Customer Service at Buell Dealerships

[PlayWithGravity]

I don't know what I'm going for here, but I have a question to pose about H-D/Buell dealerships customer service, etc. toward Buell riders.  Why is it that Buell riders get dirty looks and poor customer service at most dealerships.  Granted, I understand that the bread and butter in those establishments is the H-D line up, but maybe with better service, aftermarket selection, etc. for Buells they'd start turning more dollars there.

I bought my Buell last summer from F&S in Dayton, which is about a 250 drive, with a half dozen other dealerships in between.  Seems crazy.  I don't hear about that with other brands.  What gives?  

[tankhead]

I am sure you have heard of Badweb.  If not here you go:www.badweatherbikers.com they have lengthy discussions on this subject.
Anyway, Harley dealerships in general do not like the whole deal with BUELL.  I went to a dealership yesterday in Wildwood to get my BUELL cap.  (This time I called before I drove down)  They said they were participating.  GREAT!  Drove down with my neighbor, we get there and I get the hat and then ask where are all the BUELLS.  She said with a laugh, "I don't know. Hey Bill where are all the BUELLS?  They are in the shed."  (the f'n shed)  Oh well, I got my hat and high tailed it out of there.  Not a Harley fan at all.

[Scratch33]

[AngelDeville]

I guess Buells with their HD engine aren't as cool as the latest FXWTF, and are not accepted by the Harley snobs, (I guess even the V-rods aren't accepted either)
My dealer has ONE guy that actually knows anything about Buells, and for some reason they still have two 2005 XB12S's on the floor.

any Buell is cooler than any Fat-tired abortion, with an S$S motor.

[PlayWithGravity]

FXWTF

LOL.

I'm glad I didn't realize the "customer service issue" before I bought mine, otherwise I may not have, then I'd be missing out in a big way.

[Mastros2]

There are only a few HD/Buell dealerships that I enjoy going to in the vicinity of Central NJ.  Like others have said, it's a shame that some dealerships do not want to be bothered.  Buell has a similar following of loyal owners as HD does.  The Buell owners might be a smaller group but loyal none the less.

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Come on Buells are the redheaded stepkids of HD   I hear all the rumors of this going on but I have not seen it yet from dealerships from other Harley owners yes but dealerships no. You want a nice shop see below.

Uke's Harley-Davidson
5995 120th Ave (I-94) Kenosha WI 53144
Phone: (262) 857-UKES Fax: (262) 857-4444

[Geezer]

I would bet that the service department makes a bunch more Money on all the chrome and stuff the typical HD rider pays them to install than they do an any Buell they service.

[Mastros2]

I agree with Geezer's and CBRXXBLACKBIRD's comment 100%.  Especially since there is a strong gathering of baby boomers buying Harleys now during a mid-life crisis.  I would have to assume that most do not want to be bothered with maintenance or upgrades and would rather let the dealership do it.  
Look at the typical Buell owner.  What is one of the reasons you buy Buells?  The ease of maintenance and simplicity.  

[desert_rider]

I went to Quaid H-D/Buell here in SoCal to look at a Ulysses and check out pricing.  I have to say that it was the nicest treatment I ever got at a dealership (car or bike).  They went out of their way to answer all of my questions.  I think that it's a dealship by dealship experience.  They either want to make a sale and money or they don't.

[PlayWithGravity]

Yeah, I guess I agree with deser-rider.  That's what took me 250 miles from home to buy my Firebolt.  F&S in Dayton, Ohio is one of the good ones

[Rogue]

Desert Rider, I've been to Quaids and although they are professional, they're selection when I was there was very thin--2 Ullys.  

I have since gone to San Diego Buell, of which there are two in Down Town SD.  I went to the one in Kearney Mesa.  Wow!  Not only were they very knowledgeable, they were friendly and had just about every Buell model.  These two are full on Buell dealerships that push Buells.  

[PlayWithGravity]

Rogue, that's excellent!  Enjoy your spoils enough for (most of) the rest of us!  lol

Think any Buell dealers, or corporate, or Erik ever surf these threads??

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Think any Buell dealers, or corporate, or Erik ever surf these threads??

I doubt it.

[desert_rider]

Rogue - thanks for the info.  I'm sorta, kinda thinking of replacing the Bandit with a Ully but I'm on the fence.  If I decide to take the plunge I'll check San Diego Buell.  Heck, maybe I'll check them out anyway - it would be a good excuse for a ride - not that I need one with this beautiful SoCal weather!

[roadrailer]

Rogue, that's excellent! Enjoy your spoils enough for (most of) the rest of us!  lol

Think any Buell dealers, or corporate, or Erik ever surf these threads??

Erik Buell (as well as other Buell employees) are allegedly pretty active at badweb. There are quite a few dealership employees who post over there as well.

[roadrailer]

Rogue - thanks for the info.  I'm sorta, kinda thinking of replacing the Bandit with a Ully but I'm the fence.  If I decide to take the plunge I'll check San Diego Buell.  Heck, maybe I'll check them out anyway - it would be a good excuse for a ride - not that I need one with this beautiful SoCal weather!

In my totally unbiased opinion  , the Uly is an awesome motorcycle. Do it. DO IT!!! (peer pressure, peer pressure)

[PlayWithGravity]

 If I decide to take the plunge I'll check San Diego Buell.  Heck, maybe I'll check them out anyway - it would be a good excuse for a ride - not that I need one with this beautiful SoCal weather!

Ugh, you're killin' me.... it's snowing in beautiful (TIC) northeast Ohio.

[desert_rider]

Roadrailer - hey no problem.... if you're willing to help out with the payments.

[PlayWithGravity]

Erik Buell (as well as other Buell employees) are allegedly pretty active at badweb. There are quite a few dealership employees who post over there as well.

I'll have to give Badweb another chance, the format of that site is so hard for my feeble mind to grasp....