| Author | Message | ||
     Stryker_buell |
Like all of you, I was highly disappointed in the announcement that HD is dropping Buell. I will continue to ride my Buell XB9R until the wheels fall off but when it comes to buying my next motorcycle I will not step one foot inside a HD dealership. I’m just venting here but I will be showing HD that you can’t cut “out” one of your most loyal groups and oh, by the way - YOUNGEST DEMOGRAGHIC – and expect to survive. As the Baby-boomer continues to grow older, they are buying fewer and fewer motorcycles (marketing tip: look at your own data). Who do you think is going to fill that gap? It won’t be this Gen-Xer… that is for sure. In fact I am so upset that I am marching down to my local HD/Buell dealer and buying as many Buell T-shirts as I can on sale!  That will show them... (Message edited by Stryker_Buell on October 17, 2009) | ||
| Eicas |
Ducati was my second choice when I bought my Buell some 2 years ago. I bought the Buell because I like the easier maintenance on the Buell, and I wanted to support an American product. Fortunately I have my Buell and I think that my XB12Ss will last me a very long time, but if it wears out, it will be replaced by a Ducati, or something like it. Like you say, Harley is going to lose big time over the long run by not supporting the "sport" rider. | ||
| Andymnelson |
This is how I spell it: B U E L L. he'll be back, and I'll be in line for whatever he's selling. (although, depending on the timeframe, there may be an Aprila purchase in there ) | ||
| Deanbush |
A Street Fighter version of Honda's new VFR with the v-4 engine would be great,butt needs to also go on a diet | ||
| Boltrider |
Say I'm in denial, but I don't believe Buell is done. Not after spending all that time/money to develop the 1125, win a championship, and then suddenly have the plug pulled on you. My brain just doesn't accept it. I keep getting back a syntax error. When things settle down, hopefully we will know more about EB's intentions. An advisory role at Harley is a complete waste of his talents. | ||
| Sticks |
Same boat. I don't regret buying my City for a second. I kick myself for buying the Harley later though. Ok bike and all. I wanted to support an American company and all, blah, blah. If Erik isn't making bikes in some way, shape or form, when I'm ready for an addition or replacement, it'll be something other than a Harley. I like some of their bikes, but I couldn't bring myself to buy one after recent events, I don't think. Thought about getting a big twin for 2 up big twin stuff. Yeah, not so much now. But I'm not in the all important Indian demographic anyway, so they don't want my money anyway. Most likely an Italian bike, a Ducati, I expect. My wife keeps bugging me to pick up the sent of blood and go get a $4,000 '09 or '08. | ||
| Danxb9r |
I have had 4 XB's sno far and I have loved everyone! I still get people coming up to me when I fuel up asking what kind of bike that is. The think the front brake is so cool! The XB is timeless in my opinion and looks beautiful! I have to admit I was never a fan of the 1125r's looks but the performance definitely wins me over. Sure would have wish Buell could have lasted a little longer to see what up dates they would have done with that bike. | ||
| Stinky_finger |
If I were looking for a new street fighter / naked I would choose a Speed Triple, Superduke, or Monster 1100s. I've ridden all three bikes at demo days this summer and the Speed Triple is my favorite hands down. To be honest I wouldn't get another street fighter, because I already own an XB9XS for commuting and heavily modded sv650n for track use. Call me a squid, butI've been lusting over a the hypersports / touring bikes for years. I think my next bike will be Hayabusa or a BMW K1300s (and maybe the new VFR1200F when I see it in the flesh). | ||
| Pogue_mahone |
dan--timeless is correct. it is like the bike equal to the by gone muscle car era.and there are lots of them,but for example, the mustang is near the class rep.not the fastest or best handling,but is a huge icon and everyone knows it when they see one. it is awesome and timeless and i'll always have one even if i have to start buying wrecks for parts or even frankenstien bike. erik's xb's call to me,sing to me,it is what i was looking for all along, and i never ever rode any bike but his. | ||
| Buelltroll |
God you're a douche pogue or whatever the hell your name is. From your pointless retarded threads to your stupid wording. Just a douche in general. | ||
| Mr2shim |
uh oh. Cat fight! | ||
| Bombardier |
Not very constructive Buelltroll. | ||
| Stryker_buell |
 Ah, well, ok, (awkward) lets get back on track... Soooooo... If Buell is not around and we agree that HD is not getting our money, where do we turn? | ||
| Biggie |
Troll back under your bridge...... | ||
| Lighting |
We've another USA motorcycle manufacturer and they've been considering a sport bike for a while(once I was contacted if had any interest in buying an American sport bike) so now maybe the time for them to make a move and feel the gap. Let's all hope that the Victory Motorcycle Co. has the vision and steal the thunder from Harley Davidson. | ||
| Percyco |
I think "Pogue Mahone" is irish for something like "kiss my A$$"....I think  | ||
| Pogue_mahone |
buelltroll i am looking you right in the eye pogue mahone | ||
| Swordsman |
LOL! <3 the Pogue!  ~SM | ||
| Deanbush |
Maybe Indian could purchase Buell and move the production to Kings Mountain,N.C. There is plenty of vacant plants in this area of N.C. and get away from the "unions",also great weather and great roads. Just hope they would not cost $40,000.00! Just a thought. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
Unions? Shut up. Never a discussion about labour issues in Buell history. Unions and companies work out a good deal or they don't sign the contract. Both sides have to work to get a product out the door. Workers work, managers manage. Managers don't manage, workers can't work. HD did not manage their finance branch, their European marketing, their race series victory promo, and their customer service. Any business that moves to a non-union state stays for about 10 years. After bleeding the fed, state and county, they move off-shore. That's why you have vacant plants in NC. And why you will sell your soul for a low paying job. If it's worth those wages and benefits at Buell, and they delivered a good product, it's worth those wages and benefits in NC. Demand your worth, support those who are trying to help you get your worth. | ||
| Deanbush |
S0 you think all of the UAW workers are worth $75.00/hr they have been averaging versus the national average approx $15.00-$20.00/hr and all figures include all benefits. I am not saying that this is what happened to Buell, but how can the Average Middle Class person afford a $14,000.00-$25,000.00 motorcycle and a $20,000-$40,000 car/truck and a house. The Presidents Clunkers For Cash basically was a pay back to the UAW for their support! And all of the automotive company's will be in the same boat in a 6-8 months, because who is going to buy new cars,trucks,etc. when 10% of the population are out of work. Greed runs rampant on all sides, especially in Politics,Management,and Unions! | ||
| Iamarchangel |
S0 you think all of the UAW workers are worth $75.00/hr they have been averaging versus the national average approx $15.00-$20.00/hr and all figures include all benefits. Your numbers are skewed but I am saying the average worker is worth much more than your lowere average. You are worth more, aren't you? I am not saying that this is what happened to Buell, You certainly made that suggestion. but how can the Average Middle Class person afford a $14,000.00-$25,000.00 motorcycle and a $20,000-$40,000 car/truck and a house. If you can't afford it, don't buy it. You're a grown up, act like one. You have the right to pursue happiness, not the right to happiness itself. See the difference? Make it last, make it do, do without. The Presidents Clunkers For Cash basically was a pay back to the UAW for their support! And all of the automotive company's will be in the same boat in a 6-8 months, because who is going to buy new cars,trucks,etc. when 10% of the population are out of work. Again, do your homework. That program helped dealers move inventory of cars already made. It was a raising cash project. At the same time, the UAW, and the CAW, take a couple of big cash hits just to help everybody out. The economic crisis had nothing to with unions but the floor workers took the hits. The floor workers in the bank industry never took any hits to their pay. There's a bigger thing happening here. Greed runs rampant on all sides, especially in Politics,Management,and Unions! But not in NC... How many sides were you thinking off? Is your earlier wish list greedy? I don't really think so. But you'll need the income. If you want the bar to stay high, you'll have to support the people keeping it high. Last two thoughts: compare car prices from 10 years ago to recent prices. ('99 was the highest wage year for the UAW.) There's a huge difference: were you paying too much then or too little now? Early this year, the UAW took the last of huge hits to their income: do 2010 prices reflect this? Anyway, I'm not going to carry on this dialogue. It's too hard to type with one hand in a sling and the other swollen and bruised. Back to topic. Yes, I already looked at Ducati, probably why my 9R bucked me. (btw, I believe Ducati is union.) | ||
| Jraice |
I love my Buell but I guess this just doesnt bother me like it does most people, I am not brand loyal I suppose. If and when I need a new bike it will likely be a Triumph. IMHO its the best looking naked, more power (Speed and Street both are up on power, Speed probably has comparable torque to), etc etc. Plus I have now owned a single, a twin and an I4. Gotta fill in that void that is a triple. | ||
| Deanbush |
Yes I agree there is a bigger issue here, and Greed IS VERY RAMPANT in N.C. especially all included above and I forgot about Banking. hope your recovery goes well. I bought my Buell because it was so different,with great ideas, styling,MPG, & never had a v-twin. I hope my bike will last forever because I love it! | ||
| Buelllord |
Hi gang, I live in Perth, Western Australia and ride a XB12R 2007. These things are pretty rare over here but does it turn heads. People fall over each other to get a better look at it. I have a full Micron, Race computer and factory comp air filter, when I ride through a busy area, people just stop and stare at this thing with the best exhaust note I have ever heard. I hope you Americans can all pull together and keep Erics dream alive .................... | ||
| Ulyssesmatt |
Funny. After I heard the news, I went down to the local Harley dealer and traded my 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000 in on a 2010 Ulysses XB12XT. | ||
| Jomartijr |
I have owned 3 Ducatis and will pass though I speak from my last experience of 1991. The desmo valve inspection intervals I think are up to 6000 miles now but still not my cup of tea maintanance-wise. I have an Aprilia, another Italian V-twin and in my opinion is more quality and easier to maintain ( well, after well documented bugs have been chased down and fixed like some of our Buells). I offer this not as another "My bike is better" message but to suggest a bike which many may not be aware of when the time comes. | ||
| Brucen |
Before I bought my XB12ss I had a Ducati Monster. It was the closest match to the Buell I have seen in terms of power and ergonomics. The Buell handled better, but I think the Ducati was better looking. I had it for almost 30,000 miles and the only thing it required besides regular maintenance was an eight dollar relay. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another when it is time to get another bike. | ||
| Buewulf |
If the US dollar stays low against the Euro for much longer, companies like Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and Triumph will have a difficult time maintaining their current price points in the US. I wouldn't be surprised (well, actually I would) if Honda or Yamaha bring in some of their more unique Euro models to try and scoop up some Buell void. | ||
| Midknyte |
Maybe Indian could purchase Buell... Again, I ask why Indian??? If you are going to tie your success to another company, why pick one that has been dead longer and more often than it has been alive? | ||
| Zatco81 |
There are unions in NC. | ||
| Marko138 |
I was all but ready to get rid of my XB12R and pick up a XR1200. I'm so glad I didn't now. I'm done with HD, at least for the near future. Who knows what cards hold for a few years down the road, but right now I'm angry at Harley. Whatever, I've still got my Firebolt and I'll ride it with pride. |
