| Author | Message | ||
     Court Canfield |
Gang: Given the preponderance of e-mail traffic regarding the Buell Universal Recall Program (BURP) I am dedicating this area to recall specific questions. In addition, I would like input and feedback regarding how the recall is executed, suggestions for future inprovements ..... kinda a "what was done right and what was done wrong". CAVEATS AND DISCLAIMERS: I am NOT an employee of Buell Motorcycle Company. I am a huge fan of and beleiver in Erik Buell, Buell Motorcycles and "The Elves", those wonderfully dedicated folks who make Buell motorcycles. My experience allows me, with confidence, to assure you that it is the intent of Jerry Wilke, Erik Buell and The Elves to provide you with the best motorcycle and most enjoyable riding experience possible. Both these guys are rabid enthusiasts who can wheelie with the best of 'em. Additonally, I can assure you that Mr. Jeff Bleustein, Chairman of Harley-Davidson, is a dedicated supporter (he hired Erik at HD years ago) of the Buell concept and this recall is a stellar example of HD putting it's money behind a program to insure that Buell owners are the most delighted owners in the sportbike community. Nothing I say should be construed to represent any official Buell position in anyway.....it's simply my best guess based on a number of sources. Let the questions fly........ Court Canfield | ||
| Jim Witt |
Greetings Court, What the hell, suppose I'll be the first to post something here. Called the shop the other day to schedule my 10,000 mile puppy. They mentioned to me I should wait a couple of weeks, because of the recall. Hey, no problem on my end. Question. Due to the recall, do you think the 10,000 mile check up should be less expensive than normally charged, since they have to screw with the swingarm, isolater problem, or whatever else is a recallable item? Just curious, don't want'a get double dipped if I can prevent it. I wouldn't be concerned normally, but I don't trust the "only" Buell dealer in my area. My other bikes are serviced at another HD dealership whom I have TOTAL faith in, but they don't handle the Buell line. Thanks (as always), -JW:>) | ||
| Court Canfield |
JW: Give me the year and model of your Buell to help me answer a little more definatively. The 10K is a flat rate item on your Buell and I'm not sure that the recall will/will not have an effect. Court | ||
| Steve D. |
Is it Buell's intention to take care of ALL of the recall's prior to introducing the 2K model year? I don't won't to sound pessimistic, but something tells me this could take awaile. Just so that you know, I LIKE the sound of 2K-M2... that's Tookay-Emtoo to you, however, I'm afraid to wait so I'm going with the 99---Doesn't sound as good though....Nynee-Nyne??? | ||
| FB |
Cameron...er, i mean Court-- i've said it before, and i'll say it again: YOU DA MAN! thanks for being one of us, and thanks for your help here w/recall issues. Ferrari Ferrerris | ||
| Jim Witt |
Court wrote: Give me the year and model of your Buell to help me answer a little more definatively. Cheers, A 98 S3T. S'later, -JW:>) | ||
| Richard |
Court-I'm contemplating purchasing a Buell, local dealer (only dealer for over 3 hrs!) has a used 96 s1 and a new 98 s1, and of course he's waiting on parts before he can sell/release either of them. BMC told me that dealers would be getting a letter in a week that would tell them when to expect parts. I know there are lots of guys with bikes down, and new production is halted. So do you have an idea of where either of these bikes is, in the triage? I'm trying to get an idea of if I could even get a bike by summer, and with some of the posts I'm not too sure. Any thoughts? Richard | ||
| Court Canfield |
JIM: A 1998 Buell S3-T will POTENTIALLY be affected by the following recalls: Recall 0810: Front Isolator Mount System Recall 0813: Sidestand Switch Recall 0814: Fuel Tank Mount System Recall 0815: Fuel Tank Vent Assembly Recall 0816: Steel Swingarm Recall 0817: Rear Shock Absorber Eye I, upon a cursory glance, see little here that would have much of an impact on the 10K service. But, I need to reread the 10K menu in the service manual. RICHARD: Parts have already begun to ship. A quantity of Front Isolators went out last week. Buells sitting on dealers show rooms with buyers waiting will have a high priority assigned. Tell your dealer that you are interested in purchasing one of them and that's all he'll need to get parts on the way. Factory (I know I would" may want to see a valid sales offer to avoid stuff like the "down vehicle" orders from tank bags and leather jackets. You BEST point of contact is with the dealer who can elicit action from his Buell Zone Manager. Keep me posted. STEVE D: Tough call on the potential impact on the 2000 intro. I know what I'd do and, I'm just guessing here, I'm betting it is the subject of LOTS of late night debate at Buell with counterveiling arguments being advanced by marketing minds and the "Total Quality" camp. Be watching for two letters in the coming days. One from Buell, one from the NHTSA folks. Ride safe and enjoy the Buells….. Court | ||
| John Gervais |
I have a 48- state 98 M2 and was wondering about what recall items effect it? | ||
| BrianH |
Court, I'm also approaching......ok just passed the 10K threshold. I have the same question regarding the service. Since some of the same items will be replaced, i.e. isolators, I don't think I should get charged the labor hours. Regardless, I think she's been feeling funny lately and want to take her in for the 10K service SOON! Should I wait for my recall letter or just get it done? VIN: 4MZRS11JXW3000332 Wow, I own the 332 S3 made in 98. I imagine that's a pretty early year production. No isolator failure though. | ||
| Court Canfield |
Brian H: the isolators are not part of the 10K service and under NORMAL conditions (i.e. isolators proper and working as per spec) they will likely need serviced as often as you change motor mounts in your car. Wait for the letter, you should be seeing it in the next week or so. By the way.....most interesting thing about YOUR bike is that it was built and shipped on Christmas Eve, 12/24/97. Recalls affecting 1998 Buell M-2 Cyclones include: RECALL 0810 - Front Isolator Mount System RECALL 0813 - Sidestand Switch RECALL 0814 - Fuel Tank Mount System RECALL 0815 - Fuel Tank Vent Assembly RECALL 0816 - Steel Swingarm RECALL 0817 - Rear Shock Absorber Eye Again.....keep in close contact with your dealer and follow my previous instructions for contacting the dealer as soon as letter arrives. Over and out for the evening..... Court | ||
| Court Canfield |
Brian H: The isolators are not involved in any of the recalls and yours (assuming all if working per spec) should need about the same attention as your car's motor mounts. Isolators are not part of the 10K service, except inspection. Contact dealer as soon as letter arrives, in the next 10 days, and he'll get you fixed up. By the way....interesting note about YOUR bike...it was built and shipped on Christmas Eve 12/24/97. JOHN: Recalls effecting 1998 Buell M-2 Cyclones include: RECALL 0810 - Front Isolator Mount System RECALL 0813 - Sidestand Switch RECALL 0814 - Fuel Tank Mount System RECALL 0815 - Fuel Tank Vent Assembly RECALL 0816 - Steel Swingarm RECALL 0817 - Rear Shock Absorber Eye No need for alarm......ALL OF THESE may not impact YOUR particular bike. Your dealer (see my "wait for the letter" instructions above) will be able to shed light on your particular bike. Be well...ride safe, Court | ||
| Adam Wagar |
Court, my "D" washer on the front isolator mount cracked. About a third of the washer is gone. It appears to me that if it had broke completely in half, the motor would fall out of the frame? Is the washer a recall item? Adam '97 M2 P.S. a machinist looked at the old washer and said it was a flawed casting. He spun me a new one out of billet steel. He said the frame will break before the new washer will. | ||
| Jim Witt |
Greetings Court, Thanks for taking the TIME to answer my question. I do realize how much of your TIME it takes. Sincerely, -JW:>) | ||
| Rex |
Court. I too am at the 10,000 mile check up time. My M-2 is a 97 . # 4mzks56h1v3320040 I too thought that the check up may be a little cheaper with the replacement of swingarm, etc. type of work. thanks, REX BUellV@aol.com | ||
| Court Canfield |
FAIRNESS AND EQUITY: The BEST general answer that I can offer up (and this is based on nothing more but common sense and my best guess, tempered with a sense of equity) is that if your bike is headed in for a major service event (i.e. 10K) that there would be no impact on the price of the service UNLESS there was a duplicity of required tasks as a result of one or more of the recall issues. RUMOR CONTROL: How Dealers are Paid It has been HD (Buell) policy to reimburse dealers at 100% of their posted labor rate, for warranty and recall work. Alloted times (i.e. flat-rate) can vary between warrranty and recall work -- obviously, many technicians would argue that they are "stingy" with time allocation, even though, time is calcualted at 125% of time study to allow for the reality that most technicians are not 100% efficient - the 125% factor allows for a 80% effecient tech. to hit the job time. Not all manufacturuers follow these guidelines. Parts for recalls are sent to dealers at no charge -- so, the dealer does not receive the normal full retail reimbursement. Rumors that dealers are being "forced" to perform recall work without compensation should now go nighty night. RUMOR CONTROL - No one knows what's going on. Buell is working at a frantic pace. NHTSA mandates some fairly challenging milestones that must be met once a recall is announced. These include a variety of notiifications and shipment of parts. Please note that these impact much more stringently in the USA as opposed to some foreign countries. Buell is going to some extraordinary measures to keep everyone "in the loop". Things like having reps from ATC, Battle2Win and Motorcycle Online to the factory....communication with the dealer network ( the KEY link in this deal) is being handled by frequent mailgram, a dealer info hotline and communication with the Buell Zone Managers. Dealers are being kept abreast of current parts delivery forecasting and the Buell Dealer Advisory Counsel is providing LOTS of input/help to head off potenitial disconnects. Interesting tidbit.....Buell, when each info package is sent to dealers, actually mails one to Buell.....yep, right back toward their silly selves to insure the mailhouse folks and the Cliff Clavins of the world are not dropping the ball. Not sure if this is any help....but.....now you have a touch of insight. Ride safe, lean much and smile more...... Court | ||
| Court Canfield |
Guys: Due to a sudden unexpected death in the family this morning I will be unable to respond to questions for a couple days. All questions will be answered by Tuesday evening. Thanks for your patience, Court | ||
| Mike Massara |
Our sincere condolences Court. Take care..... | ||
| Jim Armstrong |
Court, Sorry to here of a death in your family. Everything else in the world can wait or be ignored when you have to take care of family business. Talk to you when you are back.... Take Care. | ||
| Court Canfield |
Thanks for the kind words.....toughest 5 days of my life is now behind me....looks, from perusing other venues, that there are still plenty of questions. Let'em fly, I'll help if I can. Thanks again to all..... Court | ||
| John Cahill |
Condolences on your loss, Court. Any word on the Buells sitting at the factory? They said these bikes were retrofitted and crated, but cannot be released. My dealer doesn't have a clue. Thanks | ||
| Richard |
Court- First of all, condolences. Sorry to hear of your loss. Second, Buell question of course. I've never had a Harley or a Buell, but many bikes of oriental descent and one Ducati. My local dealer is pretty useless. The guys there don't appear to know anything at all about Buells, and have even less interest in discussing them or selling them. I'm dumbfounded at how any business can operate this way, but...there it is. They don't even give the same story ("yes, we have received some of the recall parts kits and are working on the bikes" next week: "no, we don't know anything about parts or when we'll get them, haven't received any yet, can't sell the bikes, you can't ride one. We don't know.") So, I think if I buy a Buell, 'cause I still like the bikes, I will be totally on my own with fixing it. I've rebuild 8-cylinder motors, rebuilt VW's, and Jap bikes, is there anything in a Buell that can't be tackled at home? What's a worse-case scenario, like a couple of posts where pistons go through front cylinders etc. Are other dealers more helpful? Any advice? Thanks Richard Sorry about the long post, but am perplexed! | ||
| Court Canfield |
JOHN: I do NOT know precisely how Buell will prioritize the distribution of resource but a simple guess based on intuition and previous experience would have bikes sitting in show rooms with deposit checks in hand high on my list followed closely by bikes built, waiting to ship. I'd then maintain a list of bikes in dealer inventory and a "quick response pool" to allow me to act fast if one of the inventory w/o deposit bikes had a potential buyer. More as info is avialable. RICHARD: Your questions call for a non-recall related response. Let me get home from the office tonight and I'll share some of my thoughts with you. Thanks to all, Court | ||
| Brian Andrew |
Court, I purchased a '99 S3-T two weeks ago. I was told by the dealer that the bike would be available in a week. Now he won't tell me anything and I am waiting for delivery. I saw in one of your postings that info is going out to dealers every week. He says he isn't getting any. Can you give me any idea of when parts are supposed to make it out for new bikes. Summer's wasting away. Thanks for your efforts here they are great. | ||
| Court Canfield |
Brian: Front isolator brackets are currently shipping and the initial order has been filled. E-mail me e-mail to "Buell Info@aol.com" the name/city of the dealer, we'll make sure there was not a miscommunication. Keep the faith.....Buell is hustling on this. Court | ||
| Kirk |
Court, I hope you and your family are doing well. My condolences. I just wanted to add my two cents to the Recall discussion. The general consensus seems to be a lack of available/consistent information, even for those dealing thru "respectable" dealerships. It would be nice if Buell would use their Web Page and/or these "unofficial" forums to get the word out as to where things stand on some regular basis. I am not so much frustrated by the fact I have to wait for my new bike, the frustration comes from not being able to get any straight answers as to what the current status is and how long customers and potential customers should expect to wait. In my case, the bike's still at the factory. Early last week my dealer was told it would be delivered within 48 hours, fixed and ready to go. As of early this week, they are now back to waiting on the Tank Vent fix and they have no ETA. A little information would go a long way. | ||
| Lapsley |
Court: two questions, 1)should I have received some communication from Buell after I purchased my X1, i.e. a warranty card, 2)I still haven't received a letter from Buell on recall details (as of 5/26/99), what do I do in the event I don't receive a letter in the next couple of weeks? Thanks, Lapsley. (P.S. my bike is performing well except for the still persistent "lack of guts" below 4000 RPM, even after revision 6 on the ECM, do you think they will upgrade it further?) | ||
| Court Canfield |
LAPSLEY: You always get answered first........cause your kindness is well remembered...you figured out my "weak spot". Sounds like a disconnect somewhere....no problem...E-mail me your VIN, dealership, name, address, serial number and all that crud and I'll see to it that you get in the system. Of course, on the other hand, they may have read my notes and Buell simply refuses to accept you as an owner <G>. KIRK: Don't get me started.... At the risk of getting the crud slapped outta me by my fellow Buellies....I'd hug you ! (that by the way, would scare most this crowd) I have harped ...harped ...harped ....pissed ..... moaned ...and thrown tantrums till I was blue in the face that Buell (the first wheeled vehicle company - of ANY kind...car, trike, wheelbarrow - to ever have a website) should use it more effectively. Less than a year ago there was "news" being posted for events that were over a year old and 30 days ago the "new" S-1 Lighting heads were touted. In fairness to the folks at Buell....there is progress, be it ever so slow. I am a fan of honest up-front info and so are the folks at Buell. Downside is that the legal eagles figure the easiest way to keep out of trouble is to say nothing or little of substance. Their goals are inconsistent with that of many owners and they must, understandably, err on the side of caution. People LIKE (and will pay extra $$ for the products of a company that has) good communication..ergo...owner involvement. I watched the Saab website when it sucked hot gas less than a year ago....check it out now www.saab-usa.com and you'll see a very responsive website. When Buell jerked the e-mail capability off the Buell website they, in a de facto fashion, sent it all my way. My inbox was INUNDATED by owners and dealers after the recall word got out. I have said nothing that is not public....trick is saying it openly nd honestly. Look for enhanced "e-access" to Buell soon. TRIVIA: Do you remember the DAY that the Buell website had an "owners bulletin board" for posting about your Buell ? <G> Ride safe, be gentle and know that the folks who are steering the bus know your frustration, have your interests at heart and are at work on solutions....time change quickly...companies need a bit of time. Court | ||
| Kirk |
Court, Thank you for the reply. I think if I wasn't so excited about getting this bike, I probably wouldn't be whining about the wait. I tried to get the dealer to take my trade-in and let me use their demo bike until mine ships...no such luck (hey, it doesn't hurt to ask). On a positive note, just talked to one local dealer who said they started getting some of the recall items in. They also got word from Buell about a $490 rebate, in addition to the special financing deal they're running, for would-be buyers who sign up before 5/31...just in case anyone out there is sitting on the fence. | ||
| Mark |
There are advantages to working with a dealer that sells a ton of Buells and has a sales manager that consults (read, on their payroll) with BMC. I took delivery of my S3 last Monday. All recall parts in and fixed, ECM remapped and $490 worth of Buell clothes to boot! It's a crying shame that all dealers don't have specialists dedicated to selling Buells. Daytona has increased their Buell sales 1500% since Rek has been on board. He rides them, sells them and even wrenchs on them if it means keeping the customer happy. Can't say enough good things about the bike and the dealer. Sorry everyone's experience isn't this good. If anyone's on the fence, hop off and take advantage of the interrest rate, $490 voucher and most of all, the absolute rush these bikes give you when you ride them. Sorry, I know this is the recall board but think we occasionally need to point out the good things that BMC does. | ||
| Court Canfield |
KIRK: Trust me ...... the wait WILL be worth it. MARK: Great news and I am going to share it with some of the war-torn recall warriors at Buell. Give my regards to Rek ..... he is a bundle of enthusiasm and the kind of spark plug that is so important to Buell's commercial success. Ride safe, Court | ||
| Steve |
Kirk, You shouldn't be having to wait on your new bike. I took delivery on a new 99 over a week ago. No recall parts needed. Just bypass the sidestand switch. steve | ||
| Kirk |
Steve, Unfortunately, it's still at the Factory and the Dealer hasn't been given a firm ship date other than "they hope to start shipping product out the first week in June". It's an X1 and apparently the last remaining hold up is the Tank Vent fix. I'm tryin real hard to be patient! I guess the closest I'll be able to get to a Buell this weekend is at BattleTrax...maybe someone will let me ride theirs?!?! My dealer did confirm that the $490 voucher can be used towards clothing/accessories, or they've been given a ~$350 credit that they might apply as a "rebate" (I'm assuming it's either/or). He also indicated BMC is looking at announcing some other promotions (stay tuned). | ||
| Bikeralph |
anyone else having problems with your 99 X-1? So far I've replaced a fuel injection module at 200 miles, and bike in the shop again with a "flat spot" @3500-400 rpm. Great bike when it runs. bikeralph@aol.com | ||
| Lapsley |
Bikeralph: I have an X1, originally purchased with the 02 ECM, and it was nearly impossible to ride, certainly wasn't enjoyable, then I received the 06 ECM and even though it is a big improvement it is far from having fixed the too lean condition below 4000 RPM. I let Buell know this directly and asked them if there would be any further upgrades but they wouldn't say. So unless they come out with another upgrade before August I plan on buying the Dynojet Commander module (release date is August). | ||
| Mark |
I rode a demo X1 on May 15th, It had the 06G version FI and I did not notice the flat spot. So I bought the bike but I have to wait for the recall issue and frankly I am beginning to question my buying decision. I am thinking I should have got the M2 instead. I wonder if they will write me a new contract on a M2 and void the X1 contract? Mark | ||
| Rob Criminger |
Court, Sorry to hear about your loss, and welcome back. I reluctantly turn to you since we all know you have better things to do with your time than help out thugs like us. However this thug has a $10,000 motorcycle sitting in the shop since April (before the recall came out) with a cracked swingarm and a promise from Buell to maybe send a swingarm to my dealer around July. The shop I use is great (Southside Buell, Va. Beach, VA) but Buell tells them they can't get a swingarm prioritized ahead of other folks. This comes after Buell sent two incorrect (for 99's) swingarms before the recall to repair my bike. I just spent all Winter freezing my ass off riding that bike and waiting for Summer. Now Buell is asking me to wait another month or more before I can ride again. Any suggestions? (yes, I AM considering buying another bike, it just won't be the same) Thanks, Rob Criminger | ||
| John J Cahill |
Court, I received communication from the factory today that bikes there are being held pending evaluation of the recall parts that have been fitted. I took this to mean that some of the switches or vents have been found to be not up to par. I guess they don't want to send out the bikes and recall their recall parts. Oh well, at least they cared enough to let me know. I WILL have one of my bikes running for a June trip! | ||
| DAve |
Ordered my '99S3 14 March and I'm still waiting for it to arrive here in St. Louie. Yesterday (29 May) my salesman indicated that Buell may give a little extra "discount" in the form of $$$ in accessories to all of us new purchasers that have bikes sitting somewhere ... yet to be ridden, leaned, wheelied, washed, and yes ... dare I say ... unloved? Is there any truth to this? It seems like an excellent customer satisfaction initiative to me. Of course the bigger the $$ the more understanding I am. ;-) DAve ... patiently waiting on my Buell to love for richer and poorer, in … wait … that’s the wrong vows ;-) '84 XR1000 '99 S3 Demon Blue & Nuclear Blue | ||
| Court Canfield |
John: I'm a guessing here..... but, my bet is that you are right in that the testing process related to recall parts is in the process of having it's "i's dotted and t's crossed". For better or worse (that line keeps coming up) this gets to be an incredibly paperwork intensive process with NHTSA as well it should be to insure your safety and to insure that the right thing is done to the right bikes. Again....patience. In the world of COMMUNICATION.....my hat's off to Buell for doing a spectacular job. Dealers are being updated twice weekly (if your's is not getting current info sugguest, very politely mind you, that they call their Zone Manager to rectify said commlink faulure). In addition, Buell is doing a marvelous job of releasing all the info they can. Before you get too quick on the trigger to blame "HD Corporate lawyers" know that the good folks at NHTSA impose some fairly onerous restictions on communications and timing. Again....as it should be . . even, if frustrating at times. This week's KEY WORDS among "Buellies in the Know" are: 1.) PATIENCE - Everyone is hurrying every chance they get. 2.) TACT - If you read something here that is in conflict with what your dealer has heard or told you do NOT go charging in saying "well, Court said this". Better to gently suggest/request they contact BZM for clarification. Our common goal is to EMPOWER dealers not piss them off. Everyone's doing well one month into this thing...look for significant movement in the next 2 weeks. My letter cam Saturday. Ride safe, Court | ||
| Court Canfield |
COURT COMMITS A FOX POX.....Faux Paux.....whatever. Somewhere in this discussion I have commited a "Courtism" which is generally known, in the Buell world, to be inaccurate information communicated in haste in an attempt to keep owners informed. THE RECORD STRAIGHTENING..... Dealers are NOT paid "retail + 10%" to do warranty and recall work they are paid "full retail, precisely the same amount a consumer would pay". THE WRIST SLAPPING........ Company founder Erik Buell, from the Round Room at the White House where he was on hand for an announcment declaring Buell the "offical symbol of American Engineering Supremancy" was quoted as saying..."this is the type of crap you can expect from Court. Ever since that bike went down and he thunked his skull and had the 3.73 lbs of cumcumber driven into his nostrils....he's frankly, been ...well "not right". In a related development President Clinton and Sandy Berger joined in giving thanks that the Chinese had escaped with only (CNWDI) Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information and that the drawings for the Buell frame were safe in a bread box in Mukwonago. All the news ya need to know...... The part of about dealer reimbursement is true and accurate. I apolgize for the mistake. The rest is the result of a long lunch and what happens when you east Tex-Mex in Queens. Court . . . . . . BURP | ||
| Mike levine |
I bought the leftover 97S3 at Earl Smalls here in Atlanta. The local Buell rep told me sat. that my bike was getting a complete new shock, a showa to repalace the white power. Could that be true? I thought I was getting a an update on the original shock. They said I might get to actually ride the bike by the end of june.Anyway its going to be a real bummer if i make the first payment on this thing before i can get too ride it.Glad i still have the honda in the garage. | ||
| Court |
Mike: ANSWER: My GUESS.....is that the new Showa will replace the original WP unit. Reason: 1.) The Showa is current proven production. 2.) Showa can produce the necessary quantity GOOD NEWS: Talk with "The Elves" today reveals that things are "really rockin" at East Troy, WI, USA, Earth. Lots of folks putting in lots of heart and soul into making this go as smoothly as possible. Upside for kanves like you and I is that most the folks at Buell ride and many have bikes that are similarly affected. BETTER NEWS: Jeff and the staff at Earl Small's do a kick ass job on Buells. Earl was the #3 dealer in the US in 1997, races Buells and, trust me, "feels your pain" as you wait for the bike. Now...go ride the Honda...all the better to appreciate that torque when your shock arrives. Ride safe, Court | ||
| Lee |
Court, What is this about a $490 rebate? I just picked up my bike on 5/22/99 and paid cash. I was almost going to finance part with the 7.99%, but did not. Did I miss something when I got my bike? I bought it off the showroom floor, but God knows I would love $490 worth of who cares what! If you can email me direct, I would appreciate it. | ||
| Court Canfield |
Venus to Mars.......GOOD NEWS ! I'm getting reports from owners that 1) dealers are contacting them with information 2) parts delivery scheules are being conveyed 3) Dealers are receiving bikes and preparing to deliver them to customers. Still a long way to go but, all things considered, the BURP is going better than I would have expected at this date. Remember the key words......PATIENCE and KEEP IN CONTACT WITH YOUR DEALER. Court | ||
| BT Smaldone (Btsmaldone) |
Court, some of us have added the '99 fuel tank vent to our earlier models. should we be concerned with this ? what is the recall of the tank vent for anyhow ? thanks, Bruce | ||
| Court Canfield |
Mr. Smaldone: I will provide you with TWO distinct answers. THE COMPANY LINE - The official recall language is reproduced below for your information. It has been amended in the last couple days to include the verbage about the snorkel. There is a concern. COURT'S **PERSONAL** VIEW: There is also a level of concern, about rapid descent and subsequent ground contact, every time I fly a commercial airliner. It is a REAL possibility. But, I have weighed what I consider to be the probability of occurance and placed it on a balance opposite things like joy, convenience and comfort. Not I, nor any REAL Buell employee, would tell you that the failure can not occur. It can. I will tell you that I have logged something on the order of 150,000 miles on Buells and the bulk of those miles (except those on RR-1200 and the RS-1200) were on Buells subject to the recall. I have never had a problem with either of the items mentioned in 0815. I will get my bikes updated when parts are available. I will not miss a day of riding them until that time. And that, in a nutshell, is about as "around the bush" as I can be......please use common sense and your bean Ride safe, lean much and smile more.... Court RECALL 0815 – Fuel Tank Vent Assembly and Airbox Snorkel, 95-99 S2, S2T, S1, S1W, M2, S3, S3T, X1. ISSUE: All 1995-1999 Buell motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged. Under certain conditions this could cause the carburetor to overflow fuel which could result in a fire. This condition could also prevent sufficient fuel flow, which may cause the engine to misfire or stall. Either of these conditions could result in personal injury. Both of these conditions will be remedied by replacing the fuel tank vent assembly in all potentially affected vehicles. In addition, certain 1999 M2 Cyclone model motorcycles may have been manufactured with an airbox snorkel that could restrict airflow into the float bowl of the carburetor. Under certain conditions this could cause the carburetor to overflow fuel which could result in a fire. This condition could also cause excess fuel flow, which may cause the engine to misfire or stall. Either of these conditions could result in personal injury. Both of these conditions will be remedied by inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the airbox snorkel. | ||
| Rocky |
Called my dealer today and he has gotten 2 brake lines and one tank vent, waiting on the switch. He said my bike will be the first one out the door. I hope within a week. Rocky X1 onyx. | ||
| Jim_witt (Jim_witt) |
Recall reflection(s), Called my local Buell dealer about 3 weeks ago to make an appointment for the recall items. I was told to bring my 98S3T in on June 3rd, of course I did. They mentioned I should get my bike back on the 4th or 5th. Well tomorrow is the 11th. Still no bike, and not even a call from my dealer. Great service, -JW:>) | ||
| Kirk |
Court (All), I am now the proud owner of a '99 X1 Racing Stripe...fresh from the factory (yes, they are shipping!). Court was right...it was definitely worth the wait! For all you other "waiters" out there, here's some GOOD news for you. I went in to pick up my bike last night and the dealer told me Buell has DOUBLED the P&A Voucher from $490 to $980. That's right folks, almost a thousand Buell-bucks to spend on your favorite accessories...In my case it paid for the P/M Wheels and I ordered a Tank Bag and I'm still ahead of where I thought I'd be. Thanks Court and Thanks Buell! | ||
| Court Canfield |
Jim: E-mail me DETAILS. Court | ||
| Lee |
Kirk, Besides the bike, you are a lucky man! My dealer has one on the showroom floor, and it is quite nice. I did not order mine, but rather took it off the floor, so I get no voucher:( That's life, but a little extra hard work for parts never hurt anyone. Lee 99 M2 | ||
| Kirk |
Lee, Thanks. I'd share, but mine's already spent : ( | ||
| Todd |
Lee, I bought my M2 off the floor and I am getting a thousand in Buell bucks to spend on anything I want. I would check with my dealer if I were you. My dealer was not voluntering any info about rebates untill I asked about them. He called his zone manager and sure enough I got the rebate. It never hurts to ask. | ||
| Waitin' DAve in St Louie (Dave) |
Agreed!!! Thanks to Kirk and Mark I am armed with information and now my salesman says there is a "Worth The Wait" program. He's now saying $490 but is checking on the $980! Damn I really dig Buell! If this is how they create brand loyalty ... they are the sh!t! Who else would do something like this? Waitin' DAve Nelligan (could change my name legally to Buellagan ;-) ... near St Louie knowing it IS "Worth The Wait"! '99 S3 Nuclear Demon ... in a dark garage in St. Louis ... waiting to be liberated by me ... Hostage Crisis Day 88 '84 XR1000 | ||
| Carl M. Reichenbach (Buellm2) |
Court, 2 quick questions. 1)I understand the the factory has to send an letter for each recall. So far I have received a letter dated 05/18/1999 for the front isolater mount, and one dated 06/03/1999 for the fuel tank hold down. Of course I made an appointment for the third week in June for the from isolator mount before I got the second letter, now I'm thinking I should cancel the appointment and wait until I receive all of the letters (if I have any more coming om ny 1997 M2). Is there a reason that the letters are mailed so far apart? If so, how long is the factory going to spread them out. I'd really like to get all the recall stuff out of the way in one fell swoop. 2) I truly beleve that Buells (pre 1999) will be a collectable in the furture, and I try to keep all my original parts for the bike if I replace anything. If I need my rear shock replaced, can I keep the original? I'd love to have it so in 20 years I could restore the bike too full original condition. (Yes I intend to hang onto this baby forever!) Thanks for all your help Court. Hope to see you again soon. Carl 19997 Buell M2 4MZKS11HOV3300278 | ||
| Lee |
Todd or other listeners, When did you buy your bike, did you have to wait for the recalls to be done, and can you give me more info. I picked up mine 5/22/99 after putting down a deposit on 5/14/99 and the dealer said nothing about not being able to release due to recalls, and did not mention any recalls at all, even though I learned Buell announced them 5/4/99. In some instances, I think I should be entitled to a rebate considering they are offering it to people, and I walked out with a bike that could be hazardous to my health. I assume it is a law that they cannot be released, and even though it may never cause any problem, it is good PR not to violate such laws. I am ready to raise a stink, considering I could have easily waited a month for $1,000, even $500! If you could fill me in, I would greatly appreciate it. Email if you can. Thanks, Lee | ||
| Lee |
Update, Thinking I was going to have to fight for it, I called the salesman and I mentioned it, and without hesitation, he said come up and pick something out. Only $490, but Woohoo! Worth the price of a phone call, don't you think? Hmmmm... saddle bags, tail bag, Buell Vanson jacket? It won't pay for the exhaust I ordered, but who cares. From what I learned, it is for bikes purchased from 5/4 - 6/14/99 with a delivery before 6/25/99 to qualify for the rebate. That was right out off the dealer's memo. Off to look at the Buell Vanson jacket! Good luck to all:) Lee 99 Bluestreak M2 | ||
| Lee |
Got the Vanson jacket. One word AWESOME! Perforated leather, vents, and just great Vanson quality with that personal Buell touch. I even got to walk out without paying a penny and the jacket was $545. A obvious Buell fan screamed out the window of his car when he saw my bike. Thank you Badweb, Buell and everyone else who not only passed the rebate info on to me, but who shares my passion for Buells. PS My wife hates the jacket. |
