| Author | Message | ||
     Mikej |
Okay, with the Buell market fairly flat and falling pricewise I've started to wonder and wander a bit. In the new Iron Works magazine (Jan/Feb 2004 issue) there's an article on a Sportster rebuild (page 39+) where somebody built up a new old style bike. Then reading around the site here recently and in the past there's been lots (relatively) of talk about customs built out of Buell components and apparently there are lots of custom builders who love to snag Buell components for their creations (according to some of the engineers around work). This all got me to wondering. If someone were trying to sell a Buell, but didn't want to sell it for pennies on the dollar, and if they had fair mechanical and design aptitude but a limited budget to work with, and if the person were to build up some board-track replica or a hard-tail custom from their existing Buell, I'm wondering how well one of those would sell. Or more specifically, would one possibly be able to sell such a bike at a higher price than a complete and running Buell, and would it be worth the effort and cost of the person doing it if he didn't mind the effort in doing so? (Somewhat rhetorical but I'll let it stand.) I know, I know, too many variables. But I look at that pic and think it'd be fun to ride on those skinny tires in a nostalgic sort of way if the end result didn't sell. But looking at it I'm thinking it would sell, and probably easier and faster and for more than the Buell would currently in as-is condition. Throw in your comments, insults, judgements, condesentions, suggestions, and whatnot. Their website doesn't show a pic of the bike in question otherwise I'd link to it. http://www.ironworksmag.com/onshelf And I'm out of here in an hour so feel free to have at me. Have fun and share your comments. MikeJ (Have torch, may begin to play) | ||
| Kevyn |
I have a fairly complete '68XLCH if anybody is serious, already has a late model dual disc front end...I'd throw in an M2 fork set to sweeten the deal...email for photos | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Its a shame to dis-assemble ANY Buell!!!! Thats like burning a cross or your national flag!!!! Some people just don't appreciate our passion!!! | ||
| Bomber |
selling customs (bikes/cars/boats/planes) is very often a loosing prpoposition, fiscally . . .. but you already know that, I'm thinkin . . . . | ||
| Glitch |
I'm with Newfie. | ||
| Lake_bueller |
But what if you're disassembling one Buell to save another???? Is that wrong? I hope not because that's what I'm doing. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Customs are a strange market. They can be either very niche oriented (TL1000 powered chopper that sold for $2000 even though the rolling chassis was worth $5000) Or they can be just the opposite. I have seen listings for $15000 kit harleys that once built by the owner sold for $25000-$30000 so its really hard to say what will happen with any custom. | ||
| Glitch |
But what if you're disassembling one Buell to save another???? Well, that's a whole 'nuther story innit? | ||
| Nevco1 |
Naaa...That's cross-pollination! You either end up with a Hybrid or a Mutant. Not to mention, Genetically speaking, it's incest.  | ||
| Crusty |
A kidney transplant between two family members isn't incestuous, why is a Buell component transplant considered such? | ||
| Nevco1 |
Exquisite Works of Art should be kept pure and preserved for future generations to appreciate. Gee Crusty...I don't know, but it sounded good to me! Not to mention, I sure don't equate it to sharing parts with family. That is a special gift. Very special. | ||
| Gearhead |
Did any of you see Two Wheel Tuesday last week where they showed the Redneck Engineering Mutant Buell? http://www.redneckengineering.com/mutant_redneck_buell.htm Anyway I'd venture a guess that the majority of Buell owners are hot rodders to some degree and it'd be fun to build a kick ass custom for a fraction of the cost of a big twin then leave em' in the dust running a basic stock Buell powerplant. Any good hot rodder knows that it's better to recycle a part than let it sit and deteriorate. Besides if you're into bikes as investments you on shaky financial ground anyway unless you're buying really old or really exotic equipment. We do it because we bust our humps all week and you can't ride a portfolio or mutual fund. | ||
| Nevco1 |
Gearhead...do you mean I could have saved a ton of bucks on the wide glide just by turning my X1 into a "Transformer." | ||
| Gearhead |
Ha, Ha, Ha, No! Wise guy!! But the Redneck Engineering concept is intriguing. Since a used M2 can be purchased for between $4000 - 5000 or less if you really scrounge, it makes an inexpensive was to start a custom project compared to a big twin plus it’s lighter and faster. Their package also uses the majority of the M2 parts further holding down the price. I’m not going to go out and buy an M2 to tear apart to do this but I can appreciate the concept, I’d rather carve corners right now in my life rather than profile on the boulevard with my bike. Besides I’m building a ‘62 Chevy Biscayne to satisfy that need right now. | ||
| Nevco1 |
A Low Rider in Waterloo, IA? My how times have changed. I need to ride down there this summer to check it out. | ||
| Ftd |
Gearhead, Go to clubchopper.com. That site is to custom bikes what BWB is to Buells. Always a thread actively discussing the RE Mutant Buell. Frank | ||
| Pauly |
How about something like this? I found this on a german site, Hillbilly motors. Those that have knowledge of the site already know what this is, but for those that don't, it's a X1 frame, s1 gas tank, modified M2 forks, with the oil tank and battery moved under the seat to facilitate the under tail exhaust. I think everyone here already thinks outside of the box. Why not jump out of the box, kick the crap out of it, and chuck the pieces in the bin and stand out even further, rather than climb half way back in ?  | ||
| Rippin |
Give me more!!! Who built the exhaust? | ||
| Seeeu911 |
Pauly, great find. pls post the link. Thanks ! | ||
| Loki |
www.hillbillymotors.de They have some cool looking custom parts and prices seem to be fair. |
