Buell closing up shop. - Page 2 - LotusTalk

PhlypSide · 10-15-2009, 10:32 AM

My new mantra: Not riding a bike or not driving a car is like sitting around and keeping your dick in a jar.

Don't fcuking do it... especially to a Buell.... ride it!

Shorty111R · 10-15-2009, 10:45 AM

The video on the Buell website was really good. Erik Buell is clearly very choked up about this.

Did Harley give Buell the axe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noble

I doubt it.

If you are thinking about an investment, invest your money using conventional methods. If you want to buy a Buell, ride it!!

Noble

Will do! I'm so sad to see Buell go! They are my favorite manufacturer, and a welcome change to all the dime-a-dozen Japanese big four bikes I usually see! Very innovative and refreshing ideas.

Monsi · 10-15-2009, 11:03 AM

buell always struck me as a HD with a body kit. V twins with super heavy flywheels because there is a 5 degree difference in the firing sequence is not what i would call high performance

Allan Gibbs · 10-15-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhlypSide

^^^ I'm betting no, but wouldn't be surprised if some unscrupulous H-D salespeople tried to take that angle... "oh but these are discontinued! they'll be collector's items!"

I suggest going to the HD/Buell dealer and not mentioning the discontinuation. If the sales person brings it up, then mention you’re interested in a discontinued brand is diminished. You may be able to set him up to give you a good deal.

Allan Gibbs · 10-15-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWA

They bought Cagiva, which owns MV Agusta, and along with the Buell announcement they also said that they are looking to sell MV.

Yes, MV Agusta is for sale....again.

It's too bad because they just realized info on the new 2010 Brutale and the new F4 is confirmed to show up at the Milan show in 3 weeks.

dasmoofler · 10-15-2009, 12:17 PM

This sucks. East Troy isn't a very big town. This is gonna hurt.

JWA · 10-15-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dasmoofler

This sucks. East Troy isn't a very big town. This is gonna hurt.

Interestingly, there has been no mention of what's happening with the staff. They are billing it as "discontinuing the line", not closing down the factory. I'm wondering if they intend to use the factory to build Harley stuff or move the people over to the Harley factory.

I know someone who's wife is an engineer there. I'll stop by and see what he knows.

SweetDaddyD · 10-15-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWA

Interestingly, there has been no mention of what's happening with the staff. They are billing it as "discontinuing the line", not closing down the factory. I'm wondering if they intend to use the factory to build Harley stuff or move the people over to the Harley factory.

I know someone who's wife is an engineer there. I'll stop by and see what he knows.

With Harleys sales down 84% I doubt they need the extra line and or bodies.

JWA · 10-15-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetDaddyD

With Harleys sales down 84% I doubt they need the extra line and or bodies.

The report on Autoblog just said that the 180 employees are loosing their jobs. It is surprising to me that they have only produced 135,000 bikes total. I guess that doesn't sound like nearly enough to support the dealer network and branding that they have built up. This has to be hard for Erik, though. In retrospect it was an unfortunate decision to sell the brand to Harley. Now he's on the board of the company that killed his company. Bummer.

PhlypSide · 10-15-2009, 02:45 PM

^^^ ARRRGH!!!

where's the "pissed off" emoticon when you need it.

Makes you wonder what the future of the "Rider's Edge" program is? The rumor I've heard is that the Buell Blasts are still going to be produced but as a no-name/unbranded bike... but that was a few weeks ago before this hatchet job happened

Noble · 10-15-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan Gibbs

I suggest going to the HD/Buell dealer and not mentioning the discontinuation. If the sales person brings it up, then mention you’re interested in a discontinued brand is diminished. You may be able to set him up to give you a good deal.

I had the afternoon off today and decided to do just that, merely out of curiosity......

OMFG! The local HD store here is selling all new Buells at cost! That's right, a brand new Ulysses for $6499, the 1125r/1125cr are going for $4999! I know that winter is just around the corner AND I do live in Colorado but damn! these things retail for nearly $12,000

I am not going to buy a new Buell
I am not going to buy a new Buell
I am not going to buy a new Buell

Noble

Noble · 10-15-2009, 04:24 PM

I should add that I am not affiliated with HD or Buell in any way shape or form just in case my post came across as commercial like.

Noble

PhlypSide · 10-15-2009, 04:38 PM

Oh my. Don't do this to me Noble.

FAWK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shorty111R · 10-15-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noble

I had the afternoon off today and decided to do just that, merely out of curiosity......

OMFG! The local HD store here is selling all new Buells at cost! That's right, a brand new Ulysses for $6499, the 1125r/1125cr are going for $4999! I know that winter is just around the corner AND I do live in Colorado but damn! these things retail for nearly $12,000

I am not going to buy a new Buell
I am not going to buy a new Buell
I am not going to buy a new Buell

Noble

HOLY SH!T

I'M GOING FIRST THING TOMORROW!

Noble · 10-15-2009, 05:22 PM

Keep in mind that my location may have a bit to do with pricing. A dealer in a place with a milder climate may not be willing to make such deep discounts if riding weather is year 'round or similar.

I walked in mid-afternoon and just started looking around the showroom. An older gentleman who I had chatted with several times in the past approached and asked if there was anything that he could help me with:

Me: "I was browsing around online this morning an noticed that Buell was going out of business, that's really a shame"
Salesman: "Yeah, it really is (insert long spiel....)
Me: "I figured I'd come check out your inventory and see if you guys had any sort of pricing incentives going on...."
Salesman: "Yeah, we're going to move them all at cost (and then gave me the prices listed above)
Me: "Are you serious?"
Salesman: "Yes I am"

He was an older gentleman who has been in the business for years and knew these bikes forward and backward and wasn't the kind of guy who would waste time and try to feed me a bunch of BS.

I've admired these bike for some time now and it was really tempting to say, "I'll take this one". Somebody throw some ice water in my face......please.

Noble

ezmoney · 10-15-2009, 05:51 PM

A friend on the Planet Porsche web site (Courtney) is a 20+ Year Buell Test Rider. This news really sucks.

Shorty111R · 10-15-2009, 05:52 PM

Rally to save Buell.

Doubt it will work, but worth a shot. Please call.

This strikes very close to home; Erik Buell's innovation and fresh ideas about changing the way we looking at things, and turning convention on its ear are very much like my dad's. It sucks to see someone so broken up about his passion.

Call Hd Customer Service!!!!!!!!! - Buell Forums: Buell Motorcycle Forum

YouTube - Message from Erik Buell

milehitom · 10-15-2009, 05:57 PM

The afternoon guy on our classic rock station runs a Buell drag bike. He looked like he was going to throw up when I passed the news on to him today. He looked almost as broken up as Erik Buell.

Wouldn't they be a good candidate for a little government money? Very sad...

Tom

Viggen · 10-15-2009, 06:30 PM

I have never had a problem at my local harley dealership, they have always been more then willing to talk about Buell's or whatever else...... I have definantly heard lots of complaints even about the sales staff at the dealership I use..... no issues with me.

I was told by the sales guy I use that harley purchased MV for their distribution network in europe. He definantly wasn't fond of the idea......

A guy I know from another car forum has a college friend who was the head designer for a new buell that was suppose to be released I beleive in 3 months. Supposidley 90+% of the tooling was completed & the bike was just about ready to roll. All staff at Buell were told to report to work at 7AM & then they got the news......

Sucks to see them go.... I have never been a huge fan of their styling (not a fan or harleys either, but I own one) but they have definantly come up with some great ideas.

Maybe I should stop out there tomorrow to see what kind of deals they have.... always wanted a sportbike

6_speed · 10-15-2009, 06:44 PM

I only found out that Buell was part of HD about 4 years ago when I was cross-shopping a Ducati and Buell. Yea, I'm slow I know.

My first thought then was "What an odd couple?" HD riders would never accept Buell riders and vice versa. And I suspect the same goes for the company's rank-and-file too. Their clientele's and niche couldn't be more different. And then I wondered how long such a relationship would last. Well, today, I got my answer.

I work in financial district San Francisco where motobike street-parking lots are abundant and would always stop and admire the Buell's (Ducati's, Triumph's, etc). I came this close to getting a Buell but then the news of Lotus Elise broke cover...

It's sad to see a fine American motobike company going down...

10-15-2009, 11:03 AM	#23 (permalink)
Monsi Statistical Anomaly Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kauai Posts: 2,291 Images: 21	buell always struck me as a HD with a body kit. V twins with super heavy flywheels because there is a 5 degree difference in the firing sequence is not what i would call high performance __________________ Dude, there's my car!

10-15-2009, 04:24 PM	#32 (permalink)
Noble Punch and Pie Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monterey, California/Grand Junction, Colorado Posts: 1,157	I should add that I am not affiliated with HD or Buell in any way shape or form just in case my post came across as commercial like. Noble __________________ Astronomy is looking up.

10-15-2009, 05:22 PM	#35 (permalink)
Noble Punch and Pie Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monterey, California/Grand Junction, Colorado Posts: 1,157	Keep in mind that my location may have a bit to do with pricing. A dealer in a place with a milder climate may not be willing to make such deep discounts if riding weather is year 'round or similar. I walked in mid-afternoon and just started looking around the showroom. An older gentleman who I had chatted with several times in the past approached and asked if there was anything that he could help me with: Me: "I was browsing around online this morning an noticed that Buell was going out of business, that's really a shame" Salesman: "Yeah, it really is (insert long spiel....) Me: "I figured I'd come check out your inventory and see if you guys had any sort of pricing incentives going on...." Salesman: "Yeah, we're going to move them all at cost (and then gave me the prices listed above) Me: "Are you serious?" Salesman: "Yes I am" He was an older gentleman who has been in the business for years and knew these bikes forward and backward and wasn't the kind of guy who would waste time and try to feed me a bunch of BS. I've admired these bike for some time now and it was really tempting to say, "I'll take this one". Somebody throw some ice water in my face......please. Noble __________________ Astronomy is looking up.

10-15-2009, 05:51 PM	#36 (permalink)
ezmoney Right Wing Conspirator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,347	A friend on the Planet Porsche web site (Courtney) is a 20+ Year Buell Test Rider. This news really sucks. __________________ “Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated.” -Thomas Jefferson “With respect to the two words ‘general welfare,’ I have always regarded them as qualified by the detail of powers connected with them. To take them in a literal and unlimited sense would be a metamorphosis of the Constitution into a character which there is a host of proofs was not contemplated by its creators.” -James Madison

10-15-2009, 06:30 PM	#39 (permalink)
Viggen Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 345	I have never had a problem at my local harley dealership, they have always been more then willing to talk about Buell's or whatever else...... I have definantly heard lots of complaints even about the sales staff at the dealership I use..... no issues with me. I was told by the sales guy I use that harley purchased MV for their distribution network in europe. He definantly wasn't fond of the idea...... A guy I know from another car forum has a college friend who was the head designer for a new buell that was suppose to be released I beleive in 3 months. Supposidley 90+% of the tooling was completed & the bike was just about ready to roll. All staff at Buell were told to report to work at 7AM & then they got the news...... Sucks to see them go.... I have never been a huge fan of their styling (not a fan or harleys either, but I own one) but they have definantly come up with some great ideas. Maybe I should stop out there tomorrow to see what kind of deals they have.... always wanted a sportbike __________________ Exige S summer 2010.... hopefully

10-15-2009, 12:17 PM	#26 (permalink)
dasmoofler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: SE WI Posts: 3,088	This sucks. East Troy isn't a very big town. This is gonna hurt.

10-15-2009, 05:57 PM	#38 (permalink)
milehitom Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 3,146	The afternoon guy on our classic rock station runs a Buell drag bike. He looked like he was going to throw up when I passed the news on to him today. He looked almost as broken up as Erik Buell. Wouldn't they be a good candidate for a little government money? Very sad... Tom

10-15-2009, 06:44 PM	#40 (permalink)
6_speed Highway Star Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 634	I only found out that Buell was part of HD about 4 years ago when I was cross-shopping a Ducati and Buell. Yea, I'm slow I know. My first thought then was "What an odd couple?" HD riders would never accept Buell riders and vice versa. And I suspect the same goes for the company's rank-and-file too. Their clientele's and niche couldn't be more different. And then I wondered how long such a relationship would last. Well, today, I got my answer. I work in financial district San Francisco where motobike street-parking lots are abundant and would always stop and admire the Buell's (Ducati's, Triumph's, etc). I came this close to getting a Buell but then the news of Lotus Elise broke cover... It's sad to see a fine American motobike company going down...

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