Buell overnight. I guess what I'm trying to say is, like me, there are others who are less brand-intensive in their search for happiness. I am happy to be riding a truly American bike, even if the parts do come from all over. | ||
| Teddagreek |
What would sell more Buell 3 words!!!!! MORE HORSE POWER! | ||
| Paint_shaker |
I grew up in an atmosphere a lot like IronHeadSporty. I rode a ninja 250 and a kawa crusier for a while. I then bought a Harley. I was kinda interested in sportbikes, but just couldn't bring myself to buy a ricer. I bought my Buell because of it's affiliation with Harley. My Harley is my "kick back and ride" bike, while my Buell is my "hooligan ride"... Jack... In describing a Buell as the "elementary school of motorcycling", did you mean it promotes a young at heart type feeling?? Or did you mean that it is a starter bike?? | ||
| Espcustoms |
As has been stated here over and over, it's the dealers that are stifling Buell sales. It just doesn't make any sense to have Buells in HD dealers. Especially considering that most of the HD dealers don't want them there either. I consider myself pretty logical, but for the life of me I can't come up with a rationale that makes sense for why HD would insist on keeping the Buell brand exclusive to HD dealers. Everybody is losing! | ||
| Diablobrian |
I know of a dealership that has been sitting on completed BRAG chapter paperwork for almost a year now. They have an active HOG chapter, but I get the feeling they'd just as soon drop Buell now that there is no longer an incentive from H-D in place. kind of sad really when the dealership doesn't see that enthusiasm makes sales and they turn a cold shoulder to the customers that are willing to help promote the dealership's image in a new market. Thinking about it I'm sure it has a lot to do with the fact Buell buyers don't line up to see a "chrome consultant" as part of the buying process. They forget that you can up-sell real riding gear to the Buell customer. It's all about understanding the needs of a different market...or a lack of interest in making the effort when so many people see the H-D market as infinite. (Message edited by diablobrian on October 26, 2006) | ||
| Eboos |
I am going to talk with my P&A manager about restarting a "Buell wall". If all goes well, we'll have a "twisty consultant". | ||
| Aldaytona |
I started riding Harleys in the late 60s when they were the REAL motorcycles, not some puny foreign bike, the Sportster was the fastest production bike until 1969 and it was pretty damn sporty as well. When I pulled into the school parking lot, all the guys with their Brit bombs and Jap crap hated life, I was smiling like "Bob" the Enzyte guy (can you guess which bike the girls wanted to ride on by now? Guess what, they still do) I started with Buell bikes because it had a Sportster engine in it and it's what the Sportster should have evolved into. Bottom line, I ride Buells because they are Harley Davidson products and American made, they just don't give you that "John Holmes" feeling you get from, say a FXDL or a FLSTF, but those bikes don't give you that Enzyte smile you get from riding a Buell. If anyone can figure out how to combine the two it has to be Erik........ Until then I'll have to have them both, which isn't a bad thing either     | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I started with Buell bikes because it had a Sportster engine in it and it's what the Sportster should have evolved into. I've always felt that Buell was what HD would have grown into if it hadn't been hit in the soft spot with a hammer. HDs sell because people like the nostalgia of them. It's a time machine. Buell people want function. If Buell wants to sell more bikes, advertise. When have you ever seen a commercial on TV? HD doesn't have to advertise. They are an establishment. Honda only has to advertise the season end sale. Most others advertise new models. Imagine the buzz created by a couple of these during the World Series, Stanley Cup, or Super Bowl. http://www.buell.com/en_us/mania/videos.asp Do you think the traffic in the local Buell dealer would increase the week after by about 20 fold? | ||
| Aldaytona |
Harleys sell because they are the "real deal", and everyone knows it. Every other "cruiser" is a wanna be. As much as I enjoy my Buells and some of the other folks riding them, I don't want to see (sorry Erik) everybody and his brother riding them, then we'll have the same thing going on as the Harley "gang". Although owning a Buell now reminds me of owning a Harley in the 60s............................ | ||
| Jackbequick |
Paint, You got it, I meant no slurs on the maturity of the riders. The Buell is a bike for the younger folks that will wring it out and use it capabilities. I don't go around humiliating Corvettes or trying to impress chicks or any of that stuff any more. I rode my M2 briskly occasionally, loved the handling, I still miss the good braking, but I just could not stay comfortable on it for more than an hour or two. I only want to own one bike or I'd still have the M2. The only reservation I ever had about the Sportsters was the poor brakes and marginal handling. I think it is wonderful that there is a younger generation of rider that can buy Buells instead of HoKaSuYa sports bikes. Buellers give up something in the area of weight/HP/speed/service/trouble-free ownership but if they "get it" it is fine. I'll bet at least some of the younger riders here now that say they don't like H-D cruisers will wind up on one eventually. Time changes things, the joy is the same, you don't have to buy into any of that silly black leather and chrome rich urban biker crap. And the custom chopper thing? Bizarre is the attraction there. Builders all whining and sniveling about "my art" with guys lining up to pay $50,000 for a bike that won't handle, won't stop quick, and is a miserably uncomfortable ride? It's all about ego and money! Jack | ||
| Tbowdre |
Anyone have any idea of buell sales numbers? Im just curious. how many firebolts were sold in '06 | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Harley Davidson is the real deal but only from an anachronistic standpoint. People buy HD because they had a father that rode one or remember how they reacted to them in the 60's and want to recapture some of that feeling for themselves. The copycat cruisers are merely trying to get a piece of the "nostalgia pie". You can't blame them, but claiming that HD is the "real deal" discounts the fact that the real deal is people wanting to relive bygone days. (Which is ok, BTW!) | ||
| Aldaytona |
Nice theory, but, since the 60s none of the guys I rode with had fathers who owned a motorcycle period. Seems to me that most of the clowns I see riding Harleys want to recapture bad 60s and 70s tough guy biker movies, where else do you hear accountants and dentists talking like pirates and wearing that bandana thingie (the real touch is not shaving the whole weekend) and the unlit cigs, now that puts them over the edge.............. that's my theory. Harley-Davidson IS the "REAL DEAL" period. That's my story and i"m stickin' to it! |
