Buell is done, finished, gone

[Gas Man]

Originally Posted by Trip

One problem, I don't believe it was HD that did it. It's the public that did it. It's the biker gangs and the publics vision of them. The whole outlaw perception. HD played off that. Recent HD ads, I would say have for the most part been targeting lame middle age people. The bike sold itself more than HD sold it.

Plus I don't believe a fanboy perception is a good image. It's means no matter if the product is great or the worst thing ever, you are a stupid sheep and will buy it anyway.

I can agree with that somewhat. But I think there is more to it than that. Look at the appearal line.

I agree that fanboy is not a good image. But I would reserve that for the HD appereal wearing peeps that don't own one. I go to these free bbqs at my HD dealer. I hate having to stand there behind some fat POS cracker trash that doesn't own a HD and never will. I told the dealership that if you own a HD you should get better privilages.

Originally Posted by TIGGER

Hey I've been guilty of drinking HD kool-aid myself! I literally waited months for the bike and it broke down within a couple hundred miles and I accepted that as just part of the deal... I'm not sure if it was genius marketing by Harley or not but it has always amazed me that people were willing to pay top dollar, almost double at times, for a bike that you KNEW was going to break down, require 3 or 4 times the maintenance, have less performance in every category, almost REQUIRE aftermarket parts, and to top it off-you would have to wait for up to 2 years to get it!!! I know that things have changed but that was the deal for about a decade!!!

BTW someone mentioned the fact that Jap bikes cost almost the same as HD... The Japanese MFGrs have two choices either pay the huge tariffs or build their bikes using over-priced American labor. Either way, it was going to impact the price of a bike. If they could build their bikes overseas and ship them here without tariff, we'd be able to buy GSXR1000s for $8,000!

Well i will tell you something <knock on wood>. I am on my way to 7k on my ultra and have only had one problem with the throttle sensor. But it never left me stranded. Just threw a check engine code and put it into restricted throttle. And I don't think they are anything like what you expierenced.

I can tell you first hand... there is a big difference between 2002 and hell even 2005 and the newer bikes. They have made huge changes. My 2009 FLH is a great example.

And you touched on a few facts to pricing for sure.

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by Gas Man

I can agree with that somewhat. But I think there is more to it than that. Look at the appearal line.

I agree that fanboy is not a good image. But I would reserve that for the HD appereal wearing peeps that don't own one. I go to these free bbqs at my HD dealer. I hate having to stand there behind some fat POS cracker trash that doesn't own a HD and never will. I told the dealership that if you own a HD you should get better privilages.



Well i will tell you something <knock on wood>. I am on my way to 7k on my ultra and have only had one problem with the throttle sensor. But it never left me stranded. Just threw a check engine code and put it into restricted throttle. And I don't think they are anything like what you expierenced.

I can tell you first hand... there is a big difference between 2002 and hell even 2005 and the newer bikes. They have made huge changes. My 2009 FLH is a great example.

And you touched on a few facts to pricing for sure.

Shit son, I'm talking about the 80s and 90s here!!! I know that the quality is leaps and bounds better at HD now!

[Dave]

Originally Posted by TIGGER

Shit son, I'm talking about the 80s and 90s here!!! I know that the quality is leaps and bounds better at HD now!

i should get one and leave it under a tarp in the backyard for 18 years. wonder how much harder it would be to get running again than my 450

[FT BSTRD]

Before I actually worked a sales floor at an HD dealer, I had a pretty negative outlook on Harleys. They were unreliable. They leaked oil. You had to carry a tool box with you just to keep them running. The usual.

The latest offerings by HD are VERY high quality good running bikes. I was surprised how well put together and dependable they are.

They are on par with anything out there as far as quality.

I can even justify the price to a degree. There is NOTHING that is plastic on any Harley. Everything is either painted metal or cast. They weigh 900+ pounds for a reason.

If you are paying by the pound, the price is in line with their metric competitors.

[Gas Man]

Originally Posted by TIGGER

Shit son, I'm talking about the 80s and 90s here!!! I know that the quality is leaps and bounds better at HD now!

Yeah damn... in the 80s there may have even been a AMF HD in the mix!! YIKES!

Originally Posted by FT BSTRD

Before I actually worked a sales floor at an HD dealer, I had a pretty negative outlook on Harleys. They were unreliable. They leaked oil. You had to carry a tool box with you just to keep them running. The usual.

The latest offerings by HD are VERY high quality good running bikes. I was surprised how well put together and dependable they are.

They are on par with anything out there as far as quality.

I can even justify the price to a degree. There is NOTHING that is plastic on any Harley. Everything is either painted metal or cast. They weigh 900+ pounds for a reason.

If you are paying by the pound, the price is in line with their metric competitors.

That is funny. But not 100% true... my side covers under the seat (commonly known as the oil bag area) are plastic. Well I think plastic. Along with the fairings, and saddlebags. LOL!

But I have been saying it for the past several years. The new HDs are great machines, very metric turn key.

[z06boy]

I'm going to look at Buells this weekend if any are left. My friend that totalled his R6 has yet to replace it...he's tight with $$ so these deals sound sweet to him.

He has considered a Buell before and is now glad he didn't jump on one in the last few months.

[FT BSTRD]

Originally Posted by Gas Man

That is funny. But not 100% true... my side covers under the seat (commonly known as the oil bag area) are plastic. Well I think plastic. Along with the fairings, and saddlebags. LOL!

But I have been saying it for the past several years. The new HDs are great machines, very metric turn key.

Yeah, I forgot about the "oil bag" covers. The oil bag inside, though, is metal.

Yeah, and the fairings and saddle bags aren't metal obviously. The rest, though, is.