| Author | Message | ||
     Kuellrider |
Went down to HD dealership today for 1000 mile service. Bikes running great. They sold 3 to 4 1125's today. I voiced my concerns with the sales management and plan to return next week to continue voicing concern, as a PAYING CONSUMER WITH MONEY. I spent time last night reviewing the 3rd quarter stock report. After the review I conclude that Buell showed growth in the 2008-2009 year. I'm not an expert in interpreting the data as I haven't read tons of quarterly stock reports, but that is the way I see it. In any business does it make sense to cut off a division that is growing? The only answer I can come up with is if it is not profitable. So, I rationale that Buell is profitable this year. Considering the economic times, that is an amazing feat. So, then why do this? To please stock holders and show actions are being taken to control costs in tough economic times. Buell is easy to cut, and in a business sense, for the short term, it looks to be a good decision. But sometimes things come to light in a moment of strife. Buells sell like mad with the huge rebates. People express their love for the brand and the bike. they explain why they like the product and how they feel about it. And be persistant in expressing this opinion, persistance pays off. Explain the marketing of HD with Buell. Explain that other motorcycle vendors are more greatly diversified in the motorcycle market, selling bikes that fit into many types of riding styles. The big 4 cover dirt to cruisers. I think it would be interesting to know how Honda Motorcycle or Suzuki has weathered this economic storm. I bet the diversification in the market has allowed them to weather the storm with less financial implications. Buell does this for HD. it brings diversity to their sales. It brings in 20 to 39 year olds and weans them into the market. These customers yearn for American motorcycles. They are patriotic people. Some day they will want tour bikes and cruisers, but right know they want sport and adventure bikes. These folks like to employ 180 people in Wisconsin. Use this opportunity to right a wrong. Lets support American jobs. The management will listen. At the worst, you waste some time. At the best, it changes the current status of the future of Buell. | ||
| Slypiranna |
Kuellrider, Good post. Made me really think of the last two years and where we are today. Please understand nothing is meant in ill fashion, just my opinion...nothing more and nothing less///////////// >>>Some that rode the fence since Late 07 are finally buying whats left of the 1125...along with other Buells. The rest...well, you'll see them keep posting, some are even "popular". IMO, the history doesn't take a rocket science education or a degree in business statistics. Who wouldn't buy @ the current sell prices if even remotely interested? Answer-The one's that can't or didn't honestly have any intention of ever doing so. Instead, they post. There are many, however, that still owe double (or even more) on their loans for what was sold @ retail or slightly below. There are many that own with high retail as well. My payoff is 10K on my 08 11. I have zero intention of backing out or selling out...even knowing I could owe half if played right. Was I ignorant? Absolutely not. Am I remorsefull or jealous of those that waited until now? Absolutely not. I also have an 0911r with less than 1k miles that I can't give away for a fellow owner @ 7500.00. He's got close to 10k in his. Both have all the bugs worked out, as is common in ANY new model and run better than anything sold new today...as they should...with all the GOOD information and SUPPORT within the last two years. BMC ALWAYS FOLLOWED THROUGH WITH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THOSE I PERSONALLY KNOW. THAT IS FACT! IF there wasn't internet/websites, I feel Buell's flagship 11 and other efforts would not be in the current state but that is just my opinion...and no offense to this or any other website forum but a lot of information relevant over the last two years wasn't/isn't factual...even the best magazines couldn't get it right! FACT. Remember another fact; many owners often schooled the best techs on their own bikes in for warranty and/or service. For that, yes, I do say HD messed up with the marriage of training with Buell technology. IMO, it is above them. Facts remains...today, few HD techs can confidently go into the 11 without having BMC support involved. That is NOT a mechanic boys and girls. It all did play a part in "it" though. Patriotic? I have had the pleasure of meeting dozens...and communicating with nearly a hundred, worldwide. Even those off this continent have by majority, supported Buell with said purchase, patience and above all, dedicated and loyal support. The majority of owners/racers, still do! They will next year as well. From a business standpoint...no website/public source will reveal the core reasons for such a decision on behalf of upper management. If there is any individual that WILL post factual information to argue the last paragraph, please do but do so with enough data so as not to leave any questions left. Feelings and/or BS won't salvage damage done. The damage is already done. The bottom line, in my opinion again, is that the actual market just wasn't/isn't there to support what HD's goals were from a business standpoint. There is a difference between making money and getting by. Big business...and honest, good ethics/intentions, don't mix. Oil and water. If and when they ever have, it is rare based upon factual history. Buell racing won't go away...not by a long shot. Street Buell's? Well, we all just witnessed a lot of new owners in the last few days! With that, I wonder if we will see a new level. I think we will. I wish those directly related to BMC find whatever it is they seek or are directed to...whether involved with HD or as an entity or as individuals... But from what I've witnessed/experienced in the mere last two years from an ownership side, racer involvement, other owner involvement and the good core Buell community... They already have. | ||
| Black |
My opinion is that H-D looks like a rudderless ship in a storm. Didn't Harley start out in a barn becoming an all-American icon? So they unceremoniously just drop Buell...that has followed the same Harley-blazed path? I remember watching Danny on tv at Daytona...the announcers didn't know what Buell was and kept calling them Harleys. However, that showed that Harley was looking ahead and trying to capture the youth market and that they could win races again. Talk about free advertising. I thought Harley had a carefully thought-out business plan. Changes of this magnitude are a warning for more than just Buell fans. It appears that Buell was solvent, so why spend millions to shut down a branch that was profitable? If the Motor Company was the "Fashion Company" I could at least understand why they are doing what they are doing. | ||
| Metalrabbit |
I doubt that H-D really wants to know what I think. But one thing they do know is that the remaining $11,000 balance for my '09 1125r is going to them! That thought is detestable to me now that they have slashed the value of my bike nearly in half! And do I have to mention that the Buell 1125 just racked up a pretty good score in M/C Racing recently! They want to know what I think?,, Look into my "brown eye",, that'll tell ya everything you want to know. (Message edited by metalrabbit on October 18, 2009) |
