| Author |
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Edonis
| | Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 06:26 pm: | 
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I need to know what parts and accessories everyone would like stocked at Rocket Harley-Davidson/Buell? We sell a lot of Buells, however the dealer's support from that point sucks-other than service. We have a Buell certified technician, Alan, who does fantastic work.
The rub however, is that people will have to at least come and buy SOME of what you requested. After talks with the big guy, he is totally on my side with this, now it is our turn to show that we are willing to show some support as well. I'm also interested to hear ideas as to how to stengthen the community and further market Buell Motorycles. We've talked about getting the demo fleet to come, so we can introduce the bikes to a large crowd. Throw some ideas out there and let me know what you guys want.
Cheers |
Edonis
| | Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 06:27 pm: |
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I forgot to mention, this is completley customer oriented, your thoughts and advice will be used. |
Ratyson
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 09:32 am: |
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Cody,
That is great news!
My first suggestion would be to maybe have a small accessories display. Maybe in that area on the wall adjacent to where the buell display is. I think they have HD trinkets and stuff there right now.
They could stock it with pegs, grips, tank bags, tail bags, couple pair of gloves, some riding gear, etc. Maybe not a lot, just enough. I understand that they don't want to stock stuff, and not have it sell.
I have also been pondering the idea of starting up a Brag group here, and seeing if Rocket would allow us to hold the meetings there at the shop. Along the same line, any rides that we do could start at Rocket. That way, folks would not only see the buells on display, they would also see us riding.
On the demo fleet idea; Having the demo fleet would be a great way to get some interest built up. The only difficulty I can see would be finding a good place to do it. The biggest complaint that I have heard from folks who have demo'ed has been that the roads that were chosen for demos were just straight and boring. Definitely not the type of riding that Buells were meant for. But one also has to consider the danger involved in getting a bunch of people, some of which have very limited skill in riding, on a twisty bit of pavement. One area that comes to mind would be Monte Sano (sp?), that way, it could be held to a slower pace without too much impact on traffic, and the riders could get a small taste of how the buells handle the corners without the speed aspect involved. You may know of some better places to look into.
I really appreciate the opportunity to have my input taken into consideration, and the fact that you are trying to bring these changes to reality.
I would be willing to help out with the demo rides in any way that I can (sign up, or ride lead/sweeper). Just let me know what HD/Buell would require for me to do it.
Russ |
Edonis
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 06:02 pm: |
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Keep it coming gentleman. What you put into this, you will receive later. |
Dave
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 06:34 pm: |
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This is really not a plug....
It seems many successful Buell dealerships have a "Buell Guy/Gal". Maybe management can look at hiring someone for that that role? Sales department or maybe even Parts department based I imagine but with the background and interest in all things Buell. Someone that Buell enthusiasts and future Buell riders can really relate to. Someone they can speak Icon, Aerostich, Scorpion, Vanson and Joe Rocket with. Someone that comes to work wearing a full faced helmet & Cordura. This person would have a interest in powder coating and performance rather than chrome doo-dads. (None of this is meant to be a slam but tweaking a dealership paradigm)
The dealership needs to invest in Buell before they can get a return on Buell. Not the other way around. Shirts and accessories are only a start. The key ingredient is a staff that welcomes Buellers, Sport Bike and Adventure riders. They need someone there can can identify with this new customer and not run them off.
Maybe Harley's marketing is not the Sport bike or the Adventure rider at all. Maybe it's simply offering the Harley loyal another avenue while keeping them in a familiar atmosphere. I dunno.
Maybe that is something I should discuss with Rocket's management should they want a Buell liaison....
DAve |
Edonis
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 11:45 am: |
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Thats a fantastic idea. However, you must not have noticed, but that person is me. I'm the guy that sportbike riders talk to. I'm the guy at the parts counter that knows exactly which book to pull to find your parts. I'm also the guy on the sales floor that can tell you every technical aspect of every Buell model.
Not only do I already work there, I report directly to the highest manager-The Owner Mr. Patton. I'd say that base is covered  |
Dave
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 08:12 pm: |
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Nah ... didn't notice and I didn't mean to rain on the parade. :-) (I actually keyed in on "...I'm now full on as a Rider's Edge instructor") I never saw ya come out and say Buell specialist, Buell liaison, Buell coordinator, or anything like that.
Congratulations and I'm there to support the efforts. Tell Debbie I said Hello. I got my Ulysses from Rocket.
Prime the pumps of knowledge -- When I call about the sidestand recall I expect an ack (TTY talk) and not a blank stare (running open). Give the service writers the heads up on Buell HUMINT if you're not already doing it. (license plate light, chin spoiler, timing issue, possible fan bearings, etc) I'm sure the parts department has a delivery time on the new '07 Uly seat? Having it available will make it an easy sell to folks that bought an '06.
It sounds like you got your work cut out for you. Oh and they need to offer a discount. Yeah I have one of the member ship VIP cards.
DAve |
Edonis
| | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 12:52 pm: |
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Hey, no worries. I'm actually working 4 departments. I'm the only one person committed soley to the sales of Buell, Buell Parts, and possibly a BRAG and such. I have attempted to update service on the recalls. About two weeks ago I printed out the NHSTA bulletins for the XB12X and gave them to one of the writers. You may have spoken about it to someone whom hadn't seen them yet.
HUMINT=Human Intelligence?
I'm trying to revamp the parts department as we speak.
Cheers |
Dave
| | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 07:46 pm: |
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It sounds like you're on the right track Cody.
Ya nailed HUMINT. Rely on the collective knowledge and experiences of the board to feed the dealership. Convince the boss to become a sponsor as well.
DAve |
Ratyson
| | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 07:38 am: |
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Dave,
That is a great idea, I had not thought of that. Being a badweb sponsor would help sell some items as long as everything was handled well.
Good call. |
Edonis
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 01:21 am: |
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I've mentioned being the SE version of DaveS, Thoughts? Anybody have experience with distribution? |
Flyor
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 01:49 pm: |
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Cody,
I think it's great you are doing all of this so I will offer my opinion as well. You mentioned Rocket's great service, and other than Alan's knowledge, I totally disagree.
I received what I would call a shoddy service a few months ago for my 1K service (I mentioned it here a few months back) and even went so far as to write a letter to the Service Manager and the GM. I never heard back from them even after a follow up email.
I was never looking for a handout; just an acknowledgement (possibly an apology) that they screwed up and that it wasn't normally like that, that it wouldn't happen again, etc.
I didn't receive anything so I have not been back to Rocket since. At this point I do not plan on returning. I've chosen an alternate site for my services and am seriously considering the drive to Murfreesboro for the sidestand recall on my Uly(if I can even do that...haven't checked).
I truly appreciate your efforts to change Rocket's image and support to us Buellers but I think yours is an uphill battle and one not easily won.
I don't think of myself as a spiteful person and I don't hold grudges. For instance I recall you writing that you would check into my "service concerns" and can only assume that you didn't get anywhere with it. I don't hold that against you and I actually appreciated you making the effort.
I hope it all works out and if so, I may return. But until then, if someone asks me about Rocket's support to Buellers after the sale, I don't have much good to say about them. |
Flyor
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 05, 2006 - 04:52 pm: |
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Man, I hope my grumpy comments didn't shut this thread down. Didn't intend it to, if that's the case |
Ratyson
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 10:05 am: |
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No worries man. This thread is pretty slow. It has bursts of activity from time to time.
Also, Cody, I didn't forget about my clutch cable.. I have been out of town, and I am leaving again today. I will be back Friday evening, so I should be by to pick that up on Saturday. |
Edonis
| | Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 02:00 pm: |
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Gentlemen,
It would appear Rocket Harley davidson has seen it fit to terminate my employment with them. I'm not aware of the full circumstances as when I came to work today I was suddenly told. I never had a prior warning.
Just a heads up to those whom may come up to the shop looking for me with regards to a new bike, Buell parts, and general knowlege.
I'm not sure why they are doing this. I'm attempting to find out. All I can say is good luck continuing a relationship with them since the parts guys know nothing about our bikes and passed the task to me, the sales people know hardly anything about them (they foul the plugs in at least one bike twice a week), etc. This is totally out of left-field and I'm still a bit shocked.
Cheers |
Flyor
| | Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 02:59 pm: |
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Sorry to hear that Cody. I hope you get an explanation and maybe you can work something out. Good luck. |
Ratyson
| | Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 09:05 am: |
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Cody,
Man, sorry to hear about that.
I could be wrong, but if you are a full time employee and your employment is terminated (which they can do for any reason), they at least have to tell you the reason for your termination. I think this is by law.
But either way, I wish you the best of luck! You could go check with Scott over at Rocket city power sports, he may be looking for people. |
Flyor
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 - 09:26 am: |
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Rough weekend for motorcyclists in the area. The guy on I-565 on Sunday afternoon was pretty bad apparently. An at least one other guy burned in and another one lost his leg. My thoughts and prayers are with their families. |
Ratyson
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 07:36 pm: |
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Yes, it was a rough weekend for cyclists.
Let's keep it as a reminder to keep our wits about us while riding. |
Flyor
| | Posted on Friday, October 20, 2006 - 11:33 am: |
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Anyone hear from Cody? Did he work it out with Rocket HD? |
Ara
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 10:02 am: |
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Who's up for a ride on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving??? It ought to be a beautiful day.
Russ
'97 S3 |
Ratyson
| | Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2006 - 09:09 pm: |
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Sorry I missed you on friday, we were up in pigeon forge with my parents.
I am going to be riding tomorrow (sunday).
I will be at the sonic at 72/jordan at about 10am for anyone who is interested. |
Ara
| | Posted on Monday, November 27, 2006 - 12:18 pm: |
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Russ,
I'm sorry I missed you on Sunday. I was eyeball deep in leaves. :-(
Unfortunately, the weather next weekend will be a lot different than it was this past weekend.
Russ
(It looks like you're talking to yourself.)
[No, it doesn't.]
(Yes it does. Look!)
[Damn! I need a shrink.] |
Ratyson
| | Posted on Monday, November 27, 2006 - 05:11 pm: |
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Russ,
Yeah, it does.
Russ.
HA! |
Edonis
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 02:46 pm: |
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How is everybody doing? Happy Holidays. |
Buelltoys
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 06:18 pm: |
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doing good here. Loving this weather we are having for the holidays. Happy holidays to everyone! |
Ratyson
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 07:31 pm: |
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Doing good here as well.
Happy Holidays!
Hope everyone is getting out and riding in this fine weather!
BTW... It is looking like March Badness IV is going to be taking place at the same time as last year. End of March beginning of April. I think the first day is March 30th.
There is a thread in the quick board about it.
We should see if we can all ride togther for the first time.... in the North Georgia twisties. |
Buelltoys
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 11:09 pm: |
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As it looks right now I will be riding up on Sat morning and spending the night up there. Didn't make it last year so hope this year is good for me.
Ride everyday even if it is cold. Can never get enough ride time on the ULY. |
Ratyson
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 - 02:18 pm: |
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BuellToys,
When you ride in to work, do you ride through the douglas road/plummer road area?
If so, I think I have seen you on several occasions. |
Buelltoys
| | Posted on Saturday, December 23, 2006 - 10:44 am: |
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I live in Eclectic so I don't think it was me. I ride into Montgomery everyday.
So I don't think it is me that you are seeing. |
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