| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
Not saying that I'm a 'chrome lover' or anything like that...but I can practically guarantee that Erik doesn't want us to play that way. HD made a choice. I believe Erik and the Elves will find a way to bounce back, better than ever. Bashing HD only adds to what I'm sure is a huge weight on Erik's shoulders. He takes too much of all this personally - it's part of the reason Buells are such incredible motorcycles, and the Buell company is filled with such wonderful people - but I think if he sees all of us 'bashing' HD, it's just going to add to his displeasure at the moment because he has an overdeveloped sense of responsibility. If he sees HD-bashing...he'll likely see it, somehow, as "his fault". Support Buell. If you *must* do anything with HD...just ignore them, at least here on badweb. Let it lie. If you have to bash HD...go to an HD forum. We all know how we feel here, no need to overdo it. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
again,you as a H-D dealer, I see your point. But I think it's justified in this situation | ||
| Ratbuell |
you as a H-D dealer Nope. I *work* for an HD dealer. The only place "HD" appears on my business card is my email address, "jgoetz@hdoffrederick.com". I could care less about HD and protecting their "feelings". Read my post again. I'm concerned about Erik. Period. He's more human than most folks could ever dream of being, and I personally can't imagine doing anything that might add to his current heavy heart. | ||
| Limitedx1 |
obviously HD has nothing to do with buell anymore so why cant people voice there opinion. i always liked how hd was behind buell, but i never had to deal with a dealer because i fix everything myself. but i will own an HD one day. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
Harley deserves every critisism and bash they get. C'mon man, they fire 200 people for making them money, Then turn their backs on some of the most loyal customers around and you don't expect a bash party here on a Buell Board? Willie G and Co can literally lick every inch of my ball sack. | ||
| Swordsman |
I fail to follow the logic that Erik will somehow take it personally and feel responsible if we're upset at H-D for backing out...? "bashing H-D" will add to "weight" on Erik's shoulders? You've totally lost me. AND you're making assumptions. ~SM | ||
| Acav80 |
"Willie G and Co. can literally..." LOL!  | ||
| Ratbuell |
AND you're making assumptions. If that's your assumption....you go with it. | ||
| Swordsman |
When you say "I think" and "I believe" (which you did), that automatically makes it an assumption. Now, if you said "Erik told me...", or "I heard Erik say...", well that's a different matter entirely. ~SM (Message edited by Swordsman on October 15, 2009) | ||
| Rocketsprink |
Well, ok, you WORK for a H-D dealer. It's suck for all involved. I think people have a right to voice their opinions. It's a rather emotional time for Buell owner/fans as well. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
And in no way a dig on you BTW | ||
| Psychobueller |
F Harley-Davidson! I may buy a Road Couch one day, but today I am pissed and not going to hold back! | ||
| Zac4mac |
Erik and the Elves know they make the best machines under the Bar and Shield. WE know it also. Some cryptic wording in the press releases, both to the public and HD internally. I am totally in the dark as to what this will look like in a week. I'll try to stay optimistic, while I plan an impromptu roadtrip to East Troy for a support ride-in on the 26th. Zack | ||
| Ratbuell |
Fair enough. I just don't commit other people to things in a public forum is all. Let's chalk it up to "educated guess". Doesn't mean I don't feel for the guy, and all his Elves. If voicing a different perspective can possibly save some grief...I'll voice away, and probably get yelled at later. As for being a dealer...well, let's say I've got a lot of thinking to do in the coming days and weeks. It wasn't chrome that kept me coming to work every day. | ||
| Jaimec |
My first reaction is to dump my HOG stock. My second reaction is to hang on to it and vote AGAINST the board at every opportunity. What to do? What to do? | ||
| Patches |
If you stop and think for a minute it's not H-D. It's the Machine that took away GOOD PAYING JOBS that caused this! You can not Sale $10K-$20K Motorcycles to someone that can not make enough Money to Pay Rent, Buy Groceries and Heat there Homes this Winter. Until WE Stop the STEAL FROM the POOR, GIVE to the RICH Approach to the Economy it will only get WORSE! | ||
| Reepicheep |
Well, it's kinda like that in-law that was really grating and annoying... but you played nice for the family. Now, after the divorce is over, and since they didn't have any kids... you can say what you really think. And if they call you up asking for money, well, you know how that's gonna go...  I think it was a poor decisions from a strategic business standpoint, from a long term growth standpoint, from a "I'm a human being" standpoint, and from a "we are in a motorcycle business and passion is a factor" standpoint. I'm certainly less interested in giving them the benefit of the doubt now though... The boutique for chrome and leather underwear claim rang a little hollow while HD owned Buell and MV Agusta... two companies that are really innovating in the motorcycle world. Now... it rings awfully true. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
Why not bash HD? I can't think of a single good reason not to. | ||
| Thespive |
Some cryptic wording in the press releases, both to the public and HD internally. I noticed this too... Are any of the brand’s models going to be available as Harley-Davidson models? Harley-Davidson has no plans to produce Buell motorcycles as Harley-Davidson products. I figured something was up when the cancelled plans for the new HQ, and then Erik said he didn't renew his contract. Maybe he can take it forward on his own? --Sean | ||
| Tpoppa |
There are a good number of 'higher ups' at the MoCo that haven't supported Buell and others at odds with Erik personally. I'm sure the phrase 'good riddance' has been uttered by a few. I'm done with HD, but I really never planned to buy a new one anyway. | ||
| Drkside79 |
F HD F HD in their big overpaid asses. | ||
| Macbuell |
Screw HD. I don't care what their reasoning is and if it was sound or unsound. I'm done with them. | ||
| Jb2 |
Hard to completely say I don't give a damn about Harley since the growth and current Buell lineup is all thanks to the corporate dollars that HD funneled into the company... But the truth is I don't give a damn about Harley Davidson and I will NEVER own another one. Five is plenty enough for one man's lifetime. I need to buy another pristine S2 now so I can say I owned five Buells too. Somebody said there would be a last ride to the factory on the 26th? I just might ride the Vic up to East Troy. WTF, why not. | ||
| Swordsman |
Rat, after seeing some stuff in other posts, I concede you may actually be on to something. Considering how much it's costing H-D to kill the brand, it seems like the decision to do so would have to be based on personal and not financial reasons. Maybe somebody had a grudge.... Still, whatever the case, no matter where the blame falls, it doesn't matter: we'll stick up for Erik.  ~SM | ||
| Hughlysses |
Henceforth, the MoCo shall be the MoFoCo... | ||
| Rasta_dog |
I can think of a good reason not to bash HD. They are an American company that has survived for 105 years, and while the move to discontinue Buell hurts me personally, it may just be an indication of the seriousness and difficulty of the current global economic times and I'm sure very few that have commented here have as much at stake as the officers of HD/Buell. "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." John Kennedy | ||
| Ulytide |
Well, many hear have theorized, boasted, threatened or claimed Buell would be greater served if they were out from under the Harley influence, sold & serviced outside Harley dealerships. Be careful what you ask for... | ||
| Babired |
Hey Rat feelings are hurt. Hard not to bash HD right now after all we are Buell riders who have watched over the years the lack of support and knowledge in some HD dealers. I've worked for 4 of them teaching MC safety and only one of them is a true Buell dealer. Not putting your dealer out. I hope they still continue with a Buell event like what happened this year. It was fantastic. | ||
| Drkside79 |
they are an American company that has survived for 105 years If I could ensure it they wouldn't hit 106. HD is an overpriced money grubbing example of American Greed I hope their sales continue to slide. | ||
| Bikertrash05 |
Is the thread title sarcastic?  The stuff they are doing makes no sense. They continue to produce less bikes, and act surprised every quarter when they make less money, then cut production more and cut more jobs to keep the stock afloat. Buell wasn't costing them money, and they are spending money to dump them. The ship is sinking. |
