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Rocketsprink
Posted on Friday, September 10, 2004 - 09:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I can't believe what some of the aftermarket companies are asking for their stuff! One, from overseas, which will remain nameless, is crazy!!
Unless I'm doing the conversions wrong, $308 dollars American for a right side air scoop made of fiberglass?! Crossroad clip-ons for $467 American!!?? I'm sure their stuff is good quality, but thats nuts. Ya can get the bars for about $200 from Crossroads site!! When are we going to get a manufacturer to step up and make the stuff here, and affordable!? Just a thought.
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Odie
Posted on Friday, September 10, 2004 - 10:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Do like I do: DO IT YOURSELF!!!!
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Bud
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 03:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

your lucky......
the normal buell stuff is all +/+ 35% here in yurop than what you pay in the states
allot has to do with customs and taxes..transportation cost
and the reseller also has to pay the gas bill

live is so much easer if you yanks will join the EU ; )
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Trojan
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 06:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

We import the Crossroads stuff from the US, so it is probably us that you are alluding to.

By the time we pay shipping, import duty, taxes etc of course it costs more over here.

If we get enquiries from US customers for Crossroads stuff we pass them on to the factory in the US direct.

As far as the scoop goes, yes it is too expensive at the moment but we are working on that.

The other thing of course is that we are not responsible for the appalling exchange rate that Mr GWB has inflicted upon the US, but we do always give a 10% discount on our prices to US customers to try and offset it a little: )

(Message edited by trojan on September 11, 2004)
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Crip2nite
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 07:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Then you guys seriously better consider lowering your prices immensely because,as you know, we have a very competitive mind set here and sooner or later, we're going to market the items at a much lower rate and The U.K. is gonna lose a hell of a lot of business! Made in USA!!
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Trojan
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 07:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

As I said before, we are not in the business of ripping people off, and if we think that US customers can buy cheaper from our US suppliers then we tell them so.

As it happens, over 90% of the aftermarket parts that we supply are made in Europe, not the US.

Quality parts (Ilmberger, Brembo, etc etc) will never be available at bargain basement prices, that is the way it is sometimes.
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Exupmonkey
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 07:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Crip2..spare a thought for us UK Buellers, prices over here traditionally more expensive than in the US, we pay through the nose for everything from tyres to gas, its not called rip-off Britain for nothing. Think yourself lucky that you are able to shop about for competitive prices cause we are caught in a captive market...limited competition equals higher prices. If we do import from the US we get hit with shipping, import and customs charges making it not e very economical option. Maybe I am reading into your post something that isn't meant but the high prices you allude too aren't there specifically to rip US customers off...we get them all the time! Posted in UK!!
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Crip2nite
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 08:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Then there's got to be a compromise in the pricing somehow! Don't take it personal though as I am 1/2 British(On my dads side). Remember, most of your products are a "want", not a "necessity". In this day and age, We are all looking for a bigger "bang" for our bucks!!
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Exupmonkey
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 08:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Fair comment mate..although tyres and gas are bordering on the essential! and I dont work for Trojan...I am just a pissed-off consumer like yourself.

All the best.
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Rocketsprink
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 09:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Maybe I should not have said rip-off. I guess it's not anyones fault the the companies in the U.S are not interested in suppling an American bike with American aftermarket parts. Like I said, I know Trojan sell high quality, but the air scoop price is too high for me. Seems most aftermarket stuff is sold from oversea companies. American Sport Bike has nice stuff, but nowhere near the selection of Trojan. I wish someone here would make the right side air scoop like Trojan sells, but for half the price. I know a lot of fellow Buellers that would get them if not for the $308 price tag! Maybe Mr. Buell should start reading into what the customer wants. And, Never Forget! 9-11-01!! I support the Troops , But NOT "W" !
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2k4xb12
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 10:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

but we do always give a 10% discount on our prices to US customers to try and offset it a little

Hmm, I don't recall getting this 10% discount when I recently purchased the RRC pulley guard from you. Perhapse there was a mistake. I'll contact you privately to discuss this further.


(Message edited by 2k4xb12 on September 11, 2004)
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Blake
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 11:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Matt,
Pay no mind to these whiners. Some people cannot get through life without spreading negativity and derision.

I do strongly disagree with your little jab at our president. You need to talk to the muslim terrorists who wiped out our World Trade Center in NYC. I empathize with you though, a weak dollar is great for Made in the USA but makes it tough for imports. Your stuff is top notch though. Hope you are garnering some well deserved business. Any news on the racing front over there?

Steve,
A public forum in not the place to try to solve problems with an order. Matt is first class. Contact him privately and he'll take care of you. Totally uncool to gripe about a simple mistake like erroneous fastener sizes.

Tell you what, send me the receipt for the new SS bolts and I'll reimburse you myself.
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Rocketsprink
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 01:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I don't believe we are "whiners" just stating fact and our opinions. When anyone other than yourself has an opinion, you jump all over them. I used to think it was Dyna, but now I believe it's you. God forbid someone would see things different than you, or have an opposing opinion.I thought that was the point of a forum. To say what's on our minds. If that's not the case, let us all know. I saw the post before it was changed and 2k4xb12 wasn't stating anything that wasn't true. If someone says something and doesn't deliver, how is that whining? You censor this site enough already. Now if we don't follow your ideas we get ridiculed. Unbelievable.
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Blake
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 05:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Steve,
Wow! Outstanding! You are one stand-up guy. I appreciate you editing your post to a more positive tone.


Rocco,
I love you, please don't hurt me any more.
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Aztec12r
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 05:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Guys.... (and girls if applicable)

This is argument will go nowhere... people here are pretty stubborn (not a bad thing really... I think it's a Buell thing... different in every way! heh..heh...). Anyone that's been here a while knows Blake gets a little emotional about once a month.

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Beast
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 08:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Trojan give 10% to US customers but us europeans have to pay full price? how is this fair? How about you lower all your prices by 10%? You can do it for 1 you can do for em all!!

Different in every sense??

(Message edited by beast on September 11, 2004)
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Crip2nite
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 08:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Uh-Oh....Now look what you done did Trojan!!
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Blake
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 09:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If you pay in USD, Matt might give y'all 5% off. Lose the funny accent and he might take off another 5%. : )
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Rocketsprink
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 01:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Welcome to Kindergarten. Blake, you win the " Hitler of the Year award". Un-f'n- Believable. Tell ya what. You stay there and I'll stay here. But I don't love you man. I promise not to rock the boat anymore. Me be good for you daddy! To bad ya don't have a middle finger icon.
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Koz5150
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 03:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

}I wish someone here would make the right side air scoop like Trojan sells, but for half the price. I know a lot of fellow Buellers that would get them if not for the $308 price tag!

Sounds like a personal business opportunity. Maybe you should look at investing in it? I built a belt gaurd for my 2002 M2 that I think looks awesome. I had someone build me an additional 20. I still have 20 in my garage. I think Buellers like building their own parts rather then paying for them. It just seems to be the mentality amongst us.

P.S. I bought a Wylico Exhaust. When the front mount broke Wylico sent me an updated setup, brand new complete system and charged me only shipping. It was still $45 bucks, so I can see how transporting parts from WI to Europe then selling them to someone who lives in Wisconsin can be expensive. (Crossroads Performance
is located in Sumerset WI)
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Rocketman
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 04:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

One thing all UK Buellers must remember when buying and shipping anything from the US is to ask the person, especially if it's off Ebay like in a private sale, if they mind sending it marked 'GIFT'. This way you won't pay customs duty or VAT, just shipping.

Works for me every time providing the box marked 'GIFT' is ticked. With our exchange rate the way it's been for the last year or so, there has never been a better time to buy from the US.


Rocket
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Martin
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 05:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sorry, Rocket, but I think that the latest policy is to charge duty on anything declared at over £100 even if it says 'unsolicited gift' or whatever. Its a kind of rearguard action against the web's subversion of trade barriers and consequent threat to tax yields. How else ya gonna pay for that war?
Crip2nite: was your dad Scots or from Yorkshire?
Blake: Trojans pop at GW was not at the fact that he did something after 9/11, but the consequences of those policy choices.
Anyone else: Trojan has always been extremely fair in all my dealings with him, giving freely of his time and expensively wrought information.
I don't think he does a 10% off for being stupid and naive, though....otherwise he'd be inundated.
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Brucelee
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 10:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"The other thing of course is that we are not responsible for the appalling exchange rate that Mr GWB has inflicted upon the US, but we do always give a 10% discount on our prices to US customers to try and offset it a little"

Interesting bit of fantasy. If GWB controls the exchange rate, he and the rest of the world is unaware of it.

Back to Econ 101 with you! Stick to selling MC parts.
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Brucelee
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 10:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Fascinating posts--

In a free market economy, anyone who can provide these parts and access at a lower price can set up shop and do it. So far, no takers I guess.

So, stop whining and file a business application. If there is sufficient demand, you can take advantage of "high prices" and make yourself some dough.

I don't see a problem here, just an opportunity.

Oh, BTW-How much SHOULD a side scoop cost?
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Odie
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 10:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Don't know how much one SHOULD cost but I'll let you know how much it costs to make one when I'm done......right after I finish my 9 pipe mod's and my heat blanket....now that I'm done with my fender mod............Odie
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Brucelee
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 10:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Odie,

That is the spirit. If the Euro prices are "too high" undercut them!

I would buy matching air scoops if they looked trick and cooled better than just one.
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Court
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 01:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The owners of few brands of motorscooterisms are as lucky as Buell owners when it comes to aftermarket stuff.
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Rocketman
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 09:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

That's news to me Martin.

I've recently, like in the past couple of months, received three packages from the US. One guy wrote on a note 'this is a gift' or some such words, then placed it inside the package, marked the customs form $120 value (no mention on the outside of the package about the gift), so Fed Ex just billed me over £20. The other 'gifts' got through no problem as did a carbon fiber front hugger and some other packages earlier this year, also marked gift.

Rocket
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Trenchtractor
Posted on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 07:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Here's an example of the cost of importing for you...

K&N, factory, as sold over the counter at your local Aussie Buell dealer... $190 odd.

For me to buy them at trade rates from Jens at hillbilly motors, bring them into Australia, pay freight, import duties (on the item AND freight), GST (on the item plus freight plus duties), then freight from me to the customer, selling to them at $190 delivered makes me enough to buy lunch that day. Then I have to pay income tax on that lunch money.

After several dyno runs today testing prototypes can tell you it ain't easy... Or cheap. And I'm not even set up to do business yet... Making sales is a long way off.

There are plenty of guys who are using their own enginuity, friends and plain old good luck to make products available... It's a huge risk to go out and put up the money to build 20 of anything HOPING someone will buy it. Perhaps more people should be getting together to share products... Pay each other royalties, or resell each others products...

Sometimes you feel stingy for trying to sell something to guys you consider your mates... But if you don't sell your parts to make a bit of money, then who is going to pay your development costs??

In the end that's what you are paying for...

Ask Kevin what he's got planned when he gets enough cash set aside from sales of the drummer, I'll bet you it's not a new car (or truck ; ))... It'll be product development for sure.
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