| Author | Message | ||
     Buellerxt |
If anyone knows if such a public list exists I'd appreciate knowing where I can find it. A recent 'get screwed' from the Harley dealer in Laredo, Texas, who was a Buell dealer before Oct., 2009, has me re-thinking touring on a Buell. The fact that I was broken down only 10-15 miles from Laredo, in 104 degree temp., meant nothing to those phony posers, who I'm sure had multiple tattoos, were badass, lol, etc . A list of 'possible' support points might help restore some faith in touring on a Buell. Thanks. (Message edited by buellerxt on May 19, 2013) (Message edited by buellerxt on May 19, 2013) | ||
| Froggy |
Buell.com | ||
| Buellerxt |
Thanks Froggy, but it has no reliability. I tested it Thursday evening with Laredo, Texas HD and it FAILED! They told me they were not authorized, or capable of, working on a Buell. After begging them to help since I also owned a Harley, am a member of HOG, had a bike with similarities to a Sportster, etc., and was out in the desert in 104 degree temp., they told me they wouldn't touch it if I had it towed there. Nice guys huh? Real bikers, or motorcyclists? Only in their posing brotherhood. That list is flawed but thanks for trying to help. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
That's just plain BAD business on the part of that Harley dealer. A motorcycle shop, no matter what brand they sell should try and help out a stranded cyclist. I wouldn't EVER spend a nickel in any dealer that treated me like that. | ||
| Ducbsa |
It might work to copy down contact info for people along your route from the Badweb Buell Riders Assistance Network. We are almost in the same spot as someone touring on a vintage bike, so we can't rely on the convenience of dealers anymore. My local dealer's website is very obscure that they still service Buells. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I'm willing to bet the Laredo dealer has a Facebook page that can be posted on. Might not do any good...but it may make you feel a little better  The BRAN is probably the best resource we have at the moment. I've also had better "camraderie" type luck at Metric shops than I've had at HD shops... | ||
| Reepicheep |
Probably worth starting a list here... Powder Keg HD here near south of Cincinnati on I-71 has been very helpful getting parts for me. I haven't had them do any work, but wouldn't hesitate to let them try if I needed it. I'm assuming they would do service. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
My local dealer, Mid-America HD/Buell will service them, but I would never want them to touch my bikes. The sales manager, Steve, seems to have a genuine appreciation for all motorcycles. My impression from the rest of my interactions there has been that the employees are indifferent and/or clueless with regard to anything other than HDs. Not trying to bash Mid-America specifically, as my experience there has been no worse than at a myriad of other Buell dealers. My personal opinion is that a Buell owner's time and money is best spent on a factory service manual and a decent assortment of tools. | ||
| Oldog |
Lucky here not bad for service and parts My local dealer is Carolina Coast. I do most of my own work, but I have small jobs done there and no issues. I have had tires changed there in the past, check your drive belt.. beyond that not bad. issues with dealer service are not unique to buell. | ||
| Froggy |
Shortly following the factory closing, I made a map with a listing of all the dealers still continuing to service Buells, based on feedback from here. The problem I encountered here, is the same problem you encountered with the list on Buell.com, is that apparently dealers change their mind on if they will work on our bikes or not. As I was managing the map, I would get a PM from someone saying that dealer X no longer works on Buells, so I would call the dealer and would be told they do, then 3 days later I would call again and someone else there would say no. The list on Buell.com was being updated more frequently than my map, and is our best resource. If a dealer listed on there will not work on your bike, complain to Harley Davidson, as it is likely the dealer is not holding up their end of the agreements required by Harley. | ||
| Acityxj |
Cowboy HD in Austin, TX Has always got me what I needed. Joey is always Helpful... Donivan is one of tech's I would recommend. | ||
| Buellerxt |
I just got off the phone from several calls to Harley today, including Roadside Assistance and HOG. I got some terrible responses from nice but ignorant Call Center folks who think everything Harley Davidson is blissful; folks who don't have a clue and give out terrible info. like, "nearly all HD dealers will service Buells", and "yes, if you upgrade your HOG Towing from the basic package to the Deluxe package for $19.95, Road America, the company that handles towing for HOG, will 'definitely' tow you to the nearest HD dealer that will work on Buells, even if it was 10,000 miles". Well, both of those comments are very wrong. I finally got high enough in HOG to get real, correct, answers, I think.  First, Buell.com is still seen by Harley as the correct list for dealers who will work on Buells, but as I found out first hand, and HOG discovered today, it is flawed. They assured me that my report will get to the area rep over the Laredo store and the Laredo store will be addressed, whatever that means. I'll bash Laredo HD on websites but other than that I'll let it go. As for towing, yes, HD owners can upgrade their basic $100. towing coverage with HOG to the Deluxe package for $19.95 to be assured they will be towed to a HD dealer, cost free, regardless of the distance BUT, Buell owners CANNOT. The gal said, hum, you learn something new every day. She went on to say "I guess I see their reason, it could be an 800 mile tow to a Buell dealer"! Having said that, and having experienced how quickly HD Call Centers dish out incorrect info., I would bet that you could call today and be assured by a Call Center Rep. that an upgrade would assure your Buell would get to a Buell dealer, BUT IT WON'T!!! Touring on a Buell is great when the bike doesn't fail, and I've experienced a number of those great trips BUT, if it breaks down, as mine did, and you need help, you better have serious alternate plans. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Just out of curiosity. What broke down on your bike? | ||
| Buellerxt |
I have no idea, Cataract2. I checked the Bike Angle Sensor, disconnected it and tried to start it but no go. Battery terminals tight, fuses good, etc. I was humming along at 70-75 and it turned off. I thought at first that i must have thrown a belt but that wasn't it. I should hear from my dealer, a tech I trust, by mid week. I'll report back. | ||
| Uly_man |
Buellerxt. Why not just use some other recovery service that does all bikes and gives you what you want. If the US ex Buell dealers are anything like the UK ones they may be able to service the bike, which takes near nothing to do as so very simple, but if you have a fault they can find it VERY hard to fix. In other words you would have a better chance just taking it to a normal bike dealer or bike shop. At least you would be off the road and out of the sun/heat/rain etc. Now do not get me wrong on this. Some HD/Buell dealers made a great effort with Buells but I think that it was not many. I was lucky enough to use two, and were great, but both were 70 miles away from me. My local one was rubbish and charged a small fortune. Its just me but any rider or dealer that "puts down" what you/we/other ride for whatever reason is not worth a second thought. What people do is up to them but one day they may need help if they have a problem. I hope it gets fixed ok. | ||
| Froggy |
I second this. I never heard of HOG Roadside, but I've had nothing but good experiences with AMA's roadside program. $50 a year, they will get someone to tow you up to 35 miles, then you are on the hook for the rest. I've had no problem getting multiple Buells towed for whatever reason I needed them, including when my belt broke this weekend. It sound like the HOG one will only tow you to a dealer if I am reading your post right, with the AMA I've had it to my dealer, to my house, and this weekend my hotel room. 35 miles is not a lot, I believe AAA's Recreational Vehicle package will cover 100 miles, but it does cost more. Hopefully the dealer gets you straightened out. | ||
| Buellerxt |
Uly_man and Froggy, I appreciate the input and agree. I actually did not call HOG from the road. I just called the Laredo HD dealer, was given the 'frozen' shoulder, and then called AAA, which, as it turned out, is BS as well. I called HOG today to get the list of HD dealers who will service Buell's and to ask about their various levels of towing services. Answers to both questions told me to forget about using HOG or HD deallers on the road for Buells. I have AMA, Froggy, but I also have AAA and the 100 miles, so I wasted hours talking to, and waiting for, them, hoping to get 100 miles up the road toward Houston that evening. Their customer service was pathetic and they would not tow me to a town 100 miles up the road; they'd only tow the 100 miles to a 'repair facility' and there are no Buell repair facilities within 160 miles of Laredo. Knowing now that AAA sucks, next time I would call AMA to get the 15 miles into Laredo and then wait on my wife to bring the trailer. Uly_man, a local indy., if I could find one, wouldn't have repair manuals, parts, etc., and the cost in sitting around for days waiting, even if I was lucky enough to find one, would far exceed having my wife drive down with a trailer. Hey, if you're close to home, within 35 miles, HOG and AMA are good, but how often is that the case? Very infrequently. Anyway, now I know to be ready to trailer or ship home and forget dealer support, even from HD dealers who 'supposedly' signed up to support Buell's. (Message edited by buellerxt on May 20, 2013) | ||
| Tootal |
Unless I missed it, did you check the BRAN list? Just curious if there was anybody nearby.  | ||
| Buellerxt |
Yes I did, Tootal, and no, there were not. | ||
| Jim2 |
I went to Laredo Craigslist and punch in Buell. Came up with this ad, "I repair and service all types of Motorcycles": http://laredo.craigslist.org/mcy/3708588060.html Maybe that would have helped. Next time anyone is broken down in an unfamiliar area find internet access (hotel or other shop) and check the local Craigslist | ||
| Sagehawk |
Just surmising that could be part of the adventure side of these motorcycles . I am maybe only one in brazoria county that has been kicked out of hog chapter for conduct unbecoming chapter and dealership. Small point as when I leave my house i'm pretty much to my own resources for whatever may happen. No hog or whatever will support me so, I just get on down the road and enjoy whatever comes my way . Yes, wife has picked me up twice, and yes i've enjoyed some thousand mile weekends . Harley unloaded us so i've unloaded them. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Sage, what did you do that could be considered unbecoming? | ||
| Luftkoph |
He didn't have an HD authorized doo rag |
