| Author | Message | ||
     Mdm |
Off the floor, check engine light goes on driving home. They think the battery was low, but never tested it while the bike was there the entire day. So, I charged it myself at home. 1000m oil change, they said it would take a few weeks because they did not have an o-ring. I had them do the TPS reset and I did the fluids at home. Last night I’m pretty sure my engine temp sensor went bad, so I called them to see if they had them in stock before I scheduled a service. Nope. So for a warrantee issue, I have ordered the part on the net and I will change it at home. Bike is parked until it comes in  Sling bag, they said they never received them from Buell but on their web site they said they were a participating dealer. My front tire cupped at 2500 miles. Dealer would sell me the OEM tire, as they have 'great prices', and charge me another $90 to change it. No thanks My next bike will be Jap again or maybe BMW, only because of service issues (or lack of). | ||
| Jaimec |
It's been stated ad nauseum: Buell's worst enemy are the Harley dealers that sell and service them.  | ||
| Sik_s |
Yes, the service is so bad it makes you want to look at other brands of bikes. But go for a ride and hopefully you will feel better. | ||
| Davy_boy |
Your dealer sucks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Court |
Nice to see people quoting my column from the 2nd issue of Battle2Win.  Oh...but wait. . . . I, the one who said "Buell had a dealer dichotomy dilemma; the good ones are great and the bad ones are terrible", am but a "mouthpiece for Buell". No...no kidding....I read it on Al Gore's internet. You dealer is an utter embarrassment. I can't tell, from your profile, where you are, or I'd be all over that problem. Court | ||
| Escham |
Don't get me started. | ||
| Mesafirebolt |
I have to agree with Mdm, I heard the same thing about lack of parts, the sling bag issue and the tires. (Mine cupped badly too by 2500) Same answers. I have avoided taking it in for the Kickstand recall mine has and when I did I scheduled the appointment, took it in and when no one called I finally talked to someone with a clue and was told, " we dont have that part in stock, it should be in by friday so it might be ready saturday afternoon". I told them dont bother I'd be in later to pick it back up. When I picked it up I was told they would call me when it came in. Its a week later, still no call? I Like my bike but... | ||
| Mdm |
My dealer: http://www.bigmooseharley.com/ Check this out: http://www.bigmooseharley.com/buell.html MDM | ||
| Jaimec |
2005??? They haven't updated that Buell page in over a YEAR?? Sic 'em, Court!! | ||
| Pwnzor |
Dude... they have 2 Buells, how can they claim to be "a source for this amazing machine" | ||
| Marhaba |
You know, this post has got to be about the saddest thing that I've read so far on badweb. Coming from the perspective of someone who sells Buells and loves them, it's just disheartening to hear about how few dealerships actually care about these bikes, and how little they actually try to sell them on their own merit or at least be helpful in service. I agree with Pwnzor, most dealerships only have a couple Buells stashed away and that's about it. I'd say we're lucky because there's a couple Uly's 3 firebolts, several lightnings, and more than enough blasts. So, it's really pathetic to hear about how some dealerships really do not care about the motorcycles that they're trying to sell. | ||
| The_new_guy |
I bought my first Buell in May. I had purchased about $1000 in parts for my HD Super Glide in the month prior. They did deliver the bike to my house because it was raining. They never went over the bike with me(no big deal there)and when I went to ride the bike, the gas light came on within 5 miles!! I also had to request an owners manual and the bike was dusty from sitting on the showroom floor. They didn't even clean it! I've been treated better when buying used bikes. They did say that my 1000 mile service(oil change) was free but I ended up doing it myself. It ALWAYS takes 20 minuites at the dealer before someone asks me if I need help(as they are walking by). They don't act professional either. There, I'm done ranting now. Anyone know of a good Buell tech/dealer in upstate NY? Utica or Troy maybe? I'm about 15 min. from my dealer but.... Gregg | ||
| The_new_guy |
One more thing. After a month and a half, I now have 3500 miles on my bike. I would not trade it for any other bike. Awesome machine. | ||
| Fcbuell |
I know this is old... but same thing. Dealer didn't go over the bike, had no gas, took almost 6 weeks and 3 trips back there to fix an electrical problem. Last time I showed up, they said "sorry, we don't sell or service buells anymore. or well, we'll look at it, but don't have any parts" That was in Greeley, CO. They suck. In fact, I don't even know of a "good" dealer anywhere near me. Its a really limiting problem to the buell brand. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
I have really no complaints with my dealer, besides expensive service. But they(Hals HD) has ALWAYS given me a break on service. Got the pair of Scorpion Syncs installed on my bike for $269. They know I like to work on my own bike, and have always given me good advice, when asked. We're lucky in the midwest to have several good dealers. Appleton, Hals, and I've heard Suburban Motors in Thiensville isn't bad either. So within 100 mile radius, we've got 3 good dealers. | ||
| Pwnzor |
Life in the lap of luxury must be nice | ||
| Skyguy |
If I need a dealer I go to Glendale HD even though it is a 2.5 hour round trip. EVERY other HD dealer I have given a shot in the L.A. basin has been crappy. I will never forget seeing a new battery on the repair estimate for the insurance company. I asked them what was up with that and was told; "It usually takes us three weeks or so to get to a bike so we just put in a new battery". I thought great! Not only do I get to wait forever to get my bike back but I also get to pay $70.00 for the privlage. Oh they also charged $190.00 for a damage estimate........................ Daves, Marhaba, and the other dealers that are doing a good job you get big Kudos. I am sorry that you have such crappy competition. While it is good for you it is really bad for us. BTW Marhaba, Stunning profile pic. (: | ||
| Doon |
New Guy:. I got my bike from Utica HD, they delivered it (was snowing). Brunswick HD (Troy) did my 1000 mile service (45 miles from my house as opposed to 80 to Utica) Dropped it off in the morning on way to the office, was done by the afternoon, and they where great to deal with. I will be bringing mine up to Utica HD probably next week, to get the kickstand recall on my bike fixed (Was up there last week and they said they would order me the part, we shall see). So I don't have any horror stories, and have been happy with the service I have received from both. about once a year I take a ride up to Potsdam (I'm west of albany). If you ever want to meet up and go for a ride let me know.. | ||
| Court |
>>>>it's just disheartening to hear about how few dealerships actually care about these bikes, and how little they actually try to sell them on their own merit or at least be helpful in service. That's an accurate statement. I traveled to Arizona to work with a Buell dealer, who wanted to improve their Buell performance, in 1997 and, following that visit, wrote a paper entitled "9 ways to sell a Buell". Again....the good dealers know this stuff intuitively, the bad ones seem incapable of "getting it". I've got to find that thing someday . . | ||
| Kootenay |
I'm talking to Buell Canada Customer Service recently (they replied quite quickly to my query), and they want me to take my bike back to the dealership I was recently at for service for "further testing). When I told him that dealership is 8 hours away (last time I went, I took a more roundabout route and was away from home for 5 days--all for a minor warranty service), the rep asked if there were any closer Buell dealers--and I was forced to admit that yes, there were closer dealers, (3 hours and 6 hours), but that I just don't trust them to work on my bike...(hell, the one I went to was OK, but not stellar--why weren't these "further tests" performed the day I was there?). It's a good thing I love my bike so much... (Message edited by Kootenay on July 06, 2006) | ||
| Oz666 |
I will be happy to help ANYONE work on ANY Buell (or any other motorcycle for that matter), just bring it by... (Ask Newfie)   Oz | ||
| Grimel |
What ever you do under no circumstances take your bike to Knoxville H-D/Buell. They are insane, incompetent, idiots, and generally have such a case of cranial rectal insertion I'm amazed nobody has died. Go inside ask about a Buell, they start pushing either a Sportster or a Super Glid. Ask AGAIN about a BUELL, they have 5 or 6 between the two stores spread out over 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. No, nothing to test ride. Nope, no Firbolt, no lighting long, no Uly, but, if you pay for it we can order it. Did I mention they are insane? OTOH, Smokey Mountain H-D/Buell actually carries the whole Buell line with multiple samples of each and has test rides and has a salesman that rides a Buell (CityX) looking to trade for the Uly. When I buy, I'll drive right by the 2 Knoxville H-D/Buell shops to Smokey Mt even if it is another 30 minutes away. Did I mention Knox H-D is a bunch of raving lunes? | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Is it me or does my dealer suck Your dealer sucks Big Moose!! | ||
| Ftd |
Ditto the comments on Knoxville H-D/Buell. I stopped there on my way from WI to FL after picking up my XB12X to have the oil/primary changed. Not a Buell friendly dealership to say the least. Frank | ||
| Ride365 |
Anyone have an opinion on either Folsom Harley-Buell, Auburn Harley-Buell, or Rocklin Harley-Buell? They're all in the Sacramento, CA area and I'm trying to find out if anyone has had any experience with any of them... With all the bad experiences folks seem to have with Harley dealers servicing Buells, I'd like to nail down a good dealer out here before I go to one... Thanks folks! | ||
| Mesafirebolt |
Court, what dealer were you at in Arizona? The one I was at when I fell in love with an XB12R "...Aint got nothin to do with the Buells anymore" The 2 here that are left have bikes, just no parts or knowledge (or accessories  ) | ||
| Tunes |
My experiences with HD dealers since the mid-70's are... They have progressively gotten worse while the brand has gotten more popular and in demand. I do not place all dealers in this category, just most of 'em. I have gone into a dealership with the intention of purchasing a new bike (of course, they don't know this) and have been ignored. Hung around for 1+ hours, kickin' tires, lookin' friggin' obvious and still nothin'. I've heard the saying from sales more times than I care to remember, "The bikes sell themselves." Obviously, since YOU didn't wait on me! The dealerships who are good are always busy AND their employees have a tendency to stay.... for years! Consistent quality service. What a concept! The poor HD customer service just flows over to the Buell side. Some dealers actually are good HD dealers but poor at Buells... most likely cause they are either not interested or uninformed. It would take little effort on Buell's part to visit these dealerships and educate them! Here in the Northeast, we have quite a few good dealers... actually most are good around here... but not great. Only a couple are great... and cause the states are small and compressed, we have a greater available selection of dealers... including Buell dealers. Still, the situation with Buell dealers is not good. Buell, are you listening? I'm employable, interested, and motivated in fixing this prob!! | ||
| Djkaplan |
The worst dealer I've ever been to was a Suzuki shop. The place was run and owned by complete idiots, especially the parts man. | ||
| Daves |
you mean they all don't have a Buell Wall?  | ||
| Pwnzor |
rub our noses in it why don't ya |
