| Author | Message | ||
     Oddball |
Maybe get control back of the Buell name. Have that be the main company name with EBR being the division for performance and racing parts and support. Carry on the tradition of Henry Duga with contingency and support for all those carrying the battle to the tracks. Wish i could have met Henry. I felt a kindred spirit with him after seeing him in a youtube video years ago. dan, I think an advertising blitz would be limited in success. People are so swamped with ads for everything everywhere that they ignore them mostly. The ads must be funny or interesting/compelling in some fashion to be memorable and have the effect your wanting. Personal interactions can have a great effect. A face you know with the company. It humanizes a business and connects the customers and potential customers to those company people they have met and know. | ||
| Court |
........it's the publicity ya got.......not the publicity ya bought. The BEST publicity is a delighted owner. In the spirit of transparency ..... I need to credit that "delighted customer" concept to Erik Buell circa 1997. | ||
| Ljm |
I hope that there is more interaction with company and with the dealers and more opportunity for us to represent the bikes to other potential customers. A funny thing happened at Laguna Seca last year. I introduced myself to the guys in the van, explained that I had an RS, and the Mrs. has an RX. They immediately steered people over to us to ask real-world questions, our experiences, and several asked if we would buy it again or had any regrets. It was fun for us, and probably at least pushed several people to the bikes as potential buyers. I also remember my experience after buying the Electraglide. They called me after the sale to ask how it was going, did every so often after, and still do because I am still the registered owner. THAT would be nice. | ||
| Ducley |
A visit from Trump soon would really get some interest up... | ||
| M2typhoon |
The first thing that needs to happen is that the brand needs more and better exposure than track days and racing. The goal is to sell a product and create cash flow. Some of the best advertising HD got was from Evil Knievel to be honest and from the "Hells Angels". Hd has become a symbol in American culture and that is something EBR needs to cut a slice of for itself. With the advent of all the great sports cars being produced here in the US, it would only be right that EBR follow their lead. Let's see... Auto manufacturers bring their cars to the Nurburgring for the fastest lap to make people talk. EBR needs to go in that direction. The need their own claim to fame, their own stake in the ground and not just fuel in the frame, torque swirl and mass centralization. Oh and play on American companies saving American companies with a visit from Donald Trump would be the right move right now. | ||
| Fmaxwell |
M2typhoon, you wrote "With the advent of all the great sports cars being produced here in the US, it would only be right that EBR follow their lead. Let's see... Auto manufacturers bring their cars to the Nurburgring for the fastest lap to make people talk. EBR needs to go in that direction." If EBR could not break into the top 10 in World Superbike, why do you think that they could make a bike that circulates the Nurburgring faster than the companies they were competing against? EBR doesn't have GM's budget for R&D Oh and play on American companies saving American companies with a visit from Donald Trump would be the right move right now. You're kidding, right? You want to associate EBR with a politician has filed for corporate bankruptcy four times, has a 71% disapproval rating, infuriated most of the Latino community, and recently said that Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly had "blood coming out of her wherever"? Is this part of a plan to alienate potential customers who are Hispanics, women, liberals, and Democrats? | ||
| M2typhoon |
Fmaxwell... who pissed in your coffee this morning? First of all, it was an example that had nothing to do with racing. I see all sorts of brands in racing and more eyebrows are raised when someone churns out a fast lap at the 'Ring than who won at Sebring. This has nothing to do with WSBK and everything to do with production motorcycles which is where EBR needs to focus. The hell with racing. Not sure where you're getting the 71% disapproval rating.. I'd rather be affiliated with a man who speaks his mind than a bunch of mindless sheep who tiptoe around everything they say instead of saying what needs to be said. Ooooh.. I get it.. you're a Hillary fan.. Good luck with that. | ||
| Mnscrounger |
FMAXWELL "Erik Buell Racing has an opportunity ..., with an full-on sport bike for the street....create a fairing that provides a .. bubble of wind protection ...accessory saddlebags for the guy who wants a practical bike on which to commute with a laptop and lunch or who wants to do sport-touring on his time off." Say it with me now,.. TX,TX,TX,TX,... | ||
| Malott442 |
I saw a few ideas in line with my opinions: 1. Bring back the "Buell" name. Triumph did it after 6 years in the dirt. They are back in a big way! Buell is a household name that has had just enough time in the ashes to build up this really sexy patina of nostalgia. 2. Offer smaller bikes. Bingo! I don't need 190hp! Come up with a 75-100 horsepower street and/or scrambler style bike. Look at the Nuda 900. That bike oozes cool, with a decent price point and cheap insurance. Or the Ducati scrambler. I've owned 35 bikes, and that thing screams my name. SIMPLE. Light. FUN. Less heat on the rider would be nice! 3. Dealer, customer, product support. Another home run. I love buying from places that take care of me. My men's wear house gets lot of money from me because they resolve issues in a timely manner. My bank holds my money because of their resolution skills in solving any problems I may encounter (identity theft, overdraft, Doyle charges). My car is so great to me in my mind because my dealer fixed a warranty issue with no hassle, a loaner car, and a smile. I have had an issue where they could have taken me to the cleaners, and yet resolved the issue in the cheapest and most honest way. -It's not how the ship traverses smooth waters that interests me, but how it holds up during the storms. | ||
| Fmaxwell |
M2typhoon, you wrote "I'd rather be affiliated with a man who speaks his mind than a bunch of mindless sheep who tiptoe around everything they say instead of saying what needs to be said." This isn't about you (or your minority views of "what needs to be said"). It isn't about using EBR to promote a political agenda -- whether yours, mine, or someone else's. It's about how EBR can succeed moving forward. "Ooooh.. I get it.. you're a Hillary fan.. Good luck with that." I'm not, in fact. The topic is marketing and advertising strategies that would make EBR successful; and they won't do that by alienating large segments of potential buyers. That's why they should not be cozying up to Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Ben Carson, Bernie Sanders, or any other presidential candidate. It's why they should not provide free motorcycle escorts for gay marriages or Sons of Confederate Veterans' parades. Let's talk about what would make EBR appealing to all riders, regardless of their political views. | ||
| M2typhoon |
Pretty sure the topic of the thread is "Post your marketing and advertising strategies for the EBR brand to survive". So yeah, it has everything to do with me. Right or wrong, it's me and my thoughts. Not the sum of some socialist collective. The thought of Trump was never to be political in the first place. He's made his mistakes (bankruptcy) and recovered from them 10 fold. Just having Trump visit the factory would be about the man that Trump is and not the office he is running for. | ||
| Fmaxwell |
M2typhoon wrote: "The thought of Trump was never to be political in the first place." So that's why you immediately accused me of being a "Hillary fan" when I voiced an objection? I did not write anything about his political views or party affiliation. Just having Trump visit the factory would be about the man that Trump is and not the office he is running for." Most Americans have respect for the office of President of the United States, so that's not the issue. The issue is that Donald Trump, the man, is viewed unfavorably by a large percentage of EBR's potential customer base. | ||
| M2typhoon |
I accused you of being a Hillary fan because of your response and I quote. "You're kidding, right? You want to associate EBR with a politician has filed for corporate bankruptcy four times, has a 71% disapproval rating, infuriated most of the Latino community, and recently said that Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly had "blood coming out of her wherever"? Is this part of a plan to alienate potential customers who are Hispanics, women, liberals, and Democrats?" Not this statement was politically charged or anything. My original statement never mentioned any of the above politically associated ideas. I can repost what I said again in case you may have missed it. | ||
| Reepicheep |
The suggestion to get attention for the brand by involving trump is noted. The observation that doing so will alienate a large number of potential buyers is also noted. Let's move on.  | ||
| Thefleshrocket |
I think the best thing EBR can do is to keep building better and faster bikes. So many riders write off Buells and EBRs as being second-class bikes, liked only by a select few. (Maybe similar to how much of the riding public views Moto Guzzis.) Doing demo rides is a good way to raise awareness as well. I can't imagine a bunch of riders having their awareness (and hopefully interest) raised by getting some seat time on some EBRs. I swapped my 1125R with a buddy's Ducati Streetfighter 1098 and we were both pleased and impressed with each others' rides. Admittedly, my 1125 is massaged to my personal preferences--my Ducati-owning buddy had previously ridden an 1125CR that was in nearly-stock form and came away with a mediocre impression. Personally, I'd like to see a modernized version of the 1125R--a cross between the RX and SX that has a half fairing, a comfy seat, and a riding position that's less-aggressive than the RX but not totally laid back. Admittedly, I've never even seen an 1190 in person (aside from the RS a couple of years ago at MotoGP in Indy) so maybe I'd be happy with either bike as-is. | ||
| Finedaddy1 |
My strategy: Ask opinions and suggestions of those workers that lost their jobs in April. You know their input would have merit, they are the ones with a stake in the game. It's easy for me to call the plays from the stands but I think it's best left up to the guys that are on the field. | ||
| Alfau |
The "R" in the brand name deters potential buyers not interested in Racing around the streets. Now "R" for Reliable would be a refreshing change. Don't believe me? Thus far Buell owners have had to band together in this forum to circumnavigate the pathetic Dealers. | ||
| Froggy |
Fmaxwell, good to see you back here again | ||
| Fenderbender |
Put an EBR on the podium next toTrump "Make America Great Again" | ||
| Unibear12r |
To associate with ANY politician or political party is the fastest crash and burn there is. They are all worthless. Notice what this thread did and the fact that Buell riders cover all demographics. Its about the ride, not something... else. We ride,we do it our way. Now get back to something constructive. | ||
| Sprintst |
If you go political, no matter what side you choose, you will piss off 50% of the market I won't EVER buy a Leatherman product due to the CEO's public involvement in politics | ||
| Sprintst |
Raving Fans is the marketing term Court is talking about above. They are an incredible sales force | ||
| Mog |
1. An EBR 1190L (Lite) motorcycle IS its own market (and will continue if).... 2. Erik is allowed to make the bike 'pull away' from all street competition. 360 pound target on street (tank empty). 3. DUH!!! Make it SO light (as only Erik can do) and it will be in every blog, mag and speed show on earth. 4. Replace the steel muffler with carbon. Option $$$ mag wheels. Titanium handle bars, LiPo battery and no mirrors (a camera/display). Obligatory mirror only to get off the show room floor. 5. Ditch the damn chain drive back to a new super belt. Free replacement belts. 6. Run a newer air filter and ecm. It will own the street and corners.... remember that advertising????? No race needed. 7. Less weight by putting more holes in everything. The easiest & cheapest mod of all, lose weight. Screw the racing for now. Erik has no equal in this kind of stuff... no marketing, just lose the weight. So my marketing quip is..... Weight & see............ See the EBR everywhere!!  | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
So you want them to build another $40k motorcycle? | ||
| Alfau |
Whatever you do, don't endorse Donald Trump. The typical example of why the world hates America. A fool with a big mouth. | ||
| Alfau |
EBR consistently came Last. Big Mouth. | ||
| Mog |
HYBRIDMOMENTSPASS The answer is NO, not a single $40k bike. A 'standard' type 1190 would have a base price of just under $14k and then there would be upgrade packages to close to $30k. A few Xtra Specials could go well beyond the $30k mark. I am sure that as sharp as Erik and Bruce are, the price points for components could be juggled to make it work. There are a load of parts and bikes left so that a prototype of each could make it to shows. That would definitely get tons of free press and further aid market solidification decisions.  On a separate bent... I would hate to see them fracture the product by committing time and $ to a new 'small' bike. That said, (dreaming here) a 260 pound 650 air cooled single would be really cool, especially a vertical, retro single.  | ||
| Rex |
There area lot of Buell fans, in Europe and America. Seems like there are a lot of people now buying up all of the old Buells, tubers and Gas in the frame bikes. At good prices. They are coming to our groups and asking questions. There has been more interest in Buells, as a brand, than ever before at events, like the Quail Gathering in California. Our booth has tons of people coming up to inquire about Buells. It is neat to have a super bike that is american made, but a high expensive fast motorcycle has a tough row to hoe. Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, etc. It is tough to compete against something proven. GXXRs, Ducatis, etc. You have to prove this over a while. The owners of these bikes need to be brought over and experience the American Made bikes, and be sold on them. Just the same, is not good enough. If they are going to put down good money, they want something proven, and with a name. For high dollar bikes, Ducati has the reputation. Not as many folks out there anymore that can afford a high priced, fast bike. Not in this economy. If they do, they are really looking for a name and a reputation of being fast for a long time. it takes a while to build a reputation. Yes, having the Buell name would be cool. Very recognizable. EBR was okay but not very well known, The guy on the street knew about Buells, and was always asking what happened to them. I would explain they were back, but they had no idea. EBR is neat, but not a KTM, or Buell brand. Buell, the name, may not be possible to get back, but, it would be cool though. Very recognizable. To have some privateers step up with some money and doing some winning at tracks would be fantastic. I don't think a new company would be able to do this themselves. It takes a lot of money to start a motorcycle company and keep it running in the black, paying bills. Local fans is what made Buell go in the beginning. Lots of clubs, lot of local groups. You can attest to this by Homecoming attendance,etc. Sacborg, ASBN, Badweb, etc. WE too, could afford the bikes. The bikes were stunning, and looked totally different than the rest of the market. S1, S2, etc. Raw and powerful. You saw it and just had to have one. I too agree, that some smaller, bikes, less expensive would be good, along with an adventure bike, and a naked S1 type bike, and a sport touring bike. Bikes for the masses, if you are to keep a business going. Sales, Sales, Sales, keeps things going. Yes. Social media is great. A new company doesn't have a lot of money for an ad budget. Press releases, magazine articles, and as much free press as you can get, is a must. Getting bikes included in road tests and coming out with a big win, is the best. once sales start coming in, ad budgets can increase. | ||
| Sprintst |
Here's my million $ idea: A real sportsbike for short people I see too many ladies end up on sportsters for the low seat height. Too many ladies and men on lowered 600s, that can't do the corners as well as they would like, but they have no choices in the marketplace It's a niche product, and *maybe* there isn't enough volume, but given the creativity of Erik, maybe its something to look at I have no dog in that fight, I'm 6'5"  | ||
| Ljm |
The issue of short riders and women is an interesting one. There were about 5500 Scg models build and another 9,500 or so City X bikes, also low. There were 1,500 Lightning Low models build for a total of 15,000 or so. Those are not the models turning over out there, so there must be a demand or the (short) riders who have them like them. That does suggest a demand for lower seat height bikes and probably represents an untapped market, at least for EBR. I wonder where those riders went when and if they passed on their Buells. BMW, Ducati, Harley all make low models. I am sure there are others. So, RX, SX models with shorter rear shock, shorter fork tubes as an option. Granted, something is lost in cornering, but how many in those target groups are racing anyway? |
