| Author |
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Daves
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 12:51 pm: | 
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We wash the bikes that come in for service here, unless told not to by the customer. Surprised, didn't think so.
Court,
Call me!
Ride to the edge!
Dave
Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center) |
Bomber
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 12:58 pm: |
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nope, not surprised, Daves . . .not at all . . . .
also not surprised at Court's story . .. there ARE good franchises out there, I know . . .. the fact that they are worth commenting on is sad, I'm thinkin . .. .
we all look foirward to the events that Court says will transpire in the next couple of months . . . . |
Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 02:02 pm: |
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My favorite sign....
"taking a dirty motorcycle to be repaired is like going to the Doctor with a turd hanging out of your ass". |
Mikej
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 02:09 pm: |
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Tell that to the man with constipation, sometimes it's better to leave the evidence of a problem than it is to wash it away. 
I've been in a service area before when a customer brought in a vehicle complaining of an oil leak, problem is they had just washed off all the snail trails, he was told to bring it back when the leak reappeared. |
Dynarider
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 03:54 pm: |
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I wish my bike had been washed. When the first valve dropped the bike was delivered to the dealer spotless.
When I picked it up, there was grease all over the tank cover, the exhaust, the grips, etc etc. I should have known right then & there to never return. |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 04:05 pm: |
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Washed...Heck, I usually pass on that as it cuts into my riding time. I can always wash and wax/polish the bike later at home. Too bad the dealers don't give a discount for passing on the extra service. 
Hmmmm...might be a totally different story with the Wide Glide though.  |
Jst
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 04:15 pm: |
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I believe the Orlando HD/Buell dealership is now owned by an ex(?) HD executive.
He was actually the guy who started HD motor Credit. He later sold it to the Moco and started buying dealerships. Personally I'm not as happy as when Dick Farmer was around.
JT |
Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 04:56 pm: |
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The washing story has as many sides as rubics cube (I guess technically that'd be 6) and I am willing to concede that clean likely yields nothing beyond asthetics.
At the same time, I regularly scrub and wax the engine and undercarriage of my 115,000 F-250 which has been mistaken for "new" by a casual looker peering under the hood.
Why?
Who knows, but it does confuse the hell outta service folks!
Court
P.S. - yes, I also replace the fluids like power steering, transmission and so forth each year. Funny thing is that dealers hate to change xm filters now, they insist it's "just as good" to stick that pipe in and suck the stuff out. |
Ftd
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 07:11 pm: |
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Jeff,
I agree. The Orlando dealership, when run by Dick Farmer, was more appealling to me than the "mega" dealership we now deal with in central FL. This change from a family run business to "car dealership" like facility is the wave of the future though.
FTD |
Jst
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 07:56 pm: |
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This change from a family run business to "car dealership" like facility is the wave of the future though.
Unfortunately this is a fact of life. That's why I do all my own work. I might still buy an XB from Eric (not Erik) though.
JT
edited by jst on September 17, 2003 |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 - 11:09 pm: |
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Hey...that isn't a car dealership. It's Nieman Marcus in Biker Drag! Kinda like Elton John at the Harley 100th Party of the Century. LOL
In all sincerity, that is the new image and it won't take long for the Owner(s) to realize that the reason they have a nice new building is because they earned it with MC sales and service. Not to mention, it won't take long for them to lose it if they don't increase their level of MC sales and service.
Clothing and Accessory sales are great, but they are not the reason folks walked into the dealership in the first place. I would venture to guess that a large percentage of these sales are made both online and via other retail outlets.
Remember the slogan,"He who dies with the most toys wins!" Well, I believe that in HD DealerLand it has been changed to "He who has the largest inventory (sales and turns) of bikes, accessories and clothing survives!" Hmmm...I left service out of the slogan intentionally as without that, the whole thing crumbles even faster. |
S3dave
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 11:06 am: |
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I walked into my local Buell dealership (2 hours away) and dropped off my 2000 S3 to have new rear isolators put on (41,000 kms, not bad I guess). While I was waiting for them to find my previous parts order (firebolt rocker cover conversion) I asked if their firebolt demo was ready for a ride as the last time I was in it needed a tire and they would not let me ride it (2 months ago). it still needs a tire. I asked when it would be ready and no one knew. (I would have came back). Meanwhile the parts guy realized that he had not recieved my complete order (2 months old) and he would order the parts that were missing. Maybe he should have checked the order when it came in last month. See, I've been working overseas for the last couple of months and I have some serious cash on hand. I wanted to ride a Firebolt, then put a deposit down on a XB12R. Or just pay for it now, doesn't much matter. When I told the salesguy that I really wanted to check out a Firebolt, he told me I would not be able to then and he did not know when I would be able to. I pointed at the unsold tube framers and unsold 03 XB9's that they had and asked him why they weren't selling, he told me that they were moving lots of Buells...yeah sure, they are the same ones that were there last year, now it's September and they will sit for another year. Last year I had a talk with the owner of the shop and he was telling me how hard it was to sell Buells here. (Central Okanogan, B.C., mountains, lakes, very twisty paved roads). So here you have dedicated Buell guy, he wants to ride the demo, it needs a tire (still) and you won't tell him when he can ride it. In fact you don't even want to talk to him. Smart. Plus you've got his parts order screwed up. I went next door to the Yamaha shop and they had a nearly new 97 YZF 1000 for a ridiculously low price. They were friendly and gave me lots of their time. I have decided to buy the Yammy, I want a sports bike and it will fit the bill. And I was actually offered a good trade in price for my S3 on a 03 FJR 1300 at my local Yamaha dealer. Hmmmm. I might make some changes here, I am getting tired of the attitude. I love my S3, but I have never had a bike I didn't like. Maybe these Harley dealers have never had to work for a sale, I don't know. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 11:22 am: |
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"Maybe these Harley dealers have never had to work for a sale"
All too true in too many cases.
If you want to bother with the hassle you might print out your post and have another talk with the shop owner. Then ask him to walk to the competing brand shop next door and show him the difference. Yelling at his staff will do no good, but just maybe rubbing his nose in the crap you have to put up with at his dealership will make an impression. Or not. |
Bomber
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 12:02 pm: |
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I think the expected (by some) decline in sales after the 100th anniversary coolectors edition H-D beer tankards, er, motorcycles are gone will have an impact on the dealer network .. . . it may take a while, but it will definately have an effect . . .if the economy continues to be, what's the latest word the administration is using for "in the crapper," there will be discounted bikes, and not a few very nice, low milage buildings on the market . . ..
not wishing bad things for anyone, but I think the days of "unlock the door and take orders" may be coming to a close . . .. Darwinian market forces may even raise the level of awareness of service in the remaining fossils, er, dealers . . . . |
Mikej
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 12:10 pm: |
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I stopped at a local grocery store on the way in to work this morning and saw a Miller beer display with several upopened cases of the collector Harley cans of beer, left over inventory from the 100th events.
Don't know if it means anything relative or not, and I have no idea why I was looking at beer cans on the way in to work. "tis a wonderfull place to work, it really really is". |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 12:50 pm: |
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Grocery Store...You got one? Had two Kohl's and a Rainbow and all are "Closed for Business!"
All I have left in Brookfield is a high end specialty grocer and a discounter quite a ways away. That stinks in a high density, high end suburb!
If that can happen to major grocery chains, just imagine what can happen to a specialty retailer like an HD/BMC Dealer. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 01:18 pm: |
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Roughly northwest semi-kitty-corner and down a few blocks from the high end specialty grocer (let me guess, V.Richards?) there is a somewhat hidden Pick-n-Save. I didn't know it was there until I found it accidently when looking for something else.
Look at the bright side though, Hal's now has that storefront inside Brookfield Mall.  If only they sold food too.
Speaking of Kohl's grocery stores, I went to stop at the one off BrownDeer Road and I-43 on Monday morning and "poof" they were gone. Had to hit the McDonalds instead.
Somehow this relates to the topic. Somehow. |
Bomber
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 01:22 pm: |
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grocery stores operate on a very low profit margin, I'm told . . .. . 2 to 3 % in some cases . . .
H-D dealers also require a profit margin
hence, topic linkage
my work here is done |
Mikej
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 01:24 pm: |
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Thank you , thank you, thank you very much. |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 01:54 pm: |
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Bomber...Your profit margin estimate for large volume grocery stores is actually high. Then again, there are the slotting fees, extended dating (read: pay 45 days after you sell the product), rebates, back door money, etc that all go into the program.
Additional examples include Furniture Stores work on 100% margin, Major Home Center Chains work on a weighted average of 30%, Your local Hardware Store tries to get 50%, etc.
I forgot what the car dealerships shoot for, but again, that is all back door money and the F&I Guy usually brings in more profit $ per year than the Sales Manager. LOL
HD/BMC dealerships, as specialty retailers, would die if they had to live on a car dealerships profit margins. The demand is just not there to support the volume required to sustain a business with that much overhead.
In my opinion, I believe HD has done a good job with their "model store" program and that as the dealers upgrade their stores, they will upgrade their parts and service departments as well.
My recent experiences at Hal's are a prime example of this. A year or so ago, I was referred to a few independents by members of their HOG Chapter for price, quality and timeliness of service. Yes, I was pleased with the independent I went to. However, Hal's has since made positive moves in this area. In fact, so much so that I am giving them a shot at all my service.
I trust this will become the trend at all Major HD/BMC dealerships soon. |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 01:58 pm: |
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One last note...
The aforementioned was not a paid political announcement. LOL
You know how picky I am and they have honestly impressed me that much that I choose to spend my money their in lieu of any of the other local alternatives.
I just hope that the level of service continues and that the other dealers follow their lead. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 02:05 pm: |
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Bill,
Which independent shop were you referred to? I'm starting to sidestep out of the modern realm, and while I could go ask the backroom man with the Knucklehead for suggestions I thought I'd start off here.
Ping or post, your option, or just talk on Saturday if your fingers need a rest.
Thanks. |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 02:47 pm: |
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Mike...
Is Mark Hanrahan (sp?) at All Pro Motorsports south of Waukesha on Hwy 164.
Mark is our age, extremely knowledgeable, has his own parts inventory and dyno, yadda yadda yadda...
I honestly can't praise the guy enough. Check out my post on the Brew City thread. Especially the part where the Buell Tech at Hal's really praised the dyno tune on my X1.
Dang, now I feel bad about switching. For me, the only advantage is that Hal's has more of the contemporary parts in stock and is only a 4 mile walk home compared to about 20 miles for All Pro. However, considering where you live and the vintage bike you are referring to, neither of these issues should be a factor for you. In fact, Mark would be your best choice.
Will tell you more on Saturday. Even you will be impressed!!! |
Bradj
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 08:12 pm: |
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Well, I see the thread has taken on a life of its own...as so many do. I thought it might be appropriate to provide an update and at least provide an opportunity for closure here.
I guess the thread should now be entitled "Why I probably WON'T be getting a Buell, but did anyway because I think they are so cool."
I took the advice of a few here and drove the 175 miles to Joplin. Yes, the Buell dealership has been physically separated from the H-D dealership...it is in a old gas station down the road. It doesn't look like much but there were new and used Blasts to look at, as well as several of the larger models. There were more Buells there than at the previous two H-D/Buell dealerships I had visited. There were Buell jackets, accessories, helmets, tee-shirts, etc. The guy running the place, Ian, was nice and enthusiastic...he seemed awfully young to me.
I was disappointed with the price he quoted me, though... higher than MSRP for a 2003. I didn't try and haggle with him, so I may have been able to get it down some. Being almost three hours away and starting out over MSRP was enough to send me home. But I was glad I went. It was nice to see a place where Buells weren't treated like "redheaded step children." No offense to redheaded step children...that's an old colloquialism here.
Since I trashed Jones H-D/Buell of Little Rock in my earlier post, it is only fair that I admit that I purchased a 2003 Blast from them this afternoon. I called before I went, spoke with a sales rep, and told her the story about how my wife and I came down on a Saturday, but there were no sales people there, etc. I didn't go into detail about getting hung up on the next day. Without much effort she dropped the price below MSRP the same amount that the Joplin dealer had gone above, and was getting close to amount for the still new 2002 at the third dealer. I might have been able to do a little better, but I have traveled almost 800 miles in search of the correct year model/price/color/dealer and frankly, I was getting worn down.
The whole transaction took all of 45 minutes. I came, I saw, I paid...they charged the battery, checked the fluid levels, wiped it down, and another sales guy walked me through the obligatory "This is the starter button " introduction. He then helped me tie it down to the trailer. All of this took place while about a dozen Harley riders en route to a nearby rally showed up shopping for t-shirts, etc.
My initial repsonse...COOL! 
The blast turns in almost half the space of my VLX. I immediately felt inspired with a sense of confidence I have been lacking. The brakes.... yep, they work! I tried an emergency stop at 25 mph. I was impressed. The grips fit my small hands so much better than the VLX.
Yes, it vibrates at idle and at slow speeds and it is a little jerky in the slow speed turns, but I was quickly able to compensate with my clutch manipulation to get it smooth. The vibration smooths out very nicely at 25-30 mph. Several neighbors (motorcycle owners) came over and kept saying "That is a cool looking bike!" "You'll have the only one of those around here."
Okay...back to reality. I am not under any illusions about the dealer support issue. As I was waiting for the bike to be prepped, I searched in vain for a Buell hat, t-shirt, key chain, jacket, cupholder....anything! I've got two dealers within 100 miles to try if it needs anything more than routine maintenance. If it doesn't work out with either of them...I will be on my own and will be here asking for some help and advice. No, I'm not going to blame anyone here that encouraged me to buy the Blast if I have trouble with it or service issues, as one poster suggested. The bike and the dealership is a blank page at this point and we will see what happens....
My biggest problem right now is the wife . This is primarily her ride, but I'm REALLY likin' it. 
Thanks all,
bradj |
Thunderbolt_dad
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 08:30 pm: |
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Congrats Brad, glad to have another Buelligan in the fold. Don't hesitate in the least with questions....someone here always has an answer....maybe not the one you want....lol....but an answer nonetheless. |
Jon
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 08:38 pm: |
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Alright then BradJ,
Welcome to the world of Buells. You made a decision and now you're beyond committed. This is a great place for you to hang out. You'll probably find all you will ever need right here in terms of fellowship and technical help.
Post a pic when you can, so we can go "ooooh" "aaaaah".
Enjoy! |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 09:27 pm: |
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Brad...Welcome to Buelldom. FYI, I just wanted to share my excitement about how the dealers are improving all the time. Some quicker than others, but none the less improving.
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Crusty
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 09:50 pm: |
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Congratulations, BradJ! When my wife first got her Blast, she couldn't stop grinning! Her comment after the first 100 miles was,"This bike is aptly named!" She loved riding it. She enjoyed riding it so much that she would go out when the temperatures were hovering around 20 degrees. I hope that you and your wife get as much pleasure from your Blast as she got from hers. I also hope that your Blast is as trouble free as hers was. |
Gravedigger
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 09:54 pm: |
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ditto thunderbolt and Jon's sentiments. One suggestion. If you get an opportunity, purchase the service manual. I know they run about $45 but are well worth every cent if you ever need it for some reason. Thats what an hour's worth of service cost in these parts. So to say it is worth every red cent is an understatement if you ever run into a problem. These bikes really aren't as hard to work on as most dealers would leave you to believe. get the manual and you can do 90% of the work that might ever need to be done. plus everyone on this board has probably run into every scenario that you might run into. I am not real familiar with the Blast's but understand that they are extremly reliable and you shouldn't have any problems. the manual is just an nice resource if you do.
Keith
p.s. I bet you get hooked on Buells and are looking at a xb9 or xb12 within a year. |
Jprovo
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 - 10:34 pm: |
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BradJ,
Congrats!!! Another Blast is adopted!!
Ditto Kieth on the manual. It is one of the best service manuals that I have ever owned. Regular maintenance won't be a problem, and as a general whole, Blasts are pretty much bulletproof.
I have a sneaking suspicion that you will have to explain to the wife on more than one occasion why it took a hour for you to "test ride" her bike after you service it! Maybe you'll need a second Buell!
James
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Newfie_buell
| | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2003 - 11:03 am: |
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Congratulations on joining the Land of Buell.
Its addictive - next thing you know you will be looking for another one.
"Redheaded Step Children" - I am still laughing at that one. - looks like this guy is gonna fit right in. |
Darthane
| | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2003 - 02:36 pm: |
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Congratulations...told ya you'd love it. Hopefully your wife does too!
The Blast is unbelievably easy to work on save for the damned footpeg brackets (annoyance factor there...). You can easily do all the routine stuff yourself and probably anything else that bike will ever need. If you're willing to read stuff online, just ask the Thumper Forum guys, they know just about everything there is to know about the little Blasts.
Bryan |
Ezblast
| | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2003 - 03:05 pm: |
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Welcome Brad to the fold - BADWEB! The most important thing you can do with that bike is.......Just ride it! Its a ton of fun! All the other stuff will come as it may in time(mod.s, questions, etc.) - for now the ride is the thing! Enjoy!
Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ |
Wboo
| | Posted on Saturday, October 11, 2003 - 06:05 pm: |
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Hi all, I just want to say I am looking forward to being in here for a long time to come. I just purchased my S3T from Orlando a month ago. I love it and look forward to riding it everyday to work. I am glad I got this over the VStrom. It has so much more character than the Suzuki. I hope to hook up with some other Buell riders in this area for some day long rides in the future. BTW, this site is awsome! |
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