Alex the Dog
Buena Vista, CO
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While reading the Feb. issue of AR, I was shocked to see HD dropping the whole Buell line. Yes it made sense for them to ditch MV Agusta, but Buell???!!! That's like cutting off one arm just to lose 10 pounds!!
Buell gave HD much needed bragging rights in the high-performance bike market, and offered a good future for developing the old air-cooled V-twin. The photo on pg.14 shows Reg and everyone (but Erik) looking like they just ate a bug. And why is Erik smiling? Is he the only one of his team left with a job at HD?
I rode a new 1125CR last summer and couldn't get over it. This looked like the best machine to show the world that an American motorcycle could stand up to any foreign competition--not just change the rules to exclude them. Yes I'm mad!!!
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Ride_Slow2004
Northwest
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Joined: 02/02/2005
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Don't think most HD dealers knew what to do with Buell. Most sporty bike riders wouldn't be caught dead walking into a place that sells the bike they diss the most, even to look at a Buell. Some of those guys are worse than some HD riders, when discussing brand preference.
Buell didn't fit me, I be just a bit too long legged to fit comfortably, even on the Ulysses, which I really liked.
Still, judging by the way the Buells went out the door, (45 sold in the first two weeks after the announcement, at my local dealer) Eric was on to something, but I think he had to get the price down, and get them away from the main floor of the dealership.
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"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."
-Doug Larson
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Hawg Man
Lakeland, FL
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Joined: 10/26/2006
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Alex the Dog wrote:While reading the Feb. issue of AR, I was shocked to see HD dropping the whole Buell line. Yes it made sense for them to ditch MV Agusta, but Buell???!!! That's like cutting off one arm just to lose 10 pounds!!
Buell gave HD much needed bragging rights in the high-performance bike market, and offered a good future for developing the old air-cooled V-twin. The photo on pg.14 shows Reg and everyone (but Erik) looking like they just ate a bug. And why is Erik smiling? Is he the only one of his team left with a job at HD?
I rode a new 1125CR last summer and couldn't get over it. This looked like the best machine to show the world that an American motorcycle could stand up to any foreign competition--not just change the rules to exclude them. Yes I'm mad!!!
I honestly think you can draw a paralel between what happened to Buell and what has repeatedly happened in the auto industry.
Once iconic brands like Studebaker, Hudson and Packard, and more recently, Oldsmobile and Plymouth, died because the parents quit nurturing their offspring.
I never thought Harley-Davidson's heart was really in nurturing, supporting or growing Buell.
When it came time to do some financial trimming, Buell was considered "fat" and was the obvious choice.
At least in the eyes of the bean counters.
"$15,000, a new leather jacket, and 15 miles under your butt does NOT make you a biker."
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Alex the Dog
Buena Vista, CO
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Ya know, I worked under the scrutiny of bean counters for 42 years, and can honestly say that it's not a good policy for long-term survivability. American companies run by bean counters are now the ones that say "Made in China".
Couple months ago, I went to a convenience store and saw what I thought was a beautiful V-Rod parked in front. Turned out to be a Hyo-something made in China! Amazes me how a communist country has successfully copied and produced so many things for our "decadent Western society". And some fool will buy it cuz it's cheaper.
I remember when we used to laugh at the first cars "made in Japan", and people bought them cuz they were cheap. They copied our original designs, and now they own us. Import-obsessed Americans will never wise up until we're all out of work, and it's too late. Maybe it already is.
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THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
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Joined: 08/11/2003
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Buell wasn't even supported very well by the dealers. Of the two local dealerships, only one would even attempt to sell the Buells. The other left them hidden in the corner and tried to ignore them.
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Alex the Dog
Buena Vista, CO
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Can't undestand that. I'll bet they (dealers) wished they had those customers today, but they won't be back. I can only hope Erik Buell will perservere long enough to get his own funding to continue his inovative versions of v-twins.
I remember how many motorcycle brands bit the dust during the 1930's depression, and are only museum pieces today. I'm sure we'll see a few more brand fatalities in the coming months also.
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THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
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Alex the Dog wrote:Can't undestand that. I'll bet they (dealers) wished they had those customers today, but they won't be back. I can only hope Erik Buell will perservere long enough to get his own funding to continue his inovative versions of v-twins.
I remember how many motorcycle brands bit the dust during the 1930's depression, and are only museum pieces today. I'm sure we'll see a few more brand fatalities in the coming months also.
Buell has already started his own performance company that is going to supply parts for already existing Buells. I have a feeling he will be fine.
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