| Author | Message | ||
     Gemini |
Just got off of the phone with eric at rpm. If you are in sc, nc, tn area, go see them if you are wanting a rx. He would say price because it is per bike/per person pricing but he did say the deals can't be beat. | ||
| Finedaddy1 |
I concur, these guys are top notch! | ||
| Court |
The same could ...... Very likely...... Be said about ALL the EBR dealers. I'm eager to see which ones can convert enthusiasm o sales. Over 1,000 EBR bikes out there ...... I'm seeing less than 15 on the various boards. Lotsa lookers. Tough competition.. | ||
| D_adams |
I didn't bother with just looking, I bought it without even a test ride. I already knew it had to be at LEAST as good as my 1125 was, after riding the 1190, it's much better all around. Yep, plopped down $19k without even riding it, no worries about doing so either. Besides, it was too cold to go ride it anyway when I picked it up. | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
Plenty on ebay best offers and an RS carbon for 36000 | ||
| Gemini |
Dean, I did the same thing. In fact Eric at rpm was confused by me not even riding it when I picked it up before I loaded it 9 the trailer to go back home. "You don't want to ride it first?" "Nah, I'm good. I know what I got" Nothing but smiles since | ||
| Court |
That 's two . . . about 22 minutes of production with 197 folks in East Troy. Any others? | ||
| Ljm |
I see and RX and an SX at Fastlane Powersports. They have sold an SX that I bid on. Pegram has one of each up, and there is a red and black RS carbon on for 37,5 or offer. I know where there are three more RS's going at about the same or a little more and the inventories in three dealers. So, not a lot of information out there, some selling, but not primarily to people on here as near as I can tell. | ||
| Court |
A couple random thoughts . . . and I'd written about this happening in 2009.
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| Finedaddy1 |
After riding the SX it just blew me away. I would love to go down to RPM and take one off of their hands but I'm just not quite at the "financial spot" I need to be in to pull the trigger. I hope there's more movement for these dealerships in the near future, as I said before, we need some "bread and butter" bikes from EBR. | ||
| 1313 |
I'd agree with Court's thoughts 100%. I guess the fact that I own an EBR is just more proof that I'm an anomaly...  I bought my S2 and XB12XT without ever riding either model, but everything else I've ever bought I've ridden before purchase - including the 1190RX. I actually demo'ed an RX in April and didn't pull the trigger until Flag Day (6/14/14, also the day after Friday the 13th) for a very important reason (to me). I was targeting a specific VIN and when I found out during my trip to Homecoming this year that the VIN I wanted was not possible, I instructed my dealer that I would take any Galactic Black one that he could sell me. Oh, and for some sales data: As of a couple weeks back, my dealer had retailed their 2nd 1190RX. In addition to a handful of 1190RX's, they've got a couple 1190SX's as well, including a Laguna Blue edition. If my dealer hadn't started selling EBR, I probably would've dealt with RPM, but would've had extreme difficulty with being 6 hours away from the dealer. I did have some initial discussions with Randy at RPM though, 1313 | ||
| Ljm |
I try to go to visit the dealer wherever I happen to be traveling. I have visited several so far, talked to a couple more, bought the RX sight unseen from another. My experiences have varied from poor to outstanding. Some have been very good, could probably have sold me a bike if I could have gotten it in my suitcase, and some couldn't have probably under any circumstances. In terms of facilitating sales, my experience bidding on the SX was interesting. I probably was under what they were expecting, however, I also figured that they would counter-offer or at least talk to me. I also texted and gave them a little background. I am not in sales, and have never been but I am a motorcycle guy and I think I could have sold bikes in some of those dealerships just in casual conversations with customers walking in. So, it is not entirely the bikes being different or new. | ||
| Gemini |
Richard, like you said, "If it ain't worth working for, it ain't worth having". Are you the same richard I spoke with at rpm looking at the white sx with danny? | ||
| Finedaddy1 |
Gemini - Yelp, you are correct! If you meant "Randy" yes I was the one. Are you the one that had the yellow RX fairing in your hand? | ||
| Gemini |
Yup. Randy, danny. Potato, tomato. I just can't mess up eric's name or I'm a dead man. | ||
| Dmhines |
I would guess most dealers have sold no EBR's. And just from looking around the internet ... the only folks buying EBR's are prior Buell owners. I too bought mine WITHOUT a test ride since I had already owned multiple Buell's including an 1125. I bought mine Retail for $18,995 in April .. now my selling dealer has them for $15,995. http://www.blackwidowh-d.com/default.asp (Message edited by dmhines on September 05, 2014) | ||
| Noone1569 |
Bought mine full retail in April as well. Bought it without test riding, but eventually went on a test ride that day despite it being 35 degrees and raining. My dealer has sold 5x RX, 1 RS and 1 SX, not bad for a small town. (Message edited by noone1569 on September 05, 2014) | ||
| Two_seasons |
I have two issues. 1.) My local dealer isn't advertising EBR on their web site...only H/D 2.) The insurance is ridiculously high! PO'ed that my local dealer doesn't seem to be trying to sell them via their web site  . That really bugs me  #2 issue above is just a matter of priorities  Seems the Aussies are in love with EBR... | ||
| Pmjolly |
Put me on the list. I bought the first red 1190RX I could find. Picked it up in Louisiana on the way to the Buell Dragon event in Tennessee last April. I completely broke mine in on awesome mountain roads. I wish I had roads like that here in north Texas. I never test rode one. I signed the paperwork, and put it on my trailer. After rolling the brand new 1190RX off the trailer, I started it up for the first time in front of a group of Buell enthusiasts that had never seen one. I proceeded to stall the engine twice due to me babying the new bike with taller gearing than I was used to, and a cold engine. The third try, I dang near rode a wheelie across the parking lot. Haha. | ||
| Gemini |
For insurance, shop around. I use geico. There are a lot of options out there. Just be sure they are fully aware it's a rx/sx and not a rs. | ||
| Ljm |
Interestingly, I found them to be about the same with Allstate. | ||
| 1313 |
I have two issues. 1.) My local dealer isn't advertising EBR on their web site...only H/D 2.) The insurance is ridiculously high! Hal's does not have EBR on their H-D site because they have their own EBR site! http://www.halsebr.com/ I can't see how it can be any better than that. Heck, on my dealers website, I have to look at Triumphs and Ducatis in order to get to the EBRs. Believe it or not, the insurance on my 1190RX cost me less than any of the other bikes I'm insuring. Cheaper than my '09 1125CR, '08 XB12XT, '95 S2 and '03 V-Rod. Insurance is kind of a racket in NC. The insurance underwriter must be licensed by the state to sell insurance in NC. Typically this just produces high premiums due to restricted competition/market. I searched long and hard when I got everything registered in NC and finally I have received my reward for my efforts - well that, and they covered ALL of my expenses when my 1125CR burnt it's second stator on the way to a fairly recent Homecoming. ALL of it - tow, hotel, rental car - ALL of it! Although I suspect that I'll be in for a surprise at renewal time... 1313 | ||
| Dmhines |
I have Allstate … Insurance is nuts on my RX .. Geico quoted $2400!!! Paying over $900 for my EBR. I also have 2 other bikes on the policy. $240 per year for a 2013 Monster 1100 and $50 for a 2011 HD Sportster. | ||
| Noone1569 |
Rider insures my 1190 for $440/yr. Full coverage with increased medical and property damage, 250$ deductible, 30yr old male | ||
| Classax |
My nearest dealer HSB has dropped them, I am the only sale to my knowledge for the other and the Austin dealers has only sold 1. The reality is many people incorrectly in my opinion, feel the bike is over priced when its sitting next to an 1199 or RSv4. Everyone claims it doesn't have as good electronics(no quickshifter when everyone else has one for the same money) but then you talk to the same folks and they ride bikes where they turn the rider aids off. The test rides at least in my area weren't flattering of the bike's power. EBR's facebook and print campaign aren't doing nearly enough to combat the disinformation and their has been only one shoot out in which the bike lost(by a hair but a loss yes). What EBR needs is a series of youtube videos going over why the bike is actually so amazing! That plate hanger- had hours and hours of modeling to make it 50 state legal yet provide the lowest possible drag all while serving as a fender to eliminate back spray. I can think of at least 30 unique features that may seem counter intuitive but make this bike work astoundingly well! EBR didn't do themselves any favors by not listing the bike with with KB until recently so most insurance companies list the RX as a $40K RS. I'm paying $680/yr full cov. with State Farm. Must do more to foster the EBR life style. Where's the owners registry. How about an owner's survey for those who have had their first major service? If you want to score a sale over Ducati its going to take more than what you can ship in a bike crate. They truly are great bikes but the reality is EBR must get out from under the Buell failings. That said I LOVE the RX. Ridden back to back with the RSV4, I always come away glad of my decision. The one vise of the RX, the exhaust not the resonator, is very close to the rear tire and creates a hot spot once parked. Soft compound tires will be cooked and eaten at a higher rate. Other than that, for actual riding there is not a better bike out there for the money. | ||
| Dmhines |
Rider Insurance only available in limited number of states .. and not mine. I've tried to convince Allstate its not an RS. My agent said he has talked to the underwriters and they won't budge. They are pricing RX and RS the same just as Classax said. | ||
| Elvis |
Back in the Buell days, we saw some dealers sold huge numbers of Buells while others sold a couple per year. Over the coming year or two, I think we'll see some things shake out. The best dealers will grow and thrive. Others will either drop the brand or be dropped. It should be a classic case of survival of the fittest. The landscape may look different 5 years from now than it does today, but the ones that are still selling EBR will likely be good dealers. And if I were a dealer, I'd be looking at the long-game and working now toward the day that I had a broad range of Hero and EBR bikes rather than focusing too much on how quickly the current bikes were moving. | ||
| Court |
Most dealers aren't that smart. There is, however, a wonderful opportunity before them. There's an entirely new lineup at EBR in the " dealing with dealers" area...,., things should improve markedly. I think I could.... Fairly accurately .... Predict who will be where in 5 years. Certainly going to be interesting. | ||
| Gemini |
How they handle customers will have more weight that large numbers of initial bikes sold | ||
| Classax |
I've found it never ever helps a situation to question the other guys intelligence, but to focus on his motivation. Customer service is going to be the key to EBR survival. | ||
| Ljm |
Yesterday my youngest daughter bought a Ducati 696 Monster (I am not sure I feel about that but she is a grownup and can buy what she wants). I got to see the customer service experience from a distance, second hand. I have to say that they did an excellent job, and while she was interested before, they clearly worked with her, went out of their way to make a sale. They even offered to let me accompany her on her demo ride on their 1200, offered to let her step-mom ride it, etc., liaised with the bank. They offered her an excellent price on the demo bike in the shop as well. These folks worked for the sale and got it as they should have. THAT is what will make EBR's go out the door. They are, BTW the dealership I suggested EBR approach here in AK. They seem to be interested. I don't know about that Ducati thing though. | ||
| Gemini |
Gonna brag on my dealer again. I put a deposit on my bike long before they were released (oct). Eric and Randy kept me up to date as soon as they got information for me. Had me a vin before the bike showed up so could handle finance through my bank and handle insurance. When I picked up the bike, nothing but awesome show room presence. In fact, they wanted to know my jacket size. A few weeks later, I had 2 jackets and 2 hats show up on my door step. When I had a few warranty issues, the bent over backwards trying to help prevent being inconvenienced. I live about 3 hrs away from dealer. They offered to come in on a day that their store is closed so I could pick up my bike due to my hectic schedule. | ||
| Court |
That's very cool to hear . . . . | ||
| Finedaddy1 |
I've been throwing a few ideas around to Randy at RPM and he just replied w/ the following comment that I thought you guys would be interested in reading: "Hi Richard I really like your idea a lot! We may have an opportunity to combine something like that with the delivery of a 1190RS to a guy from Knoxville. He came into the dealership last week wanting to buy an RX and before he left he put a deposit on an RS! Crazy but true. It would be great to have all three models represented during a demo/delivery or maybe thats 2 separate videos. The cool thing is he is close to both of us." This guy really gets it!! | ||
| Gemini |
Like ^ | ||
| Dammitquikgentry |
Wish my local dealer was like RPM. They won't let me ride one because I'm not "interested enough" said they're like corvettes you just can't ride one if you aren't ready to buy. I went and spoke with them before Dadams went and bought his. I actually have a pic of me sitting on his bike before he came and bought it. They also told me on the phone they aren't doing any price adjustment so msrp is it, in regards to the $2,000 off on rx's. Maybe they're just uninformed... Either way would rather buy from someone like rpm and have shipped but can't justify such a large purchase without riding one. EBR gonna tour Midwest anytime soon? | ||
| D_adams |
AF1 had a deal going as well, free shipping, but I don't recall the sale price. Yes, the bike is worth it. | ||
| Froggy |
Demo truck stops at my dealer tomorrow! Assuming enough bikes available I plan on riding the RX and SX all day. | ||
| Gemini |
I just dropped a line to eric at rpm about their shipping if they have one set up. Bought mine sight unseen. Haven't had a regret other than I couldn't get it sooner. Have you ridden a 1125r/cr? | ||
| Dammitquikgentry |
Yes had an 1125r | ||
| Gemini |
I would say trust me and go for it. I went xb9r, then 125 then 1190rx.......no regrets. I love this bike. | ||
| Gemini |
Spoke with eric. They just shipped a bike out the other day. So now you just need to find one to test drive and call up rpm. | ||
| Dammitquikgentry |
I'll just wait awhile and see what happens. Probably better in the long run as I just recently got married and started new job. Would've been nice to ride one | ||
| Gemini |
Oh that's right, we he already had the conversation that it's time for a new wife | ||
| Hughlysses |
Sean- you're only 842 miles from Little Switzerland, NC. You should have come to "Buells in the Alps IV" in July and taken a test ride or 2!  | ||
| Pmjolly |
AF1 in Austin, Texas is my dealer of choice, even though they are 3 hours drive away from me. They have a good reputation with the track day and racing crowd. I have one EBR dealer within 30 minutes drive,and another within an hour drive from me. I do not have great things to say about the closer dealerships. The one actually lost my sale due to a rude response to my inquiry about the new EBR's and when they might have one. I was treated like I couldn't afford one. The salesperson should never have judged this book by its cover. I paid for mine in full at the first dealership I found that had a red one, other than his dealership. I wish I would have waited and bought the one RPM brought to the Buell Dragon VII event. That dealership really is going above and beyond with customer service and interest in the Buell community. | ||
| D_adams |
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161416943064?forcerRptr=tr ue&item=161416943064&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:L:L CA:MOTORS:1123 "Make Offer" Sounds like they want to move the bikes they have, not be snobs. $16499 and FREE USA SHIPPING. Reno's called me again last week about some other bikes that had been taken in on trade and I would normally pass the info along, but now I'm not so sure I will. | ||
| Dammitquikgentry |
I thought you had a good experience w reno's, I don't want to talk anyone out of buying one just relaying my experience. It's probably better in my situation to wait a bit. I'm envious of all of those who can afford one. I COULD but choose to wait and see what happens. | ||
| D_adams |
I got what I wanted, the very first yellow 1190RX in the state. I never said it was a good or bad experience, but what gets me is, they have called me a couple of times and treat me normal, then I hear your side (and a couple other instances) that were not so good. I prefer to have my friends treated at least as good as I was, if not better. How do they "know" you're not good for the coin to buy it? For all I know, you've got $16k in cash, sitting there burning a hole in your pocket. I didn't care for the over 5% interest rate they wanted either, I secured my own financing instead. They also wanted me to "show proof of insurance" before I took the bike off the lot. Wtf difference is it to them?? I handed them a cashier's check drawn from a bank, the bike was paid in full as far as they were concerned and if I wanted to take it out in the street and run over it with my truck, it would have been none of their business. | ||
| Mackja |
Some states require insurance coverage, and will not process a title with out proof of insurance. So weather you pay cash or not, you might have to prove that you have insurance. Georgia is like that, and I imagine other states require the same. just my 2 cents. | ||
| Ljm |
In terms of hungry for a sale, here is an interesting comparison: Yesterday, I picked up my daughter's monster (she got held over at work). I spent a few minutes in the showroom while they got it ready. There was a BMW S1000rr on the floor, about 19K. But it had a tag on it for 525 down, 199 a month. The fine print says "$9148 balloon payment". Huh? The Concours 14 was $3700 off, and several others as well. The KTM 1290 was not reduced though, $17999, and ZX10R $16,500. So, I guess there are differences between being hungry, and being desperate to move some of the floor stock. And on some, they don't seem particularly concerned about whether them move this winter or not. I can also see that there are some models that they really, really are probably never going to sell, at least up here in this market, but they have them taking up space. For some of those, I feel their pain. (Message edited by ljm on September 11, 2014) | ||
| Reepicheep |
Who would pay $16.5k for an inline four sportbike. Ugh. | ||
| Ourdee |
But It's A ZedEx! Ah, I can't go on like this and keep a straight face.....  | ||
| Ljm |
So there have been a number of both RX's and SX's on ebay. Most have dropped off or the auctions ended. None have come back on. Anyone have any idea if they sold or hear anything. Particularly interested in what is happening with the SX's. Pegram Racing is obviously tied up this weekend so won't put theirs back on I am sure. | ||
| Classax |
Sorry to cross post but I'd like your thoughts. EBR dealers have a really tough row to hoe with this bike. There's not a ton of info available on it. Only one magazine has done a literbike shootout with it and it lost by a hair over something that could have been prevented by the factory. I see or hear comments like this one http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45 2194 all the time. "So yesterday with the grace of good weather I was finally able to test ride the EBR 1190Rx and the Ducati 1199 Panigale S. After having looked at the EBR for several months and visiting it at the dealer about 3 times, I finally decided to take a test ride. After my return, I realized it was not all that I hoped for. In fact, I was a bit "confused" by it. Not sure if that was because i've been on my '11 r1 for the past 2 years. Nonetheless, I decided to take the '14 1199 Panigale S out for a spin too, of course at the sales persons urging. Not more than a quarter of mile down the road, I had that feeling. It was the one. That feeling that I had lost on the r1, was replaced by an Italian. Something I thought would never happen, especially considering I had never cared for it a great deal." When you compare the numbers stock for stock the EBR has more torque and HP at any RPM from 2.5K all the way to 10.5K than any other liter bike on the street, including the mighty HP4 and Panigale R and SL's. The torque curve is dogone near flat there is no hit any where, but a little boot around 7K. The TC as is has so many adjustments that it can be made to feel quite seemless in wheelie and rear wheel spin control. The bike is raw in feel but very well refined in performance. In order to get that manic on the edge of control feel you get on say a GSXR 1k, you have to turn the TC nearly off, because the bike is smart enough to recognize that people clearly don't understand how and where it makes power. They test ride it like its a four and rev it to death not realizing they are skipping the meat of the power, which isn't how you ride a Vtwin. It works on the 1199 because it thinks its a I4 but not on the EBR or RC8 or any other Ducati before now come to think of it. Then there is price verses quality component. Going through this machine and comparing it to others yields two results. Its missing some huge bells and whistle in ABS, Quickshifter and electronic suspension for the price, its got race quality components everywhere else. Its a tough sell that's going to get harder with the new 2015's from Japan. EBR needs to alter its information and advertising strategy ASAP. Your thoughts on why the 1190 SEEMS to being received so luke warmly? (Message edited by classax on October 02, 2014) | ||
| Ffbuell1 |
Hungry for a sale? You would think so, I have in the last 2 days sent e mails to 2 different dealer's about pricing on the 1190 SX and have heard NOTHING .Great customer service Ha. | ||
| Classax |
That's the other issue, it seems as though there are number of dealers who simply aren't plugged in to what ever precious little information is available from EBR. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I have in the last 2 days sent e mails to 2 different dealer's about pricing on the 1190 SX and have heard NOTHING It's amazing how many businesses have a web presence and then totally ignore e-mails sent to their business e-mail address. | ||
| Ljm |
I mentioned that I bid on one on eBay and inquired on another. I have emailed one other dealer besides AF1 and so far Ed at Af1 is the only one of 4 to answer me. By contrast, looking for a kid in college car, called a dealer and they only called back, but checked in again. Strange | ||
| Ljm |
16300 at AF1 for the blue one, 15.6k for the white demo (200miles), and an insanely low price for #10 RS at Af1. Talk to these guys. Great w shipping and actually answer when you call or write. (Message edited by ljm on October 02, 2014) | ||
| Court |
>>>I have in the last 2 days sent e mails to 2 different dealer's about pricing on the 1190 SX and have heard NOTHING .Great customer service Ha. I said it a month ago . . . to get information, literature (there's plenty of it . . catalogs and brochure) or to learn what oil filter an 1190 takes . . ya gotta know someone. This was not the way it was planned. | ||
| Court |
By the way . . . any updates from the dealer that was the subject of the event that started this thread? Speculation was that they'd sell several, as a result, in the coming weeks. Did they? | ||
| Skntpig |
Court, Do you have any suggestions on how to help this situation? I'm sure you have a solid understanding of the issue and a potential resolution. It seems you have to be a fan to sniff out the info it takes to make an educated decision to buy one. I wonder what would have happened if the RX beat the Panigale in the test. And of all things to go wrong...It's a brake issue. The unconventional looks of the brake have always been a spot of contention. | ||
| Gemini |
If you still get no response from your dealers, give the guise of an RPM a call. Ask for Randy or Eric, they will ship a bike | ||
| Court |
Any dealer will happily ship a bike . . . But . . . the entire purpose of a dealer NETWORK is to not HAVE to. How long have we heard the chants of folks eager to see where the dealer near them was going to be located? If they were waiting on a dealer then . . . I'd be hard pressed to think they'd have a great deal of interest in having a bike shipped. Some day . . . heaven forbid. . . they may need the oil changed. | ||
| Gemini |
I agree Court. However, this is still alot of new. The dealers that "suck" won't be around for ever. This isn't "Hydra" were you cut the head off if one and two more grow back, but in time, I think mostly good dealers will be all that remains | ||
| Court |
This has been in development for 5 years. We've been told about the rigorous dealer vetting process. To date, there are less than 100 bikes sold. Why ...... At this point ....... Would there be ANY bad dealers? | ||
| Hughlysses |
Court, more and more, your posts sound like you're commenting on the "bad old days" under the Mothership. Is Erik (or somebody else) asleep at the wheel?  | ||
| Dammitquikgentry |
Can't speak for everyone but here's my experience. I live in KC so it's Reno's. Horrible customer service, next to no knowledge of EBR (knew next to nothing about the brand and definitely not the specs of the bike), and refused to let me test ride. Said "it's like a vette we can't let everyone who wishes they could have one ride one"... Oh and said they werent doing the discounts in the RX. A lot of people had horrible dealer experiences with harley especially with 1125's myself included! I believe ebr has an amazing product, BUT can't expect someone to drop that amount of money with dealers like that. Interested in the vetting process. I wouldn't let reno's string my weed eater let alone buy a $19k motorcycle from them and trust them for maintenance. I'm sure the lack of info plays a major part for others. I couldn't imagine paying that money and no owners manual!? Just my $.02 | ||
| D_adams |
Possibly money talks as far as getting set up as a dealer? I went 250 miles out of my way to get mine. The closer dealer (50 miles away, where I bought my 1125 from) didn't have any in stock and didn't seem interested in selling at anywhere near the retail price. I get it that at that time it was a very limited amount of the bikes available, but I honestly got quoted $21k out the door for an RX in a color I didn't want. I have since checked back for pricing, last time was almost $22k for the same bike. This was after EBR announced the $2k off the list price deal. I literally started laughing at the sales guy and he was at a loss as to why until I pulled up the literature directly from EBR showing the price. I walked away. No, I'm not buying another one right now, but to jack the price up almost $5k over retail? Nah, I'll pass. I'm not calling them a bad dealer yet, but I'm not impressed with their efforts thus far. Yesterday, I stopped in another dealer's shop that I swore I'd never step foot in again, but the ownership has changed hands. They've split off the HD store to it's own building, all the sportbike stuff is in the older site and oddly enough, 4 employees came outside to check out my 1190. One was the store manager, who had a LOT of questions about it. They sorta knew what it was, but didn't have a lot of info about them, so I turned into a rolling salesman for EBR. I don't know if they were serious about becoming a dealer or not, but the guy was definitely interested. I know they're not short on money, they had probably 500 bikes available for sale between the 2 stores, with pretty much every make represented. They were never a Buell dealer and the HD side will not order anything related to Buell, but if you give them a sporty equivalent, they'll get it for you. Only 2 guys working there know I ride Buells anyway. I needed some stuff for my M2, that was the closest shop that I KNEW would have what I needed. | ||
| Ffbuell1 |
Court you are right! those are some of the same things I have said and heard about (this has been in development for 5 years) and the rigorous dealer process. I have nothing good to say about the 3 dealers that I have been to and also called and e mailed.One dealer was telling people they use Rotax engines,and also has advertised the list price of $26,995.00 for the RX and $23,995.00 for the SX another one has ZERO signage or literature any where and they have been a dealer since late last year and no one from the shop has ever even ridden any of the bikes yet! and lastly the other shop has not answered e mail's simply asking what are the prices you are asking and none of the 3 has any EBR parts or accessories VERY SAD and pathetic All of us on this sight want EBR to succeed but seeing all of this failure at the customer level is scarey | ||
| Classax |
26K for a 19K bike? How do they justify that? Knowledge is key and in an age of Youtube, EBR could be doing the sales pitch themselves. As for dealers they will cater to their cash cows and right now EBRs simply are not selling at a rate that is sustainable. It's going to take a strong inform da nation plan and investment by dealers beyond floor space to get the bikes moving off the sales floors. This in the face of new 1299, R1, H2, and SlKRR at or near the same price points. | ||
| Buellmojo |
What happened to the very close screening process initiated by EBR for the dealer network... all of them selected are/were evaluated and found as thoughtful and caring dealerships, which will serve their customers with the utmost respect, and endless knowledge of the products that they represent? Not word for word, but not my words either...did I hear/read something differently than what was being advertised? | ||
| Deanh8 |
FYI I already spoke with a dealer who laughed at me when I mentioned cross shopping it with the S1000RR and said the BMW is in a whole different class. Same dealer has yet to sell one bike. "The EBR may be torquey but the BMW is what you want if you want to go fast" Show room looks awesome. No Mentions of Red White and Blue sales anywhere... (Message edited by deanh8 on October 07, 2014) | ||
| Hughlysses |
^ Sheez. We thought things would HAVE to be better outside of HD showrooms. I guess we were wrong. | ||
| Smoke |
it's still early yet in the scheme of things. list plus isn't going to cut it for sure though. tim | ||
| Classax |
Dean8 I have never had an issue running with or away from the S1krr at anything below 150mph. Its once we get into the 160's that things are too even to call and in the 170's before they start to pull a gap. My two closest tracks have straights that expert racers never see 160mph on. At COTA this summer I found the Panigale SL and HP4 had more topend down the straights but I easily sucked them in on the brakes, felt frustrated in the corners, and would gap them coming off apex. How much of that was due to rider style, skill or bikes is debatable. Being I consider myself a novice and I'm big, I think a real rider would display the true potential of the EBR far better. Anyone who would say the EBR isn't fast hasn't ridden it and a demo ride at posted doesn't count. For a dealer rep to discourage a potential sale is plain ignorant. | ||
| Hughlysses |
For a dealer rep to discourage a potential sale is plain ignorant. You've got to wonder what the business owner would think if he knew a salesman was approaching potential sales like that. | ||
| Court |
It really is a shame . . . . The EBR is an elegant piece of engineering mastery and a damn fine sportbike . . . but . . . like trying to jam an avocado through a length of 1" copper tubing . . . the delivery process is going to present the greatest threat. To date . . it's beyond lackluster. | ||
| Classax |
To be clear... The S1kRR is an amazing bike. The HP4 has enough power up top to steam roll just about anything from 160mph all the way to red line. The problem is I, and many other riders never get a chance to use it like that. What good is having all that extra power if all you can do is activate your TC or smoke the tire, all while wringning its neck and 14K? It may feel fun and feel fast, but I'd rather go fast and feel like I'm going slow than go slow and feel like I'm going fast. The RX has enough torque to fling you too the moon if you're not careful and it does so at very low RPM. On many of the 2nd gerar 30-45mph turns most our tracks have exit drive is king, and that's where the EBR and RC8R and RSV4 shine. A point and shoot guy will have more fun on a S1kRR. Anyone with a more flowing style is going to enjoy the EBR and how sedately you can go really quick. By the time you feel you're on the edge you're pushing some seriously stupid times. A dealer should be able to articulate that difference. (Message edited by Classax on October 07, 2014) | ||
| Hughlysses |
So Court, what's gone wrong here? Is EBR's relatively small staff overwhelmed with other duties, or have they spent so much effort designing and building the bikes that they just forgot about this part of the equation? IIRC they hired the head sales guru away from Aprilia last year or earlier this year. What's he doing? | ||
| Crusty |
So Court, what's gone wrong here? Is EBR's relatively small staff overwhelmed with other duties, or have they spent so much effort designing and building the bikes that they just forgot about this part of the equation? IIRC they hired the head sales guru away from Aprilia last year or earlier this year. What's he doing? Probably the same bang up job the WSBK race team is doing. And they're going to Aprilia next year. Kinda gets me thinking, ya know? I'm not usually paranoid, but how would you dispose of a potential threat before they became big enough to pose a real problem? | ||
| Ljm |
I am interested in Court's perspective on two questions (and anyone else with any info). I think I know some about the first, but the second, who knows? 1. How does EBR approach dealer training? What I think I know is that the guys out signing up dealers and doing demo rides are the front end, contact folks. When the contract is signed their responsibility ends. The second step should be dealer training/liaison. In a limited sample, this seems to be absent or lacking, or at least engaged with the dealer actually makes an effort to get information or support. 2. Where do you think the other bikes are? Even if we presume each of the 80 dealers has five, that is still only 400. No sales figures are available that are anything but anecdotal. | ||
| Deanh8 |
Im not doubting the EBR, my shop races a BMW S1000RR and I personally race an 1190cc 1125, i know both bikes and potential of both but not cool for dealers to be bias. | ||
| Court |
>>>>I am interested in Court's perspective on two questions (and anyone else with any info). I think I know some about the first, but the second, who knows? I **think** I have a pretty good idea on both . . BUT IT IS PURELY A GUESS ON MY PART. | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
I was told by the Chicago dealership salesman that I would be better off keeping my S1k because it was truly an amazing machine. But yet they only offered me 10,000 on a trade in. It wasn't even a year old at that time. I probably will keep it now that the 2015 S1k's are much more expensive. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I may be out of the bike buying business for what I hope is a short time. Just put a offer on 6 acres and have been talking to builders. "IF" the plan in my head works out, my positive cash flow should have a dramatic increase. With the AX not looking like its on near horizon.... I will just have to wait. Maybe by then all he kinks will have been worked out | ||
| Court |
>>>Just put a offer on 6 acres and have been talking to builders. I'm in somewhat of the same boat . . . but, take a look at what average goes for on the North Fork of Long Island (Shelter Island) and you'll see my problem. :-) For the time being . . . with as little as I ride and preparing to move . . . it's time to sell all the bikes for now. | ||
| Dmhines |
Looking at the AIM EXPO thread .. it seems like many dealers may have signed up with EBR just to get the right to sell Hero's next year .... | ||
| Reepicheep |
Based on what I have observed as somebody with no inside information, the EBR plan is to become an American motorcycle maker selling bikes to Australians. From what I can see here, EBR AU is kicking ass on all cylinders, and EBR US dealers have a tentative toe in the kiddie pool. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Holy crap! To bad I can't move that six acres there. based on realtor . com numbers it would be worth about $2,142,000.00 I could retire and do..... anything | ||
| Classax |
Based on what I have observed as somebody with no inside information, the EBR plan is to become an American motorcycle maker selling bikes to Australians. From what I can see here, EBR AU is kicking ass on all cylinders, and EBR US dealers have a tentative toe in the kiddie pool.  | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
Thats probably because there's a guy on an RX winning races in OZ. | ||
| Classax |
That and stuff like this https://www.facebook.com/EBRAustralia/photos/a.747 350675275342.1073741825.505476836129395/8944536838 98373/?type=1&relevant_count=1 Anyone seen anything remotely resembling a brochure state side? | ||
| Ljm |
Yes, I got one, but I can't remember from where or what I did with it. Same one though, without the SX. I wish I knew where I put it or left it. | ||
| Kenm123t |
Time and a house remodel and unexpected re roof and kid in college has depleted the toy budget till spring summer 2015. Hey isn't life supposed to get easier as you near alleged retirement? | ||
| Court |
>>>>Hey isn't life supposed to get easier as you near alleged retirement? Hahahaha . . . well, you are speaking for a BUNCH of us here. I actually had to attend 3 weeks of "Retirement Planning Workshops". I learned a good deal but the scary part was how damned old the folks there looked. Ecccccckkkkk Lotsa Buell folks headed toward the big 70! | ||
| Kenm123t |
I know what you mean Most people think I m 40-45 but over 55. Could be the Hot Dutch much younger sweetie of mine that keeps me young. Had Dad in for a Mylagram at the Uof Miami med center at 87 he is younger than people my age. The head on accident caused dad a lot of problems the last 2 years. He cant ride his XB 9 due to the back pain. he has a bone spur and arthritis He says he'll be back on the bike for his 88th birthday. Tough guy ! South Florida can be called heavens waiting room. The hospital District in Miami is about a square mile. Its why Crusty needs to move south lots of single older ladies with money and great medical care | ||
| Crusty |
Maybe moving south would be a smart thing to do, but I'm not looking for a sugar momma. I ain't got much, but I've always earned my own way. I can't be anyone's kept pet. Besides, I live in central New England. We have some beautiful scenery, nice twisty roads and some of the best restaurants to pick for a Destination Ride. The medical care is pretty good, too.The hospital that did my heart surgery is ranked #4 in the country for such things. The only drawback to living here is the Winter. Of course, I could look a little more south where the winter isn't quite so harsh. My sister and Brother-in-law live in North Carolina, and they keep wanting me to move down there. I'm not quite as convinced about the quality of Medical care there, though. It does give me something to think about; although I'm more likely to go stay with my friends in Australia during the worst of the cold weather.That's something else I'm considering. Anyway, before we drift too far away from the original topic I think the SX is a real treat to ride. I think if dealers can get people to demo an SX, then sales should follow pretty quickly. The bike just feels too good and it works really well. I'm not really in the market for a street fighter, but I was impressed with the SX enough that it got me thinking. Supposedly, there's going to be an accessory windscreen. When I heard that when I was doing my Demo ride, I started thinking about adding one and a set of Hepco & Becker Junior bags or maybe a set of Givi Trekker bags and making my own Sport Touring bike. Now that would be a true Sport Tourer with it's own panache. Or maybe I'll just wait and see what the AX has to offer. We'll see. | ||
| D_adams |
Did you guys see the $2k off both models? Yeah, $14995 for an SX now. Saw it posted on FB.
| ||
| Dmhines |
I saw $2K off SX and most dealers doing $3K off RX. Now RX and SX early adopters can feel like suckers. | ||
| Crusty |
Now RX and SX early adopters can feel like suckers. The cure for that is for the early adopters to get on their RX or SX and go for a ride. No matter what bike I've bought in the past, there was always someone who would tell me that I could have gotten it cheaper somewhere else. In the long run, it doesn't matter. Even having paid too much (supposedly), I more than got my money's worth. If I had an SX out in the garage right now, the sale price wouldn't bother me a bit. | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
Yeh I got the same thing over on S1K forum. Somebody else always got the same bike for cheaper. So I just go out and run it up to 14,000 rpms and fight to keep my arms from being dislocated with a big grin. That price drop is very appealing. I wonder if they'd be willing to go higher then the 10,000 they offered on trade last spring on my S1K. (Message edited by figorvonbuellingham on October 09, 2014) | ||
| Dmhines |
I just have a feeling the lower prices will become the new MSRP. Who would pay MSRP again when they see EBR dropping prices so soon after hitting the showroom? | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
It also kind of makes one think...."do I get in now, or will it go even lower?". | ||
| Classax |
Now RX and SX early adopters can feel like suckers. Don't know about you, but where I live you can't rent a Suberbike. And it will cost you upwards of $95/day to rent anything on two wheels. So let's see getting to ride my superbike for the last 7 months Vs saving $2K-$3k to buy near the end of the riding season for most people ,so I can only look at my brand new bike in the garage for 3 -4 months. I'll take the former every day and twice on Sundays (which is what I’ve been doing incidentally) People complain about the loss of a value based market to a sustainable margin based market but then they are also the first to try and squeeze every penny out of every deal. If your dealer can't make money selling your bikes he won't be a dealer long. Understanding that may mean buying at something over dealer cost.... The discount is fine but don't complain about low dealer investment / involvement in the brand/product, while you're purposefully trying to wait them out off any workable profit margins. IJS. And for the record if you’re worried about cost the 1190 isn’t the bike for you. It eats tires, brake pads, chains, sprockets and GAS at a very high rate if ridden as intended. Penny pinching should be directed towards something with way less power. | ||
| Court |
>>>>Now RX and SX early adopters can feel like suckers. That's absurd. I bought both my 2012 and 2013 (my 2013 was one of the first down the new Ford line in Louisville) and knew damn well the price would go down. Trying to time a "passion purchase" is a fool's errand. Buy what makes you happy, get the best deal you can at the time and never look back. If I told you what the last 200 1125's sold for you'd REALLY feel like a sucker. :-) | ||
| Crusty |
And for the record if you’re worried about cost the 1190 isn’t the bike for you. It eats tires, brake pads, chains, sprockets and GAS at a very high rate if ridden as intended. Yeah, but if I were to buy one, it would lead a much more sedate (relatively) life. The SX that I rode for the demo ride was indicating over 50 MPG every time I looked down at it. In fact, Mike K. pointed out the very respectable gas mileage before I went out on my second ride, so I was looking at the LCD a bit closer than I did on my first ride. I'll probably wait until after the AX comes out. I want to see what the factory comes out with. If I don't like the AX, then hopefully I'll be able to take the bags from one and mount them to a SX. It's always nicer to have factory engineered saddle bags and mounts than Rube Goldberg designed mounts. | ||
| Ljm |
If something in terms of good sized bags doesn't come along, I am going to look at a pair of Ducati zip up bags and fabricate mounts for the Mrs. bike. If I can get the g.d. ducati badges off of them. They zip all the way around, are textile covered hard bags, and look good. They have metal rather than straps mounting them. They are also bigger than the old Buell earmuff bags and don't flop around like the soft bags. | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
S1K is the same way. It gets 25 mpg riding it right. The tires last 2500 miles. The sprockets need replaced regularly and the insurance is more. The dealershiop doesnt want you working on it and are quick to send you packing if you do so you have that expense during the course of the warranty. Bikes are expensive. | ||
| Classax |
SuperBikes are expensive  | ||
| Rodrob |
SuperBikes are expensive Post purchase, other than tires and gas and oil, my 1125R has cost me next to nothing. My 1190RS... well that's a different story. Anybody have an insurance quote in CA on an 1190SX? (Message edited by rodrob on October 10, 2014) | ||
| Socoken |
Court- If I told you what the last 200 1125's sold for you'd REALLY feel like a sucker. The 2000 in savings on a new SX is about all I would get for my like-new 1125r in trade, and it was 12,000 new. That would seem to be part of the problem. | ||
| Ceejay |
I'll give you 2500 for it | ||
| Court |
>>>>The 2000 in savings on a new SX is about all I would get for my like-new 1125r in trade, and it was 12,000 new. That would seem to be part of the problem. It's attitude . . it's all attitude. There is ONLY a problem if you are selling it. If . . as an example . . . I sold my stock portfolio this evening . . . it would be a problem . . . it's down about "5 Buell" this week. But . . .know what? . . . I am NOT selling and, in fact, with payday coming up . . . I'll make out like a bandit when I make another purchase next week. Forget the whoa is me stuff . . . go ride that $12,000 bike . . look in the mirror and you'll be staring at a frickin' HERO ! Motorcycles are for fun . . . you . . my friend . . made a wise choice. Court | ||
| Socoken |
No "woe is me" intended. Your stocks might not be where you anticipated at the time, but I bet what you choose buy after payday wont be based on a precipitous drop after purchase. Not trying to nay-say, and I understand the difference between investments and expendables, just adding a viewpoint. If my 1125 was still worth 5 or 6, Id be a lot more inclined to "buy more shares," so to speak. Which is a bummer because I really like the new product, but, live and learn. Ill wait for while, but I will have one! Im sure Im not the only one thinking that way, which was my point about the 1125 having an effect on new 1190 sales. | ||
| Buellmojo |
"live and learn" I certainly did with my 1125R purchase. I agree Court, "Motorcycles are for fun"...and my 1125R experience, was not fun at all... for my family, myself, or even the technicians that machine often visited. This has certainly made a huge impact on my decision of purchasing any EBR motorcycle, or not... I want to, but then again, I don't...guess which one is winning. | ||
| Two_seasons |
(Message edited by two_seasons on October 18, 2014) | ||
| Malott442 |
I've got a problem solver for delivery. I'll drive your new bike to your house for the plane ticket home! Not only will the break in be done, it'll have its first bug splatters out of the way. |
