One thing that has stood out to me is the wide range of dealer quality. While my local dealer has two demo days a year, and test rides, not always escorted, I have no problem believing that some dealers won't allow test rides.
I wouldn't call BS on that statement.
The issue would be lack of consistency between dealers. Read about that here every week.
The "big day" was October 15, 2009 when Harley issued their statement on 3rd quarter profits. Unfortunately they also dropped the bombshell of closing Buell at the same time.
Thanks Hughlysses. I figured that out after going back to the beginning. I find it a bit perplexing that Court posted such a title and then the carpet got yanked out from under Buell the very next day. I wouldn't think much about it but despite being a "very close friend" to all things Buell he had no clue it was coming. Either Erik Buell had no clue either or he withheld the information from his "close friend". I"m sure Court means well but over the past few years reading his posts it has become apparent that he relishes the attention that knowing Mr. Buell personally brings him and perhaps tries to inflate that relationship by posting often cryptic and elusive details which have on occassion been flat out wrong. I guess its human nature to want to stand for a good cause but it got to be almost comical with the "handing out of assignments" like a general to his troops. I apologize in advance if myopinion offends anyone but I find the whole call to arms scenario somewhat silly. I finally understand what people meant about drinking the Koolaid after reading this thread.
Cheddeerheads: To bad the Harley Delers in Annapolis,Md. Seaford, De, and Ocean City Md. did not mention this to folks interested in a Buell tht in 06 they would not allow a test ride on. Sorry when i read about the Uly in MC mags when first released I wanted to test ride one. No delaership within 3 hrs of my house would allow it and there was no track days ads when the Uly was first released. When wife got her Scg in 07 she was not allowed to test ride it. Maybe in your area you can test ride we could not and track days for me was days away.
Pso, I probably wouldn't have a bought a bike from a dealer who didn't allow me to test ride it first. That said, I'm glad you bought it! BTW, congrats on the wedding!
Luvthmtorts, Court Canfield is a gentleman. He not only worked at Buell, but co-authored the only difinitive history of Buell. He works his butt off in a tough industry and I am grateful for any time spent trying to enlighten the rest of us smucks. He keeps his confidence with his "inside" friends and we must respect that. Court, buddy, You Da Man!
>>>I apologize in advance if my opinion offends anyone
Certainly doesn't offend me.
I'm willing to stand on my record each and every time I've managed anything any group of Buell owners has undertaken since the 1989 Owners Group to Team Elves.
My track record is good.
I'm often cryptic simply because there are certain things I can not say. If it bothers you . . try what I do. Find the "DELETE" key and use it. I'm okay with the fact that of the 15,000+ folks on BadWeB not all are going to agree. Some folks like me, some don't. I don't come to the Internet to be "liked". I've also found that every time, from school to work to motorcycling that I excel at anything there is always a mediocre naysayer ready to diminish my work. Some folks are like that. I stopped worrying about it in 1983.
By the way . . as a point of clarification. . . I have no idea when Erik knew. He called me early Thursday morning and told me he wanted me to be the first to know.
In contrast to what some folks think when we spend time together we very seldom talk about motorcycles. It's business. I doubt he wants to hear about my power plants or teaching and I understand that there are certain things he is not at liberty to share.
I've never put him in a position to betray those confidences nor make him talk business in the few hours he spends away from the office.
I finally understand what people meant about drinking the Koolaid after reading this thread.
Searching for and assembling information is a simple courtesy when that person is pressed for time and delegates a few chores to others. I, for one, was glad to send a few sheets of information to Court, who has more access to the big table than I ever will, nor desire.
There's an old African proverb, "In time, the ants devour the elephant." Our collective reaction to the news on the 15th was just a first tiny bite. If it leads to bigger things, great. If not, I will neither blame it on Court, nor chide him for his role on this forum.
By the way . . . to those of you who offered and helped a sincere thanks. You did a great job and were very helpful. Amazing what 5 or 6 folks, dragging the yoke in the same direction, can do.
Court, I hope I did not screw anything up and hope it went well.
On another note: After messing with the suspension on Lynn's bike, getting taller boots and taking all the foam off the seat pan Lynn took her first ride today on her new XB12Scg. There is a new Buell Rider in the house!
Before she was able to only ride a Blast (I wanted to get her one because they are so much fun) but she wanted a 1200. I followed her and the only thing she needs to work on is to stop riding like she is on her HD and start riding just a little more aggressive. A Great BUELL Day.
To tell you the truth, out of all the bikes I rode today including the Uly, 1125R, S2, S1W and others, the XB12Scg was an absolute blast to ride and was just plain fun. It would not have pained me one bit if she was unable to ride it.
Actually, I wound up doing nothing for the cause. But if another chance comes up, I'll volunteer. Or if a group wants capital, does a pre-IPO stock subscription demanding discretion maybe, lemme know please.
Now that the emotional charge is dissipating, no news is good news. No news means stuff is happening.
Back to my two fingers of Buell-Aid . . . for medicinal purposes only, mind.
Pso; sorry to hear that. Yeah, here in the Midwest you could test ride at a dealer or go to a Buell Demo trailer at the AMA rounds, unlimited rides unless it was raining.
The new XT and R are being ridden hard despite the weather lately. This 1125R motor is beautiful. It reminds me of a short stroke Ducati, but an overall lighter feeling package. Incredible. Tomorrow IS a big day; I can go ride it again!!
Don't mean to continue the hijacking of the thread but i'm gonna.
Isn't it amazing that a guy you just met 12 seconds ago through the local paper, craigslist, or other internet sit will just lob the keys out the garage door and tell you to have a nice ride. Yet, the big bad dealer with their waivers. releases, photocopied licenses and oodles of corporate insurance, make you feel like a tool when you want to demo their product.
In contrast to what some folks think when we spend time together we very seldom talk about motorcycles. It's business.
I'm a bit surprised. I got the impression it was more than just business. More like a passion - something you cant wait to do when you wake up in the morning and something you never get bored talking about.
So Court...What CAN you tell us??......nothing !!
I hope you can at least let us know what the future holds for EB after he figures it out.
Those are beautiful with the fairing kit, the front end doesn't look nearly as huge too.
There was one (1125R with fairing kit, no the LE) on the floor in a Nebraska dealership I stopped in on the way home. Apparently a serviceman who is currently deployed had asked for a hold on it to make certain arrangements, so I didn't ask too many questions. Sure looked nice though.
Pods look perfect on the CR, IMO.
Court, glad to hear you can't say anything, thanks again for whatever it is that you are doing! It was nice to meet you on the 26th, thanks for signing my 25 years book too.
>>>>something you cant wait to do when you wake up in the morning and something you never get bored talking about.
What? . . . the motorcycles, guitars, kids or all of them?
It always reminds me of the first thing my Dad told me when I went to work for his rather large construction company at the age of 14. . . . . he told me "when you go out in the field you are going to hear and see a lot of things. Keep your mouth shut and keep them to yourself. I've done this a long time, if I need to know I won't need to hear if from you at dinner".
I always, as a result of that, got along very well as the bosses son.
A shot o'er the bow of USS Court. He (the naysayer) better pack a lunch, because the armor on that ship is stout, it's course true and is rich in stealth technology....
A little Court story; upon receiving my new Uly XT last year I realized that my bike came with the pre-XT Owner's Manual. I expressed a bit of frustration dealing with my dealership to obtain the correct manual on some thread here on BW. Court sniffed it out and contacted me to find out details and I think assist Buell tracking down how this happened. Two things impressed me in this encounter. One, that an obviously busy dude, with many irons in the fire took the time to assist a new Buelligan/BW'er. Two, that Buell as a company cared about something as simple as what version Owner's Manual came packed with a particular bike. (the disclaimer is that Court was merely providing support to new Bueller and forwarding product data to C.S., not acting as any kind of agent thereof) Oh, and three, really impressed with the Buell family here on BW and the few I've met out in my travels. Ride on.
Court, water off a ducks back. Stay the course.............
"Ever wish you lived in Australia?" I do live in Australia, and mine should be ready for me to pick up next week . I don't think I'm getting that limited edition though, just a plain black '09 1125R. Can't wait
So what did 5 or 6 folks dragging the yoke in the same direction manage to do? Is there going to be a new Buell motorcycle after you all plowed the field?