| Author | Message | ||
     Whosyodaddy |
The HD/Buell dealer that I've been dealing with over the past several months (and the one that I was planning on purchasing my '05 12S from) just informed me that they "will not be a Buell dealer in 2005". This sucks. Given this news and my experience with the other Buell dealers in this area, I'm having serious second thoughts about investing $10k+ into a new Buell. (This dealer was also scheduled to host a factory demo days event later this Fall. I'd love to know the background on what happened.) WYD | ||
| Mikej |
"I'd love to know the background on what happened." Talk to the owner or manager of the shop and ask, you may get a straight answer. I'll wager that it goes something along the lines of Buell motorcycles moving farther away from the Harley concept of bikes and insufficient sales to continue with them as a viable product for the dealership. Dallas is a big potential market, and a potential major loss for the factory. IMHO, for whatever it's worth. | ||
| Glitch |
I wonder why they don't sell...or...I wonder why they won't sell. | ||
| Mikej |
 "I wonder why they won't sell" | ||
| Whosyodaddy |
Mikej, Talk to the owner or manager of the shop and ask, you may get a straight answer. Actually, I do have a message into the sales manager. He and my sales guy have been very helpful in the past (of course, this was when I was buying Dyna - not a Buell). Hopefully he'll give me a straight, non-marketing-weasel answer. But I'm not betting on it. | ||
| Bomber |
they're in business, they aion't making enough dough to support the effort, so they're bailing (that's the short version) too bad Dave ain't cloned | ||
| Whosyodaddy |
Bomber, they're in business, they aion't making enough dough to support the effort, so they're bailing Yep - not enough sales to support the franchise. And potential customers see local dealer support for Buell withering and in turn, they look to non-Buell bikes. And the cycle begins again... too bad Dave ain't cloned Agreed. Buell needs aggressive, committed dealers. It's a shame they don't have any in the DFW area. | ||
| Glitch |
I feel real fortunate. The owner at SMHD/Buell said, "if were gonna sell these bikes let's do it right" ever since then the Buell brand in this area has really grown. No small thanks to Torqer (Pete Anziano) who has since bought himself one (XB12S) and has been a big part of getting the parts we need and pushing, forever pushing. He's also the main reason there's a 3% Bragging Rights Group BRAG chapter. | ||
| Leeaw |
Two out of the only 3 HD dealers in my area have dropped the line and the third (my regular dealer) devotes only floor space to the bikes and nothing else. Someone told me that it is looking somewhat bleak for the line and I don't blame them since it is a business. As much as I love them, if I have no dealer to support me, I would not buy another one. | ||
| Mr_cuell |
Why not try to farm them out like every other sport bike? The big 4 are competitors and they are all sold under one roof - Buell should cut loose from the Harley Boutiques and get in with the sport bike crowd. It works for them, why can't it work for Buell? I get scared hearing that dealers are bailing, and I think oh no, its all gonna fold, and then I look at their sales model - one guy in a shop of 20 employees that that doesn't wear a**-less chaps. | ||
| Coldwthrrider |
That's exactly what Polaris did to get more Victory sales. They stopped selling them at snowmobile/ATV dealers and sold them at motorcycle dealers that had established business with the big 4 Japanese brands, and it's working. | ||
| Mr_cuell |
I went to pick up a shop manual yesterday and got some oil for the 1000 mile service while there. I hate putting Harley oil in this bike. I should be putting some high tech neon green super moon lube in it, not the same stuff from the 18wheeler out back. I was the only one in the shop with a jacket and functional gloves, it's just not a my scene anymore. They need dealers who get kneepucks, and jackets, and carbon fiber knuckles, and lean mean and fast. | ||
| Glitch |
Tis a sad thing indeed. But I am more optimistic. I think Buell will get bigger for the simple fact that they've made it for 20+ years. Each year being just a might bit better than the last. Most of the new kids buying bikes don't know the stigma of Buell. They're more put off by the fact it's sold next to Harleys. So the Polaris model might work, even though I don't see it happening. | ||
| Outrider |
I hate to see Buell lose any dealers. However, it is better to let them go than to force them into selling and servicing something they don't want to. Who knows, perhaps the dealer or company that picks up the like will have a Dave or Bubba on the payroll and you will feel blessed. | ||
| Whosyodaddy |
Just as I expected, I heard back from the sales manager at the dealership. All he would tell me was, "...I don't have the exact answer for you." However, it is better to let them go than to force them into selling and servicing something they don't want to. Yeah - but what happens when there's not enough dealers locally to sell and support the product? I don't see HD giving Buell permission to sell outside of HD dealerships and yet I don't see HD dealerships who are stepping up and giving Buell bikes the support they deserve - at least in this major market area. As much as I love and believe in the product, I would hesitate to recommend Buell to any of my friends until I see more local dealer support. (Not to mention that less dealers equals less competition.) my $.02 worth and now I'll shut up and stop beating this dead horse. WYD | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
I called Modesto Buell, a stand alone Buell shop, the other day out of this very threads motive. Asked about what it takes to open a stand alone store and how they were doing. What I heard on the other end of the phone shocked and astounded me. I was informed that their sales numbers were the best a few short years ago, something like 120 units, and now it just sucked. I was told they only have one Buell on the floor and have gone largely to Ducatti sales. More $$$ in it. When I asked about opening a Buell dealership I was asked, "Are you sure you want to do that?" Modesto doesn't seem to think the brand is going to be around much longer... I on the other hand have to agree with Glitch, something I've noticed I tend to do. Must meet the man some day. The company is infinitely more successful than it has ever been and is increasingly more popular in Europe. I think the answer is stand alone dealerships or lumping in with other sportbikes. Erik, please dispel the rumor! Please! | ||
| Brucelee |
I have to say the dealer can make or break the bike experience. I love MY XB and I stay away from my dealer if at all possible. It WOULD Be comforting to know that dealers were around who actually wanted to fix my bike. | ||
| 420at145mph |
"I love MY XB and I stay away from my dealer if at all possible. " ditto | ||
| Rocketsprink |
That's a kick in the •••!! I really wish Harley would lose the attitude ( Dealers anyway ) and catch on to the fact that their " base buyers" are getting older and the up and coming buyers want something more than full dressers and chromed out 900lbs bikes. They just don't promte the bikes like they should, a lot of Harley owners look down at them, just like they do the V-Rod whick is the only " real Harley" I'd ever own. I don't think selling them along side the 4 big Asian bikes would be a good idea though, because they'd be compeating against bikes that the really weren't meant to go against. I'd rather see them with Ducatis, Guzzi's etc. The fact remains they're the only American made " Sport Bike" and if ya can't get an American company like Harley to stand up for them, they're time may be running out. Harley should be ashamed and I for one will never forget if they don't do what ever it takes to keep Buell alive. I live in Wisconsin where they're built and the dealers here sell them but don't promote them, don't stock 5hit for them. I asked about the new frame pucks, and they looked at me like I was nuts! The appearel is running out and the display is half empty all the time. We had our BRAG club stuff up on a wall, but the HOG members *itched, so they took our stuff down, but the HOG stuff up which hasn't changed in months, said they'd put our stuff up on a different wall and a few months later............NOTHING!!! Thanks for the support!!!! | ||
| Glitch |
I have to say the dealer can make or break the bike experience. And that my friend is why I abandon Suzuki. | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
dealers here sell them but don't promote them, don't stock 5hit for them. I asked about the new frame pucks, and they looked at me like I was nuts! The appearel is running out and the display is half empty all the time. We had our BRAG club stuff up on a wall, but the HOG members *itched, so they took our stuff down, but the HOG stuff up which hasn't changed in months, said they'd put our stuff up on a different wall and a few months later............NOTHING!!! Thanks for the support!!!! And thats just one of many reasons why I refuse to patronize that dealership. | ||
| Daves |
Rocketsprint, I have frame pucks in stock. Bought 30 sets the day they came out. 1-866-757-1651 Dave | ||
| Rocketsprink |
It's a F'in shame that more dealers don't have someone like you in sales. People may think you're too pushy, but I'll tell ya what, I'd rather deal with someone that keeps track of what is being offered and let's us know and make up our own minds on what we need rather than people that don't know, don't care to know, and don't care enough to find out. I wish I lived closer to Appleton. I'd be there everyday. I know that this is how you make your living, so being direct with us is very appreciated. I will be calling you tomorrow to find out what you have left and the cost to get it down to Kenosha. If I had the time' I'd come up there, but have to get my stuff ready and set up for my trip to the Dragon on the 4th. Ya think you could get them sent down here by then? I WILL be calling you tomorrow. 11:30ish AM good?! | ||
| Rocketsprink |
And Dyna, after the stories I heard I don't blame you one bit. | ||
| Kevinfromwebb |
WYD, that s***s... I talked to them last fall when I bought my 12R and would liked to have done business with them but I would have to have waited another 1.5 months to get one...They were always pretty straight forward with me and they had at least 2 techs that were 'Buell trained'... I talked to one of them and he seemed pretty knowledgeable about them... This was when the 12's were just coming out. I found mine down at Bell County and went down there and picked it up... That dealer up in Corinth, American Eagle or whatever, they answered my emails quickly and actually had service manuals out on display, this was last fall... And they've started a BRAG group also... Been meaning to go up there and see what's going on... Kevin | ||
| Daves |
Rocketsprint, I'll be in any time after 8am and it will be no problem getting you a set by next Tuesday or Weds. Call me on the toll free number 1-866-757-1651. Ask for Dave in the sales dept. Thanks! Dave daves@h-dappleton.com | ||
| Kevinfromwebb |
Oh, and I realize that Buells are a low volume item, at least compared to Harleys. But their reputation and sales are going upward so they'll be in business for a while. Maybe fewer dealers but have you counted Aprilia or Ducati dealers lately... Oh, and Longhorn is still carrying the Buells as far as I know and they're going to be moving into a new bigger shop in a few months maybe they'll make more room for Buells... They are the ones that stopped my oil lines from leaking and they treated me well, except for freaking about the plug in my rear tire ( I wouldn't put one in the front except for emergencies)... And if I hadn't known about the plug it would have been nice that they told my about it... Kevin | ||
| Odie |
Maybe it's a secret plan by Mr. Buell to market some fringe bikes like the city so H-D dealers will be even more alienated and want to quit selling Buells. Then he'll get control of the company again and do what he really wants....................I wonder what Buell would be like as a company and a motorcycle if they never were marketed at H-D dealers and were independent from the beginning...could be better than now.....or maybe not at all....... | ||
| Evaddave |
The idea of opening a standalone Buell dealer has been tossed around numerous times, and the answer has always been that it can't be done. Nobody can open a standalone Buell dealership. But with the number of HD/Buell dealers dropping the Buell line, I'd think that some enterprising Buellers could perhaps strike up an operating deal with the owner(s) of one of those dealerships, and open up a Buell "branch" under the existing dealer agreement. Has anyone tried this? | ||
| Doughnut |
Assuming that it was relativly near by, ( 150 miles or less), I would go to a "Buell Specialist". |
