No more Buell

[browland]

Even if they didn't sell the name there would be a chance that Harley, if it got too hard up for money, could probably begin selling off Buell's patents and what not to the highest bidder... So there would be a chance you could see some of buell's designs and ideas pop up on other manufacturers bikes in the future.... (now Im going to have nightmares with kawibuells running rampant)[sad]

 

[fresh rida]

I couldn't believe it. Buells are such awesome bikes. Surprise to find out that their sales weren't doing too well.

Anyway, I picked up my first bike ('03 xb9sl) end of may this year. Loving every minute of it. Now, I'm concerned about maintenance. A few people mentioned stocking up on parts.

Anyone care to maybe come up with a list for me. Thanks in advance.


Rep'in Buell in the T.O. Canada!!!

 

[Macbuell]

Has anyone read this? -

"Also, company founder Erik Buell did not renew his employment contract with Harley-Davidson."

This was listed as a possible reason they shut down buell...

Erik have other plans???? hmmmm

 

[PorcelainRabbit]

maybe he had a gut feeling this would happen? all i know is buell is the freakin best. And i still want to meet Erik more than anything and tell him how much i love his bikes. I dont know all the details, but there is no way buell can go away forever. And if patents are sold (Jesus Christ please no) we will all know that it wouldnt be there without buell. Erik, i know you have to have visited this site before and if your reading this just know that you have inspired all of us and changed not only the motorcycle industry but the world. And you and your company will ALWAYS be remembered. I'm 18, and ill own my buell till i die. And hopefully i can buy my old x1 back that i miss so much, and add an 1125cr to my collection. Omg, this is terrible.

thank you Erik

 

[bajabomber87]

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/mcy/1422543190.html

WTF the CR thousands cheaper than what I'm going to be done paying for my lighting?

Fuck shit ass bitch!!!

 

[nativeXb12Rbuell]

wow what a very sad day indead this is. but we got to realize alot of things will in the very near future for America and the world and especially small companies and brands like BUELL. . Buell has been niche bike from the beginning try to make it into mainstream , and kinda almost made itin mainstream with the win of an AMA major championship. Now Buell is even more of niche bike it has because an instant classic, collectors vehicle, and will be sought after in the future, just like old harley, triumphs and Indians. My hope that Erik will buy back and have full control of the Buell brand name in the future, so he can continue his 200 year plan for BUELL. Look it was done with the Indian brand name , which went out of bussiness for lack of sales and many many years later was revieved back to it former glory with some awsome bike, and yes Indain is bit niche bike now itself, although competing against harleys and other cruisers.
I trully dont think Buell will stay down very long before erik starts making a bike again it may take many years for the ecomony to pick back up where it once was but that is long way off and when he knows that his bikes will start selling again thats when it might happen. we all hope.

 

[nativeXb12Rbuell]

but we got to realize alot of things will CHANGE(alot) in the very near future for America and the world and especially small companies and brands like BUELL,

 

[rangeridn]

Fully expect HOG will sell the Buell assets - the issue I recall was they can't sell it as a stand alone business because the businesses/distribution networks are so intertwined (they can't sell the HOG dealer network).

HOG's obligation is to maximize shareholder value. The value of the assets won't go up the longer they sit - I would think something happens sooner rather than later.

There is no need to start a fund...I think there will be no shortage of interest in the Buell Brand/assets.


Deep breath, relax, look forward, hope the right party prevails and support both Erik and any new incarnation of Buell going forward.

 

[CANADAXB]

Well said.

 

[icepop77]

Too many brilliant innovations to let die. Someone is going to take a chance on Erick Buell and come out a winner. I'd love to see someone like Triumph get partnered up with Buell.

I'm holding on to hope.

 

[browland]

hmmm Triumph Street Lightning... It does have a wicked ring to it.... I might have to photoshop that up!

 

[1sexynucca]

My dad made a suggesstion that Erik partners with Triumph and get a bike out there that will be able to race with the best of them.

 

[browland]

My dad made a suggesstion that Erik partners with Triumph and get a bike out there that will be able to race with the best of them

this would be awesome. the only problem is that unless Harley sold him rights to the patents that were made while Harley owned buell he couldn't use alot of the things that make the modern buell line up so great, because If things are the way I imagine technicaly Eric wouldn't have the rights to anything that he or his team developed on Harley/Buells dime

 

[icepop77]

this would be awesome. the only problem is that unless Harley sold him rights to the patents that were made while Harley owned buell he couldn't use alot of the things that make the modern buell line up so great, because If things are the way I imagine technicaly Eric wouldn't have the rights to anything that he or his team developed on Harley/Buells dime

HD posted an 84% decline in 3qtr sales. If someone is making an offer, I bet Willie G. is listening. The time to scoop up Buell is NOW.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

Not sure Buell can be sold. HD is so intertwined with Buell that it would make any sense for HD to sell it. They would need to keep production going to support thecompany that purchases it. I think this is goodbye. I'm not shocked about Buell closing. In my eyes they weren't marketed very well at all. And the support from dealer was shitty, more often than not. Whats shocking is the sale of MV ONE YEAR after that bought it. I guess they think the tired Harley Davidson line is popular enough to support them in these times. Best of luck to them. It certainly is a bold move. he silver lining is this news has convinced me to NEVER sell the Buell. Its a collector now. ...Or at least will be one day.

 

[icepop77]

You can always sell naming rights, patents, and manufacturing facilities. It won't be THAT hard.

 

[GatorBuell]

I have two thought processes of why or how.

1.I think the whole problem is Willie G stepped down or retired awhile back, its Keith Wandell in charge now and Im betting he was not a big fan of Buell before the promotion.

2. I read also that Harley filed for some bail out money and like the stipulations on the car industry (see Saturn, Hummer, ect) GM was forced to liquidate its smaller brands and have a solid plan for recovery. I believe the reason Eric was not let go and the company not sold is the future is uncertain and if things clear up the brand will be reestablished. Just knowing a Little about Eric although heartbreaking he excepted being the sacrificial lamb with hopes of the future for Buell motorcycles. Why would they sell MV and keep/close Buell while retaining Eric. I say two years and the factory will reopen.

 

[icepop77]

2. I read also that Harley filed for some bail out money and like the stipulations on the car industry (see Saturn, Hummer, ect) GM was forced to liquidate its smaller brands and have a solid plan for recovery. I believe the reason Eric was not let go and the company not sold is the future is uncertain and if things clear up the brand will be reestablished. Just knowing a Little about Eric although heartbreaking he excepted being the sacrificial lamb with hopes of the future for Buell motorcycles. Why would they sell MV and keep/close Buell while retaining Eric. I say two years and the factory will reopen.

exactly my thought. Words like "shut down" say (to me at least) "will reopen if possible". They didn't "terminate" the company or "liquidate" it's assets. They didn't announce they were divesting either. Buell has value, there's no doubt in that. I'm hoping that HD plans on bringing it back in a few years with $$$ is flowing again. I was mere inches from buying an XB12scg until I heard this. I REALLY want one bad, but I'm looking at a Triumph Street Triple for now. If I knew Buell would be around in 5 years, I'd buy an XB right now.

 

[Phazernut]

I was in talking with my dealer today. He has been dealing with Harley for over 20 years. He feels that give it a year or 2 and we will see Harley bring it back. I guess we just have to wait and see.

 

[brightbuell]

Fuck HD! I just bought a 09 Firebolt with 3900 miles 5 days ago for $6388 from a honda dealer, on ebay. I love my bike, and I will not sell it for any thing. Indian came back like three times, buell will make a come back. With or with out HD. HD will eventually sell Buell. Why kill it when you can sell it? I always thought when I turned like 60 years old I would buy a harley, Never! Now if anything, when I turn 60 I will just convert my clasic 09 buell to a chopper or bobber.