| Author | Message | ||
     José_Quiñones |
Elvis, Yeah, and Triumph had a fire at their factory and yada yada yada. Everybody's numbers tell a story, I'll paraphrase from the MCN article where I scanned that from: When you realize that half of Honda's total is in Dirt Bikes, it makes HD's number that much more impressive. Cruiser sales were up 11% for the whole market mainly in the over 900cc category. Sport bike sales were down 5%, 600-750 bikes were down 14% Traditional/Standards were down 17% KTM only sells one street bike (the Duke) and the rest are dirt bikes right now, when they start building more street bikes, look out. Kawasaki's growth was due to heavyweight cruisers (+38%), even though their sportbike sales were down 2%. I agree that it is not fair to compare this year to last year for Buell because of the changeover of "platforms" but a 24% drop does not look good no matter what the reasons are. 2003 will be a truer indication of where the trendline is headed. | ||
| Rick_A |
Hootowl...I like to break my rear loose under acceleration  | ||
| Ray_Maines |
Rick: I like to break my rear end loose too! Count me in. Especially on the weekends. Yee ha, ride 'um, cowboy! . . . . . . . Ah, that is what you ment isn't it?  | ||
| Elvis |
José, If Buell ends up the year at 5602 I would be very concerned, but that number is not even close to what they will have. I'm not saying the first quarter was a write off, so it's understandable that their sales will be down 24%, I'm saying that because their first quarter was a write off, a real projection that considers the 3rd and 4th quarters will be much higher than either the 1st or 2nd quarters would put Buell well ahead of Triumph and Ducati. Expect Buell's final 2002 sales to be well ahead of Triumph and Ducati (even with the first quarter) and expect their 2003 sales to be nipping at BMW's heals. Please remember this and let me know if I'm wrong when the final numbers are in. | ||
| Mikej |
"Wanna take a crack at which company, on the list, will not be in existence when the next list is compiled? My guess, in this order, is Indian, or Triumph, or Aprilla. If asked which company on the list will no longer be producing bikes, then I'd guess Polaris. | ||
| Bads1 |
I'm going to have to say Indian very $$$$$$$$ and I really haven't seen to many here in my area considering I have a dealer less then 1/2 mile from my house. | ||
| José_Quiñones |
Elvis,
I have filed this away for review sometime in mid January 2003 and 2004. | ||
| Buellnuts |
Mine is better than yours and mine is gunna sell more than yours and yours isn't gunna be in bussiness any more and mine could probly beat yours up and my daddy say's mines the best and when there all gone there's only gunna be mine so there!!!! In The Rain Forest, Bob | ||
| Bads1 |
Court have you broke out those special edition refried beans yet or ordered any kringle from Racine WI. Dana | ||
| Grndskpr |
Wanna take a crack at which company, on the list, will not be in existence when the next list is compiled? My guess is indian or Aprilla, Indian had a resurgence of cash to help them out with the new motor, but i have noticed some of the dealers in this area having trouble, even closing shops,so it should be interesting, shame to see them go the same route as Henderson, Aprilla is a bigger player on the world market, since they bought out moto guzzi, but with slowing scooter sales in italy, they may want to drop the us market if its not worth there time, kinda like Buell in Australia, how mant bikes go there a year, almost seems a waste considering some of the problems they face in such a long ocean voage Please tell us Court since it seems you are in the "know" later Roger | ||
| Buelliedan |
My guess is also Indian. Maybe Victory but the snowmobile sales the company has keep it strong. The other companies might get bought out by a bigger one ie: Ducati by HD but I think they are going to be around awhle. | ||
| Josh |
Saw some Indian's at the local Isuzu/Indian dealer (who thought *that* up?) !Clearance! !Must Go! $26,500  | ||
| Choptop |
Aprilia gone in a year? Lets see, and active GP race team, year after year World Championships in the small cc's, and an expanding dealership network... Nah, Aprilia will be here next year. Indian on the otherhand.... | ||
| Court |
Well...I'm not sure I know. But here's my guess...... Aprillia has been around as a bicycle maker since just after World War II. They built their first Moped, the A1, in 1962. In those days they made mosly kitchen appliances, cooking equipment and toys not unlike Ducati and their electrical capacitors, I'll not bore you with the drawn out history of the company (other than my personal favorite the "AREA 51"  ) but have a rather complete Aprilla history in my library if you are interested. Suffice, for the instant conversation, to say that Aprilla has exhibited staying power beyond it's initally apparent financial means, a trait not "foreign" (pun intended) to Italian Motorcycle manufacturers. The Italians, and you may need to pick up some translated back issues of Motociclisimo,have made a cottage industry of resiliant motorcycle companies driven by passion....to all our benefit. I, to insert personal bias, REALLY like the current offerings. My PERSONAL concern, at present, lies with Indian. I ghost wrote some background for Forbes titled "Revitalizing a Motorcycle Marque" in which I made the case that, ultiamtely passion, fond memories and emotion would fall short, lacking a viable business case. Indian, long a legend in the Canfield family as my Grandfather rode his to Electrical Construction sites during the week and hunting and fishing on the weekends, certainly has the history and the passion. The business case for the present company is no strogner that the Hanlon's, The sole difference being that Indian has some formiddable talent, the Hanlon's appeared to be carnival barker's begging for money. I admit to personal bias after some of the smart ass and cruel remarks the Hanlon's made to Erik Buell at Daytona in 1997. I do, however, thank them for spending part of those squandered investors funds to house the 12 Playmates on my floor of the Adam's Mark for 5 days. Indian, I am aware, is presently laying off talent that has been promoted with acclaim in the past 6 months. Therein lies my personal concern. To quote one of our eloqunet curmudgeons..."them things ain't exactly flying off the showroom floor". Has anyone actually SEEN an Indian on the street? Court (this is my PERSONAL OPINION) | ||
| Blackbuellm2 |
Yup, I've sen an Indian on the street. Gent down the block owns one. Nice bike, but nothing truly makes it stand out, styling wise, from the rest of the cruiser crowd. That said it runs well, sounds good, nicely finished, and I covet the little Indian emblem on the front fender. Beyond that won't be my money spent on one. Wish I could afford this ont though... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1872300150 | ||
| Buelliedan |
I've seen 2 Indians in El Paso. One of them lived at the dealer getting warranty work done and the other was a poser special. | ||
| Ocbueller |
Loki, As José suggested there are several of us in Ocean City,MD. I count 5 of us. Hop on RT1 South(left out of the main gate of Dover AFB) you will get here in about 1 1/2 hrs. Real good riding in this direction. Dover also puts you in striking distance of Philly and Jersey and NY hooligans. The nearest Buell dealers are probably in this direction also. Caveat Emptor. Feel free to look us up anytime. SteveH | ||
| Tat |
Attn: Firebolt & Lightning Owners: The holiday season is here and American Sport Bike has more goodies for you to add to those beautiful bikes. We are now carrying a Rivet Eliminator Kit for the lower fairing and timing cover(fits the XB9R and XB9S. This is a great inexpensive way to add some clean detail to your bike. Part # 9017, $14.95. And for those of you riding Firebolts who think it's too hard to see out of the mirrors, we offer you Mirror Extenders that are very clean looking and easy to install. Part # 9018 go for $59.95 per pair. We're now taking orders for the Carbon Fiber Ram Air Intake (fits both the Firebolt and Lightning). Ready to ship next week. And just a reminder that we'll be in the Bay area for ASBN's 4th Anniversary, let us know what parts you need & save on shipping. Remember that ASB has gift certificates available. Perfect gifts for the Buell enthusiast in your life. | ||
| Grndskpr |
Chop, just to clarify a little, i never said Aprilla would be " gone in a year " however what i was trying to say was if they choose to, they could leave the US market, but still be in business, as you have pointed out, with a world SBK team, and the world SBK champ on there moto gp team, i doubt they would stop selling bikes, however if they felt that importing 2000 bikes a year was not worth the time, they may choose to step away from the market, similar to what Renaut(SP?) did in the us auto market(however i think the french did it because the could not meet saftey standards or EPA not sure which), i however hope they do not, and really doubt they do, i think the marlin was one of the coolest bikes i have seen in some time, but then again i am fond of all the italian bikes and scooters, as to growing dealers, not sure about that, but i am looking locally, and there are only 2 that i know of, MCC and power motor sports, seems ther could be more, in such a large city, but i guess scooters sell better here than the bigger bikes(there are 2 scooter shops in the city, both about 5 blocks from each other along with other MC dealer who sell scooters) It can be fun to speculate, but it would be ashame to see indian out of the game, that new engine is kinda cool, but there price is out, way out of my ability to pay for one | ||
| Rippin |
Hey guys sorry to but in but I have to show you the newest creation I've acquired in my Buell family:  Sara Reilly Gaskill | ||
| Court |
CONGRATULATIONS ! . . . what a doll! Court | ||
| Court |
ATTENTION EATHLINGS........ Ya'll have up'n depleted nearly the entire stock of TEAM ELVES 202.989MPH FINE TEXTILE COMMEMORATIVE FASHIONWEAR . . . commonly known as "gloat coats". The Team Elves Advanced Textile Prodcution Division has agreed to respond to a "clean up" order to insure all Elves are properly attired with the untimate ...."No way a Buell went over 200 dude"conversation stopping shirt. Remaining stock consists of: 4 - Short Sleeve XXXL 1 - Short Sleeve XXL 4 - Short Sleeve L 4 - Short Sleeve M It's this simple......if you want one, shake a leg. All orders placed and paid (or some reasonable committment to base an order or) get ordered Friday afternoon and will ship early next week. Mr. Pilk, your 2 XL's have been slightly delayed (as have my 2) and will ship with next weeks shipment. I will see to it that interest accumulated on your previsouly tendered funds is returned to you in some form of dividend.  Belly up gang......orders can be placed HERE. Court | ||
| X1glider |
Ummm, is it wise for Buellers to procreate?   | ||
| Court |
I, before I can go to sleep, need to make an apology here to clear my conscious. This morning, I overreacted and fired off a verbal barrage at Kyle (Blackmotorcycle) on the "Nallin/HCHD" thread. My thoughts were clear, my words were unkind. I've grown increasingly irratated and intolerant of recent "Erik Bashing" remarks. I've been the first to hold Buell's corporate and personal feet to the fire when I felt it justified. But recent remarks (not, by the way, Kyle's) such as "F**k you Erik Buell" are out of line and fail to reflect the collective intellect of this group. There are folks here I disagree with (Lord knows, Jose' and I wrangle daily) but I never loose respect for these people personally or professionally. This is the very venue that cried out in support for Erik to not allow (ala 1999) the XB out the door until HE said it was ready. We then, in unison, cried "at least let us see it" He did and, as my Dad said "no good deed goes unpunished", he spent the next 5 months being castigated for not having the bikes in the dealerships the end of June. Similarly, Erik took some very cheap shots over the "chrome heel guards". No one thinks they are more ridiculous or less appealing to a Buell owner, than I. I suspect, in confidence, Erik would concur. But, as Boeing doesn't control the color of the 747's carpeting, Erik is pretty well removed from the parts and accessories group. The folks who *DO* P&A are Harley-Davidson employees, sitting in HD offices, and getting HD paychecks. Little wonder they may, albeit inappropriately, generalize "motorcycle" to include all styles. I'll take a shot and tell you what I'm betting Erik's management response would be....someone, right or wrong, "owns" that decision. He can’t police every activity for congruence with what he perceives the tastes of Buell owners to be. To grow, he must delegate and P&A teams in place are the natural ones to assume that task. They are good, well meaning people. Ownership implies that if the item doesn't sell the person will get feedback and be prompted to look more closely at Buell owners tastes. This, I know, is currently an ongoing effort in relation to future products. When the XB was rolled out, many among our number (many of the folks who'd call for Buell to break new ground) were quick to fault its innovative features. Oddly enough, those who own and ride them are returning accolades for the bikes performance in "real world" situations and it's ability, ala Buell, to provide an exciting experience to those of us lacking professional race licenses. The press, as full test reports come in, seems to affirm the Buell's place as a "real world street bike". Data collection should precede the conclusion. In that same vein, I spoke to quickly. Justin Schilling at HCHD/Buell, has taken some bold steps toward acting on our expressed wants in a Buell. The dialogue quickly entered a descending spiral into what Buell SHOULD have done. Buell, I assure you, would love to make incredibly powerful "Nallinized" bikes that thumbed their nose as government regulations around the world. That's not going to happen. Justin came to collect information, not an ass chewing. I was wrong for being drawn into the fray and more wrong for blasting off on Kyle. To that end, I apologize. Court | ||
| Ncbueller |
Court: Please hold two(2) XXXL for the NASCAR side of Team Elves. Will contact you via e_mail for $ and shipping info. | ||
| Court |
Tom: What good would holding them do....I never ship stuff to you anyway. They'll be in your box, with some other surprises, that is loaded in the truck to go tomorrrow. Court (thank you for your patience) | ||
| Ken_Nelson |
Rippin: Way to go! Take care of the little one. All the best to the 3 of you.... Ken Nelson '98 S3 (and way proud father of an 11 year old boy - - - yikes!) | ||
| Dynarider |
Have seen a few Indians on the streets here. The owners seem to have a major chip on their shoulders. You know what I mean, That nose in the sky attitude. There is a local indy dealer who sells them & the "new" engine with the round barrels is actually quite stunning, but then so is the price. I dont see anyway they will survuce with their prices as high as they are. Its just a kit bike with your basic S&S engine it, with round barrels. Plus have heard some VERY negative things regarding Indians warranty...or lack of it. Polaris isnt going anywhere soon. They have their new bike & its sharp looking, much better than the old ones. Now all they have to do is come out the sportbike everyone was hoping for this yr & they will be doing just fine. | ||
| Ncbueller |
Court: Thanks You have mail | ||
| Roadrunr |
Rippin, Congrats on the beautiful baby. I'm only 4 weeks behind ya with a boy. |
