Buell is done, finished, gone

nhgunnut · 10-18-2009, 11:45 AM

I am sorry for the companies passing and the loss of Jobs. My Hope is that Buell will now partner with some other Manufacturer.
Sadly I think until VERY Recently what hurt Buell a lot was the HD dealers that sold them Back in 06 I Could Not get a test ride on a new Buell anywhere. I could and did Test rIde Ducatis Aprila BMW and very major Japanese brand but Cash in Hand none of 4 Buell dealers I went to would let me ride a Bike. They looked at me like I was insane for even asking. (Wound riding a used xb12 for 4 hours that had been traded at a Japanese dealership)
This past summer that seemed to have changed (perhaps sensing that the end was near) a dealership in upstate NY offered me a test ride. I guess the chenge in attitudes was too little too late.

No Worries · 10-18-2009, 12:28 PM

There are two major Harley dealers near me. But there must be at least two dozen motorcycle shops near me that work exclusively on Harleys. The first dyno I ever saw was in one of those shops. If I had a Buell and couldn't do the maintenance, I wouldn't mind bring it to that shop instead of a dealer.

I think Harley screwed up. Many riders have a strong loyalty for their first bike. I know I like to stop by my Hodaka dealer now and then. But how many new riders can afford a Harley, or the huge weight? I remember when Harley sold dirt bikes. Maybe Erik should start looking at some car dealers who would love to bring in a younger crowd of buyers.

Smittie61984 · 10-18-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhgunnut

none of 4 Buell dealers I went to would let me ride a Bike. They looked at me like I was insane for even asking. .

That's because HD dealerships are use to a bunch of mid-life crising 40 year olds who want the biggest baddest HD to brag to their friends about and haven't ridden a bicycle since they were 14 much less a high TQ heavy ass shitty handling/braking motorcycle.

The only reason I see people get to test ride triumphs/ducs/aprillia/etc is because in general people who want those bikes (or are willing to buy them) already have riding experience on top of being in their 30s or so with decent jobs to pay for the bike.

10-18-2009, 11:45 AM	#1
nhgunnut gun totin redneck Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South West New Hampshire Moto: turbo busa 999 Duc Goldwing & Victory Posts: 1,130	I am sorry for the companies passing and the loss of Jobs. My Hope is that Buell will now partner with some other Manufacturer. Sadly I think until VERY Recently what hurt Buell a lot was the HD dealers that sold them Back in 06 I Could Not get a test ride on a new Buell anywhere. I could and did Test rIde Ducatis Aprila BMW and very major Japanese brand but Cash in Hand none of 4 Buell dealers I went to would let me ride a Bike. They looked at me like I was insane for even asking. (Wound riding a used xb12 for 4 hours that had been traded at a Japanese dealership) This past summer that seemed to have changed (perhaps sensing that the end was near) a dealership in upstate NY offered me a test ride. I guess the chenge in attitudes was too little too late. __________________ Evolution requires a body count, Count or be Counted!

10-18-2009, 12:28 PM	#2
No Worries Keyboard Racer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mile High City Moto: Old Superbikes Posts: 1,016	There are two major Harley dealers near me. But there must be at least two dozen motorcycle shops near me that work exclusively on Harleys. The first dyno I ever saw was in one of those shops. If I had a Buell and couldn't do the maintenance, I wouldn't mind bring it to that shop instead of a dealer. I think Harley screwed up. Many riders have a strong loyalty for their first bike. I know I like to stop by my Hodaka dealer now and then. But how many new riders can afford a Harley, or the huge weight? I remember when Harley sold dirt bikes. Maybe Erik should start looking at some car dealers who would love to bring in a younger crowd of buyers.