| Author | Message | ||
     Just_ziptab |
Who owns the building? What money is used to pay the seemingly large bills for a while? Will "the small team" work for peanuts (deja vu)in the beginning? We non race bike buyers certainly can't buy enuf T-shirts,hats and stuff to make a difference,can we? | ||
| Court |
Hahahahaha . . good thinking . . we may be racing toward the first bake sale in the parking lot if a motorcycle company! We could start by getting those long white logs of fundraising chocolate and knocking on doors . . . "Excuse me Mister . . my buddy is raising money to build a race bike and if I sell 100 of these I get a Heath-Kit shortwave kit". COOL ! Am I the only one who used to drool over the things you could get with points in Boy's Life magazine? | ||
| No_rice |
Am I the only one who used to drool over the things you could get with points in Boy's Life magazine? if you can turn those goodies into custom parts for my bike im all over it!!! lol | ||
| Danger_dave |
>> Am I the only one who used to drool over the things you could get with points in Boy's Life magazine?<< If the next story starts with: 'There was this time in Band Camp....' I'm outta here. | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Court, thanks bud for clarifying that, I'm English, what can I tell ya, and I really like your post in the 1125 forum in the "Erik Buell racing" thread: It's going to be very exciting . . SEE YOU AT THE RACES. I'm still loving my Buells and looking forward to what comes in the future for everybody involved whether riding or racing Buells. Its gonna be another great year. And yes cars are still exciting; when I'm too old for the bikes, maybe some kind of sporty car. Remind me sometime to tell you, with pictures, about the 427 CORVAIR I built in the 70's. Stay safe, Bob | ||
| Just_ziptab |
For cool stuff,Bazooka Joe bubble gum comics(that the gum was wrapped in)...."is where it's at".I still have enuf of those old things to get the X-ray glasses and see through women's clothes | ||
| Bott |
....and the secret decoder ring slowly spelled out 'drink more Ovaltine'.... just was reminded of that, somehow- | ||
| Malott442 |
I just watched that last night. Christmas story, lampoons xmas, and elf came in a 3 pack DVD for 8.99 at MovieStop. WOOT! I think I had a HD decoder ring, it read out 'Replace the paper gaskets'..... | ||
| 2tracksam |
I've been reading and thinking about this whole mess that HD may have created for themselves. I've also been involved in several buy out's of smaller companies with passionate owners who never really fit into the corporate culture. Being formerly involved in a small family owned racing team I experienced what happened after we took on a what we thought to be a great deal with a manufacturer and how the expectations changed. I also am a new Buell owner and have a Harley as well, mainly because I prefer to buy American and I also like the bikes they make. I'm also concerned as I can't get a new belt (I don't need one) and am using this as an example of how such a critical part is not available and the date has been pushed back according to two local dealers. This represents poor planning and forecasting on a critical part within one quarter of announcing the extended support of an abandoned product. 1 - I speculate the HD realizes it needs to hedge what could be some very hostile investor investigation regarding past statements regarding Buells' performance and the value of younger demographics. I see the comments in another area of BWB forum has started along this line of thought. They have committed support and have to be struggling with how to support us and have to be wondering how to manage the message. So far I've got to admit some surprise at how poorly they've done from a PR standpoint for a company that prides itself on the owners experience. 2 - What kind of deal HD made with DMG and AMA and how did they end it? I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when that conversation took place. Having some involvement with how a manufacturer can influence motorsports activities and sanctioning body activities HD's exit costs - real and "good will" may have been significant. 3 - They have an opportunity to move parts to a lower cost supplier 4 - In the video at Buell.com announcing EBR parts support of Buell racers (Not limited to 1125) was mentioned as an activity of EBR. (Someone else mentioned this as well elsewhere in BWB). 5 - Despite the foil lined black helicopter thoughts I doubt that this is a Old Coke/New Coke activity 6 - Parts, Clothing and Acc's are high margin items. While there has been some discounting the two dealers I deal with have all had some bump this month selling Buell related stuff. Elsewhere in the forum a dealer mentioned 66% of their business was Buell related. 7 - Few if any powersports companies are doing well, I see stacks of snow machines and personnel watercraft that is still 08 inventory in dealer lots. Maybe BRP is better positioned. 8 - To make a small fortune in racing, start with a large one - racing 1125's without serious factory dollars and a supportive sanctioning body (money fed) is not a viable business proposition. So where am I going with this - I speculate that EBR is a great opportunity for a guy that loves motorcycles and racing, and sadly it can't be the same as seeing 200 people proudly putting your name on the tank. I look at this as a corporate bone that will save some face and possibly costs if HD had to exit DMG/AMA. Also, HD may end up using EBR to fulfill it's parts obligation to Buell owners for 7/10 years depending on market. HD needs to find some practical and accounting way to move some of these costs and obligations. The cost structure of EBR is less and via margin support parts can be very lucrative. The investors in HD are most likely going to do some due diligence and decide where to take the board, to the wood shed is most likely but it won't bring Buell back; and they won't take it outside and risk marginalizing their investments. Some Dealers and HD got a small bump in the last quarter that has to help; even reduced inventory helps at year end. HD has to be in very dire straights and any bone in better than no bones. Buell as we know it is gone. Stick a fork in it. While we'd hope it would be sold or re-emerge somehow it isn't likely. I really enjoy my Buell and hope that we will be well served in the future. I hope that wherever the support comes from we can get parts and support as promised by a company that is acting like it's under severe financial pressure. EBR won't be a Roush or Saleen to Ford, they won't be a Shelby to whomever is willing to pay for the name (Ford, Chrysler, and was it Oldsmobile) and it will never be the Buell that HD chose to shut down. On a personal level (I've never met him, but would hope to someday) hope that EBR provides the environment that Erik Buell can enjoy and succeed at - my $.02. | ||
| Just_ziptab |
Wonder if Craig Jones is going to ride/stunt a "race" Buell? | ||
| Poppinsexz |
Agree with several others Buell under HD is done. And I do believe that this latest is HD trying to reign in the bad PR that was just starting and could have exploded. I doubt we'll know the true reasons for the end of Buell anytime soon. So far any reasons given have been utter BS. Just look at the numbers and the quotes. Only stupid people do something in the corporate world without knowing the cost. Still can't believe he said that. That's like saying look how dumb we really are. Of course they really could be that stupid. Oh well. I just hope that EBR takes off and flies. Because I'm looking forward to some cool parts, and hopefully someday a new EBR bike. | ||
| Rocketman |
(Message edited by rocketman on November 22, 2009) | ||
| Court |
>>>>about the 427 CORVAIR I built in the 70's. Stay safe, Bob Hahahahah . . . you used the words "CORVAIR" and "safe" within 25 words of each other . . I'm not sure you are allowed to do that. 2Track - Interesting and thought provoking post. I agree with some parts, question others but had to read it a couple times and really liked the thought process. You made a number of good points. No apologies necessary to me . . I've slung no arrows and have none to sling. | ||
| Davegess |
If somebody is giving away Cobras I want one. | ||
| Midknyte |
HD may end up using EBR to fulfill it's parts obligation to Buell owners for 7/10 years depending on market. you thought of that too eh? | ||
| Midknyte |
Only stupid people do something in the corporate world without knowing the cost. Who among us has accused them of being smart about aany of this? | ||
| Rocketman |
Very noble of you Court. Thank you. | ||
| Court |
>>HD may end up using EBR to fulfill it's parts obligation to Buell owners for 7/10 years depending on market. Will not, can not happen. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
I'm wondering if there will be EBR crew shirts available in time for Daytona. | ||
| Court |
>>>I'm wondering if there will be EBR crew shirts available in time for Daytona. Yes, there will. | ||
| Dbird29 |
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| Methed |
So many questions I'd like to ask a number of people, but I'll wait for the press releases--except regarding this one: Does this change the timeframe of Homecoming 2010? ...kinda hope so. | ||
| 2tracksam |
Court - Thanks, sometimes I have a mental spew, stringing random connected but disjointed thoughts. Thanks for taking the time to read it and acknowledging a couple of points. If say someone is supplying parts to support racing activities and those parts happened to fit non-racing bikes as well, that would be a good thing. Say if I wanted a belt, shock, plastic for a XB bike and it happened to be supplied by another HD Licensed business I would assume that the obligation is fulfilled. The cost of obligation fulfillment could be less due to a lower overhead cost structure (burden), however that margins (good for the supplier) and selling price (bad for us) would be higher. This is attributed to lower volume, premium attributes, etc. and keeps parts around if the manufacturer is willing to handle or transfer the SKU's. There are some controlled (EPA for example) parts that could be a stretch. Chrysler set-up a quasi division (Direct Connection) that sold racing and other performance parts; some street legal, some not. These parts carried a P designation, were for Off-Road use where applicable, and could be ordered via any dealer. The parts were always premium both in quality and pricing and it made things available that would not have been due to small after market population. In any case it was profitable for Chrysler in one of the prior dark days and kept a loyal contingent of supporters racing Mopars despite the lack of muscle cars and fine Corinthian leather in the pre-Iacocca/Shelby days. And it kept a few folks in the business of racing the marque(s), either as customers who needed the components or suppliers who still could get to market. I'll defer to your insider knowledge and understand that you may not be able to comment, but if someone isn't taking a look at this... | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
Interesting posts 2tracksam, and nicely written too. I'm still trying to get my head around the announcement of EBR... but I have two questions for now... 1. In the video announcing EBR, Erik makes a point of expressing thanks to Harley-Davidson. Thanks for what!? They just shut down his company which he spent 26 years building up! Sure he can go racing, but that's what he was going to do next year anyway. It appears as if they've taken a whole heap of things away from him, and he's saying "thank you"...? 2. Since October 15 I haven't heard of anybody from within Buell, including Erik, trying to fight to save Buell from being shutdown. I know as employees they're not meant to make public statements etc, but this is an extreme case, and I would have thought you'd hear about some sort of protest. Why aren't Erik or the elves fighting this? I know there's a LOT of things we don't know, but it seems like there's an important piece of the puzzle that's missing...  | ||
| Poppinsexz |
Just a thought- They were all employees of HD by default. Now they are going to be employees of EBR. What did HD give to EBR, What did they sell, what are the licensing fees? EBR may have gotten a hell of a break. The bone that was thrown might have had some very favorable terms. The bad PR quites down and Buell employees get a break. The next book on Buell may be a very interesting read.(Not like the first wasn't great, btw thanks to Dave and Court) | ||
| Ferris_von_bueller |
1. In the video announcing EBR, Erik makes a point of expressing thanks to Harley-Davidson Taking a wild stab at it, perhaps, thanking HD for licensing the 1125RR to him and allowing him to rent part of the old factory. Out of curiosity, I'd like to see who the partners are of EBR, LLC. That might shed some light. (Message edited by Ferris_von_bueller on November 22, 2009) | ||
| Svh |
Probably thanking them for letting him out of the remaining term on his contract. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
if shirts are going to be available, will there also be some of the other great looking gear that buell had to offer. pants, jackets, helmets, gloves etc. plus, what are the chances of ever being able to buy stock in the company. | ||
| Rpm4x4 |
X2 Nevernuf | ||
| Unique_id |
Erik is smiling again! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3nC6Ax6ucM |
