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Buellnick
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 - 07:41 pm: | 
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That marketing appeared right after Buell was shut down and has remained on the web site. Of course there are other limited production sportbikes being made in the US like MotoCzysz and Roehr which are in an entirely different class and very expensive. Fischer is the only one trying to mass produce a sport bike for under $10K.
BTW: The MRX is lighter than an XB and uses better suspension and braking components... Carburetors for now - fuel injection expected in the future.
Think of this as an SV650 clone motor on a lighter, better, stiffer frame and chassis with Ohlins and Brembos... BTW: The Gemeni company produces the Fischer frame and they produced the frame for the HD VR1000 (back in the day).
I hope Dan Fischer succeeds... He's not competing with (no longer produced) Buells and certainly not with Erik Buell Racing, MotoCzysz, Roehr etc. |
Desertfox
| | Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 01:39 pm: |
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I've never had the (dis)pleasure of dealing with Thunderbird HD in albuquerque yet. I bought my Buell after the company was shut down, so I've never been to a dealer.
I got my X1 from PJ's and they seem like good folks.
My question is, what were the dealers doing? Were they trying to convince people not to buy Buells? |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 03:05 pm: |
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I dont know... I know that Thunderbirds was never really Buell Friendly. My parents gave me a gift card there for Christmas for gear/ accessories. When I went to spend it, I had all of one rack to choose from, and nothing in anything larger than a medium...I ended up ordering some stuff, but still took 3 weeks to get. |
Daschunk
| | Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 03:45 pm: |
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My problem at Thunderbird was the minute they found out I wasn't interested in a HD and was only going to get a Buell they didn't care anymore. I knew more about the product then they did, and they didn't even have any in stock.
SF was a completely different experience. The staff knew about the bikes and was excited for me to get one. I felt, and still do feel much more at home there. |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 04:05 pm: |
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I've never had a problem with Thunderbird.
They have always been honest and up front with me. If something would take 3 or 4 weeks to get, they told me so.
If I needed work done, they would do it, and not scar my bike in the process.
I even had them rush me through one weekday, AFTER I had moved to Phoenix when I was passing through on my way back from homecoming, and needed a new tire. They sold me one, and matched the best price I found on the internet, and mounted it for half price.
(I guess it was because I own a Harley in addition to the Buells...)
On the other hand, Santa Fe, would tell me lies about how well they would treat me and my bike, and yet I would find scratches in my paint, on my mirrors, and when I complained about it, I was handed a bottle of touch up paint... (real nice!)
My bike was stored outside, all winter in a tin shed, while they waited for parts, and then when the battery died, it was my fault.
My motor was assembled improperly with the wrong gaskets, without having the heads clearanced for the valves.
Not just once, but TWICE!!!
And the whole time I was being told, "we will take care of you, Bro!"
I think I will just work on my bikes myself, and get my parts from american sportbike... |
Syonyk
| | Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 05:31 pm: |
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Bartimus: When was this? I've never seen anything like that up at Santa Fe... (or at Thunderbird, for that matter!)
I have experience with 3 dealerships.
Zylstra, in Ames (where I got my 1125) was not a big fan of Buells. They had one guy who liked them, but if you didn't get him, you were pretty much left alone in the corner with the silly plastic things. They had some promos a while back and I test rode a few XBs, but they really didn't seem to care about actually selling them.
A friend of mine & I purchased 1125s at the same time (firesale 08 prices, just before the shutdown). Mine was OK, other than some turn signal issues, but when I asked explicitly about the recalls & ECU flashes (as I knew there were a few recalls and ECU updates since the 08s came out), I was told explicitly that, yes, the recalls had been done and the ECU flash was the latest available. These were not true.
My friend, on the other hand, had some issues with his that seemed to be fuel pump related - hard starting, and some codes related to fuel pressure. He took it to Zylstra several times for this, and each time they nicely reset the codes for him. A day or two later, the error codes and CEL would be back.
He sold his 1125R a month later, still with the same issues that Zylstra refused to fix...
Thunderbird was somewhat better. They at least took care of the recalls and updated my ECU to the latest version. However, I never got the impression they really liked dealing with Buells. I could also never actually talk with a tech - EVERYTHING was filtered through the service desk, and was of limited use.
I had the famous "08 cluster draw" issue, took it to Thunderbird after it had died on me over a week of sitting (the horrors!), told them what it was doing and that I thought there was a tech note for it. An hour later, they told me the battery and charging system were fine, the bike was "cold blooded," and would I like to buy a battery tender?
They also dealt with my lower fairing insulation that was coming off & burning on the exhaust pipe by sticking it back with some glue they claimed was great, it'd never come off again... it held for a whopping week.
In general, I get the impression from Thunderbird that they tolerate me because they're required to do so, but they'd really wish I either would buy a Real Motorcycle, or just leave them alone. I've actually had sales guys, on learning that I ride Buells, inform me that they heard some rumor that Buell closed, and asked me what I was going to do when mine wore out - was I going to upgrade to a Harley? (with an implied "Gonna get rid of that rice rocket and buy a Real Motorcycle?") He even helpfully pointed out that I could upgrade a Harley with Screaming Eagle parts if I wanted more power, and they pretty much all would do at least 100!
Santa Fe, on the other hand, has been by *FAR* the least "Harley" dealership I've ever been to. I probably would have sold my 1125 if I'd not found them. They were very helpful with the few remaining issues, and after the second time I had my battery die on me (this time because I dared to let my bike sit from Friday afternoon to Monday morning - not totally dead, but wouldn't start), I mentioned it to Murrae. He came out, poked with my cluster, recognized it was an old software revision, ordered a replacement, and said he'd call me when it came in. I've not had battery issues since it got replaced.
If I have any questions about the service, or random issues, everyone back in the service department is friendly and knows what they're talking about. Scott does most of the work on my 1125, and if he runs into anything odd, he comes out to mention it & figure out what I want to do about it. They've been great with warranty stuff, and great with non-warranty stuff (scheduled services & a replacement clutch cover after sort of scuffing mine up at the track).
They've also been willing to work with me regarding trailering bikes up when there was a longer service or things took longer than expected - I don't have a trailer, but Josh was willing to haul a bike up there and back for me, since he commutes from Albuquerque.
They've got Buells up there, even after the shutdown, the sales staff is actually useful with them, and it seems most people up there ride not-Harleys. Plenty of them do track days, and in the land of "Wait, WHAT?" they're sponsoring a track day at Sandia. A Harley dealership. *blinks*
I have nothing but good things to say about my treatment up in Santa Fe as a Buell owner. |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 08:19 pm: |
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Russell,
I will PM you, it does not need to be aired out in a public forum.
Most of it can be seen in the Knowledge vault, under Nallin 1250 kit.
Suffice it to say, I was without my bike for two years while this "simple" top end big bore kit was installed, and then repeatedly repaired.
I'm glad you all get good service and feel good going up there. Once upon a time I did too. Screw me once, my bad. Screw me three times, and you are the bad guy... |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Friday, April 22, 2011 - 11:00 am: |
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I got screwed at Thunderbird, which was Chicks's at the time, literally from the day I bought my Firebolt. Then when I had it serviced there, the help was rude and unhelpful. When I discovered SFHD, I went up there immediately and found them to be quite helpful and I was always happy to bring them my business.
I bought my Uly there and have had it serviced there since new and haven't had any issues with the service provided. The only time I had a real issue was when a front end employee just didn't know how to provide customer service and kept telling me no when he could have been accommodating and chose not to be. |
Desertfox
| | Posted on Friday, April 22, 2011 - 04:02 pm: |
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Dang, if that was the usual attitude toward Buell motorcycles it's no wonder Buells didn't sell in larger numbers. |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Friday, April 22, 2011 - 05:12 pm: |
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Motorcycle customers tend to want more personal relationships with their dealers.
The Albuquerque HD dealership tends to be impersonal (car dealer-like) and inflexible on issues - always touting the company line on issues.
They are not car dealer-like when it comes to resolving warranty issues... HD and even some other big brands (BMW sometimes refuse to fix a problem under warranty that has not been IDd by corp.
I had issues with my XB9 and V-Rod. Both bought in Albuquerque.
The XB9 was never fixed until I brought it to Santa Fe. The other guys simply could not be bothered to properly diagnose, make tech calls etc. During routine service, I left the shop several times only to return because of loose bolts, leaks etc...
The V-Rod was only fixed after I brought in repair instructions off the internet and appealed to the manager in writing. The V-Rod issue was minor (breather throwing out oil into the airbox) but "unacknowledged" by BIG HD Corporate and therefore not covered under warranty. It took less than an hour to fix.
TO add insult... the Albuquerque dealer issues happened to me while the bikes were still under warranty. I sensed their reluctance to do anything more than the absolute minimum... not sure how this benefits HD or HD owners in the long run.
From my point of view, SFHD has done a much better job of taking care of customers (me and others) and fixing problems - on/off warranty. On top of that, SFHD has been decent and flexible about out of pocket repair charges whereas other dealers use the book. period. |
Syonyk
| | Posted on Friday, April 22, 2011 - 06:02 pm: |
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Impersonal is a good description for Thunderbird.
"You bring us the bike and leave us alone while we fix* it."
*Fix, ideally, being roll it back out to you and tell you you're doing something wrong, because otherwise we might have to actually work on it. Or, alternately, that we have a product you can pay for that will fix the problem.
SFHD acts like they *want* my business, and are interested in my bikes behaving properly. They also know something about Buells - I figure if Scott has over 80k miles on his 1125, he's run into pretty much all the issues you can have from general wear and tear/maintenance/etc. |
Reiver
| | Posted on Friday, April 22, 2011 - 09:49 pm: |
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In 2004 I test rode a Buell and a Triumph in Albq.but wasn't sure which one I wanted. A few weeks later I was in Santa Fe, this time I rode a Firebolt and was sure this was what I wanted. I bought the bike and drug it back to Carlsbad. Two days later on the way to work it began to sputter and backfire i immediately called SFHD and was told to bring it back and we will check it out. I trailered it back and after spending a few hours was told everythings good. I never really got an answer just it could be this or it could be that. A couple days later the same thing happened.
Now I'm pissed so i call and they say bring it back.I told them I cant and I shouldn't have to its a brand new bike it should run correctly. The service dept. sent one of their guys down to pick up the bike. A week later they dropped the bike off at my house. Unfortunately we did this SIX times but each time they Came to Carlsbad and picked it up and returned it to me. After # 6 I was done I told them i wanted a different bike or my money back. My bike was replaced with one that has ran great since 04. I don't know how any other dealership would have handled this but I think they did all they could to resolve it. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Friday, April 22, 2011 - 09:57 pm: |
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Wow... that's an interesting story. Glad to hear you got it replaced. My Uly did the sputter and run •••••• thing when new in the wintertime. It's extremely cold blooded while the Firebolt is not cold blooded at all. It ended up being an issue with the TPS. Took a little time to diagnose but it got fixed. |
Desertfox
| | Posted on Saturday, April 23, 2011 - 02:28 pm: |
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Wow Reiver, I can't think of any company (motorcycle or otherwise) that would be as helpful as what you described there.
I have yet to need someone else to work on a vehicle for me, but if I end up completely stumped someday, I'll have to check out SFHD. |
Daschunk
| | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2011 - 12:08 pm: |
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This brought a smile to my face.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Funny-Buell-Warning-Sticker- Decal-Motorcycle-Sport-Bike-/180601051980?pt=Motor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a0ca95b4c |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2011 - 01:30 pm: |
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Those are great Ed... I just bought a set.
I went to the movies last night on my 1125, and as I was walking out, a group of kids (teenagers) were walking by my bike. One started to act like he was going to jump on it when I scared the living **** out of him by yelling from about 30 feet behind him. He was very apologetic, but man, people need to learn not to touch other people's stuff! |
Syonyk
| | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2011 - 07:40 pm: |
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300 miles today with my gf (low road to Taos, high road back). The Blast did just fine. :-P
Chewing through my Q2s on the 1125, though... the center is definitely suffering from the commuting & longer rides. I need to hit a track day or two with 'em to even this out! Or just carve the mountain a few times on a warmer day... |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2011 - 08:50 pm: |
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You need to stay off the freeway, dude.
Take HWY 14 to Santa Fe, it will help wear your tires more evenly.
I started off dirt biking today, west of Rio Rancho, Not sure where I was, but I ended up on 550 and crossed 25, and took the back way to Cedar crest. Jammed down to the Ponderosa for lunch, and then back home.
I started converting my CR to an R yesterday, got the clubmans back on, fairing and lights are on. waiting for the windscreen and mirrors now.
Looks pretty good, and certainly went alot easier than I've read hear on the Badweb...
Happy Easter everyone! |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2011 - 11:00 pm: |
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LAST MINUTE NOTICE:
We're riding to Taos tomorrow via the High Road. Meet at Java Joe's at Devargas Mall (across from the National Cemetery) in Santa Fe at 0900 gassed up and ready to go.
You can text me if you need to. We're leaving from my house in Rio Rancho just after 0800 and going up I-25. 505-450-2700 |
Syonyk
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2011 - 11:22 am: |
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Aw. Work interferes with riding.  |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2011 - 07:02 pm: |
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Ugh! Freeway riders! |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2011 - 07:51 pm: |
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Well, we got rained on twice between here and SF, where it was friggin cold as hell. The weather north was pretty menacing and the radar on my weather app was pretty green colors.
We waited until 1015 or so and then headed south down 14. Got hailed on once, rained on twice and then it was miraculously nice just north of Madrid, where the dampness didn't scare us from hanging a few curves.
We arrived at Coffee At Dawn around 11 or so and met up with my buddy Trevor who just got a Victory Vegas. We rode down South 14 (or whatever they're calling it now) and left Trevor in the dust. We're literally hanging way off going balls out, just about to shift into fifth, when what do my speedily darting eyes spy? A black and white SUV coming the other way. My front end dove hard as I really over reacted to him, but he never turned on his lights. I kept waiting for him to catch up to us, but he apparently didn't turn around. So, we were almost to Ponderosa anyway, so we just took it easy, stayed behind traffic patiently, etc. Then I saw why he didn't turn... his buddy was waiting up ahead. Luckily, he had some person talking to him and we were being super mellow, so he didn't come out for us.
As we get to Ponderosa, and realize it's closed, we are waiting for Trevor. He eventually gets there and the deputy was a little bit behind him. He kept going. So... dodged that bullet.
Meanwhile we decided to head into town to grab a bite and get track day tickets at R&S, which is strangely open on Mondays, unlike most bike shops. I decided that we should take it easy going back in since every deputy knows that what goes out must come back. So we did take it easy. Only ten or fifteen over... LOL! Eventually, I got up behind this guy and just stayed there the rest of the way in. As we get to the part close to Tijeras where it slows to 40mph, I had backed off maybe five or six car lengths. As we rounded a corner, that guy jammed on the breaks and I was already going the requisite 40mph. I see the deputy hiding on the left shoulder and his lights go on. He pulls out and gets THAT guy. After we pass, Luis pulls up and high fives me! Dodged that bullet!
So, lunch, and then R&S on Lomas, which is one of my least favorite bike shops. Then we decided to go to R&S on Coors to check out the RC8 KTM. It is a sweet bike and Luis was drooling hard. Of course, he also wanted one of these and one of those, and one of that one over there...
Naturally, by 3pm or so, we're in town and the sun is now shining everywhere!! It was still a little windy, but it was dry and clear instead of rainy and cold like it had been all day! I was pissed because I didn't have time to do much else except go home.
Ugh... end report. |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - 12:45 am: |
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I was off today... no time to ride though.
Changed the rear shock and wheel/tire on the 1125; put new sprockets/chain on the SV.
Productive day in the garage...Not dodging the law like you all...
I did ride yesterday. Surprising absence of state and local LE. |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - 09:23 am: |
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So CJ, You and your son going to track day or just you? |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - 11:53 am: |
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Neither this time. I think I might get out for June. |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - 03:13 pm: |
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"Meanwhile we decided to head into town to grab a bite and get track day tickets at R&S"
I guess you didn't partake in the purchasing of tickets... just the arrival at R&S? |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - 04:25 pm: |
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Exactly. I think I'll be buying mine from Moto Authority. |
Syonyk
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - 07:33 pm: |
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Bartimus: Find me a better route from the west side of Abq to the east side with twisties, I'll happily take it. 
Most of my miles right now are commuting back and forth across Abq on I-40.
Hoping to fix that now that the gf rides... we're planning on some longer weekend camping/riding trips. She's been nosing around Google Maps looking at interesting roads and pointing them out. <3!
Besides, the center wear comes from commuting, leaving the sides nice and fresh for track days! 
... hoping to avoid lowsiding this year. |
Froggy
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - 10:15 am: |
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Uploading the pics to the Badweb for you guys |
Buellnick
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - 10:35 am: |
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Excellent - finally, a logo is on the BadWeb site after all these years. Thanks to all who made it happen. |
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