Harley Davidson winds up Buell!

[vgcspares]

Dave, you'll never persuade anyone H-Ds aren't shitters unless they are already a Harley rider. The simple fact is if you put the specs down on a piece of paper they only compare favourably with other shitters:

overweight with poor brakes = an ideal combination obviously

no cornering ability = same issue american cars have when facing any kind of real competition

and they're cheap too

[Sam I Am]

EAST TROY, Wis. (Oct. 15, 2009) - Buell Motorcycle Company officials thanked the company's customers, employees and dealers for an unforgettable ride, following today's announcement by Harley-Davidson, Inc. that it will discontinue the Buell® product line as part of Harley-Davidson's go-forward business strategy. The new long-term strategy aims to drive Company growth through a focus of efforts and resources on the Harley-Davidson® brand.


http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/...buellfolds.htm

[scumdog]

Dave, you'll never persuade anyone H-Ds aren't shitters unless they are already a Harley rider. The simple fact is if you put the specs down on a piece of paper they only compare favourably with other shitters:

overweight with poor brakes = an ideal combination obviously

no cornering ability = same issue american cars have when facing any kind of real competition

and they're cheap too

One mans shitter is another mans cruiser....

He might not WANT race-type brakes, MX ride-hight or trial-bike cornering.

[Sam I Am]

http://www.buell.com/en_us/company/n...p?news_id=1497

[vgcspares]

true, true, true ... but the big brake deficit makes them far more prone to feature in the ACCs statistics which is something I'd prefer not to do

[scumdog]

true, true, true ... but the big brake deficit makes them far more prone to feature in the ACCs statistics which is something I'd prefer not to do

I'd put money on the riders skill and/or attention has way more to do with why they run into things or off the road.

[Big Dave]

Dave, you'll never persuade anyone H-Ds aren't shitters unless they are already a Harley rider. The simple fact is if you put the specs down on a piece of paper they only compare favourably with other shitters:

overweight with poor brakes = an ideal combination obviously

no cornering ability = same issue american cars have when facing any kind of real competition

and they're cheap too

I have just tested the 2010 models on a factory ride.

They are fitted with Brembo brakes and Showa suspension.

They have engines that are reliable and cheap to service and maintain and have very good fit and finish. Economical too.

Handling compares favorably with comparable cruiser style machines and they have other significant ownership benefits - popular Riding club, endless accessories, motorclothes, blah blah blah.

Not your style, don't suit taste, whatever. Shitters they ain't.

[JimO]

your a bit late mate

[Sam I Am]

sorry if i am so late...

[Big Dave]

So have buell owners just takin a big resale value loss?

Probably some - but never been a strong point anyway has it ?

1125CR are selling in the states for half price. I'd buy one at that. Sell a kidney of something.

[AllanB]

So have buell owners just takin a big resale value loss?

Not if they are crafty - keep hold of them through the devaluation and in a decade or two they will be fetching big bucks as desirable classics. Buell could be the new old Norton.

[aahsv]

A shame - I've always liked the Sporty engined ones.
Never got the Rotax ones, could not see the point, may as well buy a better V twin and get a Ducati.

+1 - the buell models before the 1125r were fun, sporty bikes with throaty sounds - the new age buells have not sold well, I would have bought the older models, but not impressed by the 'new style & direction', bought a new duc instead - RIP Buell

[idleidolidyll]

Hey!
Does that make the Missus' Buell collectable now?

[dangerous]

Eric Buell should have stayed semi independent from Harley as he once was. Look what happens when you fully hook up with a predominantly cruiser dominated company, first sign of trouble, chop out what is not their core market.
Bad move pal, though I do feel for him poor bugga, he created innovative machines. Lets hope he can do a phoenix from the ashes trick.

Agree 100% with ya there, hes just another employee at HD now but I spose he couldnt say no to the cash... Buell will be back they will never have the cred that the tubers have or the fuelers, but like all small bike companys they come they go, they come on back.

[rocketman1]

You think that you buy a good bike and they will go on forever, no matter how good and innovative they are, it is solely down to numbers sold.
Sad to hear that about Buell a damn good bike, I was dissapointed when Suzuki didnt continue with their big V twin sportsbike the SV1000, Honda did the same with discontinuing the good ol' Firestorm.
for some manufacturers their is no allegiance to continuing a make if if does not sell really well. Thats accountant for you.. the world is lead by them , no pedigree.
I must admit that I am impressed with some makes like the Honda 800VFR has stuck to its pedigree, all be it changing the thing within itself too much each year. Suzuki have stuck with the GSXR750 even though getting questioned why, they have stuck to it and said they will always make a 750.
That type of determination has to be applauded is to often brands are changed at whim of the market.
Its a pity to be losing another V twin like Buell

V twins forever... even if the only V2 bikes on the market in 10 years will be HD's and Ducatis......hope not