| Author | Message | ||
     Wsplrll |
So here is my deal - We recently moved to the State College area from close to Philly area. Love the area even though there is going to be a few weeks less riding on either end. Just looking at the surrounding roads and landscape I can't wait for the warmer ( above 30's) weather. I am bummed and a little annoyed that the closest dealer to me is about an hour away. When I got the bike part of it was that there were 2 or more dealers close to me. It is just a little annoying. Don't get me wrong, I love the bike. But there is a Triumph, Kawasaki, Ducati dealer right in town and so far they have been really pretty welcoming and seem like they would be great to deal with. I am trying real hard to hang with the Buell thing and have the signed bike and buy in to all the American Sport bike, decidedly different, met Erik and all that. But it just is getting to be more of a hassle to have the ownership experience on a Buell. Yeah - I can learn to do my own maintenance - but the reality is that I really have a limited amount of leisure time and I just don't care to take the time to work on the bike. A lot of people don't get that but that is just the way it is. I love the Buell to ride....not even that I care so much about who knows I have one. I like it - I like to be different and don't care that a lot of people don't "get it". But - the Triumph Sprint or the Tiger to do some long range Sport Touring really has me thinking. | ||
| Glitch |
Part of my joy of motorcycling is doing my own work. part of the joy of Buell is just how simple they are to work on. The Blast is even more simple to work on. But since you don't have the time... The Tiger is a great bike, but a real bitch to work on. Go ask the dealership how much it is to do the maintenance you won't do, and compare costs. You really ought to turn a wrench, it's not that difficult, and each time it takes less of your time. Not to mention how much money you'll save. | ||
| Pwnzor |
I'm confused... what's so wrong with either of your bikes that you need a dealer? | ||
| Lost_in_ohio |
All the dealer you need is available by phone.. Call andy or al for your parts and love your bike. Screw the stealerships. | ||
| Cycleaddict |
the 1 hour ride to the dealer could be fun too . kinda like a destination , u-no = another excuse to ride your bike ! | ||
| Bcool83 |
So go to the other mfg's dealers, or to a different local sportbike shop. Unless you need warranty work or some part that isn't available by mail order, there's not much difference. | ||
| Wsplrll |
Nothing wrong with the bikes....but they do need maintainence etc from time to time. I used to get lucky and be able to have that done while I waited for it. Even though it took awhile. The other part that I did not mention is that this dealer does not have the greatest reputation from what I understand. So while the bike is under warranty for the next couple years I am not going to work on it. Just not something I enjoy spending my time doing for the most part since I have so many other things that take up my time. Maybe someday. Anyway - most of it is just expressing frustration at the part of Buell ownership many people complain about. There should really be a better network of dealers. Not that I was really satisfied with the whole HD set up either. I could get myself a Harbor freight tire changer. That would make things a little easier. | ||
| Glitch |
Dealership maintainence is a major rip off, I wish I had that money to throw away. If you do your own maintainence, the warranty stays intact. Anyway - most of it is just expressing frustration at the part of Buell ownership many people complain about. The only time I needed warranty work done, I needed a stator, they were on back order, so the guys at Stone Mountain took one off a new bike and had me on my way. | ||
| Buellistic |
You will find that the BEST thing you can do is get a FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL and PARTS BOOK for your Year and Model and learn to be a MECHANIC(not a technician) ... There is PLENTY of "HELP" available on this web site ... In Buelling LaFayette | ||
| Wsplrll |
You will find that the BEST thing you can do is get a FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL and PARTS BOOK for your Year and Model and learn to be a MECHANIC(not a technician) ... There is PLENTY of "HELP" available on this web site ... You guys don't get it..... I don't have time or want to do maintenance. I am sure there are things that you have no interest in doing -that I probably couldn't understand - running 5 miles....reading history for pleasure....whatever...I don't have enough time to ride as it is. So the last thing I want to do is work on the bikes. I work long hours make enough money that it isn't an issue to pay someone as long as they are competent. My time is worth more to me than spending time off in the garage getting into more than changing the oil etc. Part of the problem - as evidenced by the responses is that the dealerships are a rip off. You really hear that more here than most other forums for other brands. That is really part of the problem isn't it? In any event. The simplicity of the Buells is part of the reason that I purchased them. So I might keep them and if something comes up worry about then. The biggest advantage to the Buells besides being cool bikes is that they don't require a lot of costly maintenance even if the dealer does it. That is an advantage. But thanks for the input - and yes - I have found in the 3+ years that I have been a member here that everyone is very helpful and encouraging. There are other sites as well that good for info. I now live within 45 minutes of the moderator of one of those forums that shall remain nameless! | ||
| Js_buell |
Part of the problem - as evidenced by the responses is that the dealerships are a rip off. You really hear that more here than most other forums for other brands. That is really part of the problem isn't it? Sorry to burst your bubble but every dealership of any brand is a rip off and if you don't believe it then go ahead and switch brand for the triumph or ducati especially the last one and then you will see. | ||
| Herobluebuell |
Wsplrll I know how you feel im from the mansfield area and i have to travel to williamsport myself if i need to go to the dealer. | ||
| Buelltroll |
The "Regulars" have a tendency to do just what they are doing here. Ignore the actual question and just keep posting their own answers.... | ||
| Buellistic |
OK !!!, IMHO if "i" did not ride a BUELL the only other motorcycle to be considered would be a "HONDA" !!! In BUELLing LaFayette | ||
| Xl1200r |
Part of the problem - as evidenced by the responses is that the dealerships are a rip off. You really hear that more here than most other forums for other brands. That is really part of the problem isn't it? If you admit this to be true, then why are you upset that there are none around you? If you have other dealerships in town, I'm betting you have just some regular bike shops as well. Talk to some folks who ride and find out who does well with what shops and do with that. You don't need to have your bike serviced at a dealership for anything, including warranty work. It makes life easier, but not required. BTW - my Chevy dealer wants $95 to change the oil in my car. I get it done at the local garage for $50 (not bad for 6 qts of mobil 1, plus filter and topping off fluids, etc.) It ain't just Buell/HD that rips off the owners. | ||
| Ratbuell |
The thing that gets me is, people bitch about the Buell dealer network...but they flat out refuse to go to one if they need something. Why would BMC invest in updating/upgrading a network that is shunned by its owners? I understand wanting the best deal for your money, I do the same thing. However, if you have made the choice to do your own work and source your own parts, you have absolutely no right to badmouth the dealer network - you have become part of "the problem" instead of taking the time and effort to work towards a solution. Sorry for the hijack. | ||
| Jaydub |
Why would BMC invest in updating/upgrading a network that is shunned by its owners? I think the point is even if you have a dealer near you, they may still be lousy, and only want to sell chrome... But that could happen with anything | ||
| Damnut |
Too bad you didn't live in my neighborhood, you could pay me to work on your bike. I'd charge a lot less than a stealership. The "Regulars" have a tendency to do just what they are doing here. Ignore the actual question and just keep posting their own answers.... and I suppose you're just doing what you have a tendency of doing....... being a dick. | ||
| Buellistic |
The PROBLEM is HARLEY-DAVIDSON technicians !!! Example: A friend of mine took his TUBE frame BUELL for an oil change ... When he got it back the technician tightened the drive belt because he say it was too loose ... My friend said it was correct when he brought it in and the technician and service manager told him the belt was adjusted correctly and would not loosen it back up ... Needless to say that HARLEY-DAVDISON Dealer was RED LINED on his list of Dealers !!! In BUELLing LaFayette | ||
| Kmfw160 |
I'm pretty happy with my dealership. Southside Harley(Virginia Beach) is pretty good and they offer 15% off all Buell parts. Duck, the parts guy there, and everyone else I've met there are good people. They are very courteous and helpful even if I don't buy anything. I do do most all of my work though thanks to a manual and the plethera of info on the BadWeb.  (Message edited by kmfw160 on February 12, 2008) | ||
| Wsplrll |
OK - well I don't really want to get into a pissing match. I know there are a lot of great people here and that there is a help available. I have asked for and gotten it before. So we will see how it goes. Some of what was said is true and adapting to the situation is probably worth it since as I said I really like the bike and that is the main thing. I wouldn't mind having a better dealership - some of the ones near my old home were good dealerships...including..Deans HD. Good price on the bike. Good Service and Mike the Service Mgr is a good guy. And they charge less than the closest where I have had problems. Montgomeryville Cycle - has good prices and I have had tires changed there for a great price and Bob in the parts department knows his sh*t and has helped me more than once. Martin Motorsports in Boyertown is a decent dealer as is Cycle Max in Honey Brook PA and several others. It is nice to go to a dealership where you can hang out and look at bikes ( don't people that are into bikes do that once and awhile? ) and talk to other people that you meet about their about bikes. Nothing against Harley dudes....in general I find that I just don't relate to their thing. So my bubble ain't burst Js Buell....just think you missed the point. There are some pretty knowledgable people at some dealerships....at least down here. As far as calling each other names I just don't get that. | ||
| Jaydub |
It is nice to go to a dealership where you can hang out and look at bikes ( don't people that are into bikes do that once and awhile? ) and talk to other people that you meet about their about bikes. I usually include a hang at the dealer every few weeks, just to look and listen | ||
| Js_buell |
So my bubble ain't burst Js Buell....just think you missed the point. Well I'm not trying to get in an argument with you here but I think you missed my point, What I said was in reference to your comment about HD dealership being a rip off more than other brand. If you think that than my point is go and do the experience and see for yourself, compare to what you might think they are all the same, any brand dealership will rip you off since it's mostly where they make there money. You talked about Ducati well do you have any idea how much it cost and how often you need service by "their tech"? | ||
| Towjam |
I don't have time or want to do maintenance. I am sure there are things that you have no interest in doing -that I probably couldn't understand - running 5 miles....reading history for pleasure....whatever...I don't have enough time to ride as it is. So the last thing I want to do is work on the bikes. I work long hours make enough money that it isn't an issue to pay someone as long as they are competent. My time is worth more to me than spending time off in the garage getting into more than changing the oil etc. William, Not that it probably matters but I'm right there with ya' bud. I don't have the time or resources to do anything but the very simplest of maintenance items. I realize this puts me at the mercy of the dealers and like many, I don't trust dealership techs to have the attention to detail that I do. Yet, I also realize that if choose not to wrench, I can't bitch about the dealership support. (Well yeah, I can and do bitch, but i shouldn't.) Anyway, I don't have an answer to your original question - I just wanted to chime in and let you know you're not the only one on BadWeb who's not interested in wrenching. no doubt I'm going to get flamed | ||
| Wsplrll |
"your comment about HD dealership being a rip off more than other brand."} I wasn't really saying that HD is more a rip off than any other brand. My point was that other people complain about HD dealers and the lack of Buell support and everything else. If they were expensive but everything else was great....like great environment...lots of Buell gear and knowledgable Buell staff but a place to go and rub elbows with other Buell people then the cost would not be as big a deal. Or if you got quality work done that the dealership stood behind than that would make a difference. Ducatis are expensive to own. Not as much as of 2007 model year but they require more maintenance for sure. To some people that is not an issue because of the whole Ducati mystique. Granted....different demographic. My original point was....Buell experience is going to be more of a hassle for me. The dealership support for Buell or better stated lack of Buell dealers....is really the thing that I was originally complaining about. Towjam we are probably in the minority. Not that I wouldn't like to have more time for many things that life demands. | ||
| Js_buell |
Ok fair enough, I understand your point about the wrenching, it's not for everyone. I don't know yet how I will be on that part, will know when I get my Buell this spring, but since my job is aircraft mechanic well I might not feel like doing more wrenching after work. | ||
| Budc |
"Screw the stealerships" Hey, I resent that remark! I know that I, along with CityXslicker, BuellerAndy, DaveS, No_rice and countless others, who do or have worked at dealerships, have worked very hard to change that impression of H-D/Buell dealerships. I am sorry that some of the dealerships just don't get it but don't condemn all of us because of the bad ones. Wsplrll, if you don't have that support close by you can contact me at Hal's H-D/Buell or any of the other sponsors here at BadWeb. We are always glad to help. And, not that it matters, but even though I work for a dealership, I am doing all of my own work on my XB12S. I am currently building up the motor with some new street-able Hop-up kits that we are developing. It's nothing against the dealership I just want the first hand experience so I can be of better assistance to my customers. By the way, I am the Rental Manager and Buell Sales Lead at Hal's, not a mechanic. Just my 2 cents worth. BudC | ||
| Court |
>>just don't get it but don't condemn all of us because of the bad ones. That's part of the problem with the internet. Once you try to make it more than entertainment you realize that most the information is pretty much opinion. Tough to sort out real data. I'd be willing to bet I've set foot in as many dealers as most the folks riding Buell and my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE is that there are some great ones and some terrible ones. Although I don't dispute folks individual claims I've personally been lucky . . . I've always lived within miles of either Topeka HD Buell (the countries most awarded HD dealership) or Liberty. My experience has been nothing short of spectacular. By the way . . I rally appreciate the professionalism you guys have brought. I know how tough it is in a dealer environment and it really takes a dedicated individual to make Buell work in a HD dealer. | ||
| Snakedriver |
I think Court really touched on what I belive is the issue- There are no Buell dealers...Just HD dealers selling Buells in the back room. I realize that there are some great Buell dealers out there. It just seems like none of them are within riding distance from me...Its seems "me" is most of the folks that ride Buells. I dont have the luxury of going to the dealer when I get parts for my Triumph (the 4 wheeled kind). So I was really looking forward to being able to do that when I got in to the Buell. After 3 or so year, I belive that I can actually get more stuff over the counter for my 1964 TR4 than I can for my XB. | ||
| Irideabuell |
There are unscrupulous dealers representing every make and model of bike (and car for that matter). I bought my son a Suzuki JR 50 dirt bike for his 6th birthday. A local dealer had sent out flyers in the mail advertising that bike for $999. I went, chose the one I wanted and was presented with an invoice for $1800. After my initial shock and asking them how stupid they thought I was it boiled down to the GM asking me how much I was willing to pay. I told him not a penny more than $1200 OTD. He quickly exclaimed that they'd only be making $25 at that price. I replied, "Yeah, but how many times did you present an invoice for $1800 and not get challenged? You made $625 on those transactions." The deal was done and I have never returned there nor will I. |
