| Author | Message | ||
     Gotlime |
My dealer has been great. It took them 2 weeks to deliver my bike and they forgot to do the state inspection. I guess everything happended to quickly with the Buell.  Anyway, I had to ride the 50 miles back over there yesterday to get it inspected. My experience with the other "riders" really surprised me though. There were HD guys all around. In the "saloon" next door, out front, in the parking lot, in the showroom. Not one person said hello, nodded. It was like I was invisible. Did they notice I was carrying a full face helmet? I'm sure I'm not the only one who has experienced this.......... | ||
| Socalmoe |
I own both a bagger and an 1125R both which I have ridden to the HD dealer and still get what you have experienced. I am there to do my thing and nothing else, those attitudes by others are the norm w/ the HD crowd. | ||
| Fast1075 |
They couldn't see you....they were blinded by chrome..happens all the time. When I went to pick my bike up...the sales guy took me on the traditional "tour" of the dealership...you know...where every salesperson gets their crack at you to try to sell you their specialty.....this is funny....I was introduced to the "chrome specialist"....I said thats cool...now take me to the "dechrome specialist"...it was HUH???? Brapppbrbrbrbpopopopbrappppp.... | ||
| Tbolt98 |
I was asked if I wanted to see the "chrome specialist" when I picked up my 1125R... I actually laughed and asked him if I knew what bike I bought? I should have humored him and asked what chrome accessories the had for my bike! | ||
| Sknight |
I've actually been pleasantly surprised by my dealer. Even other customers have been OK so far, even when they see me on the black sportbike. | ||
| Drhodes1970 |
The experience with "The Guys" is comical to say the least! The bike is nothing more than transportation to the closest bar. | ||
| Theeman23_69 |
there is only ONE Buell mechanic at my dealership. He told me that there is no reason to update the flash on the 1125's and didn't know how to adjust the headlight on the CR. I can see already I'm going to be doing more and more at home. And to think I actually paid for the prepaid maintenance package. Anyone have any other thoughts about Seminole Harley? | ||
| Sl33py |
Finding a good dealership is really important! My local one has a great Buell mechanic that really knows his stuff. That's one of the reasons i got my bike from them! I could've saved a bit going to another north of me, but their service sucks... I lucked out that they also are only a few miles from home... Good luck finding a good shop that will take care of you! If you are in the Seattle area check out DTHD in Renton. Good guys. | ||
| Milleniumx1 |
Dealing with mine (Cycle Connection, Joplin MO) has been one of the best sales / service experiences I've had in the two plus decades I've been riding. That said I know there are some horror stories out there, and it's no fun for those guys / gals dealing with it. I'll add my recent experiences to my 'fortunate' column! Mike | ||
| Freezerburn840 |
There will always be good stories and bad stories about dealers. Just find the dealer that is credible and run with it. The extended warranty service is good at any Harley dealer. I just had to use mine and knew nothing about the dealer that is servicing my bike for a Stator issue so far so good. I will release their name as soon as I get my bike back and see the work performed. (Message edited by freezerburn840 on November 10, 2009) | ||
| Moosestang |
I tried talking to a guy that was waiting on his bike to be repaired. I asked what he was having done and he said they were replacing the front brake rotor, said it was warped. I asked if it pulsated and he said and I quote "I don't know I hardly ever use the front brake!" After that I decided not to talk to the clientele. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Too many times I've been asked by HD riders "what'd you do, break it?" <snicker/laugh>....as I'm setting up a suspension for a demo or for a customer who just bought a Buell. ONE time, the guy actually seemed to grasp what I was saying when I explained what I was doing. He went about 225...so I demonstrated to him. Sent him out on a demo on a Uly set for 290 or some such. Told him to notice how it handled and bring it back. Set it for the correct weight, sent him back out. He bought that bike. That's the ONE time it worked. The rest of the time...yep, pretty much the same thing as described above. Although at our dealer at least, I get some sympathy and leeway from HD owners (many of whom bought their bikes from me). They know me, they know what I ride and why...and when it comes down to it, I *still* know more about their bikes than they do! | ||
| Whynot |
Yeah, wearing the gear I bought as a Ducati owner (Dainese, Arai, Gaerne, Held) I get ignored by the staff. But I found that when I compliment the Harley riders on their bars and streamers and such, they warm right up. -Kurt | ||
| Jammin_joules |
So these type reactions appear not all that different then when I stop by the local Hooters on my Road King, if I happen to ride it instead of my Buell to work the day the Sport Bike Nite is occuring. Walk in with leathers and no helmet and you are gauked at like a breasty woman missing the top button of her blouse - but no one talks to you. Of course once I sit down with some of our regular customers and start chatting, all is forgiven I guess. Why is everyone here so hung up on stereo types and bad reactions from imbeciles that we generalize and over emphasize it. You like your Buell, great. The next guy doesn't - so what. Shut up & ride. | ||
| Gotlime |
Because I'm not narrow minded, so people that are amuse me. I'm 39 years old and I've played with gas powered goodies my whole life. I understand cliques (sp?). I was at an offroad event this weekend with Jeeps (my guys), Toyotas, etc. We all got along and had a great time. This was just the most bizarre thing I've ever seen. It was literally like I was invisible. No one even wade eye contact or looked my direction. I was just sharing the surreal experience. I'd go ride now but Hurricane Ita is outside............  | ||
| Hogluvr |
Sounds like when I bought my S1 in '01, I'd been riding Harleys for quite a while and fell in love with Buells doing a demo ride at the 95th, decided I had to have one. When I got it, I noticed that all these sport bike riders were suddenly waving to me, the same ones that looked the other way when I passed them before. Couldn't figure it out, then realized I was on the Buell. Also noticed the same HD guys I passed all the time looked away when I was on the S1, just sort of cracked me up!  So I guess I put on my "invisibility cloak" to certain riders when I ride a certain bike, it just amuses me that some people can be so narrow-minded. To me a bike is a bike. Sure, I have my preferences, but as long as it is on two wheels it's all good!!  Oh, and BTW, THIS wave is universal! lol  | ||
| Jammin_joules |
With some of the experts around here espousing how it was the rare H-D dealer who effectively supported or sold Buells per your taste, and you find it important to generalize how Buell failed because of the dealers... I have to point out some things. There are maybe 600-650 H-D dealerships in the US, maybe 20-25% were Buell dealers in 2005-2008. So when speaking of experiences in a typical Buell dealership, just how many of the approximate 125 dealers have you visited? And how many BadWEB sponsors have you visited? I would hope they "get it" when it comes to selling and servicing Buells. I guess I am wearing my emotion on my sleeve because I am still reeling from the events of mid-October and since. But that doesn't mean we've changed things around here at High Country Buell. Or maybe I am just proud of the hard work a team has put in and getting feedback to support that effort is something I like to share.} Below is an example from just this week, a guy who didn't even buy a Buell from us. Perhaps it is true; our tag line "you meet the best people at High Country Buell". From here, apparently everything else is down hill. From our FaceBook page today, a guy who is not on BadWEB nor did he buy his Buell from us. He bought one used from a private party weeks ago. He is the pilot for a private party of some renown in these parts, but no one here knew that at the time he walked in and experienced High Country Buell, the best people in the motorcycle business. Buell may be closing down, but you would never know it around here! If only we had access to more bikes, starting with 7 we have deposits for that dont look to be getting confirmed from Harley on VOM. . . . . . . . . . . . .o~o I just tried to post the below to your High Country WALL, but wasn't able. If you like, copy my words and post it yourself ....and props to your entire team up there! -Greg K------------------------------- HC-Buell, I need to write on YOUR Wall.... Today I rode my 1125R around to 3 central CO Buell dealers.... just to say hello and get a pulse. High Country was last cuz you guys are 30+ miles away. Your website & FB page already made positive perceptions on this new Buell owner, but DANG ....upon arrival I knew right away that you guys are different. Any business is only as successful as the quality of it's employees, and the genuine morale they carry. I wasn't in your door 5 min when Parts guy Zach saw my Buell jacket (and then later my bike) and began talking my ear off about the 1125. ....we walked outside talking & I got a very valuable education on the inner workings of the bike for the next 30 minutes! GREAT suggestions... thanks Zach. I bought a K&N filter from him, while looking around at the wide selection of parts & accessories you guys carry. Then I found Dave the sales mgr. and introduced myself as just a new Buell rider and one of your 600+ FB friends..... He welcomed me into his office, dropped his work & we bs'd about bikes & business without any rush. His enthusiam for Buell support is obvious! And all the "extra" activities (fashion shows, kids parties, military troop support, HOG chptr, Buell riders group, BadWEB, etc etc) that you sponsor.....huge kudos. But I wasn't done.....I walked back to Service where all the techs were busy, and met manager Kevin. Not 2 minutes into describing questions about the 1125's ECM, Kevin asked "Is your bike here.....bring it around inside and let's see if you need an updated ECM Flash." I did; it did; and Kevin did a computer update to my bike. When I approached his counter to pay something, he just shook my hand and said "Welcome to owning your first Buell and to High Country ...Ride safe." Wow....You won this customer for life. Fellow riders ....checkout High Country Buell-HD as they are well worth the visit!! -Greg K. 2009 Buell 1125R | ||
| Gotlime |
Great job Jammin and team!! If I'm ever in CO, (I'm in NC) I'll stop by!! | ||
| Gotlime |
Update on the original post: When I was at the dealer on Sunday, I asked them to check the flash. W/O checking it they assured me it was the latest. It was not. I spoke to the GM yesterday. I have to ride the 100 mile round trip this Saturday to get my update. I love the chance to ride, but I'd rather get to choose my own destination and not have to get a babysitter for my 2 kids so I can get this done. The people have been great at "my" HD store but the experience has not been. | ||
| Milleniumx1 |
Jammin, you can't please everyone here at BadWeb ... But if you're taking care of your customers as well as that endorsement highlights, I'd just continue to focus on that since that's where the real action and appreciation is found. I'll admit to being biased, not only as a Buell fan, but also as someone who runs a consulting business that helps companies raises revenues / profitability by delivering a differentiated customer experience. Sounds like you do so! Mike | ||
| Doctorneon |
I like walking up looking at their H-D and asking when did honda make that. | ||
| F_skinner |
just how many of the approximate 125 dealers have you visited? A lot of them. Of course that is the great thing about traveling is I get to visit a few dealers. I would say there are approximately 10 good Buell dealers like yours Jammer. Now if the other ones treat Buell like some of the ones I visited then you get the picture. I am glad I found your dealership, I have dealt with dealers in CO, NC, VA, WV, MD, ND, SD, WY, AZ, NE, NM and TX. I can honestly say I have found one great Buell dealer in MD, NM and CO and that is it. Of course I only buy from three dealerships and yours is one of them. After all, I did buy three bikes from you this year! I would also say that I have been in an openly hostile Buell dealer in Colorado Springs and by the time I left they were eating out of my hand. I would never do business with them, they suck, but attitude is everything at a HD dealership or anywhere. | ||
| F_skinner |
Jammin, you can't please everyone here at BadWeb Plus 1... Anyone want to see a dealership with motorcycle enthusiast vice just Harley enthusiast go to HCHD. | ||
| Court |
>>>just how many of the approximate 125 dealers have you visited? I've been to a hell of a lot more than 125 dealers in the 44 states I've ridden Buells in. The current crop of BadWeB sponsors, in my mind, represent what Buell dealers should have been all along. I am well aware of the wonderful things that are happening at High Country Harley-Davidson/Buell. I get input from dealer personnel as well as customers. I could not be more thrilled with the way they do business and treat customers. They do a fabulous job and if there is any problem they fix it . . . life itself should be so simple and enjoyable. I was thrilled to read that letter and it's always exciting to hear what's happening at HCHD. Court P.S. - Pleasing everyone on the Internet is a fool's mission . . . . I'd have a plan, stick to it and execute it well. Whatever they've been doing in Colorado sure seems to be working. |
