| Author | Message | ||
     Tnxbrider |
I am happy for the bikes new owner, but it is a little bittersweet... to have sold the last holdout... a 2009 1125R... You know what I mean? I'm delighted to have been involved with Buell for all these years... and this has kinda made me relive the news of Buells closing... It also has revived the memory of my first trip to Milwaukee... We had some extra time to kill before heading back home and my brother told me about this bike that was being made in the area... We knew what town they were in and had some help from a contractor that worked for H-D know about where to look for Eric's shop. We make the drive to the little town, no signs of a motorcycle shop anywhere. I saw someone on the street and she points to an old garage or barn type structure, she says I think they have something to do with bikes... We wander around the place and finally find somebody to talk to, they invite us in... Eric finds us and take on a tour of the place... he takes time to cover up a prototype and says I can't show you that one yet... that was the Summer of 1988. We ordered an RS1200 when we got home, becoming Buell dealers in the process. What a ride it has been... Great memories and friends and roads and I hope many more to come... I still have my S1, a XB9SX, the 1125R trackbike and the RR that is in the Museum... We still see a few used machines and will continue to service the Buell community for years to come but for now, this chapter has closed. One day soon I guess I need to retrace those early steps and go back to visit Mr. Buell again... Till then, thanks for the memories T | ||
| Ulynut |
Amen. | ||
| Daves |
I know the feeling. I'll never forget the last Buell I sold. Of course it may NOT be the last, time will tell? | ||
| Court |
Great read..... Man that brings back memories. New chapter. | ||
| Paint_shaker |
Bitter Sweet Tom. | ||
| Bartimus |
Thank you for being there and providing us with the support through the good and bad times. I look forward to your future involvement with Erik Buell Racing and their next line of streetbikes. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
 Tom, thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you and with your dealership. You are a man of honor and a true friend. I am better for knowing you. I enjoyed getting the opportunity to serve the Buell community and creating Buell crazy nuts one bike at a time. Thank you Badwebbers who chose us for your bike and part needs. I am so grateful to have had the chance to meet you and serve you. There is one crazy Canadian who took 4 months to complete his transaction. I don't know if you are on BW, but it was fun to work with you and share the "Buell bug" from so far away. I hope you are as crazy about your Uly as I was about mine.   | ||
| Tnxbrider |
Thanks guys. It has been a good ride, and like I said I also look forward to more great motorcycles, roads, friends and chapters... | ||
| Swampy |
Tom, Thanks for being there for us. I am really impressed with your parts department, I was shocked to see you personally answer my email for a parts request....afterhours! It was just that LJ would contact me soon, which he did! Then to top it off, I got the right parts the first time! It was a triple play for parts! Someone answered, someone called back, and I got what I wanted! | ||
| Zac4mac |
Tom We sold our last NEW Buell some months ago. We have a lightly used XB12R on the used floor now. My work partner sold his Lightning.  Dave and I still ride our Buells and park them in front. This ride ain't over yet! Thanks for being who YOU are. Zack | ||
| Videoninja |
Tom it's great to have a dealer like you close to home. I only live a couple miles from a certain dealer on Fesslers Lane in Nashville, but I always make it down to "the boro" for any of my needs even if it's just a quart of syn3. You guys are great! | ||
| Court |
>>>This ride ain't over yet! That's an accurate statement . . . . | ||
| Rotzaruck |
I remember how exciting it was when I walked in there and saw that long line of Buells right by the front door! Turn the page. | ||
| Thesmaz |
Thanks Tom and Fatty for everything. I will still be coming to you for parts in the future as there isn't a HD dealer here in the OKC. Thanks again! | ||
| Americanmadexb |
Thanks Tom for being one of the "good" ones! I had a few local choices when i bought my 09 1125r but i chose to make the 2 day round trip because I wanted to do business with a Buell friendly dealership. Man was i shocked when Tom was the one who test rode my bike before he handed me the keys! I brought the Indiana snow with me and it was about 30 degrees! Wish i still had the picture! Got to thank Jeremy too. I think he had a large part in selling a ton of Buells! Thanks Bumpus! | ||
| Whatever |
Cool, a secret C3 hand sign ! Tom, it was fun to meet you at BTF... hopefully next time we can ride more together ! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
It was the best of days, it is the worst of days. I loved my time on the Buell, that track day weekend changed everything. I am sad to see them go. (I am all back in if a DS/SM 45O comes out!) | ||
| 86129squids |
Good on ya Tom, keep your chin up and keep the faith... somehow I don't believe your days of handling/selling Erik's machines are all behind you! | ||
| Court |
>>>>It was the best of days No . . those were GREAT days . . the "best" start very soon. The most amazing stories are presently accruing. | ||
| Ratbuell |
...and I'm sure we'll have to remind you to tell us about them.....someday......   | ||
| Etennuly |
Cool thing about some HD store owners, they not only believed in Buell as a franchise, but a few of these guys can sure ride the snot out of one! Tom is this kind of guy! I have had the privilege of riding with him more than once.....thanks Tom.....that was fun! Ft_bstrd, Jeremy, that sure was a joy when I rode out there for one of your big Buell Sale events! I am glad for you that you got to be a part of the Buell story. Few sales guys have been prouder of the brand, or more fun to ride and hang with! Thanks guys! This response is not to slight my local, former sales guy and riding buddy Brad!  | ||
| 86129squids |
No biggie, Vern- my only regret, looking back, is that I never had my old boss really behind me and with me pushing the Buell brand like Tom did and does... C'est la vie. Good on both Tom and Jeremy, and the entire Bumpus organization!! | ||
| Tbolt_pilot |
I'm a fellow Mid-Tennesseean and although dis-located in Maryland I have dealt with you guys on a few occasions and managed to visit once while home on leave. You guys are a class act and it's great o visit a dealer that doesn't mind shooting the bull about bikes with someone who only leaves with a hat or T. I'll visit again when I get the chance. Until then, here's a shot of a little 'BadWeather' at Bumpus. My Aunt lives down the road and took this.  | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
There aren't many dealership owners who hold a WERA race license. I always enjoyed showing prospective buyers Toms 1st and 2nd place WERA trophies displayed in the Buell Section. It isn't many dealers who would roll out a hospitality trailer to a local track day and no only allow between session test rides of bikes but roll out and tap a keg for those who wanted to hang out. I enjoyed being part of that effort. I know that there were many people who had never ridden a Buell before that took test rides (about 35 all total). To a person, every single one was impressed with the bikes and had a very positive impression going forward. My hope is that these are folks who will be seeking the next Erik Buell Racing offerings. Thanks Tom for being willing to think outside the box. I'm just sorry we never got the chance to do our Sportbike Dyno Shootout. I think that would have been very fun! | ||
| Ninefortheroad |
Got my 09 CityX from you guys, although I "cheated" when you offered the "fire sale" pricing. Neil S. tipped me off because he knew I test rode Buells at another dealer and really want one but didn't have the $ at regular retail F_B was posting the deals here on BWB. Had to do it, borrowed on my 401k and away we go! I have converted to a sort of Uly look and get my factory parts from Bumpus. So far, the best MC dealer I have dealt with! Thanks for the past, present, and I know future support to Buell and 2-wheeled fun!  | ||
| Tnxbrider |
We've had many a lighting firebolt and Cyclone come thru the parking lot but that was the only twister I want to see in these parts. Ian I remember that and think I have a picture of your bike and the snow in the background Guys I truly do hope there are more Buell chapters in all of our futures. Best of times worst of times... today don't suck but I can't wait for the best of times... May 21st maybe. T | ||
| Tnxbrider |
Whatever I invited you to come along for the ride that day... but you wouldn't follow me home. T |
