| Author |
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Black9
| | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 11:16 am: | 
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He whines about the looks on the XB board also....GET OVER IT |
Ruprecht
| | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 11:46 am: |
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I don't know how well the 1125R is selling here. I've yet to see one on the road, and I work around the corner from the only Buell dealer in the state.
I know they've sold at least one (Sheepaholic)!
Pricing is $17500 AUD +ORC, which places the 1125R on par with the 1000cc Jap sports bikes. Pretty reasonable really.
What would it take to get me to pull the trigger on an '08?
If I can get a decent test ride, and I like what I find.
If I'm convinced that the updates and recalls address the major issues (fueling and heat).
If Buell follows the normal discount cycle here with the introduction of the '09 models (price should be under $15K +ORC)...
I would probably get an '08.
As for it's continued success...
The motorcycle market is extremely conservative, and Buell is an unorthodox brand with a chequered reputation. I think moving away from the Harley lumps is definitely going to broaden the appeal, but Buell is still going to be a niche brand for those that want something different.
Given that the appeal of Buell is mostly the functional design features and unique status, I don't think the looks are what's holding it back the most (in fact I think remaining visually unique is more important than achieving "Italian" style beauty). I think the number one thing for Buell to overcome is it's reputation.
Buell needs to make sure the press fully reviews the 2009 models (not just write them up as, "exciting new colours"). I think they need to make absolutely sure the models they test are in excellent working order. They need to make clear that the 2009 changes have mostly been applied to the 2008 models, and at no charge, as part of Bells commitment to it's customers.
They also need to do everything they can to make existing 1125R owners happy little vegemites. Word of mouth (or keyboard). Classic, cult bike status is what they should be shooting for.
...racing presence (and success) wouldn't hurt either. |
Racerxusa
| | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 03:42 pm: |
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Hi all, i noticed this was suppose to be an aging 08 stock forum and how we as dealers can sell the remaning stock..., but now its who's girlfriend is prettier or hotter, LOL!...ok I am from the East coast(who cares) and lived down south for many years(US Air Force years) and now in California(comifornia). I have seen different tastes depending where you are from like naked bikes in europe and elsewhere. See my family is from europe with a twist of every culture it seems. So lets say you like euro women(model types), or you like american woman(hmm chubby and fat, LOL), what about skinny crack whores..ok its in the eye of the beholder...simple as that...over the years, generations, peoples tastes change, now more so because of commercialism, TV/print, and the PC/Cell phone. Nowadays I think people are out of touch with reality of what is nice, good looking, style and with all the BS out there. An opinion is like an A-hole.....everyone has one. I like different(I am different) and I dont want to be a follower, like my mom use to say "are you gonna jump in a lake just because everyone else does....!" I like to beat to my own drum....they say.
(Message edited by racerxusa on September 18, 2008) |
Boltrider
| | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 04:42 pm: |
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I would need a second job if I were to buy an 1125R right now. It's styling has grown on me and I'll get one as soon as my Bolt is paid off. |
Xnoahx
| | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 05:52 pm: |
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To me, the bike looks good. Very different that what you will see in the current state of sportbike design. More emphasis on function than pure fashion. They arent trying to be italian or japanese. |
Zac4mac
| | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 09:24 pm: |
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Two things sold me on Buell.
1) Handling - NOTHING comes close that I've ridden.
2) the Buell Community |
Pridayr
| | Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 11:18 pm: |
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+ Friggin 1!!!
(and now the're FAST!
Rob |
Freight_dog
| | Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 01:17 am: |
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"The main problem is that because of the styling, the 1125R line has a very small market. It appears they have surpassed the saturation point. Discounting hurts everyone- especially owners who paid full pop. I predicted this would happen after seeing the first pics, and I hope my fears of these models being the final nail for Buell does not come true.
What does Buell need to do to solve the sales problem?... redesign the bike."
I used to think like this as well. I have a Suzuki and have always been a sportbike guy. At first I thought it was unattractive but the looks have certainly grown on me. More importantly, it is a bike with performance in the GSXR-750 ballpark, without being a boring UJM, or an overpriced Euro junk.
My frustration is with the perceived quality. Buell has a history of quality problems on new bikes. The moto-press still talks about past test bikes that fell apart and had to be pushed back. Cycle World's experience of going through 4 1125's during the Ducati 848 comparison is another example.
The Japanese set the standard of testing bikes to death before they see the light of day and the European manufacturers seem to have picked up the practice. KTM blew dozens of motors and put 30,000 miles on several bikes before releasing the RC8, and it appears to be a largely glitch free motorcycle.
I don't understand why Buell would use motojournos as its test corps, knowing they would post the warts all over and give a piss poor initial impression.
IIRC,the bike went from drawing board to production in less than two years. KTM has been developing the RC8 since 2001. If, rather than rushing the bike out, they had continued development and came out with the new bike as an 09 with it's current level of development, we might be having a different conversation here. Also, polling focus groups of targeted buyers (not previous Buell owners) regarding the styling would have been useful.
Having said that, I really like the red one.
(Message edited by freight_dog on September 20, 2008)
(Message edited by freight_dog on September 20, 2008) |
Teach
| | Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 09:54 am: |
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It looks like the latest flash has solved the problems that riders have been reporting and maybe the riders that have been waiting will come forward and make the purchase. My dealership is offering great incentives on 08 1125R's directed at protecting your investment and your safety. |
Buellborn
| | Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 10:55 am: |
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Freight_dog Also, polling focus groups of targeted buyers (not previous Buell owners) regarding the styling would have been useful
Otherwise the bean counters win the styling wars. |
Black9
| | Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 12:59 pm: |
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Styling, like drive trains, are what make Buells what they are...can you tell which is Japanese and which is a Buell, or a Ducati if they had no labels and were placed side by side? sure you could, and that's GOOD! that is why I've owned 4 Buells, not only for the uniqueness of the product, but also they usually aren't a single focus product and are great STREET bikes. My 1125 with the latest map has turned this bike into my favorite Buell , not only because it doesn't have "me too" styling, but it has the power to match most comers and still be comfortable on the street. |
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