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Randymoser
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 09:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

In an earlier post someone mentioned that he thought Buells were reliable but it’s sometimes difficult to locate a good dealership. Has anyone compiled a list of decent places to get a Buell? I know I was more or less laughed out of a dealership here in New Hampshire because I was only working 30 hours a week at the time, even when I told the salesman I had 5k in cash in my pocket to go towards a used machine. This was four years ago, and I’m glad to have had to wait since I think the new bikes are even cooler than the old ones, but I wouldn’t go in that place to buy oil at this point.

A new bike is a big investment and I’d really like to start a long-term relationship with a dealership. A data bank rating dealers from one to five would sure be a relief for first-time Buellers…

Just a thought.

Randy
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Richieg150
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 09:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

What are you looking for or expecting in a GOOD DEALERSHIP?There are some that you pay list for on Buells,some over list on Buells.Then there are those that sell Buells at list but are really proud of the excessories-tires and goodies that can usually be bought over the net much cheaper.Then there are dealers that will sell you a Buell but dont have compitent mechanics that can or WANT to work on them.There are also dealers who sell Buells but have little or no Buell merchandise.I havent found ANY Dealer that has 1)sold Buells at list,2)had a great supply of accessories and merchandise that I cant get myself cheaper off the net,3)have compitent Buell mechanics that work on Buells,4)have parts people who know enough about Buells you can actually order parts from them.I have found dealers with a few of these but so far Im still looking for that GOOD ONE myself!
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Orangeokie
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 09:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"If you ride a Buell,it better be youself or your Buelligan buddies,because most of the dealers dont know JACK about Buells!" (Richie)

Is this you were trying to say Richie!
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Daves
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 08:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

There are more dealerships starting to "get it" all the time!
I do know that if you came in here with $5000.00 down you would have gone home with a bike!

Ride to the edge!
Dave
Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center)
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Buelluk
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 09:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I got my 03 9S , three weeks ago, at well under list from HD/Stamford because they are getting out of Buells for a couple of years.

I believe they were being straight about it with me when they said they can make more money devoting the floorspace to HDs. - they said they will still support and service the bike

There are a couple of other dealers in CT close by. Danbury and Bridgeport -- Bridgeport also owns the Stamford dealer - any comments on service / ability with these guys !

Regards

Adrian

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Daves
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 09:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Getting out of Buells for a couple years? What the hell are they thinking? Buell now has the best bikes they have ever built(no offense to those of you that have tube frame Buells but facts are facts)and the highest demand for the product I have seen in the last 5 years. Now would seem to be the time to get into(or kick it into high gear if you already are a Buell dealer) the Buell business, not get out.
I understand that they can make more money off the HD but they are looking at this in a very short sighted way I think.
Oh well, maybe I can get enough Buells to keep up now!

Ride to the edge!
Dave
Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center)
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Leeaw
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 10:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Bought my M2 in Stamford, but have it serviced at Danbury and bought my 9R from Danbury too. They charge way too much for Harley's, but they are great people to deal with and do work right. The service manager and parts guys are very helpful and ride Buells. I was thinking about getting my 9R at Stamford because they had a slightly better price, but they only had 3 Buell's and the two R's were made in 2002 and did not even have the updated wheel bearings and kickstand.

Adrian, you mind he asking what you paid?
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Dblhaulxb9s
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 10:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

For what it's worth, I have been treated very well by the people at Grand Junction Harley/Buell. They have been swift and thorough. I do most things myself, but I had the neck bearing and wheel bearings replaced there and I was very happy. Oh, they also treat me like a human even though I have a Buell.

Morgan
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Mookie
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 12:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

hey ya know what. I dont know what makes a good dealer. the price, the service..

the dealer i went to purchase my bike from originally didnt have a clue about the bikes. the sales guy seemed to know less than i did. the instructors for the riders edge course tried to talk me out of them as well. I was going to purchase the bike there because they were gonna give me a good price.

I ended up finding a different dealer with a used bike that had 1500 miles on it, race kit, 9s pegs, good price. everything has gone smoothly until 20 minutes ago

The bearing went out last week and they are getting replaced under warranty. It has been mentioned by several people that they probably should have been replaced before i even got the bike seeing how i have only had it a month now.
... but I wasnt letting that bother me..
the dealer told me that it would be 3 to 5 days (business) for my bike to be back on the road. cool

I called yesterday to find out the status as I was hoping ot go on a ride to toronto today. they said that they didnt know. I simply asked that if the parts werent shipped yet, could I possibly pay to have them overnighted.
the answer was yes and that he would call me in 10 minutes after he called to find out if they have been shipped yet.

4 hours later..

I call to find out the status. they say the guy that told me he would call me back was gone for the day. I told the guy that I was talking to what i was looking for and he told me that it was too late to find out the information tonight but they would call me first thing this morning.

well I had to call them this morning to find out what is going on and the guy told me " your parts arent in yet". I simply replied that i allready knew that and wanted to find out what it would take to overnight them if they arent on the way allready.. he told me he would call me right back...


this time he did but he told me that my bearings were on the road ( no biggy) but the belt is on backorder and there arent any available in michigan.

now I really didnt mean to be a dick but I simply said " is this the service that I am going to have to get used to?"

to their credit, they have beeen very good to me up to this point and I understand that they do have a lot of things that they do need to do and can forget things. but what really busts my balls is that they dont have the consideration to call me and tell me that they dont have the slightest clue as to when I will get a new belt for my bike so that I may ride again.

that to me is inconsiderate.

its a bummer enough having gone through what i did listening to the people at the other dealer and trying to find someone who actually cares about the bikes. but then to have it a month and have to have it in the shop with no idea when it will come out is bringing a tear to my eye.

I really like my bike but I am asking myself if its worth it at this point.

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Daves
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 12:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Here are the dealers in Michigan that might have one for you. The part number has been changed and this is the old part number.

Dealer Location Phone(P)/Fax(F)
Wolverine Harley-Davidson Clinton Township P-(586) 463-7700
F-(586) 464-1348
Town & Country Sports Center Harley-Davidson Cement City P-517-547-3333
F-517-547-3717
A.B.C. Harley-Davidson, Inc. Waterford P-248-674-3175
F-248-674-1630
Snell Harley-Davidson Muskegon P-231-722-3653
F-231-722-4098
Gilbert's Harley-Davidson Port Huron P-(810) 982-4351
F-810-982-7460
Return To Top


Ride to the edge!
Dave
Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center)
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Joojoo
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 12:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Barrie HD Buell.

AWESOME DEALERSHIP. In Ontario Canada, and if you call, speak to Jack. Hes awesome...REALLY knows his Buell, and they sponsor a Buell Racebike...

Jack
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Reepicheep
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 02:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

F&S Buell in Dayton Ohio has done an excellent job by me. 1-800-783-2222, they have decent stock and may be able to help you out.
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Mookie
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 02:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

actually, I think I have it taken care of.

the deal is that apparently there is a recall on my belt and they are on backorder until the middle of october.

the woman at the parts desk called me and talked to me and I am going to have one tommorrow.

Im not really trying to knock the dealer as they have been good up till this point. its just a couple of little things kinda ticked me off and then to find out one big thing was kinda killin me.

I question i need to think about as well is possibly who i need to call?

im just wondering if that was part of my problem. I was talking to the service guys when it was the woman from the parts department i should have spoken with?


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Josh_
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 02:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

F&S has helped me out too when I needed stuff quick. Nice people.
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Anonymous
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 03:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Mookie,

There is no recall on your belt. I have no idea why they would be on back-order until October.
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Fed
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 06:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Bridgeport H.D. / Buell are great people.Bought my Road K}}ing there in 02 and my XB9S last June. Very customer orientated. Sales Dept. was very good (included a second year of warranty in the deal,and a race kit).Service dept.good only a few
dealings to date. But i bought my own parts manuals, being a parts guy i gotta look stuff up myself.
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Psychobueller
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 11:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

H-D/Buell of Edison, NJ. Great Buell dealer.
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Spiderman
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 - 11:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Mookie sorry to hear about this, If i was there this shit would have been takin care of ASAP!!!
I will probally be there tomorrow morning give me a call an let me know if the shit is straightined out.
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Stubby
Posted on Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 06:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Mookie, get used to being treated like trash by anybody who has anything remotely to do with HD (short for Hundred Dollar -- which is what you spend anytime you go in the door there). That way you will be pleasantly surprised when they treat you like a human being. There's something not right about those people. Just not right in the head. The "service" you describe is not unique. I have experienced it too.

The bike is cool, and I think Erik and the rest would do well to ask HD to drop the product from their HD dealerships and commence to selling them through the multi line Japanese/Euro dealers. They are beautiful machines, but NOBODY likes being treated like you have been, and many Jap/Euro riders know first hand how one is treated in a HD dealership and won't go there for that reason.

stub

edited by stubby on September 25, 2003
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Kevyn
Posted on Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 09:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

To all,

I frequent several dealerships locally that sell and service foreign and domestic bikes.

Generally, the smallest dealerships are friendlier and tend to treat their customers 'better' because they are trying to grow their business. Generally, they won't have the largest supply of parts, mostly parts in highest demand that won't sit in stock long. Mechanics are tempramental everywhere. A competent mechanic is worth a lot...

IMHO, these new boutique HD outlets just suck. It's like the Wal-Mart business model was adapted and branded especially for HD. But, they are making money hannoverfist. Don't expect much and you'll probably come away not insulted too badly.

Some of the older HD dealers who've managed to survive the expansion orders and dealership purges are getting it right. Donahue HD in Minnesota comes to mind here. Nice HD shop, active racing program, plenty of bikes (HD and Buell) on the main floor with the requisite merchandise within easy arms reach. On the other side of the parking lot, about a 50 yards away...

...being in Minnesota and all, they have a line of snow machines and ATV's...and a showroom full of Asian and Italian Mechanica and a service department stretching waaaay out back...and all the accessories like helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, boots in addition to bags, bars, CF and go fast goodies. And, they have demo rides for nearly every model on the floor! Of course I wasn't going there to drop off my bike for repairs so I could pick it up for a ride the same afternoon.

Generally speaking, IMHO, Buell should stay closely associated with HD. They deserve the same level of support as the HD line. The XB's are beauties in more than looks and are showcasing a new line of talent for design, engineering and manufacturing. Change doesn't always happen fast enough, but it does happen and Buell is an excellent example. Each successive Buell motorcycle has been a technical achievement level above its predecessor and with HD support, should continue that course.

My fear; without HD as a partner, Buell would lose their edge struggling alone or as they were adapted to new partners. What a terrible set back that would be for a company that has already struggled through tremendous set backs.

HD has a complaint system to resolve customer dissatisfactions. And believe me, if I bought a bike that was touted to be the best from a company as strong as HD, I'd be wanting to be treated right and fair and I'd want my bike to have the care and attention it deserves from the company that manufactured, sold and services it.

...no matter what name is on the tank
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Mookie
Posted on Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 05:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

spidey,
what the hell are you doing out of bed?
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Spiderman
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2003 - 01:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Killing myself slowley.
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Spiderman
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2003 - 01:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Killing myself slowley.
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Daves
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2003 - 01:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sure, call me on my day off Spidey. I'll be here all afternoon, call back.

Ride to the edge!
Dave
Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center)
1-800-342-7539 ext 211
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Blublak
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2003 - 07:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hey Daves! Or one of you guys that work at a GOOD Buell dealer.. remind me to call you Monday/Tuesday to order the new mirrors for my XB9. I'd like to try seeing behind me while I ride.. at least once in a while.. hehehehe..

Later.
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Daves
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2003 - 07:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hey Blublak,
Call me Monday!
1-800-342-7539 ext 211

Ride to the edge!
Dave
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Blublak
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2003 - 07:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Oh and while I'm on the topic.. a quick run down on..

WHITTS' Harley-Davidson (try not to choke on this last part) BueLllllllll.. Sorry.. That was really hard to get out.. (so to speak) in Manassas Virginia.

Bikes - Last time I was there, they had several on the floor. My wife (a petite lil' lady) sat first on a Blast, then moved to an XB9SLow. They didnt' even want to talk to her about them, but when she glanced at a V-Rod (too big for her anyway) there was a guy trying to sell her a 'real bike she'd really love riding'.. or maybe she'd like a Heritage? Damn.. Oh and the bikes were all properly marked up a couple of thousand dollars over MSRP to ensure a decent profit.

Service - They have a (yep one) 'Buell tech'. But he's not very knowledgeable about the product. Did seem kind of interested/curious about the new 12's.. Said he may even consider getting one. However, he didn't want to risk doing any work (warranty type) on a bike they didn't sell. Also, won't do work on a bike they didn't sell ALL the parts for. So no aftermarket anything unless they got to mark it up.

Parts - The one bright spot. The parts manager is a really nice lady that seems willing to get into the books and looks stuff up, even if she's not sure on the bike itself. She's at least trying.. Shame the rest of the place could care less about customers (potential or actual).

On a scale of 1 - 10 .. I'd have to give them a rousing 3.5 (for the parts lady).
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Mitchelob
Posted on Saturday, September 27, 2003 - 07:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've been very satisfied with Rossiter's in Sarasota Florida. My treatment by everyone from sales, parts, service, and Mr. Rossiter himself has been first class. All my past service issues were handled in a courteous and professional manner as well.
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