Buell and MV to be gone

D

da king

New member
Mike, the 08's had other issues the recalls are not taking care of, heated leg from poor ventilation and exhaust, powder coat rubbing off frames and swingarms, electrical issues as well. I've done plenty of research, like I said I wanted to buy one. I'd still pick up a Buell, pretty much any of them if the $ was in my pocket to do so.

Dale, not feeling the whole American thing as being an issue, at least not for me. Do companies outsource, yes, but at what point do you call it what it is? Nothing on the Buell except the foot pegs were from the US. 180 jobs. 180 jobs to build Buell motorcycles, that alone tells you that its not a "traditional" American anything, well, I'll throw this label out. Buell, the most unique, technologically advanced motorcycles from a US reseller! When the only part of US is the sub-component assembly I'd say its not as heartfelt American as some are making them out to be. Don't get me wrong, Erik is a great person, engineer and motorcyclist enthusiast as well as designer, but it doesn't change what Buell is in my books.

I'd love to pick up an 09' Buell, but as things are, I'll have to pass unless a windfall comes my way.
 
CAT,

I haven't had any of those issues that you've mentioned as yet. It doesn't mean that I won't, but I haven't. I only have about 1600 miles on the bike since late August, but the powder coating still looks great and I haven't noticed excessive heat. I've had a couple of long outings on the bike as well. A trip to Ojai from my house is 60 miles. The ride up the mountain is another 30. So, we're talking 180 miles RT PLUS whatever I usually do in the Mulholland area on the way home-usually another 30-50.
 
Well, Charlie, here's your chance. BRAND NEW 2009 1125CR's going for...$5995! They are in the pre-owned section of the listings, but all the Buells are at this dealer. I could throw it on the Amex if I knew I wouldn't be sleeping on the street as a result.


http://www.hdocala.com/pre_owned_list.asp
 
Sorry for joining this thread so late, when I first heard of this news, i immediately posted a thread in the 1098 section, intentionally to kinda let everyone know whats going on the motorcycle industry and specifically the collapes of a great American company that took on the world to prove that "we are world class leaders in this sport"...below is a copy/paste of my thread to share with you...Please feel free to add or take apart my thread as much as you want... as i'm ready...


Posted on 1098 forum on 10/15/09:
"I apologize if this thread is inappropriate, but as an owner of one of Americas only sport bike, the Buell 1125, I'm caught off guard with great disappointment, as I just heard Harley Davidson will be selling off the MV Agusta line and discontinuing the production of the Buell motorcycles...

I am very touched to this news, as I have been a true supporter for this small American icon, who took on the world to prove just how creative and sophisticated American technology really can be, when explored outside the box...

I've personally owned several Buell motorcycles ranging from an 07 XB9S City-X, 09 1125R Super Bike (recently converted to a full track bike, Danny Eslick replica) and a 09 1125CR Cafe Racer, which I currently ride almost daily next to my newly acquired 08 1098S...

For me this is very disappointing as well as saddening...I've considered myself as a long time dedicated owner and only had high hopes to the success of this small American sport bike company...

I recently attended the 2009 AMA Pro Championship races over labor-day weekend in Millville NJ, especially to see the release of 2010 Buell 1125RR and the Ulysses pace bikes...For me, attending this event was a very proud moment, because it was an American sport bike company that had won the championship!

I was fortunate to acquire VIP executive suite tickets which consisted of private quarters right on pit row...there I had the pleasure to speak directly to Erik Buell every day, during the 4 day event and discuss the pure pleasure of our common passion for sport bikes...I also had the pleasure of sharing my pictures of my recently completed 1125R track bike with Erik, which he had given me high praise of my achievement.

I've only recently joined this forum group, which I've had the pleasure of talking and sharing idea's with each of you and discovered that there are select others within this forum, who also have an interest for Americas only sport bike company...

Please feel free to share your views on this subject and also feel free to add your true opinions as what you see for the future..."
 
Well I certainly understand or at least respect your point of view on this matter charlie, but having dealt with manufacturing and design of products, in the motorcycle, powersport, automotive, and product sectors, I guess my view may be a little tainted. But I would like to make two points

1st BMW, Toyota, Mercedes, etc..... all have design and manufacturing, and assembly plants in the US. Do any of the BMW owners refer to there cars as an American car?
2nd whether Buell was a American, Japanese, German company I would have been sad. I believe that a lot of the riders on this forum bought there ducs bc it was not a cookie cutter bike from japan (not that there is anything wrong with japanese bikes). Lets say people bought ducs for there uniqueness. Its sad that a manufacturer with a unique brand, willing to compete with the big boys got knocked out of the game.
 
Dale, not disagreeing I suppose. I am pretty much torqued at the entire deal. I don't look at it as one point, an American Icon, or taking on the world etc. I look at the overall picture. This trouble was pretty much a given with Buell. From their sorted beginnings to the merger with H-D then under full subsidiary of H-D. The ingenuity is awesome, their drive unmatched, the closeness of their owners are probably much better than Ducati owners (way less personal shit and epinions whether tracking/riding or showing on their boards) and so much more. But none of that changes the loss of profit year after year, shitty service (in general), poor reliability (in general) (both of those are averages over the years in service, not just 2008). Has H-D ever controlled anything without fucking it up? No, they even had to get themselves bailed out numerous times (if only they had good management and stuck it through).

Personally, as I stated before, I am hoping that after the dust settles that American investors will back Erik and get the creative ass kicking bikes he builds back into production and leave H-D alone, stay away from that horrid company all together. I'd be much happier if he sourced all his components IN the US, and assembled them, but without a lick of H-D in the picture.

I foresee H-D changing majority ownership in the next couple years in yet another installment of "How to save the American Motorcycle Company" , the saga continues.
 
good to hear

plus I think a few of us got a little emotional about the whole deal. Cooler heads will prevail.

PS cant wait to get those wheels on the bike. Ill post pics up on the forum as soon as I get them on!
 
I too got a bit wound up, for other reasons. I'm looking at the 1125Rs for sale now... thinking it would wound my marriage, but I always heard that time heals all wounds
 
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