More of the Buell story?

[marko138]

Originally Posted by Cutty72

I recently got a message on FB from him wishing me safe travels on my deployment, and thanking me for my service...
And I've never met the guy in person.

Thats awesome. Love that guy. A guy like Erik Buell will get my support all day.

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by marko138

Thats awesome. Love that guy. A guy like Erik Buell will get my support all day.

Fat Bastard sent the card...My salesman sends me a card every year and even Ron Ayers has contacted us twice about my gf's bike since she bought it. There are good salespeople for every brand. To be honest, for the most part, I wouldn't count the Harley guys who sold Buells on that list. It was quite typical for guys entering HD dealerships seeking info on Buells, to be treated with apathy at best.

[Phenix_Rider]

Very interesting that he had short-stroke big bores (and turbos!) in the works. That could have brought the rev range and horsepower up to a comparable level, instead of feeling like a tractor engine.

I can understand why he originally sold out. Big ideas and big plans are Erik's thing. Hard to leap into production with wild new ideas if you can't afford to promote or build/sell the numbers you need. How many computer/software/tech companies started in garages and dorm rooms? Nearly all of the great ideas are sold off to deep pocketed monster companies for peanuts.

[smileyman]

Originally Posted by Amber Lamps

Fat Bastard sent the card...My salesman sends me a card every year and even Ron Ayers has contacted us twice about my gf's bike since she bought it. There are good salespeople for every brand. To be honest, for the most part, I wouldn't count the Harley guys who sold Buells on that list. It was quite typical for guys entering HD dealerships seeking info on Buells, to be treated with apathy at best.

That happen to you? I went to 2 dealers, Pig Trail HD and Old Fort HD and both dealerships went way over backwards for my business. Best service I have ever recieved from any brand or vehicle auto or bike??

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by smileyman

That happen to you? I went to 2 dealers, Pig Trail HD and Old Fort HD and both dealerships went way over backwards for my business. Best service I have ever recieved from any brand or vehicle auto or bike??

Yep, I went to two HD dealerships inquiring about Buells...now, I will admit that this was back in the first few years of the brand... I pulled up on my GSXR, wearing typical "rice-rocket" gear and was treated poorly, very poorly. Heck, I once walked into a HD dealership and asked about Buell and the guy replied, "We don't sell that crap here" I swear on my Mother's grave! In fact, I did a job last night where the guy had a Lightning in his garage. I asked him about it and he told a similar story about how he had to ask for it, it was stuffed back in the warehouse and none were on display.

[smileyman]

Maybe my dealers were just anxious to dump as many as possible before the end of days. They were very accomodating, test rides, free HD t shirts, a toy for my kid, free remap with my break in service, personalized Buell plaque, all after they made the sale.

[Trip]

Originally Posted by smileyman

Maybe my dealers were just anxious to dump as many as possible before the end of days. They were very accomodating, test rides, free HD t shirts, a toy for my kid, free remap with my break in service, personalized Buell plaque, all after they made the sale.

So you only went during the dumping period? I always heard a lot of horror stories about the Buells sitting in the corner and no salesman even wanting to talk to you about those things before the sell off.

[Tmall]

Originally Posted by Trip

So you only went during the dumping period? I always heard a lot of horror stories about the Buells sitting in the corner and no salesman even wanting to talk to you about those things before the sell off.

My Buell dealer was the exact opposite. The salesman rode a Ulysses. Their head mech has two old tube framed Buells. Their service manager rides a city cross. And they're very Buell friendly. They just don't stock much of anything.

The Buells were either right in the middle of the showroom or up on the stage as soon as you come in the door.

[derf]

Originally Posted by Amber Lamps

Yep, I went to two HD dealerships inquiring about Buells...now, I will admit that this was back in the first few years of the brand... I pulled up on my GSXR, wearing typical "rice-rocket" gear and was treated poorly, very poorly. Heck, I once walked into a HD dealership and asked about Buell and the guy replied, "We don't sell that crap here" I swear on my Mother's grave! In fact, I did a job last night where the guy had a Lightning in his garage. I asked him about it and he told a similar story about how he had to ask for it, it was stuffed back in the warehouse and none were on display.

I've been told the same thing, "we dont sell that crap here".