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Jotrevza
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 07:52 pm: | 
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Hey Hayabusa,
If we didn't get "up on our soap-boxes" once in a while, we'd all be paying for safety recalls, and many other flaws and failings that were not of our doing in the first place. I salute you for telling it like it really is!
I've heard a number of people (particularly) on this forum consistently defending the shortcomings of this company and this bike in particular. Hell, I'M GUILTY TOO! I love the damn bike! How else can this possibly be characterized but (foolish) loyalty? It's crystal clear to me that most of us want to believe in this machine, and embrace it's design concept, as well as the company's "stated" philosophy. I think we have every right to pursue a fair shake, especially when we give the kind of intense loyalty that I've seen across this website.
Personally speaking, I don't sit around wondering why (collectively) Americans have all but bankrupted OUR own economy! Sure, I'm generalizing here, but, this has become very problematic for us. We often see it in the daily work ethic as we frequent business'(i.e., you don't have to look any farther than Detroit and the once giant car makers to see where I'm going with that) Sure, there are many companies that DO believe in the core values, but, we've already reached critical mass and Americans everywhere are feeling it now.
So many of us decide again and again to "step up to the plate" and buy American, only to have it shoved up our backsides. We attempt to buy our own products, from our own people, (what most would deem a "win-win" situation) who, often try to screw their own (either wittingly, or otherwise) with a very short-sighted, selfish and greedy, buck-chasing end state in mind. They seem to forget that quality and customer service go hand in hand with long term success.
As an undeniable example, the japanese culture understood that back in the sixties, and still understands that today. In fact, they've not only "honed-in" on it, but, they've made an art of it! Now look where we're at? Can you fault them for taking advantage of our own shortcomings???
My view is pretty simple-minded......
Build a product that you can stand by, and the masses will not only come, THEY'LL STAY! I believe we can get from here to there with this bike if the support is truly available where and when we need it.
That's just my $2.50 worth of griping.
Keep it real, Tracy |
Doerman
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 08:23 pm: |
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Build a product that you can stand by, and the masses will not only come, THEY'LL STAY! I believe we can get from here to there with this bike if the support is truly available where and when we need it.
I can not agree more. And I can attest to the fact that for over 10 years Buell has "stood by me". I have purchased the first edition from Buell four times.
95 S2, 96 S1, 02 XB9R and my 08 1125R.
These bikes have had issues but I have been taken care of with every one of them.
Buell is an outstanding company with a passion for their product and their customers unparalleled by no other company.
Anony's response above does not surprise me one bit. Do not misunderstand, I am very grateful for Buell stepping up to the plate - again! |
Unibear12r
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 08:39 pm: |
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They do it all the time. It just takes time. Look at the XBR headlight program. I think they made good time with that. Voice your concerns, then relax, be patient and stay in touch. No matter how good they are it'll be a while. Buell has been one of the best companys I've had to deal with in this regard. |
Chameleon
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 10:17 pm: |
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Doerman & Unibear12r have it right...
Buell is an honorable company that stands by their products and really takes care of their customers.
I never had a doubt in my mind that this issue would be resolved appropriately.
I don't think I have ever defended shortcomings but have rather tried to promote patience and understanding in that this is a virtually all new bike... There are bound to be some issues. The company knows that and I have to think they are as prepared as possible to deal with them. It just takes time to collect information and assess the level of impact each issue has on the bikes individually and as a whole line.
Oh, and I completely agree with Tracy's message. We as Americans only have ourselves to blame for the position we're in. I buy American whenever I can (I own all American brand vehicles for example), but unfortunately the majority of society is too short-sighted and lacking in personal responsibility to do the same.
(Message edited by Chameleon on July 27, 2008) |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2008 - 06:53 am: |
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>>>>It's nice to know we're being taken care of after putting ourselves out there as Guinea pigs
No one was a Guinea pig. Even before the "first in the industry" pre-release of the press and media bikes that folks were allowed to ride on the street and track and provide feedback, the 1125R had gone through nearly 2 years and tens of thousands of hours of rigors on-road and virtual testing.
Buell will be treating customers to another industry first with a program of "free program upgrades" as new information is discovered, deemed appropriate and averrable. Everybody wins. Buell owners get up to date information and product and it also creates a dealer-customer contact opportunity. I can't recall the last time I went to a dealer to get something free and didn't make a purchase (sometimes of another motorcycle) while I was there.
Buell has a history that no other motorcycle company even comes close to in terms of standing behind product. From the days they were providing me with preproduction bikes to spend months beating on and reporting to the way they currently follow a prudent responsibility program that often ignores warranty date constraints and "legal" obligations. Some of you that I have provided the $37,000 worth of parts for 9 and 10 year old Buells can likely lend support to this.
Buell is breaking new ground. Being on the leading edge always carries some risk and Buell is managing that risk marvelously. Try calling the Suzuki factory and telling them you'd like to order a race chip for your RC. Better yet, just try finding the name of one top exec. . . Buell's top execs are easy to find. . . you can read their names on their leathers as they pass you.
I still get a kick out of the "new issues" discussions after my wife bought a very expensive German convertible last year and it went in with less than 500 miles for a steering box. Sitting in line behind her were two McLaren's and a Maybach. The argument simply doesn't;t hold water. Few companies have ever released a perfect product or one that was not later improved upon.
It's an amazing time and an amazing company.
Court |
Ccryder
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2008 - 08:31 am: |
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In my book, Buell has stood up many times and taken care of owners, myself included, with service and parts. Did I ever mention the time that BMC overnighted a complete set of saddlebags for my 99' S3T the day before Home Coming? And the list goes on......
Just color me satisfied.
Neil S. |
Mario1125
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2008 - 10:47 pm: |
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"It's an amazing time and an amazing company"
I agree. |
Madxcat
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 01:34 am: |
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I don't find much fault in Buell as a company, I understand completely that this is a brand new product and there will be some problems associated with it. What I do have a problem with is the Harley Dealership repair staff who seem to be under-trained and uninformed about the 1125r. The 1125r is a totally different beast compaired to HD (and other buell) bikes. My experiences with my dealership has been shall we say not to encouraging. I wish Buell had a dedicated dealership and staff that specialized in their bikes. |
Chameleon
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 02:00 am: |
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My understanding is that there was 1125R-specific training available and that it was up to each dealer to send techs to it to be trained.
The dealership I purchased from has two locations, Fife & Puyallup. Fife sent one tech to the program and Puyallup sent zero.
Puyallup has only been open for about 1.25 years and apparently was unable to send a tech to the training due to costs.
And there lies one big problem as to why these bikes are not as well-supported as they could have been.
Edit: Perhaps we'll be lucky and the Buell / MV Agusta lines will split out to their own dealers. But that's unlikely.
(Message edited by Chameleon on July 29, 2008) |
Thespive
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 03:19 am: |
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Unlike many companies, Buell and BadWeB feel like a family and I am proud to be a member. The products make me smile, the people make me think, an the experience is unlike anything else you'll find in the motorcycle industry. What we have here is still a best kept secret - if only people knew about how personal Buell as a company is they'd be willing to try them out. Hell, I have e-mailed Erik Buell and have gotten several personal responses that were more than just one liners.
Thanks Buell,
--Sean |
Zac4mac
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 09:58 am: |
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You said it, Sean.
Still haven't done the 5th gear recall or the RevB clutch cover.
Sturgis starts this weekend and we're busy as one-armed-paperhangers.
Going in today on my day off for some OT.
I like working at a dealership...
Z |
Madxcat
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 12:08 pm: |
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Well at least the guys at my dealership have a good sense of humor, you would think living in the dallas area they would move more of these bikes. We joked about my bike being the guinea pig since it was the first one for a service, and first for the recall (which took 2 weeks lol). Since reading these forums though I feel a lot better knowing the company is willing to do whatever to back its product. I am super happy I found this forum!! |
P_squared
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 12:25 pm: |
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Matt, check into the DFW section of the StormFronts board (http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/37/ 80418.html?) .
I'm making an educated "guess" there are a LOT of 1125R's in the DFW area based on sightings & postings.
I've been to both Allen & Corinth so far with mine. |
Madxcat
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 12:38 pm: |
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Allen dealership is where I purchased mine. Thanks for the link I will check that out! How was your experience with Corinth? |
P_squared
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 12:47 pm: |
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Got the new ECM map in Corinth and did the 5th gear in Allen.
Both shops have their good & bad points IMO. However, the Service Dept. at both have been friendly & helpful. Sometimes I "help" by making sure they have the "most recent" info which I typically find here on BadWeb.
Justin (Rainman1ne)has the white 1125R and works down the road from me. There have been a couple/few other posters on here that are in the Denton area as well on 1125Rs.
Have fun with your bike & hopefully we'll meet up at ECR for Inside Pass if not before then. |
Madxcat
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 12:53 pm: |
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Phil, sounds good. Iv been riding alone way to much! got to get involved in something lol. |
Blazin_buell
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 - 11:52 am: |
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Phil, how many of you from the DFW area will be going to the inside pass??? |
P_squared
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 - 11:57 am: |
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Shane, I don't really know to be honest. There's a seperate post for it in the TNT Stormfronts section though:
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/37/ 336942.html?1217369094
Last year @ Cresson had a pretty good turnout, so should be even better this year. |
Jotrevza
| | Posted on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 03:42 pm: |
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Hey guys,
It's obviously been a bit since I've returned to this thread!
I have to admit, I'm SINCERELY in awe at the support, dedication, and sheer loyalty of Buell owners!!! This is AMAZING to me.
The 1125R is the first Buell I've owned, and so I guess that truly makes me a "new guy"! Since I'm not too certain what to expect yet with this particular company, I'd actually agree that PATIENCE on my part may well be the watchword for the day. I'm optimistic (at least for now) that my issues with this bike WILL be sorted out in the end. That's due in large part to your information and experiences shared on this website. I think I'm making a BIG fan out of Court too! He likes me, he just doesn't know it yet! 
Yeah, on one hand, I'm griping about the many issues, but, on the other hand, I'm praising the overall function and design, and the spirited handling that seems to be very unique to at least this Buell. I've owned a lot of bikes over the years, and had fun with all of them, but, this one is becoming special to me. All the more reason why I'm hoping to get all of the issues resolved (sooner, rather than later)so I can feel vindicated in my decision to purchase this particular bike!
I'm heartened by the way you all feel about your bikes too. Good, bad, or indifferent, agreeable or disagreeable, you are all well spoken, and convey the spirit of this company and it's products. I enjoy the opportunity to be a part of the exchange of ideas. You're all making a "believer" out of me!
Stay safe out there, Tracy |
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