| Author | Message | ||
     Steveford |
Neverenuf, Brand new 02 X1W and the top end was starved for oil and was clanking away like crazy. I finally pulled the oil pressure sensor and blew a blast of compressed air in there and that unplugged the passegeway and a good teaspoon worth of aluminum swarf came puking out along with the oil. Rejects going to Buell? Kind of looked like it to me; either that or incredibly poor quality control. A lot of warranty work went into that one (a bike I still have in the garage). If this was not a personal vendetta and paying back old scores, you'd think that the Board of Directors would have sold Buell to Bombadier. Take in some money, write off $125 million, money to keep company afloat, massive loss, hmmmm, I just don't know, that's a tough one. I know, let's give Wandell a massive paycheck and call it a day! My old boss lady was correct when she came back from a dealer meeting in 2003 and said that the reason they keep Buell around is so that Buell buyers will move up to a Big Twin. She came back from a later dealer meeting (2005, I think) and said that the only reason they keep Buell around is to gain a toehold in Europe. My guess is the reason there hasn't been a rebuttal from Hardley Abelson is that the information in the Cycle World article is spot on. One last thing: I met a retired old timer from Harley and his comment was that Erik Buell was a very smart man, perhaps too smart for his own good. Put whatever spin on it you wish but this was slapping down the wunderkind. Up on the podium one day, say goodbye, you're done shortly thereafter. It doesn't really matter, I suppose. While we're looking backwards I know damned well that Erik is looking forward and has got something really spectacular lined up for us. (Message edited by SteveFord on April 28, 2010) | ||
| Nevrenuf |
almost the same thing as far as being starved but it took out the oil pump and when they went through it the first time, took out another oil pump. then they had to split the cases. got a good bit tied up into the bike after that one but knock on wood, still running like a raped ape. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
"I've never been a member of any union; but I've heard of numerous cases of criminal behavior by union thugs." So then you speak of things you do not have ANY experience in....and you chastise others for doing the same. Shame on you and your double standard. I have experienced, first hand, criminal behavior by corporate America. We all have. But you always continue to blame labor. You truly are a new age Republican.  | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Actually I thought you had the advantage because of your Harley and your Ferris-ness. The Harley, maybe; the Ferris-ness, not so much... Got my copy of the new Cycle World in the mail today. Always enjoy Peter Egan's writing, and his column this month is entitled "Reflections on a Road King." It's a great read for someone who's a fan of the RK (and Harleys in general), and maybe his praise will help further dispel the myth among the uninformed that Harley-Davidsons ain't the real deal. Back to w*rk... FB | ||
| Steve_mackay |
I've been in 3 different unions. 2 during contract negotiations. Both times, during negotiations, it was suggested to us, to sabotage machines & tooling if things "don't go our way". I have absolutely -ZERO- use for a union, and will never work for one again. All the union did was take my dues weekly, and prevented me from getting too many performance raises, since I was outperforming people who didn't want to work for a living, but were protected under the union contract. | ||
| Elvis |
Somebody just posted an interview with Wandell over on the Erik Buell Racing Facebook page. In it, Wandell said Buell was selling: "7, 8 maybe 10 (Buell) bikes a day worldwide" . . . when the number was actually closer to 50. The guy is an idiot who didn't know anything about Buell when he shut it down. There's no other way to look at it. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Wandell said Buell was selling: "7, 8 maybe 10 (Buell) bikes a day worldwide" that's total BULLSHIT!!! If that was the case why didn't he sell the company? He actually knew that the Buell motorcycle was a great value and if the right company got their hands on it, promoted it correctly, placed the sales in quality dealers hands, the sales would have sky-rocketed! The guy is an idiot who didn't know anything about Buell when he shut it down. There's no other way to look at it. I agree! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
shiat I sold 5 in a day; Somebody needs to take a stats class. | ||
| Elvis |
Imagine, for a moment, this scenerio. In March, at Daytona, Cory West, Taylor Knapp and Danny Eslick were all riding 1125RR's and likely mixing it up with the top Superbike riders. I'm not sure the schedule, but let's assume the Barracuda II would be released (and homologated for AMA competition) in July as Buell typically does new models. Cory, Taylor and Danny likely could have been getting 5th, 6th, 7th place finishes on the 1125RR and when July rolled around and they were able to move to the 1190RR, they likely could have been contending for podiums and wins. With an eye on WSBK for 2011 . . . What kind of excitement would that have generated for the brand? That would have led to stratospheric sales . . . not only for the Barracuda II, but for the entire line that would have seen a Halo effect and a legitimization of the the ZTL brake, fuel-in-frame etc. I don't think it's unrealistic to think that Buell could have been selling 25,000 bikes within relatively short period. Does Harley have a secret plan for their "core business" that could double sales in the coming years? Do Hippos break-dance? And what would that Buell racing program have done for Harley's core business? If Buell was out there racing Superbike, Harley riders would be showing up at AMA races excited about "their little brother" Buell and enjoying seeing a "Harley" back in real racing (sure, we all know the Buell's are far from Harley's, but so was the VR1000). And what would the Buell racing success have done for the Harley brand image worldwide? Harley would no longer be the stale, technically incompetent brand they have been for the past 40 years, but they would be a company that was capable of making the fastest bikes in the world - under the Buell banner - while they sold their cruisers to their core market. I wouldn't have been at all suprised if a Buell racing program had led to significant increase in sales for Harley's "core business". They were within a few months of regaining their cool when Wandell, through complete ignorance and a lack of understanding of the motorcycle industry, threw it all away. I'm afraid the word "idiot" isn't strong enough. (Message edited by elvis on April 29, 2010) | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Elvis, well-written post, sir. But: ...Harley would no longer be the stale, technically incompetent brand they have been for the past 40 years...
I might add that Mr. Egan is also an enthusiastic Buell owner. Carry on.  FB | ||
| Elvis |
Oh, sure, I wouldn't argue for a moment that Harley doesn't make solid bikes. But why does Mr. Egan even have to make such a statement? I think the clear public perception is that Harley can't make bikes that are technically as advanced as other makes. Whether that's true or not, it's the perception that Harley has to battle, and, unfortunately, simply making good bikes isn't enough to battle perception. IMO, a Buell Superbike racing program would have done more to battle that perception than just about anything else they could do. The image and perception of their bikes would have taken a leap with that sort of racing program even if the products themselves didn't change at all. I'm not a Harley hater by any means, but I am quickly becoming a Wandell hater . . . partly because I'd like to see the Harley brand become what it could be. I worded my sentence poorly. Please insert the word "perceived" in the sentence you quoted and I think we'll be in agreement. (Message edited by elvis on April 29, 2010) | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
I think the clear public perception is that Harley can't make bikes that are technically as advanced as other makes. Elvis, I'd disagree with the word "clear" in your statement above, but your point is well taken. In "many" people's minds Harley-Davidsons are still the rattle-traps they were 40 years ago. The damage that was done during the AMF era by trying to foist an inferior product off to the public has taken an amazingly long time to repair. I would also argue that Buell motorcycles share a similar perception on behalf of many interested observers. If I'm right, this may have been a major factor in their eventual demise. I didn't perceive your post as "Harley hating." Your words were well written, and your passion for Buell is obvious. I'm not trying to diminish yours - or anyone else's - passion for any motorcycle, much less for Buells, and I'm not taking the time to post on this thread in order to defend Mr. Wandell. He's making his own bed, and will have to lie in it. I guess where I'm going with all of this is 1) I still have a soft spot for Buell motorcycles and BadWeb, even tho I no longer own a Buell, and 2) I also have a soft spot for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the rich legacy of the company, and I've chosen to take several opportunities here on BWB of late to do "my part" in helping spread the word of the overall goodness of H-D's product these days. One thing that has seemed apparent to me over the years is that Harley-Davidson, in general, doesn't like to share the spotlight, and in this regard I think there may be several key answers as to why they killed Buell when and how they did. Take care. FB | ||
| Milt |
Can you name any group which does not contain some criminal thugs? I can't. | ||
| Patches |
"Can you name any group which does not contain some criminal thugs?" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Hoffa | ||
| B00stzx3 |
Most of my family is unionized.... worst thing we do is bar fights and speeding Oh I have been known to jaywalk occasionally... | ||
| Jb2 |
>> Hope he's digging his new Uly (has he crashed it into any barbecues lately?). He's diggin' the Uly so much the Road Toad is feeling the same fate as his old Triumph. That was Hillbilly Ed who crashed into the BBQ. Mikey simply flopped his down on the ground and rolled down the hill. He can fairly make the old Road Toad scoot though. I only know of two people to ever put a pass on him and that's you and Brian Sellers. I remember wanting to see you and Brian trade some asphalt one day but he never put a pass on you. Later that night he commented that you rode pretty good for a Harley rider. BTW, I still like what Alan Cathcart said about the RKs.  Mikey met him one time at Tilleys and says he's quite a guy. I knew he was cool just by his observation of the HD offerings. Road Thing, I have to get me one those flamed shotguns. That has to be the coolest redneck accessory south of the Mason-Dixon. (Message edited by JB2 on April 29, 2010) | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
That was Hillbilly Ed who crashed into the BBQ. Mikey simply flopped his down on the ground and rolled down the hill. Oops, my bad. Funny what "mountain dew" will do to one's memory (and riding skills), eh? Later that night he commented that you rode pretty good for a Harley rider. Yeah? Well, he prolly only said that 'cause I didn't crash into his BBQ... | ||
| Jb2 |
I think the Mountain Dew "in" Mikey and "on the grass" both caught him off guard that night. 'Twas a great evening though. Brian's repeating the BBQ at his place on Friday. Can't wait. All those boys down there went from friends to family over the past few years. Miss 'em all. | ||
| Prior |
JB2, Looking forward to wrasslin Mikey again, and I bet he rides that Uly better than I do... Not sure yet when I/we will be arriving or if it'll be a me/we yet, but it'll be a blast! | ||
| Jb2 |
+1 Alex I'm beginning to think he'd call it off if you weren't coming. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I'm going to try and get the 9sx back together before Memorial day, and will be trailering anyway... so I may bring a spare bike along.... So tell Henrik it's safe to bring the S2. | ||
| Anonymous |
In a recent emergency town hall employee meeting, Wandell was asked about the Cycle World article. He immediately said it was all false and written by a disgruntled former employee. He went on to say that Buell was an open wound bleeding the resources from other areas of the company, costing the company a lot of money, and only selling 7, 8, or 10 bikes a day world wide. He had an obvious hatred towards Buell, and was much calmer when answering other questions. | ||
| Blake |
>>> Wandell was asked about the Cycle World article. He immediately said it was all false and written by a disgruntled former employee. He went on to say that Buell was an open wound bleeding the resources from other areas of the company, costing the company a lot of money, and only selling 7, 8, or 10 bikes a day world wide. If Wandell said that, then it's proof that he's a liar. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Or just stupid, and incompetent. Or both.... I can tell you one thing. HD is SERIOUSLY under staffed in engineering. I've been waiting nearly 2 weeks for a simple change to a rib feature on a part. Nobody seems to want to make a decision any more either. Buell was far more enjoyable to work with. I think we should start a petition for the stock holders to fire Wandell before it's too late. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
I think it's already too late. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Rocco, you're probably right. But, alas, it's the last part I'll probably be involved with for the foreseeable future  | ||
| Reepicheep |
His emotional reaction speaks volume... the man knows he looks like an idiot. | ||
| Boltrider |
That kind of crap coming from Wandell's mouth is why I can't support Harley. I look at the V-Rod and I like it.....but ultimately I can't separate the front office from the bikes - not in light of Buell getting stabbed in the back. I'm a sportbike guy anyway. Killing Buell also killed the reason I had to patronize a Harley dealership. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
I don't think the question now is "IF" Harley-Davidson is going to fail, the question now is "WHEN" are they going to fail. Unless they get some loan relief from Warren Buffet on their high interest loan with his company, it might be soon. I would recommend dumping all HOG stock A.S.A.P. | ||
| Blake |
Geez, that would be horrible! I sure hope not. I won't ride one, but I sure don't want to see them tank. Think of all the people out of work at all the dealerships. That would suck. |
