| Author | Message | ||
     Stormfool |
Great concept--there needs to be an American sportbike Now never having been a racer/engineering genius I imagine that on the way to market a lot of things get lost in the shuffle--hence the recalls And kudos on having the grit to issue those many needed upgrades! But after the designing and manufacturing and marketing it's really just us--the Buell riders--that are there to carry this American Sportbike dream forward. And it is us that feel the brunt of many service and design issues--issues that the Dealers need to step up and handle.New Ownership Experience. Is this the reality of 2002 Buell ownership? Sadly I feel it is not--The product is exciting, even in some odd way neccesary to the spirit of American motorcycling--but the problems we (the Buell riders) experience are not exciting or even remotely neccesary. Until Buell dealers offer the kind of service one can expect from all other major manufacturers we, the final link in this chain, will continue to bemoan our ownership woes-- Is this good press for future Buell endeavours--I think not. A typical repsonse (from a group of eclectic riders with whom I associate) is "Don't those Buells have a lot of problems--I hear you have to wait weeks for basic parts and service--Yeah it's a neat looking bike--just don't ride it too hard" This is how your beloved product is viewed by informed, monied riders (who can and do own any new bike they wish) After returning from a relatively troublefree 3600 mile ride through the NC mountains I was greeted with astonishment from these fellows: "On a Buell? Wow you're either lucky, stupid or a fool for trouble" If I'd ridden my Honda they'd have thought nothing of it--it was if I'd set off for the West Coast on my vintage Triumph! Personally I never perceived your bikes as unreliable--that is until I tried getting service in the Fort Lauderdale area. What I am rounding towards is: something must be done to ensure that current and future Buell riders are not soured on a basically excellent product by moneygrubbing dealerships lacking the desire or expertise needed to keep the machines on the road. Please please please do something about this issue--what good is it producing such an exciting product if the support ends at the factory and the dealers can handle their business however they please--most of these shops are primarily HD oriented and really don't seem to be committed to the Buell Experience we find in all your advertising. Anybody else have something to say to ERIK? Please post your concerns... | ||
| Rick_A |
I can hardly afford the Buell I have...let alone anybike I want...although my Buell really is just that bike. Something should definitely be done to ensure consistency and conformity between dealers. I was so disgusted about the "recall" service I was supposed to pay for at one dealer, that ever since I've been going to dealers for parts only and doing all work myself. | ||
| Blackbelt |
I agree totally with both of you.. I am an avid Buell rider/owner. I have always been extremly interested in the Buell Motorcycle in looks, sound, and preformance. When the time came that my wife accually allowed me to allocate the funds to get the bike, there was no other choice in my mind then to get a Buell White Lighting. I mean especially with that Blue Pipe!!! Kudo's to you Eric.... anyway. It wasn't till i bought the bike that i started to hear about how hard it was to find a reliable dealer to service or even have an faint reliable knowledge of my bike. To me that is really dissheartning. I mean i have always heard of Harley dealerships over pricing their services on the harleys, but not only do the buell dealerships do this, sometimes when i ask a question about a certain problem on the bike i get a look of pure ignorance from my local dealer. I am although very lucky, that there is a place that i can go to with questions concerning my bike. My brag club. But the dealer NEAR! my house is horrible.... When i ask about preformance upgrades, they basically skate around the question with another question. And when i ask about a slight knocking sound, they say "Oh that is typical to all buells, cause the compression is so high on a typically lower compression motor." When i heard that i was like, well shouldn't that be fixed??? but they just shrugged their shoulders. I have however found certain people at dealers that do take great pleasure in their buells, although they are few and far between. ERIC THIS SHOULD BE FIXED! I know i will keep with buells, as long as they stay true to their buyers, and riders. But this practice of discontinuing Tube Frame accessories, and dealership misshapps and wait periods has got to end. Adam | ||
| Tripper |
And the theme keeps rising, and pretty soon you have a movement. There are about 3 dealerships out there that give a damn about Buell products. GIVE US LIBERTY (independant dealership network).  | ||
| Ferris |
Anybody else have something to say to ERIK? yes: THANK YOU! FB  | ||
| Elvis |
Great job Erik! Keep up the good work!  | ||
| Rick_A |
Yes Eric, thanks for my most prized and cherished possession! Keep 'em coming...and keep 'em pushrod! On another token, I've never been to a dealership where I didn't have to explain something to the staff about their bikes, parts, service, etc. | ||
| Spiderman |
Rick uhhhhh don't know how to say this bud, but you are on your way to a hall of shame appearence. Unless you were talkin abou the third guy on the line that instals the forks and not Mr. Buell. | ||
| José_Quiñones |
Catch 22 If the dealers don't see a profit in promoting/selling/working on Buells, they won't try at all. Especially if Buells were "forced" on them as condition for a new dealership building or expansion, etc. Independent dealers, maybe a few here and there, but then you're eliminating the "advantage" of being a part of the HD national network. Even as bad as the dealers are, you can still go to one and find parts for your bike when you are on a long trip away from home. It's not just the dealers fault. If Buell owners don't show up to the dealer other than to buy some parts then go away, they are not doing their part, either. I think the BRAG clubs are the key to this. If a dealer starts a club and the members of the club are active and participates in dealer sponsored events and communicate with the Dealer about service/parts issues as a group, the dealer will hopefully try harder especially when they see $$$$ coming their way. Plus BRAG gives you that PRICELESS Atlas/Dealer Directory, which has saved my S3's butt on more than one occasion on long trips. That book is worth the membership fee by itself. One small way to do this, which we did at DCBRAG, is that the "Buell Parts Guy" and the "Buell Service Guy" are "honorary" DCBRAG members, so we try to keep them in the loop with our newsletter and they are our "go to" guys when parts/service issues come up. I also keep them up to speed about things that we find out here on Badweb. This won't fix everything but I think it helps. Finally, if Buell made a bike that created enough DEMAND to generate lots of foot traffic, waiting lists for certain models and $$$ for dealers in parts, accesories and service, most of the problem would go away. Follow the money, it's as simple as that for the dealers. | ||
| Pilk |
On the BRAG thing: recently while on a trip to FL I stopped at Treasure Coast H-D and was going to buy a few items, when I asked about Brag or Hog discount they advised me only if I was a member of the local chapter. This didnt quite set right with me so I went across the street to the HONDA dealer and purchased the items at a lower cost than I would have gotten with the discount. FULL PRICE and still cheaper. My point is H-D needs to do something to get their dealers on the customer service track Thank YOU Erik for my AWESOME X-1 pilk | ||
| Reepicheep |
It is as simple as "follow the money" for the dealers. Once the "HD Bubble" bursts (and arguably it has already), they will discover that motorcycles don't always automatically sell themselves for $5000 over the list price with a years out waiting list. Then THEY will "follow the money". I bet being a Buell dealer (at least with the XB's and Blasts) is more profitable then the average Japanese import dealer. I think the HD dealers are going to wake up one morning with the same stunned look all the dot-commers woke up with recently. What? You mean I actually have to produce something? Huh? How come nobody is lined up to throw money at me anymore? You mean I have to work for a living? This will more then likely be the morning after the 100th anniversary editions are sold out. In all fairness, I have had / heard just as many bad stories with the import bike dealers then with the Harley dealers. I think it is more of an industry thing then a Harley thing. Until a Saturn or Toyota type steps up to the plate in the motorcycle business (offering commodity type vehicles with luxury type retail customer service) and the revolution really begins, we are stuck with it. In the meantime, I can go babysit one of several local dealers and keep them from screwing up whatever I am trying to get done, or just phone Sport Twin or Modesto and have it done right the first time and shipped. Both are inconvenient but not intolerable. Oh yeah, and since this is the "Erik are you listening" area... "XB9S: I get it! I want it! Keep doing it!" Bill | ||
| Pdxs3t |
Erik, Things have come a long way since my first Buell in 1996. Thanks for producing a bike that has been in some of the most memorable moments of my life! Jim | ||
| Psychobueller |
"Anybody else have something to say to ERIK?" Thank you Erik for building a bike that makes me so damn happy every time I ride it, and smile every time I think about it. Thanks for NOT being another dime a'dozen motorcycle manufacturer. Thanks for building bikes that stand out in a crowd and ALWAYS attract attention. Thanks for having a passion for motorcycle design and thanks for having the balls to follow your vision. Thanks for the good times I have had because of my Buell, and the great friends I have made through my association with Buell. | ||
| Rick_A |
Oh, man. Now I did it. Guess I shoulda checked that spelling!  | ||
| Hogman |
Erik, XB9R = Dead On! I saw it! I got it! I love it!! Thanks!!! Hogman | ||
| Anonymous |
First to comment on Rick_A's remark about dealer knowledge: I've been to a number of dealers that aren't knowledgable about Buells. This includes my current dealer. It's sad when I can talk more techincal information about Buell bikes than my sales rep. And when it comes to service, I've had to (on more than one occasion), remind them about recall & goodwill replacement issues. They couldn't even tell me if I was eligible for the replacement front muffler mount. Secondly, on the subject of BRAG. I'm a national & local BRAG member. Do you want to know how much support we get from the dealer? They let us hold the meetings at the store. Thats all! No discounts, no "donations", nothing! I'll buy parts online all day for a lesser price. The ironic twist is that I had a rear tire installed at a H-D (not Buell affiliated) dealer. They gave me a BRAG discount! They don't even sell the bikes yet they'll give me a discount. If they serviced Buells, they'd be my #1 dealer! Thirdly to Erik: Keep up the good work! I love my Buells. I think the current models are too small for the average rider (both in stature & HP). I'm looking forward to a higher HP sport touring or dual purpose bike in the Buell future. | ||
| Pilk |
"Thirdly to Erik: Keep up the good work! I love my Buells. I think the current models are too small for the average rider (both in stature & HP). I'm looking forward to a higher HP sport touring or dual purpose bike in the Buell future." I dont even really need the more power part, but I'm seriously looking for a sport tour bike, would love for it to be a BUELL. Pilk | ||
| M2me |
I was buying some parts at my local Harley/Buell dealer and the parts guy asks, "Are you a HOG member? You get a 10% discount if you are." "No, I'm not," I said, "but I am a BRAG member." "BRAG, what's that?" the guy asks. "Well, it's sort of like HOG for Buell owners," I told him. So the guy turns to another parts guy and asks, "Do BRAG members get the 10% discount?" The second parts guy says, "Yes, they do." I got the 10% discount. Took awhile, but I got it. Some Harley/Buell dealers are bad and some are just kind of slow. Maybe some more education for the dealers would be helpful. Like, what is BRAG, or what is a Buell. | ||
| Buckinfubba |
ya'll are right on track. I'm a tech at tilley's and guess what ....I fight everyday to make things better for buellers at our dealership. You are correct in sayin that the dealership lets buellers down. But at the same time it is a money thing...granted thats no excuse. I have pretty much alienated myself inside the dealership because of all my bitching.....but I want it better and damn it thats what I will get it too. We will be moving too a much bigger place here soon and we'll see if I can get some of this working better. Yes Thank god for erik buell ...Its a great bike that is very misunderstood....its a sportbike being sold in dealerships that mainly don't understand or give a rats ass about sport bikes....hell I here people everyday that still call them croutch rockets...I love these bikes to the point where at 36 years old I sold a very sucessful business ...living on easy street to go to school to become a motorcycle tech not just a harley or buell tech but motorcycle tech.... alot less money than I had before and alot more fight but I am dedicated to this and it is that simple. maybe independent is the answer but I think its a matter of understanding....that is what is sorely misssing at dealerships....when the harley people become motorcycle people this will change but trust me .... there is an elitest attitude and that is what screws it up.... I don't care what ya ride just that ya ride....Buell motorcycles changed my life and ...I hope to change theirs....but I am just a ripple in the pond ...I will keeep up the good fight and time will tell all seesya bubba | ||
| Peter |
Erik, Congratulations on doing what I have wanted to do, but never did. Built your own bikes. Well done. PPiA | ||
| Grizzlyb |
Erik, He CAN build his own bikes, Try to get that PPIA under contract. BTW Thanks for all those exciting years you gave me. Grizzly | ||
| Java |
Eric; Thanks for the test-ride program. It must not have been easy to take a dealer network that can sell $20,000 bikes, sight-unseen, 3 months in advance, and get them to allow test rides on you're bikes. That said, I rode a Firebolt a while back. It is, for me, the perfect bike. I must have one. I haven't slept well since. I must have one. My kids keep out-growing all of their clothes. Still, I must have one. I have actually gotten a second job, in order to save money for one. I MUST have one. I hope to get to meet you one day, so I can buy you a beer, and tell you to your face; It's all your fault. You suck! Keep up the good work, Tom | ||
| Spiderman |
For those not familare with Blake's passion for putting people in the hall of shame or for those who have not seen this glorious place one friendly reminder. Erik is spelled with a K | ||
| Ezblast |
Erik - great work on the bikes - I love my Blast and because she fits me so well - I'll probably keep her forever. Still - now I look at the XB and think - ".. you know for long trips she'd be perfect.." and I know its just a matter of time before I break down and get one. Its funny too because when I was first thinking motorcycles - American bikes were last on my list - heavy,pokie, and ill handling (maintenence - has'nt been a real issue since the early 90's) and as I've always said "...Buell needs to advertise more.." - I had never heard of them - but one look and I was sold. Just Blasting on the Dark Side! EZ | ||
| Java |
Spidey; Yeah, I knew that, so I really do belong in the hall of shame. While I was typeing that letter to Erik, I was talking on the phone to my brother Eric. Hanging My Head Tom | ||
| Crusty |
Anybody else have something to say to ERIK? Please, build a XB based version of the S3T. I love hard saddlebags, and an all-day saddle, and decent wind protection. I also think that the S3 might possibly be the most beautiful motorcycle ever made. I just want it to be totally trouble free. I think the XB's will be. Oh, before I forget, Thanks for the truly great machines you've already built and the ones that you're going to build. | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Crusty - I'm with you on the sport touring version of the XB. I'd be at the dealer in a heartbeat to sign the papers. Trouble-free? No bike is that. Although my '00 Blast has been almost perfect, except for the rocker-box gasket repair. Thank you Erik for getting this 50+ something really interested in riding again. | ||
| Rick_A |
Hey, everyone makes mistakes. My name(s) have been misspelled enough times that I feel no shame for making that mistake. I'm sure EriK would understand...sonsabitches  | ||
| Rudebike |
I guess if I were to say something it would be...that my 2001 X1 is cool, bring back the S1... And don't abandon people's faulty Buells. | ||
| Daves |
Erik, Thanks for building a bike that has put the passion back in my riding, has brought me numerous new friends and saved me from a life of chrome and tassels!(OK,so I never had any tassels) Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center 4022 Sergeant Rd Waterloo Ia 50701 1-800-342-7539 ext 14 |
