The Future of Buell

[Buckley]

Hey everyone.

Just wanted to see what everyone's thoughts are on the future of our Buells

Right now I am driving a 2001 Buell cyclone. I love the bike, and have put a lot of work into it. Just finished rebuilding the engine and just got the bike running again.

Today I took a ride down to Harley to replace my rear shock, and the dealer informed me that this parts is "obsolete" and is no longer sold.

It seems like this is going to be a common trend now that Buell and Harley are parting ways. Are enough of the parts on our bikes also used on harley bikes so that replacement parts will continue to be manufactured?

I would love nothing more than to keep my bike but im worried about availability of replacement parts. What do you guys thing?

 

[oh9bolt]

I think it depends on the dealership, I get parts just fine. I have heard others say they cant even get xb parts. I cant speak for the tubers though.

 

[GOduc]

It seems like this is going to be a common trend now that Buell and Harley are parting ways. Are enough of the parts on our bikes also used on harley bikes so that replacement parts will continue to be manufactured?

harley promises parts and support until 2019. but what they mean with regards to parts is, what we have in dealerships or in the main warehouse in wisconsin. practically everything you can get through the aftermarket, wheel bearings, pistons, fiberglass body parts, i mean........pretty much everything. although some parts like clutch cables, etc, might be kindof tough, just really have to search around and see what you can find.

 

[netty2424]

Don't think anyone really knows at this point. Hopeful, but its a toss up. Seems like EBR is supporting the newer models, i.e. 1125's & XB's, more and more, but unfortunately I don't know that EBR will ever be able to support all of the Buell models at a level he'd be comfortable with. The older models will start to see more and more obsoletes like you've exprienced. Sucks, but a reality.

The truth of the matter is, in my line of work I deal with many manufacturing companies in the medical field and even thriving companies constantly obsolete products. Although for different reasons, but it's by their choice, whereas Erik wasn't really given an option! Either way, products have a life cycle, some just longer than others.

I noticed you've only posted 3 times on here. Forums like this one and the recently added Buellforums.com members have quite a few parts out there they are willing to sell. Just ask!

 

[Buckley]

The people in the parts deparment were very helpful, they actually printed me out a list of dealerships who have recently had the part. Two out of the three told me they were putting what was left of their buell parts on ebay and the last said they didnt have the part in stock.

On the other hand the engine is made up of all standard sporster parts, the belt is a HD belt, ect. A lot of components on the bike are harley parts so they will continue to be sold. So far the only part i cannot seem to track down is the shock.

I hope this doesnt become a trend, as I would like to hang onto this bike.

 

[GOduc]

Two out of the three told me they were putting what was left of their buell parts on ebay and the last said they didnt have the part in stock

true, only some dealerships sell parts and do service. if youre a dealership that doesn't then they were allowed to throw stuff on ebay

for example: new subframe

On the other hand the engine is made up of all standard sporster parts

. true for the tuber buells, but not on the xb's

the belt is a HD belt

i was told goodyear made them, and were going to continue making them. not sure on the accuracy, but what i was told. after hd parts ways, dont really how tough it will be to get them, unless the ratio is the same as the sportster or another bike that can use the same belt. but this problem could eventually be solved with a chain conversion anyway

cannot seem to track down is the shock

and then when something like this can't be found, talk to race tech or find something from another manufacturer, penske, bitubo, etc.

 

[Alfatango1]

Manufacturers in the U.S. are only legally bound to 7 years of parts, so Tubers are SOL. Don't confuse the local dealer with HD, they are not the same. The dealer is not bound to anything, if parent HD is not stocking parts, the dealer is just as screwed as you are.

 

[Lesley]

I would love nothing more than to keep my bike but im worried about availability of replacement parts. What do you guys think?

I think I feel badly for you. My local HD dealer has already sent me a care package full of OEM replacement parts and an 8"x10" glossy of EB rewinding an austrian stator with a tear running down his cheek [up]

 

[snrusnak]

So far I've had no trouble getting parts from my local dealer. Not that I've ordered much or needed much. I've had no trouble getting other parts on ebay, craiglsist, and buellsterparts too.

I don't think it'll be so bad to get parts, most things you can get aftermarket and are shared with other bikes. There's really probably only a handful of items that would be really difficult to get.

 

[firefighter1c57]

rear shock for your tuber

 

[Buckley]

I actually gave in and shelled out the cash for an aftermarket shock. Great find on the prototype shock tho. I was thinking about selling the bike as is and trying out a Ducati monster, but I like this bike too much.

Looking over the bike it might not be a lost cause though. The engine is a standard harley sportster with thunderstorm heads so that should be pretty easy to find parts for. Besides that I don't see anything that jumped out at me that was too Cyclone specific. Guess the shock was the main thing. I have a feeling the original shock being recalled did a number on their inventory.

 

[twowheeltom]

I think older Buells (to include XB's) future will depend on the new EBR brand. If it goes down the tubes, I can see these bikes fading off into the distance. Both local HD dealerships in my area have quit dealing in Buell all together so I'm stuck doing everything online.

I think the future of EBR will be dependant on affordable pricing and a dealership network that actually wants to support the bikes. I'm anxious to see what those other 3 models on the website are...

 

[henri66]

Dutch Buell fanatics, Twin Motorcycles vowes on their site to keep us running.

Quote;

WE HAVE ONLY 1 GOAL EVERY DAY, 365 DAYS A YEAR AND THAT IS TO KEEP YOU ALL ON THE ROAD
AFTER 2019 WHEN THERE IS NO SUPPORT FROM BUELL ANYMORE.

[up][up][up][up][up]

 

[henri66]

With all respect I do not think Erik can help us to support our bikes.
He is fully working on his new start.
So all time and funds will be needed for this.

 

[uly luigi]

But, once the "Non-Competition and Patents" runs out I bet Erik will do something for us

 

[CBi]

But, once the "Non-Competition and Patents" runs out I bet Erik will do something for us

THIS.

Erik has to basically sit tight and keep his mouth shut until all the legally binding crap runs out.

In the mean time, the Buell community has to support itself in order to keep our bikes on the road.

 

[twowheeltom]

@ CBi,

After everything I had read, this makes perfect sense. Any idea how long this timeframe is? And what exactly is meant by non-competition? I mean, I can kinda figure it out but it's not like HD is even selling Buells any longer so I'm a bit confused. Then again, I'm no attorney so this is really easy.

 

[Jezuz]

Can't rear shocks be rebuild?
There will always be oem and aftermarket parts, thing is how hard you'll have to search and how much you'll have to pay.
I mean, you can still find original parts of vintage autos and motos, some of them weren't even as big as buell.