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Careyj
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 01:01 pm: | 
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I went to Chosa's H-D yesterday and talked to my old boss(sales manager) and he said the reason they dropped Buell was because of the "CityX Lightning" when he and the general manager seen the CityX at the dealer show they looked at each other and said we're out, no more Buells!!! Now they sell fully customized $30,000 Harleys. and the kicker was they sold all there remaining XB12R's and XB12S's for $5,000 plus TTL!!! And they didn't even call me!!! Hell I'd buy one at that price!!!! |
Mikej
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 01:15 pm: |
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"they looked at each other and said we're out, no more Buells!!! "
I wonder if their decision was based on their assumption of their customer base wants and likes, or on their realization that they have no idea how to market and sell a bike like the CityX. Just curious. |
Loki
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 01:55 pm: |
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The City-X is moving of the floors though. Local shop had one for less than two weeks. Gone out the door it went. |
Buelluk
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 03:18 pm: |
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At my shop , their first City-X was sold before it even got on the floor |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 06:26 pm: |
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F&S Buell in dayton had two available when I arrived there this afternoon.
They had one available when I left.
Hopefully the tps reset and race ecm install will be done by friday... |
Grndskpr
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 06:38 pm: |
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and the kicker was they sold all there remaining XB12R's and XB12S's for $5,000 plus TTL!!! And they didn't even call me!!! Hell I'd buy one at that price!!!!
I would have bought them all, than resold them on ebay for 8
Fools
R |
Newfie_buell
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 06:59 pm: |
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Geesh Roger,
I would have given you $20.00 Canadian in Loonies and Twoonies!!! |
Wboo
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 07:10 pm: |
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I had a real problem with Daytona HD. Last year when the factory clock on my 01 S3T stopped. it took 2 weeks to get the part and then when I made the appointment to get it replaced, I showed up on time and waited. They had 2 techs on it, then after some glitch they had to check on regarding the clock, they went over to work on a "GENUINE" HD because this guy with a new Road King came in with light problems. They fiddled with this other guys RK for 2 hours then finally resumed on my clock. 3 and one half hours later I left. On the way home i noticed it didnt work! I was so mad!!!!! I made an appointment with Orlando HD to fix it. They ordered a new one but I also had them order a new air filter box gasket that was torn and hanging. I took it in 2 weeks later when they had the parts. I left the bike and got a rental for the day(soft tail Classic). When I returned later that evening the tech was gone and so were my gloves. I was angry!!!! They gave me a new pair and off I went.
Fast forward to before Hurricane Charlie and I was doing my own service and oil change. I looked at the air filter (K&N) and it was fine. But guess what I found out? The box gasket was never replaced and I could see where they tried to glue it. OH I was HOT!!!!!!! I will never take my bike to a dealer here. BTW, the problem with the first replacement clock was just improper instalation. I have always been treated as a second class biker there. I have had some dealings with New Syrmna HD and havent been too impressed with them either. They dont even sell Buell's but at least they talk to me.
Now, as for the future of Buell. It will be a nail biter I think. Someone earlier posted that its customer service that works and I tend to agree. If a dealer who sold Buells stocked a reasonable ammount of accessories and parts and treated us Bueller's as people with money and took care of us as well as they do "real" HD riders. I would say the future looks bright. But alass........ It aint so. |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 07:19 pm: |
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Wboo, I agree that dealers that suck... well... suck.
But just for the record, I was referring to F&S Buell in Dayton (Ohio), not a dealer in Daytona (Florida). Can't speak for the Florida dealer, but if you want to make two turns onto and off of I-75 (with 18 hours of straight in between) I am quite confident F&S will take great care of you  |
Sshbsn
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 07:21 pm: |
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I've seen it mentioned that Buell is supposed to act as a "feeder" brand to HD, that is, theoretically we will all eventually move "up" to a Harley. Oddly, HD seems mainly to alienate most of us and it MAY actually cost them potential sales in the future. Talk about a backfiring plan!! |
Careyj
| | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 02:57 am: |
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"I wonder if their decision was based on their assumption of their customer base wants and likes, or on their realization that they have no idea how to market and sell a bike like the CityX. Just curious."
Both are right MikeJ, thats what they told me.} |
Gsxr_is_gone
| | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 03:22 am: |
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Chosa's did not sell their last XB's for $5000 out the door. I bought one of their last ones, price was 9800. and change out the door, now they did have a couple of Blast left. I'm not happy that Chosa's dropped Buell, but I still think that as a dealer, they are a lot better then the car dealers that sell H-D here in AZ. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 09:44 am: |
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People unwilling to at least attempt to learn something new must revel in their self-imposed limitations. But hey, if ya don't got to learn then staying with the status quo works as long as it still works. Sad really. I've always found it's much harder to catch up if you don't try to keep up.
c'est la vie. |
Newfie_buell
| | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 09:55 am: |
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Some are just afraid to "Move their Cheese" |
Glitch
| | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 10:19 am: |
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People unwilling to at least attempt to learn something new must revel in their self-imposed limitations.
Ooo, I like that. Well said. |
Loki
| | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 11:10 am: |
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Daytona HD has not been the same since Rek left in 2001. |
Nedwreck
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 12:34 am: |
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I grabbed my CityX and it wasn't even out of the box good.
=)
Bob |
Crip2nite
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 04:59 am: |
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When Carbonization of one's accutrament is eminent, one must not obsquadulate! |
Steve_a
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 02:13 pm: |
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Reality control here: Buell is bumping up against production limits (temporary) and would like to be building a lot more bikes than it can in the near future to fill dealer and distributor orders. Europe in particular is going nuts over the CityX and the other XBs. I suspect that XBs in general will be in short supply this year, and transaction prices will probably move closer to list, which would also help resell prices.
I also suspect that Buell is weeding out US dealers who aren't willing to make a commitment to the brand. Better a smaller number of good, serious dealers than a lot of dealers that barely give a damn. |
Midknyte
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 03:23 pm: |
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So what's the scoop? Are HD dealerships giving up on Buell or is Buell really pulling out of non-responsive HD shops? |
Whosyodaddy
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 04:37 pm: |
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The City-X is moving of the floors though. Local shop had one for less than two weeks. Gone out the door it went.
I happen to know first hand of a an '05 12R (blue) that will be out the door about 3 hours after it first arrives at the dealership - on or around October 20th. 
Happy happy joy joy! (Of course finding a dealer in my area that made any attempt to try to sell it to me is a whole 'nuther story.)
WYD} |
Charlieboy6649
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 05:34 pm: |
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Harley Dealers are giving up on Buell, PERIOD! Just go talk to one of the Stealers who has dropped the line and you'll find your answer. Never wanted them or put little effort into them in the first place.
Harley Salespeople are so used to people lining up at the door to buy their Harley product. They don't have to SELL!
Buell needs to get the word out and needs SALESPEOPLE, not contract writers...
A good analogy is being a Marine Recruiter in Texas vs. North Dakota. In Texas you can sit in the office, and write the kids as they come though the door. In North Dakota, you'd better sell the Marine Corps or your gonna fail!
Hmmmm, the Marine Corps Buell connection.... Both are small organizations working under larger entities... Both are Americas Stepchildren... Hmmmm. Marines like Buells. Hmmmmm...... |
Midknyte
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 05:42 pm: |
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Ground pounders? |
Easy_rider
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 06:31 pm: |
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I'm with Reepi. F&S treated me good when I bought my S3T. (Used and from the Jap side, though. They couldn't get it sold on the HD side.)
Indy Southside has been a supporter of Buell from day 1. I think both have sons of the owners involved in the bus so that may be part of it. |
Rick_a
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 06:53 pm: |
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When it comes to parts and accessories for Buells...it's based on sales more than anything else. Most dealerships won't stock anything that they haven't sold at least 3 of in a year. Hence here, crash parts for Blasts always in stock, some trinkets and tank bags, and very little of anything else. I've tried to get common Buell only service parts stocked here...but the Harley mentality is that if it's not regularly sold, it's not worth stocking. We're forced to plan ahead for any service needs.
A lot of dealers have the wrong mentality to begin with. A lot of guys here like 'em...just not enough to own one...and a few vehemently abhor them. Harley has traditionally always had an image behind the marque, and to most Buell just doesn't fit. |
Jpl9sx
| | Posted on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 02:39 pm: |
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I was at my dealer today, HD of Ocala, for 1K service on my CityX and I was surprised by the increased Buell inventory. There are FIVE new CityX models on the lot at $7,995, a 05 red 12R for $8,495, and three Blasts for $3,495.
For a perspective when I went looking for my CityX about six weeks ago this dealer had zero Buell inventory and I had to tell the salesman about the new model I had came by to see in person.
I talked to the salesperson who is a sport bike rider (Z1R) and he said they have made a commitment to sell Buell. He went on to say since there is a Yamaha and a Honda dealer right down the road (not to mention 4 or 5 Harley dealers within 50 miles) that they want to be competitive on price.
If these bikes move at a good clip I might have the makings of a good Buell dealer in my area. Although I will now have to customize my Cityx, did I say they have FIVE on the lot. My unique bike didn't last too long. I also mentioned carrying some accessories or shirts might be a good idea (zero at this time). |
Torqer
| | Posted on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 03:13 pm: |
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Harley has made a commitment to the Buell brand. They are pulling the Buell line from dealers who are not behind them. Their original thinking was every Harley Dealer should carry Buells. This is not the case. Some dealers don't understand how to market the product to potential buyers. We have had our share of learning as well. Harley is going to keep some Buell dealers in target areas and let the dealers who don't want them send the bikes to dealer that want them. The motor company does not want dealers to "dump" the bikes just to clear their inventory. All that does is •••• off the guy who paid regular price a month before. I work for Stone Mountain HD/Buell (where pete works). This is what our district manager explained to me about a week ago,.
Cameron |
Glitch
| | Posted on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 06:00 pm: |
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Believe you me, there are a lot of us that are glad SMHD/Buell decided to not only sell Buell, but respect us Buelligans!
Cameron, thanks for taking a chance on us! |
Gomo
| | Posted on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 06:05 pm: |
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In reference to the earlier posts about Dealerships not being able to fix/work on Buell's(or even care about working on them), I found a way that seems to work (although it suck's). When I have the dealer do any service, I make an appointment for the bike to be serviced 2-3days after picking it up. Usually (90% of the time) I have to bring it back for them to Re-repair what they just completed. At this point I think the service manager may be starting to realize there may be a problem - which there is and most of us know the list of what they are. |
Glitch
| | Posted on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 10:46 pm: |
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The more I read about things like that the luckier I feel. I guess a lot of my good feeling to Buell is my local dealership.
I may feel like Crip2nite if I wasn't so close to SMHD/Buell.
Cameron, mail the check to Blake, so we can start supporting some of these guys left out in the cold.
Daves can handle another kid in the neighborhood. |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 11:38 pm: |
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Gomo... in fairness to dealers, half the times I did my *own* repairs, I would end up redoing or readjusting some stupid thing a few days after the main repair. Some stupid bolt would come untorqued, some idiot gasket would have been torn, or some part was put in backwards or adjusted too tight.
I was methodical and by the book, and "stuff happened anyway". So I am willing to cut my dealers some slack, if they are working hard to make it right.
But I agree its really annoying... especially if the dealer cops an attitude. |
Rek
| | Posted on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 09:16 am: |
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"Daytona HD has not been the same since Rek left in 2001."
Uhmmm, I've never even been to Daytona, let alone Florida. |
Buckinfubba
| | Posted on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 09:55 am: |
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no he means another guy by that name...we was way big on buell and daytona pissed him off so he left and it went to pot after that |
Wboo
| | Posted on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 01:56 pm: |
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I now have hope! I will go to ocala next week and check them out. It is a bummer though that it is over an hour ride to get there. Is there any way one could get a Buell only dealership? Is it possible? I say screw the HD dealers who dont want to adapt and learn and get dedicated Buell only dealers out there. I know we sure need one here in central FL. I will let you know what I find out and feel about the Ocala Dealer after I go. |
Jpl9sx
| | Posted on Sunday, October 03, 2004 - 01:21 pm: |
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Wboo,
Forgot to mention in my earlier post that the salesman I bought from and talked to about Buells at Ocala HD is named Tommy (forgot his last name). When I first asked about Buells at the dealership they immediately paged him so he is the "Buell" guy in the sales department and he is a sport bike rider. |
Wboo
| | Posted on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 05:04 pm: |
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Well JP19SX, I went to Ocala HD and I spoke briefly with Tommy. He seemed like a real nice guy. I inquired about what they would give me for my one year old S3T and was not happy with what he came back to tell me. The sales manager told him to tell me 4500.00 . Hmmm, Seems real bad to me, so as I was talking to Tommy, the sales manager comes by and Tommy introduced us and he didnt even attempt to shake my hand. OK, so, I am thinking, whats up with this guy? I asked him why such a lowball offer on my bike and he was real rude and abrupt. As a potential customer, I am not used to being dealt with like that. Tommy may be behind the buels but I am not sure about the sales management. Makes one wonder. Nice looking dealer though. Thay had 4 CityX there and 1 XB12R and 4 Blasts. Best inventory and pricing I have seen, but rude sales management. Not sure I will go back there....maybe. |
Outrider
| | Posted on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 07:38 pm: |
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Next time wear a "Willie G for President" T-shirt. Never know, it might help. |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 03:59 pm: |
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$4500 is obviously cheap, and a wholesale price, for an S3t, but I don't know if it is nuts. There are LOT of really nice tube framers up for sale, and it's rare to see that much out of them. It is only a year old, but is now a discontinued model. Lots of fantastic S1's going for $4000, and Cyclones going for $3000, that are messing up your trade in values.
Its still a great bike, but maybe a great bike to ride, not a great bike to sell.
An S3t and a 9SX would make a *fine* couple for your garage |
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