| Author | Message | ||
     Fresnobuell |
Why do so many folks have delicate sensibilities? Maybe alot of the problems are self inflicted. I suspect alot of folks think just because they walk into the front door someone should be there to roll out the red carpet.Look, most Harley dealerships have mature men working and if you want to be mothered you need to go somewhere else. I don't mean to offend anyone, I just get tired of all the whining and crying. I'm so mistreated and the bad Harley man is mean. Grow up and act like you got a pair! WTF? Are you saying that there isn't a serious lack of Buell support by HD dealerships or you just trying to piss off people with a ridiculous statement like that? | ||
| Diablobrian |
It's not delicacy, it's frustration based on years of poor treatment at the dealerships that carries the brand we choose to buy. For many the salesman is just a facilitator because many of these guys couldn't sell water in the sahara desert at noon on the hottest day on record. The years of demand far outstripping supply of H-D motorcycles have spoiled them, and taught them that they don't have to sell bikes, the bikes sell themselves if you just wait for the customers to chase you down. Unfortunately they are getting close to saturating the Boomer generation with bikes. They will be LOST in the very near future when they have to try to figure out how to find a new market. | ||
| Saberworks |
Just for the record, both the Harley/Buell dealers I've been to in my area have been extremely eager to sell me a Buell. As soon as I mention the name they drag me over, show me the different models, offer a test ride, etc. I never had a problem with the salespeople. This is at both Legend HD in Silverdale, WA, and Downtown Harley in Seattle, WA. | ||
| Gregtonn |
"There's no reason why the new 1125 motor couldn't have been designed, engineered, developed and built right here in the US by Harley." Perhaps, but I would have some serious reservations. Even if you count their aborted road race program, which never included a legitimately street legal engine. Harley has limited experience with high performance, liquid cooled engine design. They used/needed significant outside assistance on both LC engine designs. It is obvious that there was a much more serious intent to design the Buell engine for a high performance sport bike. One other thought. Next time your go into a sportbike dealership, look around at the apparel, accessories and other gear. Most of it is not specific to the brands of bikes they sell. Customers want what suits them best and it doesn't always have to say Buell or HD on it. This may come as a shock to many Buell/HD dealers but it shouldn't. G. | ||
| Thin_air |
I just want o be treated like I have spent 60 grand in their store (because I have). As far as sacking up dickhead 77, FYMP! Drop me a line if you ever make it to my neck of the woods and I will be happy to meet you for lunch and we can discuss this in person. TA | ||
| Teeps |
Buellinachinashop Posted on Monday, July 30, 2007 There's no reason why the new 1125 motor couldn't have been designed, engineered, developed and built right here in the US by Harley. With the exception of "lack of will", I'd say you're right. | ||
| Buellsrule |
The real solution is a stand alone dealership. I've spoken with some with the money and talent who would love to step up and do this but Harley is not going to let it happen for now. I believe this is "the" solution to dealership woes. Frank. | ||
| Mikej |
"Buell needs at most 2 Chicago dealers, 1 Milwaukee etc. " Not sure I agree with those numbers having had to try and get service work done at an already busy dealership. = = = = = Counterpoint: When any of you, the generic "you", come across one of these dealerships or sales people or service people, how about next time trying to diplomatically educate them and talk with them and try to get them to at least listen to your view point. Back when Buell was still in the 'tuber days I was regularly bringing in Service Bulletins and information and what not to the dealership I was going to at that time, built up a relationship with a few of the people at the parts counter and service desk, and helped to get them plugged in and up to speed on Buell stuff. I'm not the only reason they got up to speed, not even a major reason, instead I was just a bit of a catilyst (catylist? catylyst? catilist?) and a Buell enthusiast who was willing to go a bit out of my way to help them to help me better. I'd like to think that in some small way I'm one small part in how they became the Buell shop they are today. (okay, enough horn tootin' ) Basically, if you just walk away you let the problem remain, so at least try to do a little. Like the sales person who had no clue, well then clue them in. Yeah, it takes a little effort, but if you're already in their shop or already on the phone with them then you've already taken some effort in the process. At least try. That's my 2cents for the day.  | ||
| 2vulgar |
"I went into Milwaukee Harley about 4 months ago. They have the "Buell Service" sign above their garage doors. I asked about parts. "Nope, we're no longer a Buell dealer". I asked, "who's responsible for your building signs?" "The GM, they're taking that down this month". I was there last week, July 21 for a customer appreciation event, the sign was still hanging up." This is the same just about everywhere I go... I used to live in New Smyrna Beach, FL and the local HD dealership has the big light up Buell sign over the door and banners and such all over the outside. I went in there to check on a head light assembly, the poor counter jockey had no idea what I was talking about. I asked them if they were even a Buell dealer, he said (very quickly I might add...) "NOPE! You need to go to Daytona HD" So on my way out, I looked up and double checked the signage... and shook my head.  Now that I am back to New Hampshire, the local HD/Buell dealership here (Merideth HD) has always been as helpful as they possibly can. I think the best HD/Buell dealership is one that ALDaytona took me to. Seminole HD in Florida had prob 10-12 Buells on display and a couple of knowledgeable salesguys. I tip my helmet to Seminole HD.  } | ||
| Mtch |
Catalyst: a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic. Court the catalyst  | ||
| Macbuell |
With the introduction of the 1125R, there is no reason why Buell shouldn't move away from HD and start selling their bikes along side Ducatis and Triumphs. The people that are buying those bikes are the ones that are also going to be looking at Buells. It has been illustrated over and over again that a lot of Harley dealers could care less about carrying or servicing Buells. The Buell philosophy and image simply has nothing in common with HD. You take away the engine used in the XBs and the Blast, and there really isn't anything at all in common with the two companies from a mission perspective, IMO. I am lucky in that one of the best Buell dealers, Stone Mountain, is only a 45 minute ride away. I think Dealers like them deserve to keep the Buell brand but they should start moving Buell out of 95% of the rest of the HD dealerships to either stand alone operations or Ducati, BMW, or Triumph dealerships that want to carry the brand. With the 1125R, I bet there are a large number of those dealerships that would be interested. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Court-a-lyst?  | ||
| Paintballtommy |
I think currently the biggest problem with the 1125r is that its not in my God darn garage yet. | ||
| Chrisgrant |
There are 3 HD dealers within 30 min. of me and only 1 (Timms in Anderson, SC)was helpful at all. They used to sell Buell but don't anymore, although a Buell fan. He said he had to drop Buell because they require him to stock a lot of stuff for Buell along with few sales. He was very helpful in calling some of his HD dealer friends and directing me to a good Buell dealer. I have to drive 1 1/2 hrs. to Gastonia, NC or Augusta, GA, or 2 1/2 hrs. to Atlanta, GA to even see a Buell dealer. Now that’s gonna suck if I need service. (Message edited by chrisgrant on July 31, 2007) | ||
| Gtmg |
I have said this before. I have some experience owning a motorcycle dealership. You cannot make it as a Buell standalone. You will not move enough units. I am assuming a stand alone could may be move 60 to 70 units a year. I can understand the HD dealer problem. Most move somewhere depending on size 50-200 units plus a month. 8 or even 40 Buell units a year is not that exciting from a profit point of view. This would be exciting to a Triumph/BMW/Ducati dealer who sells 250 to 300 units per year. That is one strategy. The other that most don't like on here is to change the name to HD Sports or something like that and include the Vrod line. That change alone would get dealers to show more interest. Just my opinion we all have them like other parts. | ||
| Strato9r |
Perhaps someone should tell someone at H-D that Harley owners and Buell owners have one very important thing in common: Brand Loyalty. Unfortunately, it seems apparent that a good many Harley owners see Buells as an uglier, lesser version of that "girl's bike", the Sportster. Too bad, because most of those a$$holes dont realise how much of what has gone into their bikes came out of Buell research, and the lack of oil stains on their garage floors is mute testimony to that fact. Whatever, I really like Harley Davidsons a lot, but many of their owners, and, apparently, dealers, could certainly gain from the "hardcore gearhead" attitude that this BadWeb community demonstrates consistantly. Buell owners KNOW bikes,love bikes, appreciate other makes, and still have chosen to ride Buells in spite of the fact that there is more horsepower available at any other competitor's dealership. Soul? Perhaps, although to apply such characteristics to a machine seems more like advertising copy than an actual phenomenon, though few of us could deny the emotional and physiological connection one can feel for a device whose operation becomes intuative. A machine which interfaces with it's user beyond mere utility, and actually fills you with joy when using it. Good musical instruments have that quality, and everyone has a story of a 442 or GTX they loved. I have a bike that's like that, and it's a Buell. I'd rather not see a Harley/Buell split, but if there is some inherant incompatibility between the "Lifestyle" that is very shrewdly marketed by Harley Davidson and the, ironicly, broader scope of the Buell Motorcycles, then it would probably be for the best. I honestly think that it will largely depend on dealers, and their staff's willingness to embrace, if nothing else, a viable means of increasing sales. What I do know is that it really felt nice when the owners of Lethbridge Buell H-D, Barry and Sandie Peterson, who had been at the unveiling of the 1125R, came up to me and said, "When we saw it, we looked at each other and said,'wait until Rick sees THIS!'" A good dealer makes a difference. A great dealer is everything. | ||
| Teddagreek |
I would have walked out too.. I feel very Fortunate that I have a supportive dealer when it comes to Service,Parts and I wanted a new bike sales.. I've been on Group rides and sometimes there will be 4 guys from the dealer on a Sunday.. | ||
| Diablobrian |
I don't think too many people would expect a true stand alone dealership (Buell only) if there was to be a split between H-D and Buell shops. It would be more likely that Buell would be taken in by Ducati, Triumph, BMW, Moto Guzzi, or even under the same roof as Japanese dealerships. There are not that many single marque dealerships out there any more. There are, of course, some but as was noted most would not see enough volume go out their doors to stand alone unless they have a virtual monopoly on a large or densely populated area. | ||
| Gtmg |
One other thing that I think experienced motorcycle sales people will tell you is they generally are very excited and sell what they like. If you are a cruiser person you can talk the features of sportbikes but that enthusiasm is missing. A great example is one of the local Suzuki dealers. The owner loves the Vstrom(has one himself) and cannot keep them in stock while the shop down the road seems to hold on to theirs forever and ends up blowing them out. You see the Buell dealers do well when they have an individual take ownership like Dave at Appleton or Smoke at Stone Mountain. The problems is that it is very difficult to dedicate an individual to bike sales of 8 to 10 bikes. Like Court says a local owner can really help. The question I want to ask if this is so why did Buell get rid of Brag??? I live in Atlanta and am very envious of the local Hog chapter and the rides they put together. Same goes for the BMW group. I think we lost something there. I also want to say there is no excuse for a salesman not to greet a person who is looking at bikes and make some conversation. That is their job. They represent the dealership. Unfortunately due to pay the quality of people that you get in the motorcycle world is not always good. (Message edited by gtmg on August 01, 2007) | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
"I live in Atlanta and am very envious of the local Hog chapter and the rides they put together." Join HOG, being a Buell owner, you can do that. | ||
| Clutchless |
Coming from someone who works in the Dealerships that produce Buells and shun them at the same time I can shed some light on the "why dont you guys still sell/provide anything Buell????" I'm working at one of two sister dealerships and mine holds our Rental Fleet and the other shop houses all the Buells. Mainly due to the fact that in order for us to even sell one buell from our shop we are obligated to have ALL and ANY Buell special tools (all that expensive c&c made tools and instruments that us techs use to make work on them accurate and effcient). We have to have at least one certified Buell tech in the shop too. This is required so we can do ANYTHING you need done to your Buell, like the sign out front says. Trust me, I love Buell, its the best thing that has EVER happened to H-D. But when you look at it from the point of veiw of the guy thats running the dealership and supposed to make these hunks of metal "profit", Buells dont make sense. I have to be the messenger to the customer and tell them "we cant fix your Buell not charging your battery"....When I know damn well that I could take a volt meter and do 5 quick tests without taking off your seat to find out whats wrong. It makes me seriously sic sometimes. Thats where all of this disscusion is rotating around and I'm surprised no one mentioned it. As a Buell rider, its painful for me to be told by my boss that we have to turn down people on Buell's to my service department becuase we arent going to make profit on the work since we arent a dealer of them (aka setup with the tools and techs). SO long story short, hopefully you will get me in one of those dealerships as your tech and I will tell you "here's my card, I work for harley davidson not the all mighty dollar." I work on the side on any Buell I can get my hands on for you all that have to drive 3 hours to get a correct oil filter. I dont make money doing it, I just about break even. But for me the bike and another rider is more important than making extra $$$.I love showing someone that you are supported on your Buell by someone who cares. its all just my speculation tho.... The real truth that's hard for me to admit is that a Buell motorcycle is a RIDERS motorcycle, not a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. So Harley-Davidson is gonna be what they are good at being....I'm gonna go rant here and I dont wanna. All I'm saying is Buell will make their way, its just that riders will make the company. | ||
| Gtmg |
Clutchless thanks for the view from a dealership. We need to understand this and so does Buell. KISS principle in action. Sounds like they are making some things hard. I can think of a simple one now. For example around clothes. Buell has no sizing on their website and the dealers don't have the clothes in stock. Very frustrating. It is a real gamble to order a jacket then. If they had more information ie detailed sizing and sold accessories on their website while sharing a portion of the profit with a local BUELL dealer, this would enable the dealership to see the market in a low risk way. If it is good trust me they will carry the product. Not hard to do makes the consumer happy and dealers can tell what they need to stock. Just one idea. Buell has revolutionary motorcycles now they need a revolutionary retail strategy the gets their dealership network on board. | ||
| Curtyd |
"Join HOG, being a Buell owner, you can do that...."  No thanks, I am allergic to "chaps, chains and tattoos". I like to wear a full face helmet 365 days a year too. (Message edited by CurtyD on August 02, 2007) | ||
| Gtmg |
Curty thanks for saying that for all of us that is so true. They are Harley focused as they should be. My local Hog chapter does alot of rides but I just don't see them welcoming my Buell Ulysses. I am really thinking of contacting the BMW group and see if I can join lol. They ride too. (Message edited by gtmg on August 02, 2007) | ||
| Jimidan |
"I live in Atlanta and am very envious of the local Hog chapter and the rides they put together." Join HOG, being a Buell owner, you can do that. Yep, those poker (poseur) runs and stay in line treks down the Interstate Hwys. on Sunday afternoon while yo' bich hangs off the back in bla}ck halter top really get me envious too. | ||
| Concor |
Heres my idea(dont laugh). I think it would be cool if buell built a 10,000 or so square feet building attached to the east troy plant. Inside there would be an example of every bike in every color along with all the available accesories and stuff just dealers can order. Maybe a small cafe inside and a short test track outside which would offer test rides. It would be a mini mecca for buells and be a sort of destination trip for fans. Of course i live 30 minutes from east troy and would benefit greatly from this but i would be willing to throw in 20 bucks of my own money to get this started. | ||
| Coal400 |
That would also be cool to have a plaque showing the contributors. What other motorcycle manufacturer has a museum built by their riders? Also you could get people to donate their old buells? Perhaps put them on display for a year or two. I'll throw in $20... if you hurry you could present at the 25th homecoming. | ||
| Ratbuell |
My wife would probably love to donate one of my tubers for a display...term indeterminate, LOL. | ||
| Swampy |
I am seeing more and more, Suzuki Boulevards, Honda Shadows, Yamaha Roadstars and the like on the road. Harley Davidson is in the same place they were in the 60s with the Japanese invasion. Prior to the 60s they were the only game in town. Please wake up O slumbering giant! Sure you are on top of the mountain now, but will you be able to survive another 40 years of what you are doing now? | ||
| Cityxslicker |
My only problem with the 1125R? That I dont have them on the floor to sell, demo and deliver yet. Bring on that bike, the public is waiting  |
