| Author | Message | ||
     Stacky |
I sent this out to H-D this morning. I expect nothing in response (a friend of a friend who works in management in H-D says the demise of Buell is "a done deal"), but I felt I should make a public protest. *** Dear Mr. Wandell, You are doubtless a very busy man, so I hope you will forgive me the indulgence of five minutes of your time. I'm writing to protest the closure of the Buell Motorcycle Company. I've been an avid motorcycle rider for 35 years. I've owned a dozen bikes, including, in the last 15 years, three BMWs and three Hondas. My last two bikes have been Buells. I admire Harley-Davidson. I admire the company's marketing savvy and success in producing a distinct brand image, and in garnering an intense, worldwide loyalty to that brand. But--and I intend no disrespect--there is a huge body of riders in this country and elsewhere who, for whatever reason, will never be Harley owners. Harley-Davidson owns a certain swath of motorcycling real estate, but there a lot of other philosophical ways to be a biker than the niche which H-D so skillfully fills. When I went to replace my last BMW in 2006, I had a difficult time going to a Harley-Davidson dealership to look at the Buells; such is the gulf that separates me, and others like me, from H-D's piece of the motorcycling pie. But I went, and I looked, and I test drove. And I bought. And now I've bought again. It is a testament to the solidity of Erik Buell's ideas and to the strength of his dream that he has succeeded in building from scratch the only mainstream sport-based motorcycle company in this country. And it's not just a marketing triumph: the machinery itself is so brilliant as to be transformative. His ideas--both the engineering principles, like the Trilogy of Tech, and his more general ideas about what makes a successful and engaging motorcycle--come brilliantly, almost magically, alive in the flesh. It's not stretching the point to say that from humble, garage-racer beginnings Erik Buell has built up a small but vital concern that is changing the world of motorcycling. Harley-Davidson is going forward with its own agenda, but Buell is working--and beginning to have a real impact--in worlds far flung from H-D's. Erik Buell has made a small line of models that give a credible challenge to the likes of BMW and KTM and Moto-Guzzi and the Big Four from Japan. All from two small buildings in East Troy, WI! Now with the new Rotax-built Helicon motor, and with a new high-profile success at the racetrack, Buell is poised for another great leap forward. This is simply an extraordinary story. I know nothing about financial matters. Certainly, I'm in the dark about Buell's business numbers. And if the BMC is a drain on the resources of its parent company during difficult economic times, then it's understandable that something must be done. But no one has made the case that Buell is a financial burden; only that they are held to be a "distraction" from H-D's core concerns. But is this really the case? From the outside, Buell appears to run quite independently. (I make my living as an airline pilot, so doubtless much is incomprehensible to me). Regardless, pulling the plug on the company altogether is surely not the only option. It's said that it will cost Harley-Davidson millions of dollars to shut Buell down; could this money not be spent separating Buell out from H-D to make it an independent or saleable concern? It is inconceivable to me that buyers are not even now waiting in the wings. And if Buell is not a serious drain on Harley-Davidson's resources, I would be mortified to learn it was being sacrificed in pursuit of a favorable balance-sheet transaction or as a roll of the dice in search of a share price boost. The death of the company as a cost of such a maneuver seems unconscionable. I don't know Erik Buell, but I know a bit of his truly remarkable story. Harley-Davidson has played a key role in that story, helping bring the BMC from garage tinkering to a serious concern: I believe at last count Buell has sold somewhere North of 135,000 motorcycles worldwide. To end the experiment now and in this way is such an avoidable and unnecessary tragedy. Erik Buell and his company--and his legion of devoted customers; indeed, motorcycling itself--deserve better than this. I implore you to work to find a solution that does justice to Erik Buell and to the company that bears his name. Sincerely, Bil Stachour, etc., etc. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
as nice of a letter that it is, it will probably fall on deaf ears. my heart sank when i first heard this and the only thing i could think was how could some schmuck to this. and for them i'm sure it was easy. just wish it was a bad dream. | ||
| Sparky |
That is a great letter and it certainly sums up the way I too feel. However, such a letter should also go out to all the H-D management and stockholders who agree with Mr. Wandell, and to the media too. | ||
| Gaesati |
Great letter, but I think I'll buy another Buell while they're still around and before Harley bankrupts itself through lack of vision. | ||
| Vampress |
In all honesty folks...did we really want Buell managed by a company that would do this.....???? http://www.barbiecollector.com/news/news.aspx?news _id=197# | ||
| Gaesati |
Especially if Harley thinks its XR1200 can compete with a Ducati Monster or Hypermotard let alone offering it and the Sportster as Harley's alternative to the Buell line. The only chance Harley had to make it viable with a different market segment was Buell. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I would still buy a Buell if it had a Harley logo on the side of it.... I know how it got there.... | ||
| Rainman |
I agree with Wolfie. Whoever gets Buell design gets my attention. Let's let the MotoCo go away. There's an old Western cowboy saying "don't talk about the guy who shot me and his name won't go on." Let's not talk about the one who shot us, let's talk about us. Or, to misquote "That which must not be named," Screw them, let's ride! | ||
| Larryjohn |
Vampress. for a long time I have thought the HD brand is way over-diluted. They seem to be willing to allow their name to be put on any cheap piece of crap (no offense to barbie there). To me that just destroys their brand image. I am surprised it has worked for them but I wonder how long it will take for the bikes to be associated with all of the cheap branding. | ||
| Tramp |
While this is all very touching, it presents a childlike approach to an economic issue. Despite our histrionic fantasies, Erik, Keith, etc., are businessmen, and business has been bad. It's time we all roll up the tents and sleeping bags bivvied outside the factory and go the hell home to contemplate how we, the Buell-enthusiast community, can better provide suport for one another. Any letters/please you pen and send re really only giving you a warm & fuzzy feeling that masks the core issue. No one at the company is going to seriously consider these peevish letters to Santa. The decision has been made (some time ago, really), and now we all need to accept it and move on. There is no Emerald City or North Pole workshop- HD is a business that's feeling the pinch that we all are. Our collective energies are better employed in supporting one another in finding parts, service and folks with whom to ride. Let's each of us (I am serious about this) get a friend to register on Badweb; Let's each reach out to, say, a foreign Bueller (just peruse the Facebook "Buel" group, there are tens of thousands of foreign Buell enthusiasts in need of more centralized support), and get at least that one overseas Bueller to register at Badweb. From this aspect we can make a positive impact that will show any potential , future bidder on the marque that we are an active and growing customer base. We can also serve as a wider conduit to Badweb's sponsors and members. This is how we can make a real difference. Let's all start today, by getting at least 1 new Bueller registered here. Start by joining a facebook Buell group, and then posting there about Badweb, and what a brilliant resource it continues to be. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
If Mr. Wandell visited the factory next monday and saw the enthusiasm and love people have for this brand (and the employees of BMC), there's not one doubt in my mind that he'd be thinking there was a mistake made. | ||
| Tramp |
Love and enthusiasm are really swell. Unfortunately, love and enthusiasm don't equate to $$$$. If they did, we'd all marry prostitutes. (Message edited by tramp on October 22, 2009) | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
Go back to being dead. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Well that was unnecessarily rude... | ||
| Tramp |
Are you serious? Is this any way to express our Buell brotherhood? "Buelinachopshop": It's hateful drivel like that that really hurts forums like this. Your hateful statement is doing no one any good, least of all you. That kind of miserable-pratter should be saved for in-person meetings, and no here on this board of Buell-brothers. I wish you no ill will, and I sincerely hope things improve for you, my buelling brother. I'm easy to find if you'd like to share that thought in person, like a man. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
Agreed. Go back to being elsewhere. Better? | ||
| Tramp |
Buellinachopshop said: "Go back to being dead." Great things you do for this board, John. you really raise the bar for us all. (Message edited by tramp on October 22, 2009) | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
Smooches. | ||
| Buellridersww |
The letter is very well written but to HD top level, usually read and say how thoughtful but sorry it has set in stone. One comment I would like to say that I noticed there are "too many" model of HD to sell. Which model shows lower sales comparing to Buell?? To me I believe HD just want to keep their famous "HD" alive therefore keep all models. XR1200 is not a true sportbike for the street (it was from flat track style). Again HD trademark really hit the market to sell. You can see all the mugs, clothes, cards, stickers with "HD" but not enough "Buell"! I was hoping Buell trademark name will grow but HD keep it low for long time. Money rules their decision though. Ahh Long Live Buell! | ||
| Blake |
Jay (Tramp), I agree that chinashop is out of line. I'd also agree that your post admonishing folks here is incredibly condescending, rude, and arrogant. It's very insulting and disrespectful. Much of what you say I simply disagree with, some strongly. The eagerness of HDI to murder the Buell brand is NOT justifiable on any competent business grounds. | ||
| Blake |
Everyone just STOP the personal commentary/criticism. Stick to the ISSUES. If you disagree, simply state so, RESPECTFULLY. AVOID DISRESPECT. | ||
| Slaughter |
I think attempting to "influence" Mr. Wandell is just an exercise in impotence. Why encourage others here to do the same? Harley has decided. I am betting that Erik has already made plans to move on - and therefore these letters, emails, rides-to-the-mothership, are nothing more than futility with engine noise. If you want to support Buell (Erik) - save your money and wait to see what comes up in a year or two and BUY IT. If you have the spare time in your life to "send Harley a message" I'd say that you need to get a hobby. A couple hundred of the most well-written letters will not convince Harley that they've made a mistake. I UNDERSTAND the wanting to DO something - but I also understand the REALITY of the situation. And yes, I AM STILL ANGRY. | ||
| Bads1 |
I agree Steve. | ||
| Swordsman |
Very nice letter, but I'm thinking that as soon as he gets to the second sentence: "I'm writing to protest the closure of the Buell Motorcycle Company. " ....it'll go straight in the trash bin. ~SM | ||
| No_rice |
i have to say, my visit to the buell factory on monday is not going to have much to do with me thinking it will change the future of buell. i simply want to go visit my friends there. let the people that have helped make my buell experiance a great one know that i appreciate everything they have done. also i want them to know that if there is anything i am able to do to help out i will. simple as that. i dont have alot to offer, but i give everything i have when its something i believe in(many times at the expense of my own well being). and if this is the end of the line(atleast as we now know it), i simply want to be able to say i was there, and i knew a time when... (Message edited by no_rice on October 22, 2009) | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
"I think attempting to "influence" Mr. Wandell is just an exercise in impotence. Why encourage others here to do the same?" Maybe for some writing those letters is a way to vent anger. Why not send a letter? why not send 1000 letters? When HD closed Buell, they also shut out alot of customers. Customers who have a right to be heard. Will those letter make a difference? No, but how will we know that if they're never written?? | ||
| Bads1 |
John,Tim There is no wrong or right to this really. You guys are both right. I just hope that we... as in all buell riders get together like we have been for years even though this is happening. | ||
| Tattoodnscrewd |
Couldn't have said it better Tim !! That is exactly the point of Monday .. it's not (as much as many would like to) an HD bashing day. It's to give thanks and support to the people who brought us the bikes that this 'family' was built on. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Read Doerman's letter in the "Court in Session" forum, "Today is a BIG Day" thread. It was also posted in the Milwaukee Journal's blog. I think his approach has a much better chance of succeeding and would result in a better outcome for Buell. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
Right on Tim. It's about supporting Erik and the Buell employees. Buell is more than a motorcycle. |
