| Author | Message | ||
     Chadhargis |
Yeah, and the old "we don't talk about future products" is out the window now, there are no future products, so let's hear what was planned for the future. | ||
| Tpoppa |
"Remind me to tell you sometime" would be NOW. I would agree. It's like saving for a rainy day...well today it's POURING!! | ||
| Doughnut |
I have always been entertained by the "remind me to tell you" and such but It seems like emotions are REAL high. I would encourage Court to share ALL that he is permited to as soon as he could. Keeping in mind there still may be things he can't share for whatever reason. Maybe it is a good sigh for Buell that Court isn't / can't tell us more yet? Edit:Could EB be in talks with H-D to take MV Agusta? (Message edited by Doughnut on October 15, 2009) | ||
| A10tankkill |
Just had the local radio talk show and listened to a guy who admitted he was a union Harley employee. His comments were, that it was about time they got rid of Buell and the non union people as they have never made any money for Harley. I've never called in to a talk show, but I was dialing away trying to get through to blast that ass. Kept getting a busy signal and gave up, but the host did a pretty good job of making the guy look like an ass. I really don't like idiots like that! | ||
| Skifastbadly |
What I don't get is the video on the Buell site. What is HD trying to do with that? They already made the tough decision, they know that the Buellers are going to be madder than hell. Showing a video of EB about to start crying is just twisting the knife. The ultimate in piss poor PR. Just stupid. | ||
| Boltrider |
I agree with every word of this. | ||
| Moxnix |
When management bought The Motor Company from AMF many years ago, and did a public offering, lotta people stepped up and bought shares, a few or many as money allowed. And that was during hard economic times. H-D got a law passed by congress to protect their market from Asia for a few years, the Evo was born, and the rest is history. The dust hasn't settled, the charge isn't off this situation. | ||
| Scooter808484 |
What really ticks me off is that now I kind of hate both my bikes, HD got the money for both of them and I hate them for it... Hopefully I'll get over it | ||
| F_skinner |
it was about time they got rid of Buell The HD and Buell relationship certainly is/was a doubled edged sword. That is typical of people that lack vision. Court, while this is a turbulent time Lynn and I are thinking about the people that work for Buell, all the great bikes they have built and more importantly what the future holds. Please pass to BMC that no matter what happens we are very pleased to have been a part of Buell if nothing more than through Buell ownership. We HOPE to be a part of the Buell experience (whatever that turns out to be) in the future. I rode the Uly to work today and I think I will take the S2-T out for a ride in a few minutes. Just let BMC know that I am still riding and loving their bikes. HD just shot themselves in the foot. Short sighted business decisions are doomed to fail. My money is on Mr. Buell... Frank Buell Enthusiast | ||
| Ferris_von_bueller |
I don't think anyone put a gun to EB's head and said, " you must make this video". The man was, basically; just fired and can do or not do whatever he wants to do. I'm betting he just wanted to say a few words to all the Buell owners who supported him throughout the years. I know, I would. Could EB be in talks with H-D to take MV Agusta? His demeanor in the video would suggest otherwise. | ||
| Skifastbadly |
I don't think anyone put a gun to EB's head and said, " you must make this video". The man was, basically; just fired and can do or not do whatever he wants to do. I'm betting he just wanted to say a few words to all the Buell owners who supported him throughout the years. I know, I would. Not questioning EB's motives. I'm questioning the wisdom of HD's PR dept allowing it. Makes them look worse. This is a PR disaster for HD, someone screwed up. | ||
| Missin44 |
Damn, been wanting a Buell for years, finally get one and now this. Damn. Still glad I got got my Ulysses, will keep it and ride it. Damn. Erik, I've never met you but I hope one day I do. Thanks for your vision and the Buell team. (Message edited by missin44 on October 15, 2009) | ||
| Doughnut |
Does this explain the removing of "Buell" from the Blast? Is the blast to be produced soley as a rider's Edge progam bike? Did they remove it from Buell so that when They killed Buell they would still have the Blast? | ||
| Palmer |
it's time for this!  The Pegasus - as the Fenix - will resuscitate from dust, and will ride Harder and Harder on Mount Helicon. "From the Heliconian Muses let us begin to sing, Who hold the great and holy mount of Helicon, And dance on soft feet about the deep-blue spring And the altar of the almighty son of Cronos, and, When they have washed their tender bodies in Permessus Or in the Horse's Spring or Olmeius, Make their fair, lovely dances upon highest Helicon And move with vigorous feet" The PEgasus will rise again without the HD Moloch..back to the roots, back to the original Dream. Buell Cronos, a new era is possible. Go Erik Buell!!!! | ||
| Gfc55 |
Court, I'm hoping for the best for Erik & the entire Buell organization. As you know, I've been a Buell Enthusiast since the early days, and more recently the owner of an STT and an 1125r. Carmie and I were stunned to learn the news that HD was ceasing production of the Buell line. I totally believe that Erik is not going to sit around waiting for HD to tell him what to do, so I have great hopes for the future. We're keeping the Buell Elves in our positive thoughts... | ||
| Mastros2 |
I can see the positive through the negative as well. I'll be waiting for the news Court! | ||
| Doughnut |
This is like my last relationship. All of a sudden I find out it isn't working and was never given a hint that it was over. I spoke with a sales guy ay Hal's just moments ago and he seemed to be suprised as well. Said they were getting a lot of calls regarding $3000 - $5000 incentives and such. Said it was NOT true. though he was talking about $9000 + tax and title on a 09 ss. He said this is a big shock to a lot of the "lower" levels as well. I asked him if this was some sort of PR stunt and he seem honest when he said he did not think so. Just sharing. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Buell revenue was $134.9 million in 2008 and $59.4 million 2009 year-to-date. Is this true? I was under the impression Buell was on the rise. Wasn't Buell one of the only couple motorcycle companies that reported an increase in sales this year over last? | ||
| 12x9sl |
+1000 on waiting to hear from you Court. Thank you for taking the time to share with us-this has to be especially hard for you. I find it hard to believe that the folks that have been infected with Erik's passion and love for his creations will be able to stand idly by and just watch without reaching out and helping. But, hey, I've been wrong before. | ||
| Americanmadexb |
Nice Palmer, just posted the pic in the quick board under "interesting pics" | ||
| Doerman |
Interesting analyst conference... What I glean from that is the following: 1) Buell and Harley distribution and dealership network was too entangled to separate Buell out and shop it as a going concern on the market. 2) HD took the charges in this quarter for both asset depreciation and dealer inventory discounting costs. HD has prepared BMC for an asset sale (as opposed to a going concern). The advantage to HD is they take the charges now and are done with it (eroded anticipated EPS from .21 to .11) It also helped to offset some of the tax burden MV incurred (not in percentage, but in real $). So. These actions have transformed BMC into a salable asset. HD should be highly motivated to sell a dormant asset much sooner rather than later. I'll bet if an investment house or Penske or Polaris offered HD $100M for the asset, they would take it. But not until 2010. Yep... with a little skill and luck, there's definitely light at the end of the tunnel! | ||
| Thespive |
I am looking forward to hearing what the Anonys have to say, especially under the circumstances. --Sean | ||
| The_italian_job |
to be honest, I'm not so positive thinking about it. I can't see any subliminal messages on what Erik Buell said this morning. he just told us the bold truth. I just hope to see an investor to deliver an offer to take over the company, but at that point, Buell Motorcycles will never be the same! I don't understand the move of HD wanting to just shut down the production and not trying to sell the company like they're doing with MV. weird decision in my opinion... let's wait for Court... | ||
| Hughlysses |
Doerman- Nice to hear from somebody that evidently understands the finer points of some of the "corporate-speak" coming out of the mothership. Let's hope you're right. (Message edited by hughlysses on October 15, 2009) | ||
| Cataract2 |
Here's something HD can take to the bank. I happen to be in the demographic that they want to attract. I'm 27 and what do you know... I have money to burn too. You know what brought me into the dealerships? Buell. That was it. Now, I was considering a VROD for future purchase. Sorry, not happening now. HD has lost me as a potential customer and I will NEVER recommend one of their products in the future. HD, you're losing the demographic you want to attract. You can't seem to get us, yet here you had a product that did manage to bring us in. This product happened to come out with a revolutionary one in recent years and it had interest. Yet you hinder them all over with crummy dealers. Now, right when they are getting going you kill them. Sad, I might cheer the day I hear you go under. | ||
| Methed |
+1 Hugh, good to hear your perspective Doerman. It's been one of the highlights of anything I've read today. My only concern is who gets to keep the trademarks and intellectual properties. My hope is that Erik made that a part of initial talks with HD... Still, if Erik's involved, so am I--even if it is called a Buellbardier or something obnoxious like that. (Message edited by methed on October 15, 2009) | ||
| Doerman |
Trademarks, patents and IP is normally part of the asset. They could be separated out from the asset if HD thought they could use it. Doing so would reduce the value of the asset more than the end value to retain it. I mean, I think the day is faaaar into the future for a perimeter brake or a fuel-in-fram Harley (Message edited by doerman on October 15, 2009) | ||
| Ponti1 |
I have hope for the future, until something confirms with absolute certainty that there is no reason for further hope. This announcement leaves me with an empty feeling somewhere inside. I almost relate it to a sort of losing sense of one's self. I'm with Erik as well...Whatever he decides is the next step in the 200-year plan, will without a doubt be the next step in the right direction. I do not want an in-line-4, I do not want an italian v-twin... | ||
| Ferris_von_bueller |
Buell is worth 100 million? Explain that one to me | ||
| Doerman |
$100M might be high, true. Two tangible components: 1) 3-4 x of EBIT averaged over the last 3 years 2) Value of production assets and inventory Intangible value: Value of the Buell brand (which went up considerably the past 12 months) |
