| Author | Message | ||
     Tpoppa |
What is the plan to bring dealers up to speed on the new technology of the 1125R? Is there any type of service certification that dealers need before they receive any 1125R's? Thanks. (Message edited by tpoppa on July 16, 2007) | ||
| Socalbuell |
I second that question are the dealers going to be trained in how to work on the new 1125r (or the xb12/9r for that matter) and with the new line of street and dirt bikes will the be more possibilities for stand alone dealerships? (Message edited by socalbuell on July 16, 2007) | ||
| Anonymous |
Definitely there are major in-depth training programs, with all kinds of accessability to them. Best of all with more and more Buell product, there is more likelihood of dedicated Buell technicians, etc. | ||
| Chadhargis |
What about Buell dealers that don't sell Harley's? I'd love to see a Ducati, Aprilla, Triumph, BMW, etc dealer....add Buell to their product line. I think Buell makes very "European" bikes. They are more rider focused than products from Japan. | ||
| Teeps |
Anonymous Posted on Monday, July 16, 2007 Definitely there are major in-depth training programs, with all kinds of accessability to them. Unless the dealers hire eager youngsters, willing to "pay their dues (work for near noting.) I see all the "in-depth training" being under utilized. I just can't imagine the current hard core Harley Mechanics lining up to learn how to work on the new bike. No matter how bitch'n and hi-tec it is. | ||
| Bigdaddy |
"Definitely there are major in-depth training programs, with all kinds of accessability to them. Best of all with more and more Buell product, there is more likelihood of dedicated Buell technicians, etc." That's huge! Is there anyway we can check on dealership participation and technician certification specific to the 1125R? I break stuff; I break a lot of stuff. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I just stopped by my dealer of choice and spoke with the Service Manager. I asked him specifically who is going to be the Rotax certified tech. "Flash" was his answer. He said he is currently familiarizing himself with the 1125R. He said they have also hired a new guy from Alabama who has Rotax experience. His position was that they couldn't wait to get their hands on the new bikes and get to work on them and that this bike is the bridge they have been waiting for to get new blood into the dealership. His exact words were "We needed this bike!" I don't know about you guys, but that seemed pretty positive to me! | ||
| Chadhargis |
Fatty...glad you talked with Steve. The service department at Bumpus has always been friendly and did good work. I think we're very lucky to have them nearby...well...not so nearby for me. It's sad that Nashville doesn't have a Buell dealer.  | ||
| Old_mil |
His position was that they couldn't wait to get their hands on the new bikes and get to work on them and that this bike is the bridge they have been waiting for to get new blood into the dealership. His exact words were "We needed this bike!" I agree - they need this bike. I can't help but wonder if this is going to be a relatively unique attitude among dealers however. They probably aren't as focused on the long term future of a brand that could go the way of Oldsmobile as is Harley corporate. | ||
| Court |
When you place your order, ask you dealer who's going to training and when. Help them help you by communicating your expectations. These things will sell like hotcakes. A huge part of the equation will be dealer support. Ask about training. Ask about anticipated stocking of service parts. What sort of parts inventory does your dealer intend to have on hand? I presume Buell has provided suggested packages. It's time. | ||
| Doerman |
I did that exact thing when I ordered mine Court. And I was amazed by the answer. They first do online training. If I understood that correctly, then Buell Motor Company has invested in a step by step tech familiarization website for dealers. That is a great step forward since it allows the dealer to get up to speed with the cost of time but not travel. Furthermore, the dealer was sending two techs and one parts guy to the first available session. Asbjorn | ||
| Court |
This is all great news. The paradigm is changing and, in typical Buell fashion, owners will play a huge role. It's very difficult for Harley-Davidson to "force" dealers to do anything or to perform to a certain level. However, as owners, eger in record numbers to spend money on new Buells, parts and accessories, we can communicate our reasonable expectations for support and competency to our dealers. . . essentially helping them to help us. The resources and logistics exist at Buell to support this. We can help by creating "need". I am on the cusp of ordering two Buells (it's been 10 years since I actually BOUGHT one) and I'm eager to see how this plays out. Buells greatest resource is it's enthusiastic owners. Think positive; think BETTER BUELLS. Court | ||
| Nosaj3006 |
I hope that the in depth training isn't just a long orientation video. Ive found that some (not everyone by any means) "Buell Certified Technitions" are harley guys just following a spec sheet with no real appreciation for the impressive tolerances of buells souped up 1203. I.E. "Winging it." Since this is such a radically different engine I doubt alot of Harley Techs could just jump in and do a good job. | ||
| Josh_cox |
There are a couple different "in-depth training" programs. One, for the sales guys, is a track weekend where Buell has reserved tracks all over the country and two spots per dealership for their sales teams to come and really get familiar with the bike. I've been to a Buell sales training track day before. You learn a lot. There is also an interactive web course about the Buell and sports bike market and where it is growing and what we need to do to take charge. With dirt included, Buell is going to have a potential market that is just as large as H-D's. How cool is that? I bet you have a LOT of dealers who are warming up to this Buell thing now. The second is for service, there are both web and hand-on training programs scheduled. The hands on is unfortunately not open until December. However, if the 1125R program is as good or better than the VRSC program (and I bet it will be) it is worth the wait for HDU to get the training where it should be. So, they've got your bases covered on training. Every dealer I've talked to and heard feedback from is very excited about what Buell is doing. They realize that the H-D buyers are getting older and older. With the new 1125R and future dirt bikes, they will see brand new customers in their dealerships and lots of them. Dealers understand ROI, and Buell's plan looks like the return will be nice. Josh | ||
| Oddsc |
I suggest sensitivity training too. The 1125 is going to bring customers in from all other makes. H-D dealer employees often already have a superiority complex over Buell riders, just imagine what it's going to be like when a group of Japanese/Euro bikes pull up wanting to have a serious look at a serious star-spangled ass-whooper. I know there are lots of good dealers out there, but I've experienced the former attitude more often than the latter. | ||
| Crusty |
I am on the cusp of ordering two Buells  You do realize that once you get a Uly you're going to be thinking that a ride to Kansas City for Steak and Eggs is a good way to spend a long weekend... | ||
| Pso |
Crusty you are so right for breakfast. Then to Mobile Bay for a Po' boy sanwich lunch.  | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I am thinking totally positively! Got to. Court's orders!  That being said, I recently acquired a used Harley, (don't ask:-), so I have been spending more than a little time at my local Harley dealers, and independent shops. Without putting too fine a point on it, let's just say that I do hope the attitude and training improves as soon as is practicable. That being said, my brother was just telling me about his experience with Mercedes Benz service, and it seemed pretty much the same: rather a lack of candor, and an attitude of disrespect to the client appears to be the order of the day, no matter where one goes. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Sales guys are getting some too. Off to ride, demo and learn the new bike first hand around Laguna Seca in December. I cannot wait. I will have perma-grin on my face for weeks after I am sure. |
