| Author | Message | ||
     Skyguy |
Blake, I am not going to bother. There is nothing I can do to get you and some of the other "true believers" to understand my point. You tend to see only reality as it appears to you. Reading my rants and extending that to assumeing that "I must have mishandled" both BMC and the dealers is pretty damm small minded. I think after nearly three months of just trying to get the wheel bearings taken care of I am due to be a bit pissed. Throw in all of the other problems, four strandings, thousands spent on repairs and getting home, and the total lack of give a crap from BMC, and the fact I have gotten nothing but frustration at the dealer level (until Morgan) what do you expect? Some kind of happy go lucky "gee I sure hope this works out someday" attitude? What part of being polite (almost a year now) got me nowhere have you missed all of these months? How long does one continue to be polite when not getting any satisfaction regarding the companies issues? Despite my multiple attempts at being nice over MANY months you and a couple of others seem to think I should just take it all in stride with a smile on my face. Sorry, that is no longer going to happen. You have no idea at all how I dealt with the dealers nor how I deal with anyone outside of my rants on this board. For what it is worth I have NEVER been loud, nasty or hatefull to any of the dealers or anyone at BMC (even the screwups) in fact, nice, sadly patient and somewhat resigned would be a good description. You make to many assumptions. As for a course of action? I have been doing my research and being fully out of options for any money, parts or give a crap out of BMC I can only try to make a difference for others that may buy into the Buell. Belts and headlights are key safety issues. Becasue BMC does not seem to care (in fact they continue to blame others for their engineering issues). I see no other course than to gather information and forward that information to the DOT, Ralph Nader and anyone else I can think of. 11,000 miles of constant problems with basic stuff and you expect me to still be happy and nice....................... Given a switch in situation you would be all nice still? I don't know you so I can not make any assumptions but somehow I kind of doubt that were the situations reversed you would still be happy and smiling. Get real. I have had enough of the useless dialog between you and others on this board. Some of you guys ALWAYS place the inability to get things handled with BMC on the consumers attitude. IT is NEVER the fault of BMC in the eyes of the faithfull. I don't use words like always or never lightly. Now I am going to shut up about my problems, drop this useless unproductive conversation as I can no longer speak of Buells in a positive manner and will continue to try to adhere to BWB policy. Pwnzor and I are going to have a beer and a good laugh though. (Message edited by skyguy on October 13, 2006) | ||
| James996 |
Ft Bstrd- I used the harley stuff formula plus I think its called. The stators went because of the stator wires chaffing inside the prim case. | ||
| James996 |
Also I would like to state that the stator wires chaffing inside the primary case is my fault too. If I kept the engine off it wouldn't have happened. Thanks all | ||
| Blake |
Tim, You sure do like to put words into other people's mouths. Your post above is horribly dishonest in that respect. No one, certainly not me, has asserted that you should not be unhappy, frustrated or even angry, only that your behavior is way out of line and your hateful vindictive indignation is uncalled for. That is not equivalent to telling you that you should be happy. It is telling you that your behavior here is immature and dishonorable. One may express anger and dissatisfaction while remaining civil and composed. The word "professionalism" fits perfectly what I am trying to communicate. I defy you to show me where I have ever unjustly sought to place blame for any problem on anyone here! I certainly have not blamed you for anything other than misbehaving and acting like a spoiled jerk. If you do not want to provide the pertinent dates to resolve the confusion, then just say so. I think I get the picture. I think all of us do. | ||
| Glitch |
Thousands? | ||
| Skyguy |
Here is another fine example of Corporate doing what they do best. My friend has been trying to cancel his AOL account for six months. He was nothing but nice for the first four months of getting billed. He got nowhere. They continued to bill him and recently threatend to send him to collection for a six month old bill. One letter from his attorney got it handled. Why did he have to go that far? Becasue AOL has been doing the obstructionist thing when customers try to cancel for quite a while now. In fact they recenty got nailed on KFI radio during a hidden tape conversation. Being nice will not always net results. In fact many of todays corporations road block when customers have billing issues. It once took me three months to get hundreds of dollars back that I was wrongly billed for. When nice does not net results what is left to consumers? | ||
| Blake |
Tim's (Skyguy's) post above moved here from another topic. No one is advising that you be "nice." It is fine to be direct, firm, resolute, stern, whatever, even angry is fine as long as you do so without sacrificing respect. I'd really like to hear you recount an unimpassioned history of your dealings/contacts with your dealership(s) and Buell customer service in your effort to resolve your issues. Include dates and specific discussions. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
James996, I'm not picking a scab. I was just interested. I posted a fan failure thread because I wanted to know how widespread the failure actually was. When all was said and done, I believe there were less than 10 total failures listed. Now not everyone may have seen the thread or decided to post their situation, but the failures were not universal among all Ulys. I asked because I am interested in the correlation between stator failures and primary lubricant. I see you and I have the same model. Did Buell correct your problem under warranty? I had a fuel pump and bank angle sensor replaced under warranty. It took almost three weeks during the best riding period here in TN. I hated that I had to have things replaced, but they took care of the problem. I was interested in your problem. Not all who post here requesting information about problems are adversaries nor are all here without "your" problem without problems of their own. Thanks. | ||
| Skyguy |
Blake, I feel no need to go into it. I am tired of swimming upstream with BMC and some of the folks here. Therefore I have nothing more to say about it on this board. Think what you like about my reasons. And yes Glitch over $2,000 in 16,000 miles. (Message edited by skyguy on October 13, 2006) (Message edited by skyguy on October 13, 2006) | ||
| James996 |
Ft-bstrd- no problem i don;t mind. The dealers have been very helpful getting the bike fixed asap. All work covered under warranty. I believe the stators failures were caused by the route the wires take coming off the stator. The wires go unto a plate and it can cause chaffing to take place. The answer seems simple. First tuck the wires in real smooth and use some high temp silicom sealant to help prevent the wires from touching the plate directly. #2- v/r are screwing up at the connection comming off the v/r where it plugs into the stator wires. Unless you look carefully at the inside of the connector pins you can miss it. The result is that the mechanic will just plug a new v/r in and later on down the road your dead. Simple fix-make sure the pins are crimped down tigth, or cut of the connector and have the mechanic soidler the wires together. this should fix the situation for good. I found this all out by looking in the knowledge vault and relaying the info to the mechanics-thanks to all who helped. Lastly the fans. The seals on them just suck. Dirt or dust get in and ruins them. I think the reason my bike lost two fans is because I have taken my bike off road quite a bit. About 500miles worth of sand riding. I love to ride the x more than my other 12 bikes. I hope it becomes more reliable now. I would like to take this time to reccomend two buell shop that care. Liberty in NJ and Gengras in Hartford,CT. Great people to work with. Never had to deal with the bad attitudes many have experience. Hope this helps others. Also the roadside asst from Harley is really bad. Flat out sucks. I need to find a better plan. Any ideals. Any in the Brooklyn area. If anyone is reading this tonigth you need to get a life.-Thanks. | ||
| Blake |
"I feel no need to go into it." You sure fooled me. | ||
| Skyguy |
Blake, "You sure fooled me" Gee, that was easy. Just kidding let me rephrase. I see nothing to be gained from upsetting the faithful enthusiasts on this board. I can wage my war effectively in many other places and ways. Blake, You want to think it must be a miserable existence to go to war with a company like Buell. I am far from miserable. Ever met an unhappy glider or hot air balloon pilot? I have been to many festivals and have yet to meet a miserable pilot. I expected more from Buell. Think of it this way. What will upset you more? Getting screwed by a friend or getting screwed by a stranger. When I discovered that they did not care to do one thing for my bikes (and others) issues past the one year warranty period my disappointment was/is acute. A couple of these things are serious safety problems. Some large corporations have taken to serious mis-behavior and socially unconscious behavior. I wage a little war against these corporations in an attempt to make such behavior less profitable. This little war actually makes me happy because even though I only make a small difference, it is a difference. I have two confirmed no sales for BMC due to my being vocal. There are some serious issues with the drive belts and headlights on the R. Not to mention the wiring harness. Until BMC comes clean and recalls at the very least the belts and headlights I will assume they are not a socially conscious company. Putting BMC on the list of the bad corps sucks. Now let me adhere to BWB policy and drop it okay? }  | ||
| Jiffy |
Kinda pressing buttons here aren't you Blake? | ||
| Lions |
I was seriously considering getting another Buell in my garage to switch back and forth with my cruiser....this whole thread just bought back those "not so good in the gut" feelings again. I'm definitely turned off by the IL4's...after a while, they bore me...I can see a Duc or an SV in my stable within a few years...Nothing worse than a company who doesn't give a flying...sh...ummm...saucer  | ||
| Bads1 |
Lions,Skyguy,if you are so upset sky and you have a bad gut then why do you's come here day in day out??? You'd think you would wash your hands of the Buell thing all together and go on with life but you come back here. I don't get it. | ||
| Jiffy |
Lions just posted an honest response or question from a non-Bueller perspective. I do not own a Buell either..*gasp*. I really love the idea of a Buell. I want one badly. I have been wanting one for over a year now. I have also read every article published about Buell that I could find...new and old. But, from reading for the past 6 months it does raise the honest question as to the reliability of them comparable to other bike makers. I have read from a non-biased perspective for a long time and I still question which bike would be better for me a Buell XB12R or a SV650. I want to have a bike that I do not have to work on or worry about every time I ride it. I understand that every bike manufacturer has bikes that have problems, but if you read these boards you do hear many people that have taken their bike in for at least one repair under warranty. I raise this question as an honest one. This question is not raised to bash the company at all. I raise this question. How many Buellers here have never had to take their bike in for a warranty issue? My background: I have been riding a Ninja 250 for 4 years now and I have owned 2 of them new from the dealership (first one was wrecked by a drunk driver). I did not have any issues with either of my Ninja 250's. I read the Ninja 250 boards religiously. There are not many people that have issues with their Ninja 250's. I like that. There are some but not many. I want to state again. I am not trying to bash Buell or any posters. I am a prospective buyer and like honest answers. | ||
| Skyguy |
Bads1, The people here have nothing to do with my problems with Buell. I hang out here becasue sometimes something fun happens. I like excentric people and Buells seems to attract more than a few. I think there are several people here who are no longer own or are interested in riding Buells. | ||
| Bads1 |
I've owned 3 buells total over the coarse of 8 years. I had a rocker box leak on my 2000 Cyclone. I owned that bike for 3 years. Then I bought a 04 XB12S new and it had a recall for a wire rubbing on a horn bracket bolt.... fixed that myself in 5 minutes before it could be a problem. Still own the bike zero problems. I also have 03 XB9S that my wife rides and loves that we bought new last year. I upgraded the belt and pulley system on it not because it broke but for a piece of mind. Still have that one also zero problems. SV is a great bike.Will you have problems?? Who knows you could though. I worked at a Jap dealer and seen alot of pissed off people that spent there hard earned money. It can happen in all brands. | ||
| Jiffy |
Thank you for a nice quick reply Bads1. From your experience Buell looks much better to me already. Hopefully we have others post up. I like to read positive posts about Buell. | ||
| Skyguy |
Bads1 your statement is true that a bad bike can happen in all brands out there. I have thought for quite awhile that I got an uber lemon. My issue is not that the bike has issues it is that BMC refuses to recall the headlights and belt drive. Most of the other bikes that have safety problems (some exceptions) recall their bikes and fix it. Buell just says "to bad we will try to fix it next year". With regards to a clear safety issue (light and drive) BMC has proven to me they care less if someone gets killed due to not seeing at night or a drive belt failing when driving out of a corner or trying to avoid an accident. This is what upsets me the most. I suspect small production runs are the only reason (besides the Buell-aide) that the DOT has not forced a recall on the lights and drive belts. I plan on gathering data this winter and making a case to the DOT and Senator Leahy (I took him and his wife paragliding and taught their son to fly). I WILL make a difference one way or another. | ||
| Bads1 |
Skyguy you still have not answered my question. If you don't care for Buell anylonger why do you come here?? Your cracking me up man. What do you mean the bike is not your issue its BMC. Of coarse it is or you wouldn't be ranting and raving. Who cares if you know a Senator. Thats not his area to help some soul with a motorcycle problem.lol | ||
| Skyguy |
Bads, Yes I did answer your question. I come here becasue of the interesting people. Please re-read the above post. As for knowing a Senator...... How do you think things get done at the Federal level? Favor baby, favors. One call from Leahy to the powers that be at DOT and they will look into the headlight/belt issues. Especially if a concerned citizen such as myself has already gathered a bunch of data regarding premature belt failures and degrading headlights. I have played this game before. In fact, I wrote co-wrote the ballot argument that shut down Rancho Seco nuclear power plant in Sacramento, when I was a kid....... There is a fellow over on Sacborg that had to sue BMC to see any satisfaction regarding his bike. He won. That proves out that BMC did not do the right thing to begin with. They did not do the right thing by me either, or for that matter many other owners. I am the one that is going to make as big a stink about it as possible. I will use every contact and favor I have to get it done. I so seldom ask for favors and have helped so many others that I actually have the ear of some fairly well connected people. Even the Governator owes me one for letting him know that SoCal Pinzgauer was stealing parts off his custom 712M prior to closeing the doors. Just for fun I included an email from and to Court below that was sent off two months prior to my getting pissed off. You will note what an awfull tone I took with him............. Also note; I NEVER heard a word back after that email. It took me two months and a blown stator to push me over the top. Can you cut and paste the original post or give me a narrative of the problem. I'm wanting to make certain I understand "I then asked them about bringing the front down" When I prepare the write-up. Thanks for your help. Court -----Original Message----- From: Sky Barney [mailto:skybarney@hotmail.com] Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 1:23 PM To: court@canfield.net Subject: Wheel bearings Hi Court, Can't thank you enough! I have two dealers in my area one I don't trust at all (Quaid of Loma Linda) the other is Skip Fordyce of Riverside. That is where Steve Meslik from HD warrenty saw the blown out bearing and instructed Fordyce to fix it. Big Kudos to him I am really gratefull. I then asked them about bringing the front down and they flat out refused to do the work unless I paid them $97.00. I really admire Erik Buell and can only imagine what awesome company he would run without the fetters of H-D. Must be tough for him sometimes. Here is the Vin on my bike if it helps. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Manufacuter date is August of 02 I am sure you have not bought a beer in years but if you find yourself in SoCal that is at least one more beer you won't have to buy! Thanks again. Ciao, | ||
| Frankfast |
This discussion confirms my belief that motorcycling hasn't changed much since I've been riding (30 years). It's still basically an enthusiast sport. Meaning, unless there is a catastrophic failure, I throw the warranty out the window and fix it myself. I can't imagine taking my new Long back to the dealer I bought it from, even for an oil change. They weren't even equipped with a ramp to load it on my truck. Motor cycles are all different (except for some Japanese bikes) and that's the way it should be. Some things they do well and some poorly. That is why you have so many choices.I find the most satisfaction when I can improve on the weaknesses. I hope they never become just another appliance. I've been stuck on the side of the road many times. Look at it this way. You meet alot of interesting people. If you can't deal with it you shouldn't be in the sport. | ||
| Skyguy |
Court, While I think it is really great that BMC recalled a flasher it was a very cheap part (as you stated) and very few. Looks good to say "look we recalled the flasher. We care sooooo much". My concern is that they cared not one iota about ANY of my premature belt failures or headlights) as they all happened outside of the one year warranty. Okay I admit they cared enough to change it almost every year now. That however does not affect my life. Funny, but all they had to do was send out replacement parts at cost and I would have been happy to stay on the R&D team.......... I am not wealthy but I do have a lot of free time on my hands. Nature of my business allows me from 10am almost every day to myself. Ok thats not true, sometimes I have to go fly paragliders in the afternoon. Keep in mind I still impressed with what EB has done. I am just unimpressed with the follow through. | ||
| Skyguy |
Frankfast, My experience differs. 500,000 miles ridden on all sorts of bikes (even a kawi 250 triple) and the only times I have been stuck on the side of the road meeting interesting people has been for flat tires. Silly me but I expect reliability at the 10,000 dollar level. | ||
| Hogs |
FWIW another words FOR WHAT ITS WORTH Buddy of mine 60 years young has a 2001 TL Suzuki 1000 or how ever ya spell it, Took his bike in for repairs at the dealer in August this year and there it still remains.. Something about a speed sensor and Electrical Stator all combined into one, HE can`t get one from any dealers in NORTH America been on the phone with the Dealers , Suzuki Canada etc.etc and the States.... Hes PISSED the cost of the item is 1800.00 yes 18 LArge.Now just this week he manged to get one of ebay for 250.00 bucks its all its way, whether its a good one or not time will tell... Now put yourself in his shoes Sky. I got over 30,000 on my xb12 that I ride the piss out of and only issues to date was a rear tail light housing That I fixed ,Front motor mount easy fix again so compare to buddy`s troubles I`ll hang in with my BUELL Thank you ..Plus we have 3 other buells with Not really anything to complain ABOUT... know OF ANOTHER GUY WITH A kaWI 1200 WHO SPUN MAIN BEARINGS , HES OUT 3000.00 AND HAD TO WAIT FOR japan TO GET OFF THEIR BUTTS FOR A YEAR RIDING TO GET THE PARTS TO HIM ( 2 months after his warrant expired) Should I tell you of other Metric bikes I know ppl. have had plms. with etc. But I think I wd. bore ya all here enough said.. All the energy you are putting into this MAN you will be dead in the next few years from Stress overload, fix your ride and Enjoy No Stress when ya rideeeeeeeeee DAMN and if ya had asked here really NICE I`m sure the fella bueller`s wd. have helped ya out with parts, Damn I bought two sets of Bearings off ebay the orange updated ones for 15.00 for four, Do ya need a couple I`ll send ya two And IF ya ask really nice belts I have gotten as well for 26.00 and 32.00 for 04 and up for spares of ebay just to have in case.. Now how cheap is that Guess I`ll shut up Fix it and RIDE..! | ||
| Bads1 |
Skyguy the interesting people here are Buell Enthusiasts and that passion you nolonger share so now we have nothing incommon. Now if I felt the way you do I'd leave I would feel I cannot contrubute to the board but I have made many friends from past events Buell related. I'd have to say hello and maybe ride with some of my locals that do own Buells. Other then that I have no reason to get involve with XB or any Buell TOPICS. Most of my business would be on the Quick Board and no other reason. Its actually funny how many people still come here that have no reason to. They just stir the pot.  (Message edited by bads1 on October 14, 2006) | ||
| Skyguy |
Hogs, This casues me no stress now that I have decided to not ride it anymore. Bads, if you people would not insist in having the last (and often dispariging) word this would have died right after I posted the little let it drop up above................ I will take this up in a place other than the enthusiasts forum. (Message edited by skyguy on October 14, 2006) | ||
| M2nc |
Jiffy - How many miles do you have on your 250? I am actually looking at a smaller bike. I am always going the opposite direction as others. I have heard of top end problems with the 250s after so many miles. I am just wondering. As for my Buells, I have two, a '99 M2 with 44,500 miles and the other with 15,500 miles. My '06 did have the kick stand replaced under the recall, but the first one did not break. I also broke a latch on the side case which was replaced by Buell at no cost to me. I also had the dealer reset the timing and TPS for low idle and pinging at the 1000 mile service. The muffler and exhaust pipes are rusting so I am not happy with that, but that is my only complaint to date. So 15,500 miles and a year later I am happy. My '99 M2 Cyclone was a E-bay purchase with 26,000 miles. I have put 18,000 miles on it over the two years I have owned it, most of that in the first year because the '06 has been my steed of choice the second year. It has been to nine states and up to 650 miles from home and always get me home under its own power. The bike has had its share of problems, some I induced and some part failures. The side-stand safety switch went bad on a trip. The rear brake light switch went out, the rear shock has been replaced, and the front rotor carrier was replace due to wear. I still need to fix base gasket and main shaft gasket leaks. To be fair, I induced the leaks and the bike was dropped by the previous owner. | ||
| Sshbsn |
I too could leave a glowing testimonial regarding my XB12R, which I still proclaim the perfect motorcycle even though I sold it a year ago (I'm an idiot, aspiring to idiot savant...) I guess testimonials aren't really the point, though. Skyguy's ticked off that the manufacturer of his bike doesn't make what he considers the proper amends for his troubles. That's it in a nutshell, isn't it? Welcome to life. (Way) Back in school my Fiat spider kept breaking its clutch cable. Should I have gone to DOT, Skyguy? I was friends with Senator Inhoff, who taught me to drink scotch and play gin. Should I have called him up? Do you think Senators like to help people with their personal vendettas? Nobody is quite the big shot they think they are, nor quite as righteous in their war against "the man/corporation," nor even as interesting as they imagine themselves to be. Additionally, motorcycles, thank God, are not like automobiles, and should be expected to require actual owner wrenching and cash outlay. So far people such as you have not sanitized them into Nader-approved blandness. Please sell all two-wheeled vehicles in your possession immediately, and stick to hang gliding and dropping names. Thank you Steve |
