| Author | Message | ||
     46champ |
Would you invest in a new Buell company? Yes Hope our Buells become Vincents? The pre harley owned Buells already are these will also. Would you buy from a small "mom and pop" Buell dealer??? In a heart beat. Would you buy a non - Harley Buell???? Not a problem | ||
| Dust_buster |
Here's to wishful thinking....... HD is going to sell off MV Augusta but close down Buell......that tells me that either they or Erik intend on bringing it back after the economy recovers.......if they sold Buell that wouldn't be possible. | ||
| Bcmike |
I hope you're right DB. But we need a clue of what might be in store, if anything. False hopes? Too bleak right now... I'm stunned that Harley must have known this action would alienate tens of thousands of loyal Buell fans from ever dealing with the MoCo again. Do they imagine we will replace our Buells with a Harley Softail?? Not in my lifetime! | ||
| Uly_pirate |
Jeez. Am I out of touch. Just read the news and I'm as upset as everyone here. I love my 09' XT (10k miles now) and have no plans on selling it. So I'm not worried about it's "re-sale" value now or in the foreseeable future. To me It's worth more than I've paid for any motorcycle. I am now concerned about what I'm going to do in a couple of years. Guess I will have to become more interested in antique shopping. I was even thinking about picking up a CR when things got better in my own private economy (where there are no bailouts). Too bad the timing is wrong for me. Looks like I could pick one up for cheap. I'm sure I'll hear all sorts of comments from co-workers tomorrow. One buddy at work owns an Agusta, so it will definitely be a misery loves company kind of day. I sure wish Erik and company all the best and I really hope they rise from the ashes with a little help from savvy investors. My 09' XT is the best bike I've owned and when it's dead (probably before that) I'll be looking for some way to get another one. | ||
| Charlie_zulu |
I think it'd be a great idea to have a group of people ride their Buells to the plant at East Troy (before they shut it down) as a last show of support for the man, the people, and the bike. Can this be done prior to the end of October?.......Anybody up for this? I think this is a great idea !! If we could get at a minimum 75 riders or more, hell it might even get some media attention and I think that would say alot about the passion of the Buell rider. (Message edited by charlie_zulu on October 16, 2009) | ||
| Hughlysses |
There are a couple of threads on the Quickboard about having a ride to the factory on Monday October 26. | ||
| Jphish |
A mass ride to the Buell Factory would be a wonderful way to recognize those good people. If it wasn't for the 2000 mi & 6 mountain ranges, I'd join ya. Oh...and grab some parts while you're there. | ||
| Lars1974 |
same here - i may have to start looking for a flight over the pond...! maybe i can get on on the company as we do have offices in New Jersey.... would love to join! Lars | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Put me down as a possible - I hate to ride if it's too cold, rainy or snowy. . | ||
| Cadhopper |
I'm not a sentimental person but I feel like shedding a tear. It's sad to see yet another american company go to the way side. Hopefully Eric can figure out a way for the company to continue in the future. | ||
| Tootal |
If you go down to "Court in Session" Court has asked you to send a post card to Erik and the Elves at: Buell Motorcycle Company 2799 Buell Drive East Troy, WI 53120 Let them know how you feel, It would mean a lot to them I'm sure. | ||
| Bking |
Went to my local dealer that I've been doing business with over the years to order some Buell parts before it's too late. Good dealer. The owner stated that Buell never did fit their Harley Business Model: selling at list or above, selling tons of chrome accessories, t-shirts and swag, and a profitable service department. I got the feeling he thought good riddance on the Buell line, as that's not where the $$ was. He's right. I have probably spent 3 times more on the Harley bikes/accessories/swag I bought from him than on my Ulysses. As far as the bikes themselves, he likes the Buell. In fact he said he had his eye on one certain Lightning he had on the floor. But as far as business goes, he never liked the Buell situation. I asked about the 15 or so Buells he had in stock - discount them or sell them as collectables. He smiled and said that was up to the buyer. He mentioned that he had two calls that morning inquiring about certain Buell models. I would think Erik Buell is financially okay, but seeing how passionate he is about bikes, I'm sure he would trade his $$ for a chance to still be designing and making his own bikes. I really hate to see anyone go out of business and employees losing their jobs. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
How about sending cards to these guys? Keith E. Wandell President and Chief Executive Officer Harley-Davidson, Inc. 3700 West Juneau Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208 Barry K. Allen Chairman of the Board Harley-Davidson, Inc. 3700 West Juneau Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208 LINK: http://investor.harley-davidson.com/downloads/CG_B oardList.pdf . | ||
| Doylejj |
I posted this in the Buell closure discussion on ADVRIDER: One hopeful possibility, assuming Eric Buell is not tied up for an extended period, is that by not trying to sell Buell as an entity HD leaves Eric more free to put together some kind of deal, perhaps limited to racing. Buell as a retail motorcycle manufacturer seems to have been proven unsuccessful over a long period of time (though we don't know how much of its profit problems under HD stem from allocation of HD costs including dealer support). Freed from HD overhead and HD engines (but not HD patent licensing fees), Maybe Eric can put together another business--probably different from the current model. For example, how much has a dealer network added to Buell's success vs, say, Big Dog or the like? | ||
| Ejc |
From the Q & A section of the Buell web site, my understanding is that EB will stay on at H-D. And, there is no more contingency money for racing. With the Rotax motor, Buell and Polaris could make an interesting marriage. H-D needs to sign the adoption papers though. | ||
| Frito |
I'm a little slow sometimes, but I think my Uly's license plate sums up the collective love for the HD mothership.  (Message edited by frito on October 16, 2009) | ||
| Mnrider |
I agree Frito. I would love to see Polaris buy out Buell but no way Polaris would use Rotax engines,BRP owns Ski-Doo and Rotax.Polaris could easily build a 90 degree vtwin for the bikes. Every snowmobile race I've won has been on a Ski-Doo with a Rotax engine. I remember in the 70's and 80's snowmobile companies where dropping like leaves off a tree and companies where combining. | ||
| Marauder |
Sad, do I still have to send the payments in for my 08. The most fun on a motorcycle I've had in years. Also sad, I waited till this year to buy one. | ||
| Jphish |
I don't like to ride if it's rainy, snowy, cold, cloudy, sunny, hot, arid, windy, calm, humid, balmy or during typhoon or hurricane season. Count me in though.  Johnboy - just wear those BMW gloves! | ||
| Khelton |
This is a pretty interesting article from back in Sept, Erik did not renew his employment contract w/ HD. Must have been trouble on the horizon that he was not willing to agree to. http://www.jsonline.com/business/59803327.html | ||
| Jammin_joules |
I've sold six new Buells from noon-ish Thursday thru end of business Friday and expect the enthusiasm to continue today in my absence. I came down with the flu, feeling its effects as I stayed two hours after close last night to make sure progress on the Buell sales would not be hindered in my absence. Better get them while supplies last riders! | ||
| Jammin_joules |
I am as pissed, shocked and disappointed as anyone here but consider: Harley-Davidson has provided millions of dollars in support for Buell Motorcycle Co., keeping the fledgling company from being trampled by its Japanese and European competitors. Buell got the XB and Loki platform only thru the interest & involvement of the Motor Company. Harley-Davidson has provided millions of dollars in support for Buell Motorcycle Co., keeping the fledgling company from being trampled by its Japanese and European competitors. http://www.jsonline.com/business/59803327.html | ||
| Rwven |
Jj, Knocking 5K off the price will do that...I could get a new one for far less than I still owe on my '08. That leaves a good taste in my mouth... Ron | ||
| Los5445 |
Well as far the adventure market I guess I'll start saving for a KTM (not) or a Beemer; I would rather own an American bike though. | ||
| Glen |
I hear ya Ron, i got the same taste too.o8X | ||
| Rainman |
Ain't no fat lady singing, boys and girls. H-D don't want no sportbikes so maybe they'll cut Erik loose. I think we'll be seeing his designs with Can-Am (BRP), although I have nothing but speculation to go on. Thinking wishfully ain't easy for a pessimist like me. | ||
| Nopork |
Stopped by my Buell dealer north of Minneapolis this morning on my way home to the north country and all new Buells were 50% of retail. There was a new 1125R for $5381 and a rep demo XT, with 1,000 miles and a first service done, for around $6300. The one salesman, who has 2 Buells, said they are just as ticked off as all the Buell owners themselves. They have developed quite a Buell following out of their dealership. I bought some more parts for mine! | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Here's the seven stages that we are all going to experience. 1) Shock: this is the first stage. It is accompanied by disbelief and numbness. 2) Denial: this follows quickly, crying "I don't believe it," or "It can't be." 3) Bargaining: this is your promise that "I'll be so very good that maybe I can wake up and find that it isn't so. I'll do all the right things if only...." 4) Guilt: this is painful and hard to deal with. This is when one says over and over, "If only I had..." or "If only I had not..." This is a normal feeling and ultimately it may be solved by stating, "his or her responsibility. 5) Anger: this is another big factor which seems to be necessary in order to face the reality of life and then to get beyond it. We must all heal in our own ways. Anger is a natural stage through which we must pass. 6) Depression: this is a stage of grief that comes and goes. Knowing this, be prepared to give yourself time to heal. Resignation is a late stage. It comes when finally you accept the truth. 7) Acceptance: and hope! Understand that you will never be the same but your life can go on to find meaning and purpose  | ||
| Djz |
r we sure we did not bring on are self .if we supported the dealer would buell be here now.I know i never really want to go to the dealer i figured i would fix as needed with help from here.I felt they really wanted to much 10,000 mile service is 900 dollar .I do not know . | ||
| Johnboy777 |
""r we sure we did not bring on are self .if we supported the dealer would buell be here now.I know i never really want to go to the dealer i figured i would fix as needed with help from here.I felt they really wanted to much 10,000 mile service is 900 dollar .I do not know "" Yup...you're on stage '4' ...Guilt . |
