| Author | Message | ||
     Pcmodeler |
Received an email to participate in a survey. Would appear that Buell/Harley is considering a dirtbike. I thought Harley had one available but to a limited market only. Anyway, I told them in the survey that I'd consider one if support was better than it currently is for Buells. I actually took a riders course this last weekend and the bike I used was an old Super Sherpa. What a fun/easy bike to ride. I'm actually considering picking an enduro style bike now (still keep my XB9R), so it was kind of weird to receive that survey now. They must have been reading my mind. | ||
| Typeone |
I just got one too, mine doesn't have a reference to Harley at all though (which I love, heh). From: Buell, Subject: Buell Motorcycling Survey. No time to complete it right now but I'm feeling the same as you PC... its like they read my mind. I've been dying to get another dirt bike especially after hitting AMA MX Round 10 out in Binghamton last weekend. Been too long since I've ripped it up off-road  | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Interesting survey, It appears they may be considering a dirtbike for the under 25 crowd. They also seem to be concerned about the "made in USA" thing. A number of off shore sourcing questions. I should have done screen captures... Interesting. | ||
| Typeone |
Bluzm2, I still have to go back and complete the survey, if you (or anyone) would like me to capture the questions and post here I'm more than happy to. I'll have some time late tonight to dig back in. | ||
| Psychobueller |
I got one. It's all about the possibility of H-D and/or Buell making a real dirtbike. Seems like a smart move demographically. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
I understand that they tried to buy KTM not long ago, but the deal fell through. | ||
| Coolice |
Just finished the survey too, they should have bought Cannondale..... | ||
| Gomo |
Finished mine as well - asked how about a conversion kit to make the Blast into a dualsport. Suspension change, tires, etc. The plastic should hold up and the torque would be fun on the dirt too. | ||
| Jim_sb |
HD would need to compete on capability in the dirt bike market. Nobody wants a heavy, poorly suspended dirt bike. But if they made a good product and supported them, they would sell. Buells don't receive much dealer support. Jim in Santa Barbara '96 S2 Thunderbolt (for sale) '04 DRZ400S | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Just took the survey. Not overly impressed with the questions. They seemed "leading". Why not ask if you'd buy a dirt bike that is manufactured by H-D but sold under a completely different badge? I'm not interested in buying an H-D or Buell dirt bike. It doesn't fit the profile of either company. | ||
| Blublak |
Took that survey as well.. They were overly leading trying to find out if H-D was the 'next big dirt bike company'.. or some such.. I told them they would have to do a lot of work (the type they don't seem willing to do) to sell those. First off, 600lbs of chrome and fringe doesn't sound like a good start to me. Ok, I was a little snippy with them.. but I don't think they'll notice. After all, if they don't like my survey, they'll just hit delete and be done with it.. Now, if this had come strictly from Buell. And E. was looking to expand into a new market.. well.. that would be different.. although the dealer network would kill the bike, I'll bet you it would be a riot on two wheels and built to handle.. well.. everything off the road.. period. | ||
| Midknyte |
Surveys are often used just to justify a decision that has already been made. Along that line of thinking, it would seem that they plan or want to offer dirt bikes and the mood of the survey suggests most that they are trying to decide how to brand them (as HD's or Buell's). I leaned towards Buell branding. Selfishly (for more Buell marketshare), but also, because a dirtbike would be a radical/different offering from the HD lineup, which Buell already is... And let's face it - what kind of dealer support do you expect from an HD shop for dirtbikes that does not take kindly to even Buells. Align the "product" with Buell friendly shops and they'd probably have the best shot at providing satisfactory support after the sale. | ||
| Midknyte |
Was interesting that they also/even acknowledged pocket bikes in the survey. They are definately looking at an even younger market than typical Buell'ers. | ||
| Jim_sb |
HD has not been in a position where their dealers have had to sell their product. Marketing, until recently, was in "stealth" mode. Take an HD dealership, with little sportbike selling experience, salespeople used to selling products at MSRP ++, then try to compete with the "J" bike makers? Tough proposition. Certainly some Buell dealers and salespeople "get it" but most don't. A recent trip to a Buell dealership went like this.... D=dealer, M=Me D: Hi, can I help you? M: Just lookin' at the new Ulysses. D: I bet you know more about that bike I do. <g> M: Yeah, probably <g> At that point I mentally give the salesperson credit for honesty and a good sense of humor. D: Hey, do you know how this triple tail works? I don't... M: Sure, I'll show you.... We had a discussion about the bike, very congenial. But they don't have a low seat and it's too tall for me in stock trim, so I'm waiting for them to get a low seat (and another XB12X) in so we can proceed. They did offer a demo ride which I turned down - wasn't happy with the seat height, I'd rather wait until they get a low seat in - they said they ordered one. Meanwhile they sold the bike. HD will have a tough go of it in the dirt bike arena unless they buy / deal with an existing manufacturer. The competition is tough, the products are constantly being improved. My DRZ400S is an example. Basically a dirt bike with lights & mirrors. *Very* inexpensive to buy and maintain. Oh, and it does a great job in the dirt. Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Stealthxb |
Send me a survey!!! I was rather disappointed we did not get a SuperMotard bike this year. With increased enthusiasm for racing in this country combined with SuperMoto being extremely spectator friendly events featuring world class athletes SuperMoto has the potential to be huge. And I think it would be a great market for Buell. If the MoCo is attempting to attract a younger audience I see no better way. My XB12S is my daily driver and I cannot afford to dump it doing stupid 5hit or at the track. Therefore I am fiending for a 2nd bike to beat up around town, take to the track or the twisties and best of all to get off the beaten track and play in the dirt again! Erik...DON'T MAKE ME RIDE RED!  | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Stealth...send me your email address via PM. They sent me 3 survey requests (must be because I own 3 Buells  ) | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Lake, I too recieved 3 of them. Not sure how they know I own 3 Buell's. Maybe checking profiles here? Hmmmm, something to do with our profile snafu? Ah yes, conspiricies abound! Brad | ||
| Mikej |
I got no surveys and own two Buells, but I'm not currently a BRAG member so maybe that's the connection????? | ||
| Typeone |
I had similar feelings/comments from above... "I leaned towards Buell branding. Selfishly (for more Buell marketshare), but also, because a dirtbike would be a radical/different offering from the HD lineup, which Buell already is..." I did the same. I kinda gave it to 'em by letting them know that Buell doesn't belong in an H-D shop anyway so they can forget attempting to support a dirt segment too. I mean, come on. "My XB12S is my daily driver and I cannot afford to dump it doing stupid 5hit or at the track. Therefore I am fiending for a 2nd bike to beat up around town, take to the track or the twisties and best of all to get off the beaten track and play in the dirt again! Erik...DON'T MAKE ME RIDE RED!" Stealth, I am SO with you on that comment only my ending would be riding Red... "AGAIN!" I would LOVE to see the Buell team branch out even further than the Uly and bring back my lust for the ATK and Cannondales. | ||
| Buell12hundo |
that would be cool if buell bought the aTk rights and brought them back, now that the big four are phaseing out two strokes......maybe..... | ||
| Outrider |
In as much as the dirt bikes they indicated are not in my future I think they might be a great idea. The only part I don't care for is the indication that the bikes will be imported either whole or in part. If introduced by Buell, or even HD for that matter, I think it is false advertising for them to advertise then as "American Motorcycles." Hell, that even applies to Buell's current line up. Let's go for the truth and go with designed and assembled in America. Puke!!! Just an opinion but I would rather ride a KTM, Honda, Kawi, Zook or a Yammie than pay premium for a brand name that is just a marketing scam, at least until they start producing the wins at the track. | ||
| Jprovo |
That's funny, I remember reading about Frank White of ATK fame being hired as a consultant by HD.... I just can't find where I read it now. BTW, ATK's are still made, they bought all of Cannondale's stuff, and will still make you a 500 2-smoke (or a 700 Intimidator) if you want one (and have $10,000 to spend) http://www.atkusa.com/newsite/ProductsIntimidator.aspx James | ||
| Ceejay |
Didn't H-D used to make dirtbikes back in the 70's? Under AMF? | ||
| 1313 |
Just like the US Postal Service Mail it must take E-mail longer to reach this part of the country...I received the E-mail invite today, but won't have time to take the survey until tomorrow night. Hey I gotta do something to make laundry night entertaining/enjoyable... 1313 | ||
| Tomd |
Another Harley dirtbike? Nooooooooooo! No more Aermacchis!!!!! lol Haven't we had enough of the old 350 sprints? And then we had to put up with the AMF's made by Machiavelli. Aermacchi produced the 250MX in 1978 that was really fast but it didn't handle all that well and had a power band like a 125 but with 50 horsepower, so it was pretty un-rideable on tight tracks Rex Staten and Marty Tripes rode them for the factory but I don't think they lasted more than 1 year on the circuit. Let's hope the contract out to ATX, KTM or Husky for a super motard or dual sport, just whatever they make, no more sprints please.... Tom | ||
| Outrider |
SuperMoto's, Dual Sports and even a reasonable facsimile of a Street Tracker with a skid plate (Whoops, I think I just showed my age) would be great. MX bikes would be cool as well as the appeal to a younger market. Well, that is if your State still has trails and areas open to motorcycles. Opening offroad ATV trails to motorcycles is one area that Harley's Political Clout would be welcomed, especially in Wisconsin. We have tons of ATV trails but very few are open to bikes at least in the southern part of the State. Yeah, if I were younger, I could see buying a MX'er, but at my age one of the three models mentioned in my opening paragraph would float my boat. | ||
| Stealthxb |
Thank you Lake! | ||
| Rex |
do you think the survey was really from HD and Buell? or even a bogus survey? thru the internet? REX | ||
| Buelluk |
I've got a Buell and i'm in BRAG . ..but no survey yet ? | ||
| Typeone |
Looks like they partnered with SurveyZone.net, there are some pretty big client names on their home page and client section. I'm sure it was legit. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Yeah,I have yet to see any survey,been Brag member forever.And I actually own and ride dirtbikes.Have had at least one since 1968--current bike is a KTM MXC 300,had an RMX 250 before that.About 2 dozen assorted bikes over the years. (Message edited by firemanjim on September 01, 2005) | ||
| Outrider |
Interesting...I own both a Harley and a Buell, but only belong to HOG National. The survey was interesting, but did have an HD emphasis in the beginning. Heck, if I remember correctly, one of the questions was something along the lines of "do you know what brands of motorcycles HD owns." It also had questions about whether you had any family members under the age of 25. Definitely not questions that apply to the mainstream BRAG member, eh? |
