Future Uly with 1125 Motor?

[st ryder]

Spoken like a true Ducati elitist.  

Spoken like a true Buell apologist.  

If Buells don't sell well, don't blame HD. Blame Buell.

[st ryder]

 

[Oilhed]

If Buells don't sell well, don't blame HD. Blame Buell.

Blame the dealer!  Buells should be sold with the European brands.

[BobW]

Why would you blame the dealer other than the ones that carry them, but do not fully support Buell? HD fully owns Buell so it's not like there are two bickering companies making a Ford VS Chevy marketing plan. It would be interesting to see them allow Buell to go in a non Harley store. As the posts in this thread show, motorcycles are as much about emotion as they are the hard parts and with the Buell maybe more so due to it's unique design, history and limited offerings to a wide(r) demographic. There are real bottom lines that have to be met to keep the doors open and I hope all the gains in recent years by Buell, KTM, Ducati, Guzzi, et al, can survive this economic debacle and keep the variety of so many cool bikes alive. Ride what you like and go easy on the Kool Aid.

Cheers

[Kootenanny]

I like what you're sayin', Bob.

And it's very true, being part of the Harley dealer network is both a blessing and a curse for Buell.  On the one hand, it gives Buell access to a very broad and deep network of dealers in the US; on the other hand, those dealers are Harley dealers.  Many American sportbike riders wouldn't be caught dead in a Harley boutique (maybe they're afraid their friends might find out, I dunno), and those who do enter to look at Buells are often treated, well, poorly ("You don't want that plastic-covered torture rack--here, let me show you this nice FatBoy...").

[Rogue]

Spoken like a true Buell apologist.  

If Buells don't sell well, don't blame HD. Blame Buell.

Buell sales have been increasing since the introduction of the XB models. 

What's the matter?  You're not into any flame war at any of the other sites so you come in here baiting and spewing forth Buell hate?  Too much snow up north for you to actually ride your high maintenance, elitist Ducati ST2 that didn't sell well so is now discontinued? 

Please just go outside and make some snow angels on the ground or something. 

[2DFlyer]

I like what you're sayin', Bob.
 Buells are often treated, well, poorly ("You don't want that plastic-covered torture rack--here, let me show you this nice FatBoy...").

Not so in Raleigh - at least more recently.  Buell's are still relegated to the back of the store but they now have a whole corner of the store, with merchandise, a decent selection of new and used and a guy named Jordan who not only knows em but also races both 1125R and XB12R.  I still can't afford the one I'd like but I don't have to worry about knowing more than the sales guy when I go put on some showroom miles.

[Kootenanny]

I still can't afford the one I'd like but I don't have to worry about knowing more than the sales guy when I go put on some showroom miles.

Good to hear.  When I bought my 'Bolt, I knew a LOT more about the bike than the sales dude, just from my research; I should have charged a fee for the instruction I gave the guy.

On the rare occasion I take the bike in for service (eg. warranty work), I take it to a different dealer, even though it's farther away--they field a race team, and have dedicated Buell techs.  They also have (or had) at least one salesman who used to sell Big Four sportbikes, and is therefore very familiar with sport riders--he's enthusiastic about Buells, but he'll also discuss sportbikes in general and won't diss the Japanese brands.  I didn't see  him last time I was there, though.

[st ryder]

Buell sales have been increasing since the introduction of the XB models. 

What's the matter?  You're not into any flame war at any of the other sites so you come in here baiting and spewing forth Buell hate?  Too much snow up north for you to actually ride your high maintenance, elitist Ducati ST2 that didn't sell well so is now discontinued? 

Please just go outside and make some snow angels on the ground or something. 

My point is simple. If Buells were more desirable, people would seek them out regardless of where they're placed. I don't buy into the thinking that many people who want Buells don't buy them because they have to go to a HD dealership rather than any other dealership. Stop making excuses for low sales; it's the product, not the marketing, which I might add, is what you continuously harp on about; that Buells appeal to a certain type of person, and are not mainstream bikes. If that's the market they purposely wanted, ie not mainstream, well they got it, so why point the finger at HD and say they're at fault for low sales?

My local HD shop had 1 and only 1 1125r sit for more than 1 year in their old showroom. The thing is, they also sold all the big four Japanese brands at the same location durng that time before they finally opened up an exclusive HD shop. AFAIK, it's sitting in the new showroom.

Oh by the way, I ride a ST3, (the beautiful red one in my avatar  ) which my sig line has declared since 2005. Guess you're not one to actually read before you write.  

[Brad1445]

SD Rider is right as far as Im concerned.  I don'y Like Harley, but would jump any wall, pay any price to get my Buells in the past.  I have bought 5 new ones.  Buell attire, Bumber sticker on my truck I did it all because I thought they were the product.  I bragged and bragged and even sold a few to others.

Then the 1125.  Same Company, but I think the bungled the product no bad I don't care if they go out of business.  How can you screw up the holy grail, a ROTAX engine.  Well they did.  The frankenstein bike is a insult. Buell Sales were up in 2008 because so many people wanted one before but wanted a water cooled bike, and Buell blew it.

It's the product, pure and simple.

[Kootenanny]

My point is simple. If Buells were more desirable, people would seek them out regardless of where they're placed. I don't buy into the thinking that many people who want Buells don't buy them because they have to go to a HD dealership rather than any other dealership

No, I think a lot of sport riders simply diss Buell because they know they're associated with H-D.  I've heard and read lots of negative comments from people who've never ridden a Buell, based simply on a perception that they're "antiquated" and "slow."

And what sells sportbikes is perception.  No less than the "Pirate" crowd, sportbike riders want to be seen riding powerful, dangerous bikes.  What possible requirement is there for a ZX-10R or GSX-R1000 on public roads?  

It's true that Buell sales are small in comparison; that's fine, they're a small company.  And I understand they aren't for everyone.  Personally, I think the Rotax engine was the wrong direction for Buell to go--I see it as pure reaction to the public perception that Buells are antiquated.  That said, I don't think they botched it as Brad suggests (he just can't see past the scoops...); I just don't see the advantage of trying to compete in that particular market.  But interest has certainly grown in Buell, so likely I'm wrong.  (and of course, I'm looking at it from the point of view that power is secondary, which seems to put me in a very small minority.)

[2DFlyer]

 which seems to put me in a very small minority.)

I've spent my life in a minority subset of the majority so I'm with ya. Maybe that's part of what attracts me to Buells.  But you know what?  After awhile it's like repeating the same ole crap to my kids.  You just get tired of saying the same old things over and over again.  To me this argument about Buell vs anyone else is like one guy calling the sky blue while the other guy cries BS, the grass is green!  Erik's uncompromising, single minded mission serves a passionate niche market.  I doesn't matter to me where Buell sells their bikes but I will tell you one thing.  The local HD/Buell dealer has 3 liter bikes they took in as trades on XB's and 1125R's.

[Oilhed]

I've always liked Buell.  I test rode the M2 Cyclone back in 2000 and liked it.  Didn't get one because of the scarey rumors and having to deal with a HD dealer.  I bought a BMW.  I've since sold the BMW and got a Ducati.  My fears of another Italian bike were put to rest by a network of multi brand European dealers.  I test rode the new Uly and loved it.  No rumors this time.  Still don't want to deal with the HD dealer.  Black sheep, in the corner status with one salesman and one tech while still paying HD premuim prices is just just wrong for this brand.  The 1125 is very sexy but the BIG air scoops are a deal killer for me.  I'd still like a Uly or XT.  Is my Euro-dealer sold them and took trades I might be there now.

[Thunderbox]

Spoken like a true Buell apologist.  

If Buells don't sell well, don't blame HD. Blame Buell.

The hard truth is Buell is not a belly button motorcycle company.  Everyone has a belly button.  Buells on the other hand are not for everyone and you may argue not for anyone.  But we who chose Buells did so because of the things they do differently that make them unique.  We thrive on the uniqueness of the mark.  The very essence of why we love these bikes. Most of us may not listen to the top 20 hits either.  I hope Buell remains in business for a long time and and continue to resist the ever present pressure to go the other way.  It's like owning a Chev or a Volvo.  Both good cars but one of those is not what one would discribe as mainstream.  I don't really get the point of coming on line and complaining about Buells or the way they are made or who owns the company.  If you have a Buell you are not happy with, trade it sell it or burn the thing.  But please quite telling us who love them that we have some genetic fault and need to change our opinion of the brand.  Here's the hard fact.  Some people are Buell riders.   Get over it.  Because we can't

[goodhawk]

I think the main point is , with a not very significant change there would be a bigger market.  would that lead to a solider Buell company ?

myself, I'd like an 1125 with 3 " longer frame - more gas in tank , standard rad. placement, better  Sport - Tourer.  the Lightning Long is very interesting in that catagory.

[Thunderbox]

I think the main point is , with a not very significant change there would be a bigger market.  would that lead to a solider Buell company ?

myself, I'd like an 1125 with 3 " longer frame - more gas in tank , standard rad. placement, better  Sport - Tourer.  the Lightning Long is very interesting in that catagory.

I think you have helped me with the main point.  If you want a motorcycle as you are saying why are you looking at the Buell because it ain't doing it for you.  They could build Honda clones which may or maynot sell more bikes  but thats not what Buells are about.  If they did that it would be the end of the Buell Motorcycle Company in very short order.  I don't see that as being more solid.  They have taken a different drum beat and we like it.  If you don't we totally understand.  You can buy anything you want but the real reason you don't buy a Buell based on it's merit is your friends won't understand why you are doing this.  You need to justify your purchase with HP and RPM figures from a spec sheet.  We do it totaly with a big sh t eating grin because that's what the Buell is about.  Quit worrying about the belly button bikes and the peer pressure and love em or leave em.  Get with it and welcome to the exclusive club of Buell riders.

[BobW]

It is amazing that goodhawks non "anti buell" synopsis could result in such a BS reply. Buell is fully owned by HD and that makes it far from some back yard garage built baby brand. It's not bashing Buell nor their current owners to comment on a wish list to make a desired future bike model. Nice to be able to read adult posts on the pro/cons and what if's. Group Think Mentality.

Cheers and safe travels.

[Thunderbox]

You may consider it a BS reply and I couldn't care less.  I was simply saying how sick and tired I am of people wishing Buells were something else.  If you want something else fine go buy one.  To say Buells are not a limited production motorcycle is like saying becuase GM is a big company and the small group of Corvette owners are nothing special is pretty lame.  Yes the Buell is an exclusive little toy.  I have never infered that this was in responce to Buell Bashing either.  

[Brad1445]

I think you have helped me with the main point.  If you want a motorcycle as you are saying why are you looking at the Buell because it ain't doing it for you.  They could build Honda clones which may or maynot sell more bikes  but thats not what Buells are about.  If they did that it would be the end of the Buell Motorcycle Company in very short order.  I don't see that as being more solid.  They have taken a different drum beat and we like it.  If you don't we totally understand.  You can buy anything you want but the real reason you don't buy a Buell based on it's merit is your friends won't understand why you are doing this.  You need to justify your purchase with HP and RPM figures from a spec sheet.  We do it totaly with a big sh t eating grin because that's what the Buell is about.  Quit worrying about the belly button bikes and the peer pressure and love em or leave em.  Get with it and welcome to the exclusive club of Buell riders.

I have bought 5 new Buells in my life so I think I have earned a voice.  I think much of what you said 'USED' to be true about Buell/  Bikes that worked in their own way I loved them.

BUt recent criticism of Buell is earned and I think many hold back their true honest feelings.

Buell has lost their way.  A rotax engine is a wonderful thing yet even with that gift from God messed up their bike line.

IF the bike was rushed, or done on the cheep whatever the reason it is no longer a well thought out package.  Its a Frankenbike that has way too many issues and I'm not talking personality.  Wether it's stupidity or laziness I think its a clear demonstration why Americans don't manufacture things any more.  I think it's sad that people don't take pride in their work are stand up to the boss when they see them leading the company into oblivion.  I have always bought American products religiously.  Buell has taken this small group for granted that they would buy anything they make.  Brand Loyalty can only go so far so I have even removed the Buell stickers off my truck and no longer where my Buell apparel.  They are an embarrassment. The Edsel danced to it's own beat too.

The Buell club was once cool, now its a rolling testimony to greed and laziness.  Where is the pride in that.

[Kootenanny]

BUt recent criticism of Buell is earned and I think many hold back their true honest feelings.

Buell has lost their way.  A rotax engine is a wonderful thing yet even with that gift from God messed up their bike line.

...Brand Loyalty can only go so far so I have even removed the Buell stickers off my truck and no longer where my Buell apparel.  They are an embarrassment. The Edsel danced to it's own beat too.

Wow, you really don't like those pods!