| Author |
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Court
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 04:21 pm: | 
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Dennis:
It may sound a bit condescending but that's not the intent. Buell is trying something different. This "glimpse behind the curtain" is not totally unrelated to the outcries you and I have heard in the past . . . they could at least give us a hint.
My guess, based soley on the facts you stated, is that the subject dealership would not even have the opportunity to become involved. If they're not a credible performer capable of performing excellently their role in the commercial chain they need to get the hell out of the Buell business.
It's time to end the "no dealer left behind" mentality. The excuses have grown tiring and laziness and indifference can no longer be tolerated.
Buell got two things from Harley-Davidson . . a motor and a dealer network. To a degree, they've each been an ankle weight. Make due and make the best with what we have has been tried. . . it doesn't work.
Don't let the tone of the writing in the dealer communication bother you too much . . there are a LOT of new faces, doing new things and there is a lot of work to be done. Someday. . . and I can't wait. . the company that brought you the first website in the motorcycle industry may even have an e-mail address you can contact customer service via. |
Rubberdown
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 04:26 pm: |
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I'm sure I'll have another Buell in the garage anyway. |
Old_man
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 04:37 pm: |
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It sounds to me like Buell is trying to help itself and that H.D. may be removing some of it's constraints.
This would be very good news, indeed. |
Buellshyter
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 05:11 pm: |
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Are some of you reading the same things I am? Motorcross, Supercross, enduro races....doesn't sound to me like Buell is going to be coming out with some short bus bike. Full bore- balls to the wall dirt bike. Get in- get on or get out of the way !!! Rocket, you might want to get a head start and begin eating clean undies and work your way up to soiled. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 05:30 pm: |
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If I wanted to go back to dirt bike riding there are lots of fantastic motocrossers to choose from that only much younger and fitter men could reap the real benefits from. Obviously Buell are not building one of these. Nor are they going to build something like a HP2? That presumably rules out a 1200GS type too? So how about something to compete with the KTM middleweight singles? Buell is to think out of the box when KTM have been doing for several years, so that's a tall order if Buell will knock KTM off their dirt bike mantle. Ain't gonna happen. Then there's the Yamaha front wheel drive for thinking out of the box. What else is there. Let's see now..........
I was talking with a friend who designs and builds frames, often freelancing for amongst others, some Italian company. Oh no, not an XB type frame for a dirt bike. Man that's so outta the box my mind is blown.
Rocket |
Dtx
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 06:13 pm: |
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May we all live in interesting times... |
Toona
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 06:16 pm: |
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If anyone from BMC is lurking here, I have a friend that worked for Cannondale, first in their bicycle line, then when they started the dirt bike line up, he went there until they closed. He's got his engineering degree and 10-11 years at Cannondale.
So if you're looking for someone, PM me, (confidentiality is on the highest order)
He is currently working at a shop doing CAD drawings for front end loaders and it is driving him NUTS!
I did tell him to go to the website and apply there, but a little extra exposure (for him) never hurts. |
Ezblast
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 06:24 pm: |
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Ahhh - the Chinese curse! |
Roc
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 06:30 pm: |
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Dirt riders outnumber Buell riders, amongst employees, about 10 to 1 at the dealership I work at. It could get interesting with HD trikes next to Buell dirt bikes.
I hope for some dual sport models.
(Message edited by roc on March 01, 2007) |
S1eric
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 06:32 pm: |
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Its gonna be very difficult to get a dirt biker to switch brands to one that is unproven.
I was going to ask who wants to be the first BETA tester. But --------
for myself.
I`ll wait until the bike proves its self.
Can they do it ? Maybe.
If they build a supermoto like the Aprilia 450 & 550 VTwin It could be tempting. Thats one bike thats on my short list. But even that bike requires frequent engine work, And the lack of dealerships keeps me away.
Buell has a nice size dealer network.
But alot of them still won`t stock simple fall over parts for Buell street bikes let alone dirt bikes. But if you need a lever for your HD your in luck.
We have CHROME, skulls, tassels, leather
wrapped, etc etc.......
So the question is. Will the bike be good enough to bring a new type of customer through the door ?
Hard to say at this point. I`m not jumping on the band wagon just yet.
Sure the faith full will be there. (look in mirror) But will that be enough ?
Will they have enough faith in their own product to field a race team or even a rider. I`m not seeing it with the XBRR.
No we`ll let the dealers do it.
OK where is the R&D in that.
C`mon if your gonna build a race bike lets see you race It ! !
Is the dirt program going to be more of the same ? |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 07:15 pm: |
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Rocket, you might want to get a head start and begin eating clean undies and work your way up to soiled.
It makes no difference. My neighbour is a 40 year old mechanic. Even his clean undercrackers could kill me I'm sure. But hey let's face it, there's little chance of it happening. Or is there?
Buellshitter, I've enjoyed a couple of your comments to me recently. It's a refreshing change to see we can get on with each other. Please, keep it up 
Rocket |
Xlcr
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 08:29 pm: |
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The letter makes it perfectly clear they are talking MX bikes too. I guess it takes reading comprehension to see that. |
Rick_a
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 08:34 pm: |
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quote:* Consider purchase of an existing off-road competition-level product for employee use
In my dreams! |
Daves
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 09:48 pm: |
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Very cool news.
I wonder if they need a dealer in LaPorte City Iowa? |
Cyclonedon
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 12:18 am: |
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"Very cool news.
I wonder if they need a dealer in LaPorte City Iowa?"
YES!!! especially if Dave Stueve was going to own it! Then there would be lots of Buell motorcycles in Iowa and ofcourse people would travel from miles to buy from Daves.}} |
Trojan
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 04:54 am: |
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I hope that Buell can pull this off and build a 'competitive' dirt bike, but given their recent trend of seriously underestimating the opposition I have my doubts.
There have been some excellent off road bikes that have failed to live up to initial promise or failed to make it altogether in this ultra-competitive market sector, and the market leaders such as KTM are moving the goal posts all the time with their new products.
Benelli, Highland and Hyosung all have top spec 450 off roaders almost ready for market already and Buell will have to fight these newcomers as well as the established makers.
The biggest problem though will be that motorcycle buyers in general (and competition riders in particular) are a very conservative bunch and tend to buy what they know will work. Joe Bloggs, the weekend MX'er is unlikely to pay top dollar for an unproven bike to race against the well established KTM,Honda,Yamaha,Suzuki riders unless he is sure of being competitive straight away or can gain some other perceived advantage (such as lower cost maintenance/price/parts or better factory support).
In order to attract private buyers Buell will probably have to field a 'proper' works race team, or at least support an established top team, to prove the bike can win at the top and be reliable. This would have to be at a world level and not just AMA if Buell want to sell worldwide, and somehow I just can't see that happening. |
Snail
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 08:23 am: |
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Trojan has it right. Street bikes might be marketed as 'different in every sense', but dirt bikes are about performance.
Any weakness in the bike will come out fast on the moto X track.
I hope they come out with a great bike. My current ride (CRF450 Honda) is getting old and I need a new one. If Buell can match the performance and strengths of the CRF I'll buy one.
I'd like to see the specs on the bike. |
Buell920
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 08:32 am: |
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Reedy! dear lord don't let him read this.
Bubba! been a long time since I heard that name used.
FYI this memo was pulled off H-Dnet around 4pm. I think someone is in troooouuuubbbbbllllleeeee.....ooooooo!
the vail is only as black as we allow it to be. |
Glitch
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 08:51 am: |
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Good points Matt, I agree.
I just hope they've done their homework, and then some.
I'm hopeful as always. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 09:51 am: |
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quote:"I was going to ask who wants to be the first BETA tester. But -------- "
http://www.dirtcycles.com/pix/Beta01j.JPG
(Not my bike, but I'd like to have one even though I have no idea where I could legally ride it around here.)
There are many niches in the dirt bike market.
to put hyperlink in place of over-width pic on page...
(Message edited by Blake on March 02, 2007) |
Jayvee
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 12:24 pm: |
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Hey, a SLOW dirt bike, now you're talking ! |
Kootenay
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 04:37 pm: |
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So, did BMC send out a letter like this when introducing the XBs? If so, I think my dealers either missed it or ignored it--when I walked in to buy my Buell, I knew FAR more about the bike, and sporbikes in general, than the sales staff.
Dirt bikes being sold through Harley boutiques? Hope the bike is amazing--it'll have to be, to get through the dealership network (what, are friendly salespeople gonna try to steer customers towards that nice, shiny Sporty out front rather than the Buell dirt bike they store in the warehouse because of space constraints?). |
Buellshyter
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 05:27 pm: |
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the vail is only as black as we allow it to be
Feel free to elaborate, Scott  |
Buellshyter
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 05:38 pm: |
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Benelli, Highland and Hyosung all have top spec 450 off roaders almost ready for market already and Buell will have to fight these newcomers as well as the established makers.
Funny how things go in circles or cycles. Back in the hay day of automobiles and motorcycles there were a gazillion manufacturers. Over the years they whittled down to just a few. Recently, there has been an explosion of automobile manufacturers and looks like motorcycles might do the same. It's going to be a tough road ahead for HD as evidenced by the big three automakers recent woes. |
Buellshyter
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 05:40 pm: |
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Damn, I just noticed I can't vote anymore. Sorry, Rocket, no more one's for you  |
Smoky
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 06:23 pm: |
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This talk of moto-cross bikes is funny.
I can't imagine they would tackle that market, surly they will go for the dual-sport, or adventure bikes, bikes with plates. |
Glitch
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 06:36 pm: |
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I can't imagine they would tackle that market...
Well according to Buell Motor Company, that's exactly what the market they're going to try and tackle.
Gotta give 'em points for having balls, at the very least. |
Pushrodpete
| | Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 12:42 am: |
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Whoo-hoo!
Today: Dirt bikes!
Tomorrow: 50cc Scooters!
Ultimately: Tricycles!
Sarcasm off, rant ON:
WHERE'S THE BAD-ASS LORD-GOD-KING-BOOFOO HOOLIE BIKE???? You know, for these new-fangled things they call "roads" that seem to be all the rage around these parts.... |
Pushrodpete
| | Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 12:47 am: |
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I gave myself one star for rudeness.
 |
Johnc
| | Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 11:00 am: |
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I am very interested, if Buell is looking for customer wish lists, here's my 2 cents worth. I have a CRF 450 Honda, powerful, great handling and very light. Fantastic bike but not street legal.
(Message edited by johnc on March 03, 2007) |
Johnc
| | Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 11:03 am: |
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I also have a Suzuki DRZ400. Street legal and very quiet but not a great off orad bike. It's too heavy and doesn't have much power.
So what I want is-quiet and street leagal like the DRZ but powerful and light with great handling like the CRF. Oh yeah it should also have adjustable suspension ride height and seat height so it can be set up for short or tall riders. Is all that too much to ask?
(Message edited by johnc on March 03, 2007) |
Johnc
| | Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 11:18 am: |
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Something like the 2007 Husqvarna TE series bikes but must be street legal in Canada as well as 50 state legal.
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