Let's put it to rest for once.

[tankhead]

Really tired of the whole Buell committed suicide with the 1125R.  Please read the following article.  If, at the end, you really still think that Buell (with the f'n crap budget that they were given) still commited suicide I really think you are biased beyond repair. I think Erik is a champion and quite the role model for american businesses across the land.  He is not spending time smokin' weed, he got a new business up and running in record time and is vigilant about providing great service and products. Just tired of the mis-information.  EDUCATE YOURSELF for f#ck sake
http://www.jsonline.com/business/84291217.html

[Roadscum]

Really tired of the whole Buell committed suicide with the 1125R.  Please read the following article.  If, at the end, you really still think that Buell (with the f'n crap budget that they were given) still commited suicide I really think you are biased beyond repair. I think Erik is a champion and quite the role model for american businesses across the land.  He is not spending time smokin' weed, he got a new business up and running in record time and is vigilant about providing great service and products. Just tired of the mis-information.  EDUCATE YOURSELF for f#ck sake
http://www.jsonline.com/business/84291217.html

Another one of those guys that has overdosed on the kool aid.

[kendenton]

Cue brad1445 in 3..2..1....

[Brad1445]

Really tired of the whole Buell committed suicide with the 1125R.  Please read the following article.  If, at the end, you really still think that Buell (with the f'n crap budget that they were given) still commited suicide I really think you are biased beyond repair. I think Erik is a champion and quite the role model for american businesses across the land.  He is not spending time smokin' weed, he got a new business up and running in record time and is vigilant about providing great service and products. Just tired of the mis-information.  EDUCATE YOURSELF for f#ck sake
http://www.jsonline.com/business/84291217.html

Did you read the article or just look at the pretty pictures?

"Last fall, Harley-Davidson Inc. announced it was shutting down the sport bike manufacturer it had owned for more than a decade.

Harley executives said Buell Motorcycle Co. was not profitable and had simply run out of time."

Thats called supply and demand. Other small manufactures have had their sales go up in the last few years?  How can that be? Supply and DEMAND Thats what I have been saying all along.  

So if the 1125r was selling we WOULD still have a Buell. They screwed the pooch. Says here on the death certificate death by suicide.

They killed loyal customers like me and made ugly leaking lumps that sit in service shops and only sell in volume at $5,000.  And there are still some to be had.

If thats not Suicide WTF is, even in a down market they had a captive audience and there is pent up demand for american products.

All they had to do was add a water cooled engine to a very capable XB well handling bike.  Obviously that task proved too difficult. (drugs)  They forgot that water cooled bikes need a place for water.

Rotax makes the BEST engines in the world.  Harley obviously can market bikes very well as they own 50% of their market.
Some bike manufactures have reported sales climbing in this down market, simple supply and demand.

No one wanted the dog food.



Drugs kill, no sain person would have released the problem prone 1125.
NOW Buell is dead.

 Harley let the little kids play with no supervision so they share that blame.  

Supply needs a little demand DEMAND The new bike was being out sold buy the old outdated air cooled ones.  Heck even I bought another Firebolt in 2008 when I came to pick up the very first 1125 sent to Colorado.  Sun Harley was holding it for me knowing I buy anything Buell.

After I looked my new 1125 over I refused it,  it was obvious, it was not ready for production.

Why do I care?  Because I can not figure out how they failed such a simple task. Because I was a Buell fanatic!!!

Take a good handling bike, add a great engine stir and sell.  This is what they sent to market?


and yes I do think drugs were involved

[tankhead]

gotcha

[squeezer]

Cue brad1445 in 3..2..1....

It took two hours, two minutes, and 1 second.  He must be getting over it.

[kendenton]

Nah, he had to search long and hard to find that picture of the pods  

[Tpoppa]

It was murder not suicide.  

There were at least 2 groups that made offeres to keep Buell alive.  

[tankhead]

Brad if that be the case (suicide by a pot smoking loser says you) why did harley offer him an advisor of engineering position?  It was a couple of lines under the quotes that you have listed.  (did you read the whole article or only what you chose to read?)  The point of my post is that the 1125 is not what killed Buell it was the economy along with horrible financial woes by HD lending that killed the company.
I understand you are personally offended that your ship did not come in with the delivery of the new model.  I also understand you being pissed that you were hell bent on being the first on your block to have the latest and greatest bike to show your buddies in your neighborhood only to buy that beautiful white firebolt.  But lets just admit that you being offended and constantly showing your obvious feelings of being slighted with pics of the pod really shows no credible argument about the company, the company's management, or the products being a reason for the company being shut down.

[tankhead]

A great 8th post roadscum.  Really.  Good Job.  Welcome to S-T.net  

[Tpoppa]

Brad if that be the case (suicide by a pot smoking loser says you) why did harley offer him an advisor of engineering position?  It was a couple of lines under the quotes that you have listed.  (did you read the whole article or only what you chose to read?)  The point of my post is that the 1125 is not what killed Buell it was the economy along with horrible financial woes by HD lending that killed the company.
I understand you are personally offended that your ship did not come in with the delivery of the new model.  I also understand you being pissed that you were hell bent on being the first on your block to have the latest and greatest bike to show your buddies in your neighborhood only to buy that beautiful white firebolt.  But lets just admit that you being offended and constantly showing your obvious feelings of being slighted with pics of the pod really shows no credible argument about the company, the company's management, or the products being a reason for the company being shut down.

Tank your facts are sound, but trying to convince Brad is like trying to reason with a 18 girl who was dumped on prom night.

[falconati]

  fuck

[Rogue]

Another one of those guys that has overdosed on the kool aid.

Another self-appointed Buell expert who has NEVER owned a Buell.  

[Rogue]

Tank your facts are sound, but trying to convince Brad is like trying to reason with a 18 girl who was dumped on prom night.

It's more like talking to Gnome.

Or a Troll....same thing.

[Brad1445]

Some manufactures reported higher sales so its not just market its still supply and demand.  Why did all you cry babies not buy the things?

I'm a Buell Troll?







How many did you buy?


The only thing that is put to rest is the ugly mess that Buell had become with a simple task.  Harley should sue Erik for destroying a company when handed a simple task.  I have plenty of bikes still to choose from but my favorite manufacture ate a big bowl of stupid and took the American option off the table.  

Idiots and those that stood around watching defective bikes roll down the line are all to blame.  Did not one person have the balls to say STOP, is this really our best we can do.
_______________________________________ _______________________

prag⋅mat⋅ic  [prag-mat-ik]  Show IPA
–adjective
1.   of or pertaining to a practical point of view or practical considerations.
2.   Philosophy. of or pertaining to pragmatism (def. 2).
3.    of or pertaining to pragmatics (defs. 1, 2).
4.   treating historical phenomena with special reference to their causes, antecedent conditions, and results.
5.   of or pertaining to the affairs of state or community.
_______________________________________ _______________________


Let's put it to rest for once., BUELL IS DEAD. Quit trying to blame everybody else for it.



Someone may have wanted to buy the plant or the machinery but no one wanted the bikes, go get as many as you want now they will be collectors items or more likely a college course how not to run a business using the peter principle.

Scoops can be dangerous


Now back to your imaginary world

[Brad1445]

Brad if that be the case (suicide by a pot smoking loser says you) why did harley offer him an advisor of engineering position?  It was a couple of lines under the quotes that you have listed.  (did you read the whole article or only what you chose to read?)  The point of my post is that the 1125 is not what killed Buell it was the economy along with horrible financial woes by HD lending that killed the company.
I understand you are personally offended that your ship did not come in with the delivery of the new model.  I also understand you being pissed that you were hell bent on being the first on your block to have the latest and greatest bike to show your buddies in your neighborhood only to buy that beautiful white firebolt.  But lets just admit that you being offended and constantly showing your obvious feelings of being slighted with pics of the pod really shows no credible argument about the company, the company's management, or the products being a reason for the company being shut down.

PS, you did have a good post many very good points.  I guess till this day Im simply blown away how the 2008 Buell was released, then became the 09, then the 10.  YOu are lucky You have probably the best bike Buell made and one of the best period ever made.  Enjoy.

[tankhead]

tanks brad. But for the record I am not TRYING to blame anyone except the company who shut it down. They had the right to shut it down. I am not blaming.  I just see that getting you to see past your anger is not worth my time.  Good Luck with that.  

[Tpoppa]

I'm a Buell Troll?

Yes.  And a bit of a drama queen, too.

[chornbe]

Thank God we have something new to talk about.

[tankhead]

Chris, just go back to your indecisive ways............. JK.  Good Luck with your new bike.  Hopefully I will get to me you at the burger run.  

[Schneegz]

Wow... TWO pod pics in one post.  I'm impressed!  

[Roadscum]

A great 8th post roadscum.  Really.  Good Job.  Welcome to S-T.net  

Thank you for your warm welcome.  


I'm sooo tired of hearing about how H-D Buell cut loose BMC. Buell was unable to make it alone and chose to hook up with H-D.  Buell poured many $$$ into Buell with no payback, no profit. How much $$$ do you expect H-D to pour down the Buell hole????

I've owned two Buell in the past but it's not about the product it's about profit.
Anyone with an ounce of business understands the need for profit... no??

[Brad1445]

Yes.  And a bit of a drama queen, too.

You have know idea how much more I could go on.    


I really am more flabbergasted than words can say.  Its like watching a meth victim do themselves in.




alll could have been prevented

[Rogue]

I'm sooo tired of hearing about how H-D Buell cut loose BMC. Buell was unable to make it alone and chose to hook up with H-D.  Buell poured many $$$ into Buell with no payback, no profit. How much $$$ do you expect H-D to pour down the Buell hole????

I've owned two Buell in the past but it's not about the product it's about profit.
Anyone with an ounce of business understands the need for profit... no??

You are very late in this conversation and the reasons for H-D shutting down has been discussed in many other threads.  It's clear you have very little understanding of the politics & business decisions behind the shutdown.  

In addition, even though you claim to have owned two Buells in the past, you still don't understand the spirit behind it.  It IS all about the product to Erik Buell.  That is his one and only driving spirit in all his bikes.  That is what seperated him from H-D.  

Finally, nobody asked you to drop by in the Buell forum and read this thread.  If you say your are so sick of it, then leave.  

[Roadscum]

You are very late in this conversation and the reasons for H-D shutting down has been discussed in many other threads.  It's clear you have very little understanding of the politics & business decisions behind the shutdown.  

In addition, even though you claim to have owned two Buells in the past, you still don't understand the spirit behind it.  It IS all about the product to Erik Buell.  That is his one and only driving spirit in all his bikes.  That is what seperated him from H-D.  

Finally, nobody asked you to drop by in the Buell forum and read this thread.  If you say your are so sick of it, then leave.  

Silly me.... I  thought this thread was about the suicide,  Am I wrong??
I didn't realize decenting facts opinions were not welcome, kinda like the premier Buell forum.

[chornbe]

Quick show of hands... who here work(ed/s) at Harley-Davidson and/or Buell During all this?

[tankhead]

 
I just want to see one more picture of the pods before I put this thread to bed  

[macdiver]

Silly me.... I  thought this thread was about the suicide,  Am I wrong??
I didn't realize decenting facts opinions were not welcome, kinda like the premier Buell forum.

Na.  The thread is about trying to get Brad past his anger with Buell.  The interview and link was just to get the bashing going again.

[Brad1445]

Quick show of hands... who here work(ed/s) at Harley-Davidson and/or Buell During all this?

Also who here was a customer.

Nothing happens without customers buying your products.

[Prubert]

Quick show of hands... who here work(ed/s) at Harley-Davidson and/or Buell During all this?

[tankhead]

yeah I'm about done....... night.

[chornbe]

Also who here was a customer.

Nothing happens without customers buying your products.

no argument at all. lots of non-employees and non-customers commenting (myself included) and speaking as pundits (myself not included).

The fact remains - the people who know the "real story" probably don't post much on ST.N.  

[BobW]

^   Bulls Eye! Chris


Good Night Gracy

[falconati]

But if we actually KNEW the details, then what would we talk about all winter?  

[Rogue]

Silly me.... I  thought this thread was about the suicide,  Am I wrong??

You're wrong in less than 10 posts.

It's a Buell Forum.  You want us Buell owners to be happy or indifferent and blame Buell and Erik Buell for it?    You come off as being Brad's best friend and we're all sick of his BS already.

[Brad1445]

You're wrong in less than 10 posts.

It's a Buell Forum.  You want us Buell owners to be happy or indifferent and blame Buell and Erik Buell for it?    You come off as being Brad's best friend and we're all sick of his BS already.

what have I said that is BS,

Buell is gone, looks like the facts support the reality I speak of.

All you do is blame everyone but the people that made the bikes.

cold hard facts

[Brad1445]

Silly me.... I  thought this thread was about the suicide,  Am I wrong??
I didn't realize decenting facts opinions were not welcome, kinda like the premier Buell forum.

What is happening to free speech.

Why are so many people here  that never liked Buells before,  and never bought Buells all defensive why they were shot down. They are available for purchase now, go get one at half off!

Economics 101

These silly conspiracy theories make the posters look silly as if they are talking about Roswell or bigfoot.

Simple supply and demand.

Most the Buell lineup was dated and non competitive and the latest offering was simply rejected by the  buying public.

Why is that so hard to understand.


What is it that makes people deny the truth of the lack of popularity of the 1125.  Why does it cause this divisive  childlike behavior of Harley Black helicopters.  

Its purely illogical to think Harley wanted Buell to fail.  They want to make money and happy customers.  But you have to have a product that people will pay fair value for to succeed.

No sales = No Income = Game over.

[wbrisett]

No sales = No Income = Game over.

Do you even look at HD's annual reports?

Here are numbers from the reports you can find online at HD's site:

Year	Sales	Unit Sales	Unit increase	Percentage
2004	79,029	9,857
2005	93,069	11,166	14,040	15.09%
2006	102,227	12,460	9,158	8.96%
2007	100,534	11,513	-1,693	-1.68%
2008	123,086	13,119	22,552	18.32%
2009 (1-3 qtr)	92,999	8,753

2007 (pre 1125) wasn't a great year, but 2008 was. Doesn't seem that there were "no sales". But sales were a rounding error to HD sales.

At least get the numbers first Brad. Then you can post pod pics and continue saying they had no sales.

[chornbe]

Yeah, but where's the breakdown of HD vs. Buell models sold? For that matter and for my own pickiness, I'd love to see a break down of the Harley frames sold. I know there were at least 3 v-rods sold in '08. I can't imagine too many more, though. Man, are those things just sitting.

[wbrisett]

Yeah, but where's the breakdown of HD vs. Buell models sold?

Right here: http://investor.harley-davidson.com/annual.cfm
 

Buell sales were absolutely nothing compared to HDs, but I didn't say they were, just that there weren't "nothing" as Brad keeps wanting to claim.

Quote from 2008 annual report:  Riders with the streetfighter attitude have responded feverishly to the year’s lineup—in North America, Buell retail sales were up 10 percent in 2008.

This of course the year that the 1125 came out. The year of their demise according to Brad.

[tankhead]

Chris, why would you compare HD numbers to Buell numbers when you agree that they are two different markets. That is like comparing mom and pop corner store to Wal-Mart. Bad Debt made HD cut off the hand that was Buell. I can't BLAME them.  Wrong decision  in my opinion, but there is no way to blame PODS for the demise any longer.  It's just silly. Buell made money for Buell.  It was growing and profiting.  Let's put it to rest.  The numbers are up.  The end. tanks for showing up.

[Tpoppa]

no argument at all. lots of non-employees and non-customers commenting (myself included) and speaking as pundits (myself not included).

The fact remains - the people who know the "real story" probably don't post much on ST.N.  

Quite true.  

However, some insiders on the Buell and HD sides of the house 'leaked' some information before and during the Buell closure.  I would be the first to point out that 2nd hand information is not always credible.  When those 2nd hand accounts all seem corroborate each other a case can be made for credibility.  The accounts I have, seen from sources that I consider to be reliable, have strongly suggested that the reasons for the Buell closure were as much personal as they were business related.  Refusal to sell Buell, when more complex businesses are routinely 'spun off,' seems to strengthen that arguement.

In the end, everyone can believe what they want.  It won't change anything.    

[chornbe]

Chris, why would you compare HD numbers to Buell numbers when you agree that they are two different markets. That is like comparing mom and pop corner store to Wal-Mart.

I don't want to compare the HD and Buell numbers. The HD numbers don't mean shit to this discussion, just the Buell numbers, supporting or negating Brad's points.



My OWN curiosity - outside of this context - is why I'd like to see the per-model HD numbers. Nothing to do with this conversation at all.

$.02

[tankhead]

"Yeah, but where's the breakdown of HD vs. Buell models sold?"  

How did I get that so wrong. Sorry 'bout that.  It appeared that you wanted to compare.  

[Prubert]

 It's just silly. Buell made money for Buell.  It was growing and profiting.  Let's put it to rest.  The numbers are up.  The end. tanks for showing up.

Sure, Buell was showing a profit for Buell.  What NO ONE sees is the millions per YEAR that H-D was sinking into Buell since they took over completely in the late 90's.

That money was not a big deal when the motor company was making good money.  When times are tough, spending that kind of money is not sustainable.

What it came down to is that H-D couldn't sustain Buell  based on H-D's shrinking profits.  The investment they needed to put in to Buell was not shown to be able to get a return in either customers or profits.

It is easy for everyone to be an expert on what they see, read on the internet or who they know on the inside.  I have seen first hand what went on with Buell and I can say it was the best decision for H-D at this time.  Realize that not all of the info can be made public in any matter, even to employees, so there may be other reasons that none of use will ever know about.

Later.

[tankhead]

You forgot this part in your post, " I can't BLAME them.  Wrong decision in my opinion, but there is no way to blame PODS for the demise any longer."  I don't pretend to know much more than the average dude about the Buell/HD relationship. Sure money is tight, you cut back.  Yes I get it.  Like I said can't blame them.  When I had my own business I had to cut back and at times get hungry.  But to say Buell sales were down is just wrong.  Stop the insanity.  

[chornbe]

"Yeah, but where's the breakdown of HD vs. Buell models sold?"  

How did I get that so wrong. Sorry 'bout that.  It appeared that you wanted to compare.  

I guess I could have worded that a bit better...  

[Rogue]

That money was not a big deal when the motor company was making good money.  When times are tough, spending that kind of money is not sustainable.

There is always going to be overhead costs in any endeavor.  When a corporation absorbs another, they are suppose to do their due diligence, have an independent Auditing group confirm, that the company they are absorbing is going to be a good "fit" for the overall profitability of the corporation at that time and in the future.  I'm sure that H-D did that back in the 1990's and saw an even greater future in Buell.  Look at the increase in sales in 2008!  It wasn't going down it was going up.

What you are suggesting is that when times get tough, cut off your arm.  Times are tough on everything!  Cars, bikes, airplanes, boats, houses, everything is affected by this recession that we just recovering from.  So H-D had one bad year and they just abandon all that money and good will they invested in Buell?  What this says is that H-D was NEVER committed to Buell Motorcycles.  Because as soon as they saw tough times in a single year they just cut it off.  That's like, Chevrolet shutting down the production of all cars because times are tough and they were in bankruptcy.  Afterall, Chevrolet makes more money selling trucks and SUV's so they can just stick with that most profitable arm.  

BTW you didn't mention the financial division of H-D...how bad was that bleeding?  

It's okay.  You still work for H-D so you have to feed us the Corporate line.  I fully understand.

[chornbe]

It occurs to me that nothing said here will change things, and to the best of my knowledge, the ONLY Harley-Davidson employee on ST.N has already spoken up about what he knows as a confirmed employee. Fortunately, there's so much more to keep speculating on.  

And did anyone... anyone at all... anywhere... bitch nearly this much when GM axed Oldsmobile (good riddance!) or Saturn? Or when Mopar axed Plymouth (gooder riddancer). At least when mopar chopped off Plymouth, it was because sales sucked because the vehicles sucked. The Dodge and Chrysler names were just perceived to suck less and didn't sell in as-poor numbers as the Plymouth line did.

[Tpoppa]

And did anyone... anyone at all... anywhere... bitch nearly this much when GM axed Oldsmobile (good riddance!) or Saturn? Or when Mopar axed Plymouth (gooder riddancer). At least when mopar chopped off Plymouth, it was because sales sucked because the vehicles sucked. The Dodge and Chrysler names were just perceived to suck less and didn't sell in as-poor numbers as the Plymouth line did.

No, but closing those brands did not kill an entire industry.  There were no potential buyers (except for Saturn). 95% Of the models killed were just rebadged versions of models that are still readily available.

[kendenton]

Dropping Buell didn't kill the motorcycle industry...

[Tpoppa]

Dropping Buell didn't kill the motorcycle industry...

I was referring to the American Sportbike Industry.  Will all due respect to Fischer, Roehr, etc.  I can no longer spend my American Dollars on an American Sportbike.  

[chornbe]

That's neither Buell's nor HD's fault. Blame the guys who feel like they have to make back their full R&D nut on the first 5 bike sales at $40k+ each.

Once upon a time, investors used to get in the game for the long haul.

[macdiver]

I'm confused (happens a lot).  Buell sales were increasing through 2008 as the HD numbers show.  Several people have stated that the Buell division was profitable.  Can anyone confirm or refute this with hard evidence?  According to the several articles I read when the 1125 was released, the development of the 1125 was paid for through profits from the xb line not by Hd.  

Prubert above states that HD was sinking a lot of money into Buell.  Where was this money going?  Advertising? Training the sales staff?    

Anyways it does not matter.  HD decided to shut down Buell due to a bad economy and large losses in the loan division.  

If anything, can we stop blaming the pods?  Some people may not like the looks but the bikes were selling.  My only problem with closing Buell was the timing. Buell was just starting to win races which would have led to more sales.  Everyone, please don't point out the cc advantage in sportbike or the mid season homologation in superbike.  The races were close and were fun to watch even if Dean Adams and stupidbikeplanet did not agree.  

This will be my last post on this subject.  I nor anyone else will change anyones opinions about Buells espicially Brad's and none of us was party to the decision process to close Buell.

[falconati]

It's kinda funny (just kinda) how out of hand this has gotten.  I think this is a really easy issue to understand.

Harley Davidson has capital tied up in Buell.  Harley Davidson (as a corporation) is struggling.  Harley Davidson needs to free up capital to keep its core business running in a recession.  Harley Davidson liquidates some assets (e.g. Buell) in order to stay financially solvent.

This is a purely financial exercise.  No company would sell a unit they 'just didn't like' if it was bringing in enough return on investment (or capital).  Please stop making Harley look like they were conspiring to shut down Buell - not only does it make you look silly, but it doesn't even make sense.

[wbrisett]

If anything, can we stop blaming the pods?

My only point in spend 40 minutes sifting through the HD annual reports. I'm tired of Brad blaming the pods when they weren't the reason for the demise of the brand, there were way too many other factors involved.

And Falconati, while I don't think there was a full scale conspiracy to shut down Buell, Erik had few friends left at HD. I'm sure Willy for one was glad to see him go away. The cultures at the two companies are vastly different from what former Buell employees have said.

Wayne

[tankhead]

"My only point in spend 40 minutes sifting through the HD annual reports. I'm tired of Brad blaming the pods when they weren't the reason for the demise of the brand, there were way too many other factors involved."


Well, we can now see that this thread has run full circle from my first post of this thread.

Goodnight Jim Bob, Goodnight Mary Elllen, Goodnight Johnboy......

[Rogue]

This is a purely financial exercise.

I have worked in enough corporations to fully understand that you are very wrong on this.

Decisions made at that level can go both ways and other times only one way.  When people up there have that much power, they can make decisions on a whim and just like that, a whole division can close down.  They can spin it any way they want.  However, I have seen CEO's shut down whole divisions simply because they didn't like the people in it.  

If the decision was strictly financial like you theorize, then take a moment and think this through.  Compare this to the automotive industry.  GM spend months negotiating the sale of Hummer.  Undoubtedly, Hummers are built alongside GM trucks and SUV's (underneath them are the same chassis and powertrain).  You can say Hummer is heavily integrated with GM.  Yet, GM spent a great deal of $$ and resources selling this division off.   Same with Saturn.  Although the deal with Penske Motors failed, GM went through a lot of time and negotiations with Penske to sell off Saturn.  Oh and it took a Bankruptcy to get GM to do this!  Hell!  Ford kept Mercury and Lincoln even through the toughest years of its financial life even though all their models could have easily been sold through Ford dealerships!  So I would imagine that a financialy savvy company like H-D would try to sell off Buell if money was really that tight!  Afterall, Buell has their own separate factory along with their support staff.  Whatever staff they have that is integrated with H-D can be moved or laid off, as opposed to laying off 200 people along with their pensions, severance, etc., in addition to the expense of selling off those assembly-line machines that build the bikes, etc.   I'm sure they would have taken a large hit in depreciation by selling off those assets so early in thier useful lives.  They could have easily found a buyer for Buell, gave it 6-months for a total transfer of management, then made off with more $$ than they would have by simply shutting it down.  Oh and all this happened just when H-D switched management.....strictly Financial reasons?  Shea right!

I've personally seen corporations go through this process, done their Financial Statements, etc., and I can tell you, it's not as painful as selling/shutting down a division!

[BobW]

  I appreciate Brand Loyalty, but what is done is done, it doesn't matter what any other Corp did or didn't do or what any of us think they coulda, shoulda, woulda done. Holding out breath, stomping our feet and telling eveyone how wrong "their" opinons are isn't going to change this. Time to move along, nothing more to see.............................  

[Rogue]

What else are we suppose to talk about?  

Okay, let's talke 1125R Pods.

[falconati]

I have worked in enough corporations to fully understand that you are very wrong on this.

Decisions made at that level can go both ways and other times only one way.  When people up there have that much power, they can make decisions on a whim and just like that, a whole division can close down.  They can spin it any way they want.  However, I have seen CEO's shut down whole divisions simply because they didn't like the people in it.  

Those individuals usually enjoy very short tenure.

[Schneegz]

FOUR, count'em, FOUR pod pics in one thread!    I think Brad's going for some kind of record!  

[Brad1445]

FOUR, count'em, FOUR pod pics in one thread!    I think Brad's going for some kind of record!  

Na, I give up on the POd thing.

People take it literarly, where i just use it as a sign. Like a sore on a person with leprosy. The pods were not the problem they were one of a very long lest of not ready for prime time parts in 2008.

Of Buell had attempted top freshen the look it may have shed some of the stigma but, nope.


Cracks me up that people keep talking about sales being up, its more like production was up.  selling at $5,000 is not a business model.

Cracks me up that people keep talking about it was the XB profits that paid for 1125 research.

1. Harley paid for the XB research
2. not much research was done on the 1125 or it would not have been plagued by problems.

act is when all was said in done from day one to closing Harley did not make a profit with Buell.  The 1125 should have been the crowning achievement of all the years of work, instead its a laughing stalk of the industry.  



Mom, telling Buell 1125 to go out and play....
Now go run on and play with the 600's, be nice and don't leak on them and remember not to shut your your engine down as you may not restart.  Try not to break any more turn signals your dad said that the 3rd pair this week.

Here is a full bike shot, soak it in!



The best America has to offer?
Minus the engine, brakes and suspension?

[Tpoppa]

Ride one.

[Brad1445]

Yes.  And a bit of a drama queen, too.

Name calling?

You can bash on me and others all you want but it will not make you bike worth one more cent. If I was you you I would be defensive too.

So you got burned on your Buell Purchase. Go post in one of the fantasy happy Buell threads.   I don't post my dissatisfaction in those threads so why do you come to bash those here that thought Buell could do better.  That Buell should still be alive!!!!!!!! And through the free market place and not $5,000 rebates. This thread title is concerning the passing of an motorcycle manufacture and why?

[wbrisett]

Cracks me up that people keep talking about sales being up, its more like production was up.  selling at $5,000 is not a business model.

The $5,000 price was only at the fire sale once HD decided to shut down Buell, and that pricing is now gone...but you knew that.
There were a lot of 1125s sold at the 10-12K price (just look at the number of people complaining when the fire sale started)...but you knew that.
You just love to get the Buell crowd riled up...but we all knew that.

... and we took the bait anyhow.

[Tpoppa]

I don't post my dissatisfaction in those threads so why do you come to bash those here that thought Buell could do better.  

Is that a joke?  You post the same photo and the same comment in just about every thread.  Perhaps my response could better be expressed in a video  

[Brad1445]

Is that a joke?  You post the same photo and the same comment in just about every thread.  Perhaps my response could better be expressed in a video  

"Your not paying attention, I never crap in a I just bought a new 1125 and am so happy thread"  I wish Buell was still around.  Not the 1125 Buell maker, the cool bike builder Buell.

You making another weird freaky stalker  Michael Jackson lateen homo video has the mentality of a 7 year old. Leave me alone.

The $5,000 price was only at the fire sale once HD decided to shut down Buell,..........

That is where the market placed the supply and demand value marker.  Free market  etc speech here.

The Bikes WERE NOT selling.  I have close friends at nearly all the dealers in Denver.   The 1125 landed with a thud and Buell ignored the market it and left the 1125 out there to die.  The bike was not ready for production.

You say I like to get the :Buell Crowd" Riled up"  I was the F'n Buell crowd tell they ate a bowl a stupid, or smoked crap. I wanted the new bike, I was first on the waiting list.

Buell Crowd????????????? WTF You don't get it.  I helped pay for your your 1125







Buell would not have been shut down if they were selling.  Other small manufactures experienced growth in this down market Buell was to be one of them. but they took two good things and screwed them up. (good engine) (XB Design)

How many did you buy? I literally  converted friends to Buells. and sold countless numbers by rallying around the best handling bike in the world.

Dont shoot the messenger.  I did not design this bike, or approve it for production.

Am I angry at Buell HELL YES, how could they be this dumb!

Serios, they knew it was not running right and let it go, thats not my fault BUELL made a decision. Write up after write up talked about it's looks.  Are they blind at the factory. Would it have killed them to try and design the water into the bike where it did not look like a last minute thought and then use parts that follow no other lines on the bike.  Then to compensate make a fairing the size of a Buick for a "naked Bike" to try and cover the pods?  These are simple things.  Bad management plain and simple.

That was the bike we all waited for, and they could not even design a bike to celebrate the Rotax gift from got but used some parts from 5 year old designs and a few that were designed while drunk?

Yes Im angry.

[wbrisett]

How many did you buy?

In all total, 4, and like you sold a few to folks who wouldn't have ever considered the brand, so I paid for my 1125 just as much as you did, so STFU. You simply didn't like the 1125 engine, fine, but I love it. We don't agree, not the first time, I'm sure it won't be the last time. We'll leave it at that.

Selling sport bikes, ANY type/brand of sport bikes at a Harley dealership isn't a recipe for success. The 1125 engine is a great engine, similar to what Aprilla has been using and getting good reviews with. Did it have some issues? Yep, one of my riding buddies had his whole engine go south and Buell put in a whole new engine, took his back so it could be examined and they could find the source for the failure. But, then another guy who bought his 08 R a couple of weeks later is still going strong and is at 30K miles.

You act like you're the friggin' messiah, or would have been to Buell if they had listened to you. But they were getting the crap beat out of them on the older XB engines in side-by-side reviews. Go look at the 11125CR side-by-side reviews, hell any of the 1125CR reviews. Magazine's raved about them. If we use your logic, Toyota will NEVER recover from their latest series of issues. I simply don't think the brand or the bike was "tarnest beyond compare"... Just ask anybody who bought an 1125 R/CR at the fire sale who never owned a Buell before. The 5K price wasn't the supply and demand thing either. There are a lot of Honda and Suzuki 1000cc+ bikes sitting on dealership floors with dust on them that were priced in the 11-13K range, but are currently priced in the 6-7K range and they aren't moving. People simply saw the 5K price as an opportunity to pick up a deal, and many did.

There is a whole litany of reasons Buell shut down, the 1125 and the pods aren't it. They might have been part of the reason due to Buell not using an in-house engine design from HD, but even then I'm skeptical of that one.  

[Tpoppa]

"Your not paying attention, I never crap in a I just bought a new 1125 and am so happy thread"  I wish Buell was still around.  Not the 1125 Buell maker, the cool bike builder Buell.

You making another weird freaky stalker  Michael Jackson lateen homo video has the mentality of a 7 year old. Leave me alone.

 
Are you for real???  You the number one annoyer on the Buell board.  Despite multiple requests to move on, you post the same stuff over and over.  So, I put a little of that back toward you in a way that was at least funny, and suddenly you're over-sensitive and can't handle it.

Don't you think that's a little like the Teapot calling the kettle black  

[Jesse]

most of the threads on here remind me of....

...

....and I still come back 

edited to fix image link

Jesse

[Rogue]

Guys, why do you keep listening to that broken record that Brad keeps playing?  It sounds like a busted chainsaw by now:  Loud and annoying.

Just IGNORE him.  That way, he can talk to himself and have orgasms reading his own posts.  

IGNORE button.  It's on the lower leftt side of the poster's Name/Avatar.  




 

 

[Schneegz]

I give up on the POd thing.

Light at the end of the tunnel?  

[falconati]

Just FYI - The 1125 looks way better than the Firebolt (which is ugly as sin), and also I've ridden both and the 1125 is more fun.

Oops unbiased opinion.

[Schneegz]

Just FYI - The 1125 looks way better than the Firebolt (which is ugly as sin), and also I've ridden both and the 1125 is more fun.

Oops unbiased opinion.

Uh-oh.  Gnashing of teeth, rending of clothes, sprinkling of ashes and wearing of sack cloth in 5, 4, 3, 2...

[Bueller]

I love them both.  Like having twin lovers with different personalities, except it won't end in tears



The Firebolt is the fun one.  The 1125R more serious and committed.

[Brad1445]

Uh-oh.  Gnashing of teeth, rending of clothes, sprinkling of ashes and wearing of sack cloth in 5, 4, 3, 2...

Na, opinion's on looks are fair, some people don't care about looks.

Take a quick trip over to bad web and watch the new owners with troubles.  That was my main concern with the 1125 series, the odd looks I use as proof of a rush job but if were only talking about looks, hey, some guys like fat chicks.  There is a butt for every saddle.  Just some saddles have higher demand than others.

example

and she don't even have pods where you would hope some would be.

[fast2win]

The  problems that the 1125r had  are minor. I'll bet you stick up for aprilia and their entire motor replacement recall but an 1125 is a pos because of a couple minor issues.  And I prefer my babes with pods as to without. you can please some of the people some of the time but you an 1125 never. So what.

[Brad1445]

So Now we buy Sexy Italian Bikes!!!!!!  Or Japanese if you prefer.  Americans apparently can not make a Sport Bike that sells.



But I'm sure you will be able to buy one of these if you like for a few more year to come.

[steve.m]

man i've been absent from the buell section for too long...i see the topic hasn't changed much though  

brad...a question.

you loved the a/c buell's, which had quirky styling and (intially) many mechanical problems, and still you bought quite a few.

you hated the rotax powered buells because of the styling and maintenance issues...fair reasons.

i can't see your reasoning that the pods killed buell...overall sales had nothing to do with the 1125 line.  and overall sales are what put an axe to them.

finally, america was highly successful at producing a street bike.  unfortunately their pricing was a bit...off and once prices came down they sold faster than anything else around.  


I guess i'd just like to hear a different story or a more rational approach to your conclusions other than PODS PODS PODS PODS PODS, AHHHHHH they're invading, oh no, THE POD IS SUCKING MY BRAIN!!!  

[Brad1445]

If the 1125 was a well thought out well performing bike DEPENDABLE , then pods alone would not have kept me away from my dream bike.  An "American" assembled high revving twin.

The only reason I reference pods is its an easy way to say rushed to market. Its the largest easiest way to tell something is not wrong.  Unfortunately it was just the tip of the iceberg of a bike rushed to market.

The Buell name has zero value.
I still read badweb everyday. The 2010 models are little better than the the 2008's and I have zero tolerance for dealer service visits.

[steve.m]

I haven't had to touch my uly aside from the 1k service.  then again, it's an A/C motor so i might just be whistling out my a$$ saying that.

[kendenton]

Good God, how did this get started up again?

 

[Brad1445]

I haven't had to touch my uly aside from the 1k service.  then again, it's an A/C motor so i might just be whistling out my a$$ saying that.

Those were great bikes!

[steve.m]

Good God, how did this get started up again?

 

i was bored and felt like poking the fire

[Tpoppa]

If I have zero tolerance for dealer service visits.

Then why buy a Ducati?  Aside from the new MTS, the service intervals aren't exactly long.

[steve.m]

Those were great bikes!

ah...so let us discuss.

the A/C bikes were great but admittedly overpriced.  Buell's best selling bike (IIRC) was the ulysses, an air cooled machine.  The company didn't show much for profitability until the 1125 was released and at that time, they showed growth and were shut down during a recession when HD lost substantial profit.  

now...do you still blame the pods/1125 for the company's demise, or are you willing to recognize they are aesthetically displeasing to you and the company would have been laid to rest regardless of the release of the 1125 line?

[Tpoppa]

I still read badweb everyday.

You read everyday about a motorcycle you don't like and have no intention of buying   Seriously  

Obsession:
1.  Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea or an unwanted feeling or emotion, often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety.
2.  A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion.

[Brad1445]

ah...so let us discuss.

the A/C bikes were great but admittedly overpriced.  Buell's best selling bike (IIRC) was the ulysses, an air cooled machine.  The company didn't show much for profitability until the 1125 was released and at that time, they showed growth and were shut down during a recession when HD lost substantial profit.  

now...do you still blame the pods/1125 for the company's demise, or are you willing to recognize they are aesthetically displeasing to you and the company would have been laid to rest regardless of the release of the 1125 line?

Nope, if they were selling they would still be in Business, other small manufactures watched their market grow.
Fine one review where they say what a cool looking bike this was.  The most polite people just did not discuss the looks because there is no way to lie with a straight face on that one.

A fully comprehensively well thought out bike pleasing to the eye with Buell handling and Rotax power would have been a non stop success.   There was so much bad press on this bike don't blame me, take a look at the managers that released the bike for sale.

[Brad1445]

You read everyday about a motorcycle you don't like and have no intention of buying   Seriously  

Obsession:
1.  Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea or an unwanted feeling or emotion, often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety.
2.  A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion.

Probably true.

Its like a car accident, I don't want to look but cant stop myself.  Your right it's sick.  If they have me the a 1125 for free I would sell it.

But I do greatly miss the funnest bikes ever made, the XB bikes 84 Torque with belt drive.

[steve.m]

Nope, if they were selling they would still be in Business, other small manufactures watched their market grow.
Fine one review where they say what a cool looking bike this was.  The most polite people just did not discuss the looks because there is no way to lie with a straight face on that one.

A fully comprehensively well thought out bike pleasing to the eye with Buell handling and Rotax power would have been a non stop success.   There was so much bad press on this bike don't blame me, take a look at the managers that released the bike for sale.

well at least you've come to terms with the fact that it wasn't ONLY the 1125 bikes/pods that killed buell  

[wbrisett]

Buell's best selling bike (IIRC) was the ulysses, an air cooled machine.

Actually it was the Blast by large numbers, but a lot of those went to dealers for their Rider's Edge course, then got sold on the used market. The Uly was the second biggest selling bike. And honestly why not, it was by far the best all round Buell. But that said, the AC engine couldn't do what Erik and Co. wanted, that was to win on the track. They simply ran out of steam. The AMA races aside, I still think Erik was on the right track with the 1125 engine. As has been shown and stated here many times, the timing for Buell was more of an issue rather than sales. The CR was getting good reviews and I suspect the 2010 and 2011 bike might have been even better sellers had they had a chance. We'll simply never know for sure.

Wayne

[chornbe]

Actually it was the Blast by large numbers, but a lot of those went to dealers for their Rider's Edge course, then got sold on the used market. The Uly was the second biggest selling bike. And honestly why not, it was by far the best all round Buell. But that said, the AC engine couldn't do what Erik and Co. wanted, that was to win on the track. They simply ran out of steam. The AMA races aside, I still think Erik was on the right track with the 1125 engine. As has been shown and stated here many times, the timing for Buell was more of an issue rather than sales. The CR was getting good reviews and I suspect the 2010 and 2011 bike might have been even better sellers had they had a chance. We'll simply never know for sure.

Wayne

Fleet sales have to be removed from the equation for sales popularity, IMO. That leaves the Uly.

$.02

[steve.m]

 

[falconati]

Agree with Chris

[Tpoppa]

The core problem for Buell was distribution.

If you don't believe me...walk into a HD dealership in actual riding gear (read: non pirate or Village People), then tell me how welcome you feel.

HD dealers are/were just not geared up to support riders of sport bikes:
--They had no gear other than possibly a token amout of Buell branded gear.  No Joe Rocket, Arai, Scorpion, Alpinestars, Teknic...
--Tires.  Sure we can get you tires as long as they're OEM and you pay full MSRP.  Puulleeeese.

Good sportbike dealers, make more on gear and tires than on bike sales.  HD dealers just weren't setup to capture those $$.

Over the last 2-3, years I've probably spent $2k on gear & tires.  Not one of those dollars was spent at a HD dealer.

[chornbe]

--Tires.  Sure we can get you tires as long as they're OEM and you pay full MSRP.  Puulleeeese.

I actually found the opposite to be true at my HD dealer. They steered me away from the stock 404s and they maintain a MSRP -%30 price on tires (at least the ones I've bought there), and keep them in stock. Granted, they don't have sport bike tires there, but for their core vehicles, they have everything you'd need and then some.

I did have to order a stupid seat bolt when I changed seats on one of the bikes, though. That was silly.

[st ryder]

The core problem for Buell was distribution.

If you don't believe me...walk into a HD dealership in actual riding gear (read: non pirate or Village People), then tell me how welcome you feel.

HD dealers are/were just not geared up to support riders of sport bikes:
--They had no gear other than possibly a token amout of Buell branded gear.  No Joe Rocket, Arai, Scorpion, Alpinestars, Teknic...
--Tires.  Sure we can get you tires as long as they're OEM and you pay full MSRP.  Puulleeeese.

Good sportbike dealers, make more on gear and tires than on bike sales.  HD dealers just weren't setup to capture those $$.

Over the last 2-3, years I've probably spent $2k on gear & tires.  Not one of those dollars was spent at a HD dealer.

I agree with that *up to a point*, and then I need to say if peeps really wanted a Buell, they would have "put up" with all of that and got what they wanted. If any person states that he would have bought a Buell if not for the "Harley scene", I call BS.   There are ways around that, and keeping an open mind is the first.   I go into a BMW boutique shop/showroom/dealership all the time, as much as that "scene" makes me want to puke, but I go, get my stuff, and leave asap, lest I make eye contact with a young, upwardly mobile, materialistic, poser.  

And really, when you think about it, what better opportunity is there for people who state they enjoy being different than to strut their differentness in the faces of conformity's disciples in their own palace?  

[bomber]

I agree with that *up to a point*, and then I need to say if peeps really wanted a Buell, they would have "put up" with all of that and got what they wanted.

This is true, but (you knew trhat was coming) . . . . .

I loved my Tuber to death -- still do -- it's a great example of what I would have built for myself when I was in high-school, full of piss and vinagar and feeling immortal -- my Hot-rodded tuber is a wonderful bike, a nearly perfect example of what it is.

When it came time to buy my next bike, I seriously considered a Uly (though I wound up with a Tiger) -- I didn't buy primarily due to the distribution channel, and a lack of faith that I could keep it on the road approaching 99% of the time. I took way too long for my Tuber's "character traits" to get squared away under warrenty, and only after I worked the system like made (annd thanks to the folks over on Badweb for the help in doing that).

So, I guess you can say I didn't "really" want a Buell -- in the broadest sense, bike, dealershipp network, teething pains (I mean, really, who under specs a bolt holding the kickstand to the motorcycle?) and all. Though Buells made great scoots, for me, there was too much baggage to carry along with the bike.

[Tpoppa]

I agree with that *up to a point*, and then I need to say if peeps really wanted a Buell, they would have "put up" with all of that and got what they wanted. If any person states that he would have bought a Buell if not for the "Harley scene", I call BS.  

HA.  I couldn't disagree more.  Plenty of sportbike riders are turned off by the whole HD scene.  Among sportbike riders there was a big anti-Buell bias, that seemed to melt away once HD shuttered Buell.  I think  the bigger issue was related to traffic.  Not that many sportbike friendly riders wander in the local HD dealer.  The folks who bought Buells were there to specifically buy a Buell.

My point was that the HD dealers missed out on the $$ that they could have made by not having gear, accessories, & tires.

...Hey, here's  $1,000 I'd like to buy some CRG Bar End Mirrors, some Pazzo levers, an FMF exhaust, and a set of Michelin Pilot  Powers.  Hmmm, I can't seem to find them anywhere in the Screaming Eagle Catalog...



 

[chornbe]

My point was that the HD dealers missed out on the $$ that they could have made by not having gear, accessories, & tires.
 

Not trying to be argumentative, but I think your experience is in the minority. The half-dozen or so Harley dealers near me stock gear and accessories in floorspace easily 2/3 and bigger of the floorspace dedicated to bikes.

The dealer where I bought my bike has a helmet selection that will rival the Jap-4 dealer I go to, too.

They sell lots and lots of gear and accessories... but it's geared towards the core buyers and their chosen "style".

[bomber]

Count the entire states of Illinois and Wisconsin in the minority, as well, and some of Missourah, Indiana, Ohio, California *states I visited Buell dealers in) == while the HD dealerships all had many parts and accessories, even the most rapid Buell dealer had stuff that would fit Buells that MIGHT fill your cube at work (and NO, count em, no non-OEM tires, again, for Buells) . . . .

[Tpoppa]

Count the entire states of Illinois and Wisconsin in the minority, as well, and some of Missourah, Indiana, Ohio, California *states I visited Buell dealers in) == while the HD dealerships all had many parts and accessories, even the most rapid Buell dealer had stuff that would fit Buells that MIGHT fill your cube at work (and NO, count em, no non-OEM tires, again, for Buells) . . . .

Exactly.

[falconati]

Count the entire states of Illinois and Wisconsin in the minority, as well, and some of Missourah, Indiana, Ohio, California *states I visited Buell dealers in) == while the HD dealerships all had many parts and accessories, even the most rapid Buell dealer had stuff that would fit Buells that MIGHT fill your cube at work (and NO, count em, no non-OEM tires, again, for Buells) . . . .

Same experiences for me in: Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, Florida, and you already mentioned Wisconsin, which I would agree with.

I think you just have a good HD dealer, Chris!

[Tpoppa]

I realize that HD dealers have tons of gear and accessories, just none (ok, very little) that is useful to sport bike riders.

I buy lots of gear.  I have 6 helmets, 5 armored riding jackets, race boots, armored riding pants, way too many pairs of gloves, etc, etc.  I go through 4-5 tires every season and like most sport bike riders, I have very specific tire preferences.  I would have supported the dealer where I bought my Buells, but they didn't carry any of the stuff I wanted.

I am not blaming the HD dealerships.  I understand that they are geared (pun intended) toward the chrome and leather crowd.  It just illustrates that HD distribution is/was a bad fit for Buell.  It would be a bad fit for any brand of sport bike.

[chornbe]

I realize that HD dealers have tons of gear and accessories, just none (ok, very little) that is useful to sport bike riders.

I buy lots of gear.  I have 6 helmets, 5 armored riding jackets, race boots, armored riding pants, way too many pairs of gloves, etc, etc.  I go through 4-5 tires every season and like most sport bike riders, I have very specific tire preferences.  I would have supported the dealer where I bought my Buells, but they didn't carry any of the stuff I wanted.

I am not blaming the HD dealerships.  I understand that they are geared (pun intended) toward the chrome and leather crowd.  It just illustrates that HD distribution is/was a bad fit for Buell.  It would be a bad fit for any brand of sport bike.

Gotcha, I thought you meant they didn't stock gear/accessories at all.

Ok, then I fully agree... they didn't carry non-HD stuff from what I saw most. Sorry for the confusion.

[Brad1445]

And you argue they did not really sell sport bikes, but "sporty bikes" for a older demographic than the big four japanese sport crowd.  

I loved my Buells, but they were not 'true' sport bikes

[chornbe]

I loved my Buells, but they were not 'true' sport bikes

  Why not? What's the difference?

[falconati]

Liquid cooling  

[Brad1445]

  Why not? What's the difference?

Top end power.  But that did not take away from the fun factor.  

Just a little embarrassing on the long open stretches when everyone else in the group is doing 130-150. I still beat them in the hairpins.

I love the torque in that old engine, and if the came back in a harley reorganization, I'll buy another.

I always wanted a water cooled Buell also, I just pictured imagined it more Ducati'es in my own head.  I think sexy bikes and cars are a joy! I would have bought the 1125 in a heartbeat if it was just not so hard to look at.

[tankhead]

Yes Brad we know.  BTW what are you and your friends doing 130-150 on public roads for?  Squid?  Not responsible at all.  I hope you are talking about track days.

[st ryder]

HA.  I couldn't disagree more.  Plenty of sportbike riders are turned off by the whole HD scene.  Among sportbike riders there was a big anti-Buell bias, that seemed to melt away once HD shuttered Buell.  I think  the bigger issue was related to traffic.  Not that many sportbike friendly riders wander in the local HD dealer.  The folks who bought Buells were there to specifically buy a Buell.

My point was that the HD dealers missed out on the $$ that they could have made by not having gear, accessories, & tires.

...Hey, here's  $1,000 I'd like to buy some CRG Bar End Mirrors, some Pazzo levers, an FMF exhaust, and a set of Michelin Pilot  Powers.  Hmmm, I can't seem to find them anywhere in the Screaming Eagle Catalog...



 

That's what I'm talking about: The "superior" attitude of sport bike riders is not the fault of HD dealerships. I love sport bikes, but I'm turned off by the "squid scene." I go to "big four" dealerships all the time, and usually find nothing I like, but I go to look just in case I do see something useful, tires of course. But I have to put up with "racer" sales staff, and know nothing parts staff. I go to HD dealerships for the same thing, for a look-see, because I love HD bikes too. If I wear my sport riding jacket and leather jeans and riding boots, I don't have to deal with sales staff. That's a plus in my book. Parts staff in HD dealerships? IMO: Wayyy better than squidville that's for sure.   IMO: So are the techs. But the same can be said for Ducati, MG, TR etc. I do not confuse the so called "scene" that's associated with the bike, with the bike/products/service. If prospective Buell riders couldn't do that, it has less to do with pirates, than it does with haters.  

[falconati]

Gotcha, I thought you meant they didn't stock gear/accessories at all.

Ok, then I fully agree... they didn't carry non-HD stuff from what I saw most. Sorry for the confusion.

Well then, you have an average dealership  

[macdiver]

 I do not confuse the so called "scene" that's associated with the bike, with the bike/products/service. If prospective Buell riders couldn't do that, it has less to do with pirates, than it does with haters.  

It was not the scene that bothered me.  Two of the local "Buell" dealers did not have turn signals or footpegs in stock.  These are the sacrificial items when you drop your bike.  I found a Dealer close enough that stocked the basic parts and had a good technician (he rode a tuber).  While having some service done, I was walking the floor.  The sales rep could not tell me anything about the buells and even tried to tell me that the iron 883 had the same engine as the xb's.  I asked would that be the 984 cu in or the 1203 cu in motor.  He stuttered, murmured then walked away.  A little training could have went a long way.

[Tpoppa]

I had a sales person refer to the 1125 as a beginner bike becuase the motor is smaller than most Harleys.

Yep, it's a beginner bike allright, with twice the HP, half the weight, and 10x the riding capability.  To be fair, there were a few good Buell dealers (one of the best in the country is about 40 miles from me), but most didn't have a clue.