My Public plea to HD and Buell for the 1125R

[Kootenanny]

I went into 3 different dealer trying to look at Buells, XB12's in particular.

All three tried to talk me into a Sportster or a VRod..

They did me a favor because in the and I bought a Speed Triple..

I'm not gonna agree they "did you a favour," since I love my Buell, but yeah, I can understand where you're cpming from.  Many H-D/Buell salespeople don't seem to understand that when someone comes in specifically to look at a Buell, they are unlikely to be interested in a Harley--that in fact, the only reason they've entered a H-D dealership is because of the Buells.  They just aren't used to the mindset, the idea that some people might actually not want a Harley (probably because so many of their customers would ride nothing else...)

[naustin]

Buell is a tiny company.  Sales are the cure to the dealer woes.  I think the 1125R will deliver the sales to make a LOT of Dealerships start respecting the Buell Brand and entice them to improve their performance.  ANd having rotax powered dirt bikes in the pipe line a few years out will help too.

I'm SOOOO excited about the future of Buell.  They had 2 problems up to now.  1.) Dealers. 2.) motor.

Motor problem is SO SOLVED.  Dealers are greedy.  You watch, those jackles will not pass up a money making opportunity....  

[Lawn Dart]

Oh man, this bike puts me right back to questioning how bad I want an R12S!  

(Glad I'm not buying another new bike for at least another year!)

[OldSalt]

I can understand the desire for better dealerships as I have to drive more than 60 miles of high density traffic just to get to my preferred dealer (San Diego Buell) but it is definitely worth it.   They have a great selection of Buells on the floor, all models, knowledgeable people and a great service department.  The dealer even supports a Buell race team!  Each time I have gone in there, I have been treated with courtesy and respect with the level of service competence being outstanding.  I have yet to find a UJM dealer who matches this level of performance in any area.

Just my two cents.

  You forgot to add that in addition, it gives you a great excuse to rendezvous with a buddy and enjoy some kickin Mexican food.  That alone should make the 60-mile ride worth the trip!  

[st ryder]

I'm not gonna agree they "did you a favour," since I love my Buell, but yeah, I can understand where you're cpming from.  Many H-D/Buell salespeople don't seem to understand that when someone comes in specifically to look at a Buell, they are unlikely to be interested in a Harley--that in fact, the only reason they've entered a H-D dealership is because of the Buells.  They just aren't used to the mindset, the idea that some people might actually not want a Harley (probably because so many of their customers would ride nothing else...)

Or, it could be that HD salespeople have become weary of "Buell types" who probably know more about motorcycles and have far more difficult questions to ask than the HD prospect, therefore, they need to spend far more time, and exert far more effort into a sale that might very well result in a smaller commission, as opposed to waiting for the next  "real motorcycle" "up" to come through the door who's first question might be, "Where do I sign?"  

The dealership where I bought my HD is a "hold-out" from many decades ago and sells HD on one side, and 3 of the big 4 on the other. There is a definite demarcation between the two, and even some animosity amongst the staff, but the sales guy is more than happy to sell you anything, but will give you more time if you're buying a big ticket HD. They have been "asked" by the MoCo to relocate to a more typical HD location, ie close to the local highway, and become an exclusive HD shop. I'm sure they will continue to carry Buell and may have a great opportunity to keep their Buells at the old shop along side their Japanese offerings.

I get no "'tude" from the "lifestyle" crowd when I go to that shop to window shop riding my Ducati, but dread the rumor that HD might buy Ducati for the exact same reasons expressed in this thread.  It's really too bad about the "lifestyle" nonsense that happens with cruisers especially with the "real deal" crowd as HD should have a sport bike line to sell with it's cruiser line, but in all honesty, I would much, much rather see the VR1000 refined, mass produced and offerred at HD shops: the new 1125's "scoops" make me want to puke, and I can only hope somebody in Buell's design department will design a Buell 1125 ST with integrated, flowing lines.

But, this "oil and water"/cruiser-sport bike scenario is not exclusive to HD. BMW dropped its "cruiser" line. Ducati can't sell cruisers either, though MotoGuzzi does. Triumph's move into sport bikes raised no eye brows and seems to work well. Funny how certain brands can't wander too far from their bread and butter bikes due to customer demands/expectations.

[boxjoint]

Funny how certain brands can't wander too far from their bread and butter bikes due to customer demands/expectations.

Sooo true!
Look at the v-rod. It was a commodity the first year then sales slumped big time. I do see the Buell marque gaining momentum though. It used to be a rare rare sighting to see a Buell on the road. I do see them more and more often.

Like I said before, I will wait a year or two and get a XB12 to compliment my Superglide. I WANT the air cooled model. Gas, oil, and go. that's it.

[Kootenanny]

Or, it could be that HD salespeople have become weary of "Buell types" who probably know more about motorcycles and have far more difficult questions to ask than the HD prospect, therefore, they need to spend far more time, and exert far more effort into a sale that might very well result in a smaller commission, as opposed to waiting for the next  "real motorcycle" "up" to come through the door who's first question might be, "Where do I sign?"  

Well, there is that.  I certainly knew more about the Buell I was buying than the guy selling it to me (I was showing him things, he was saying, "Gee, I didn't know that!").

I...dread the rumor that HD might buy Ducati for the exact same reasons expressed in this thread.  It's really too bad about the "lifestyle" nonsense that happens with cruisers

This is kinda funny, coming from a Ducati rider.  I really like Ducatis, but let's face it--they market the lifestyle thing as hard as H-D, just haven't been at it quite as long.  One recent mag I got has a full-backpage ad for Ducati, done in a blue tone (to make it look like night), with a tough-looking male model wearing a Ducati jacket standing beside his Monster, with the slogan, "Rule the Night..."  

[sarjx1]

If HD was smart about marketing Buell, they would team up with Triumph, Ducati, Aprilia, and/or BMW dealerships. I think if the Euro brands carried Buell, the Buells would sell really well.  

I completely agree.  I have gone out of my way to go to an H-D dealer that gives a crap about Buell (Illinois Harley).  But it comes down to where are prospective sportbike buyers?  Going to H-D dealers to walk past cruisers?  No.  They are going to dealers with a few brands, whether they be Japanese or European.  In fact, they would look right at home at MCC, a Chicago dealer that carries Ducati, Triumph, MV Augusta, Aprilia, and KTM.  This is how Buell goes big time!  As good as a few of the Harley dealers are, many don't care about the brand and unless you really know about Buells and have to have one, probably are going to shop at those dealers for sportbikes.

[nanbil]

I completely agree.  I have gone out of my way to go to an H-D dealer that gives a crap about Buell (Illinois Harley).  But it comes down to where are prospective sportbike buyers?  Going to H-D dealers to walk past cruisers?  No.  They are going to dealers with a few brands, whether they be Japanese or European.  In fact, they would look right at home at MCC, a Chicago dealer that carries Ducati, Triumph, MV Augusta, Aprilia, and KTM.  This is how Buell goes big time!  As good as a few of the Harley dealers are, many don't care about the brand and unless you really know about Buells and have to have one, probably are going to shop at those dealers for sportbikes.

I agree here, although Eric Buell seems happy with the current dealership relationship...not sure why, perhaps he is happy with this situation the same way he was happy with the air-cooled engine...

[RedRocket]

I agree here, although Eric Buell seems happy with the current dealership relationship...not sure why, perhaps he is happy with this situation the same way he was happy with the air-cooled engine...

HE doesn't own the company any more.  He's an employee of HD.  They make the big calls.

[naustin]

Buell does not do enough volume to support stand-alone dealerships.  HD does have the biggest dealer network by a HUGE margin, and Buell, being a subsidiary of HD, belongs in the HD dealerships.  There is no reason that it could not work, and work very very well.  The problem is getting individual dealerships to respond.  

I guaranty you that if 20 guys walked into a HD dealer and wanted to put cash down on new Buell bike orders, the bikes would be there and that dealer would be tripping over himself to order up some Buell t-shirts.

Its all about sales.  My dealer tries.  That is all I can ask.  I don't expect miracles or a whole store full of stuff, all I really expect is honesty, respect, and a little effort.

And actually, I have been in a couple of Jap-Bike dealerships and I was NOT impressed at all with THEIR sales staff or service either.  In fact, it was much, much worse than any HD dealer I have been in.  Even if they don't have Buells, they have always attempted to help me.