Comments on: Buell Motorcycles To Go Out of Business http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/ Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:21:10 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Donnyhttp://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/#comment-23610 Donny Sat, 27 Nov 2010 13:36:12 +0000 http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/?p=5609#comment-23610 If you buy one will Harley Davidson service it for real ?... What about parts ?.... My dream bike was they XB12SS kick ash translucent ,or black with a triple tail system. I think they anti Buell garbage out there was more then the pro Buell ads and Fellow Harley riders support . I think people do not realize how cool Buell motorcycles were . A belt drive you never have to touch ,ever! . It had 103 hp 84 ft/lbs of torque . Power band that pumped out 85% of the 1203cc engines power ,god what a machine . With the XB12SS i would have dune some touring with Halrey people . Another great thing the bike was built to last you did not need to trade it every few years . The bikes weight was around 395lbs and with mass centralization it handled like air . The low unsprung weight is nice as well . (PS) DAMIT ! : ( If you buy one will Harley Davidson service it for real ?… What about parts ?…. My dream bike was they XB12SS kick ash translucent ,or black with a triple tail system. I think they anti Buell garbage out there was more then the pro Buell ads and Fellow Harley riders support . I think people do not realize how cool Buell motorcycles were . A belt drive you never have to touch ,ever! . It had 103 hp 84 ft/lbs of torque . Power band that pumped out 85% of the 1203cc engines power ,god what a machine . With the XB12SS i would have dune some touring with Halrey people . Another great thing the bike was built to last you did not need to trade it every few years . The bikes weight was around
395lbs and with mass centralization it handled like air . The low unsprung weight is nice as well . (PS) DAMIT ! : (

]]> By: Dave Harrishttp://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/#comment-23507 Dave Harris Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:55:09 +0000 http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/?p=5609#comment-23507 I am a very satisfied owner of an '07 XB12STT and agree with all of the 'fun' comments and most of the interesting reads on this site...at least from those who have given Buell an honest opinion through ownership or at least had some ride time on the seat of one anyways. That being said, I've ridden, raced and adventure toured motorcycles since the age of 12 and own and ride some very adrenaline filled machines such as an RD350, RZ350, ATC250R, '09 V-Max, '08 Hayabusa, Can-am Spyder, Can-am Qualifier IV175 endurocrosser, XS1100 Midnight Special, KLR650...anyways, the list goes on. Without a doubt, my 'supermotard on steroids' Buell definately fulfills everything that I ride motorcycles for...and if you haven't figured out what that is yet, it's not for the latest black dealership t-shirt, CVO paint scheme or wanna-be chromed out ornament. I fully agree that Buell did not stand a chance in H-D dealerships that in my opinion, market somewhat of a broken record puppet show...ya think?... and some actual knowledgeable motorcycle enthusiasts/employees that I have spoken to at select H-D/Buell dealerships specifically on the Buell marketing efforts...or lack there of, did concur. Aside from the marketing nightmare, it is amazing what Eric Buell actually accomplished during the H-D/Buell years; taking an otherwise inferior v-twin powerplant, juicing it up, putting it into chassis design(s) that actually did handle well and (given the motors origin) surprisingly did not exhaust the rider, thanks to good suspension and brakes packages, and ultimately resulting in very little vibration at speed coming from the powerplant...really quite impressive actually. So what now? There's no doubt in my mind that Eric Buell and Rotax/BRP will join in the near future and pursue developing multiple genres of amazing bikes. And as great a bike to ride as my Buell truly is, it was definately time for Eric to take his rider and performance focused ideas and innovation and move on to a company that's not all about fashion statements or custom color options for the same 'ol same 'ol. We will see you on the road soon Eric! Breathe in that fresh already! "More speed, vicar!!" I am a very satisfied owner of an ’07 XB12STT and agree with all of the ‘fun’ comments and most of the interesting reads on this site…at least from those who have given Buell an honest opinion through ownership or at least had some ride time on the seat of one anyways. That being said, I’ve ridden, raced and adventure toured motorcycles since the age of 12 and own and ride some very adrenaline filled machines such as an RD350, RZ350, ATC250R, ’09 V-Max, ’08 Hayabusa, Can-am Spyder, Can-am Qualifier IV175 endurocrosser, XS1100 Midnight Special, KLR650…anyways, the list goes on. Without a doubt, my ‘supermotard on steroids’ Buell definately fulfills everything that I ride motorcycles for…and if you haven’t figured out what that is yet, it’s not for the latest black dealership t-shirt, CVO paint scheme or wanna-be chromed out ornament. I fully agree that Buell did not stand a chance in H-D dealerships that in my opinion, market somewhat of a broken record puppet show…ya think?… and some actual knowledgeable motorcycle enthusiasts/employees that I have spoken to at select H-D/Buell dealerships specifically on the Buell marketing efforts…or lack there of, did concur. Aside from the marketing nightmare, it is amazing what Eric Buell actually accomplished during the H-D/Buell years; taking an otherwise inferior v-twin powerplant, juicing it up, putting it into chassis design(s) that actually did handle well and (given the motors origin) surprisingly did not exhaust the rider, thanks to good suspension and brakes packages, and ultimately resulting in very little vibration at speed coming from the powerplant…really quite impressive actually. So what now? There’s no doubt in my mind that Eric Buell and Rotax/BRP will join in the near future and pursue developing multiple genres of amazing bikes. And as great a bike to ride as my Buell truly is, it was definately time for Eric to take his rider and performance focused ideas and innovation and move on to a company that’s not all about fashion statements or custom color options for the same ‘ol same ‘ol. We will see you on the road soon Eric! Breathe in that fresh already! “More speed, vicar!!”

]]> By: randyhttp://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/#comment-4720 randy Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:57:53 +0000 http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/?p=5609#comment-4720 i went and got a 07 xb12 s i fuckin love it it is like no other HD made a bad decision in the 70s remember AMF horse shit bike good bowling pins .... this is not the first time HARLE EXECTS have had there heads up there ass.... the guy who made this decision has never riden a BUELL why to keep your head up ERIC BUELL i went and got a 07 xb12 s i fuckin love it it is like no other HD made a bad decision in the 70s remember AMF horse shit bike good bowling pins …. this is not the first time HARLE EXECTS have had there heads up there ass…. the guy who made this decision has never riden a BUELL why to keep your head up ERIC BUELL

]]> By: amirichehttp://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/#comment-4167 amiriche Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:40:48 +0000 http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/?p=5609#comment-4167 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">Now I'll never get a Buell; I'm SO sad. It was my dream bike. http://bit.ly/rYxLj</span></span> Now I'll never get a Buell; I'm SO sad. It was my dream bike.
http://bit.ly/rYxLj

]]> By: Chaz Ahttp://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/#comment-1677 Chaz A Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:02:10 +0000 http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/?p=5609#comment-1677 With all due respect..... The street cred thing? Wha???? Just go and ride a Buell... then you will know why we bought one. The things are just plain fun to ride. I'm not looking to go 180... I just want to ride, and have a damn good time doing it.I'm not sure what killed Buell, but they definitely were heading in the right direction. Most of the negative comments come from non-riders, or those who have never taken one out for a ride. With all due respect….. The street cred thing? Wha???? Just go and ride a Buell… then you will know why we bought one. The things are just plain fun to ride. I’m not looking to go 180… I just want to ride, and have a damn good time doing it.

I’m not sure what killed Buell, but they definitely were heading in the right direction. Most of the negative comments come from non-riders, or those who have never taken one out for a ride.

]]> By: Richard W.http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/#comment-1628 Richard W. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:17:44 +0000 http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/?p=5609#comment-1628 The Buell was always just a hopped up Sporty, yea, alot of inovation, but by 07-08-09 it had about wrung out any of the available horsepower they were ever going to get and still have a (Bike the public could ride) The addition of the Rotax motor, while it kicked butt, was more a fix than anything. The Buell lost it's identity with the Rotax, it became something between a kit bike and a Harley chassis. That was what brought down the company I believe. Well the other thin was that to take a Buell to the HD shop for parts or work, it was like being a 'Redheaded stepchild', they most always had to special order a part or just said 'we dont handle Buell' With that kind of indifference, sure Beull people became dis-enchanted with the bike and Brand. I truely think that Harley Davidsons days are numbered. It's persona grew out of the 50's and 60's along with the 'Rebel without a cause' lifestyle, simply because other than some British stuff here, they had an established pressence. Bikes-Herley's-tough guys...... and then they tried to change the image, to be able to sell the 'Good O'l American Bike' to the mainstream, and loose the Hells Angle image, which only stirred bad publicity for them. The Japanese bikes are far and away, more reliable, quicker, faster, lighter, and less expensive. There's just no way that non-Japanese can compete. European bikes being a novelty, or rather typically a 'POSER' bike. While the European bikes are better built and have the 'EXOTIC' pressence, they to can not compete with Japan. Buell was a fun bike, but above and beyond that, just a curiosity..................The King is Dead, Long Live The King......... The Buell was always just a hopped up Sporty, yea, alot of inovation, but by 07-08-09 it had about wrung out any of the available horsepower they were ever going to get and still have a (Bike the public could ride) The addition of the Rotax motor, while it kicked butt, was more a fix than anything. The Buell lost it’s identity with the Rotax, it became something between a kit bike and a Harley chassis. That was what brought down the company I believe. Well the other thin was that to take a Buell to the HD shop for parts or work, it was like being a ‘Redheaded stepchild’, they most always had to special order a part or just said ‘we dont handle Buell’ With that kind of indifference, sure Beull people became dis-enchanted with the bike and Brand. I truely think that Harley Davidsons days are numbered. It’s persona grew out of the 50′s and 60′s along with the ‘Rebel without a cause’ lifestyle, simply because other than some British stuff here, they had an established pressence. Bikes-Herley’s-tough guys…… and then they tried to change the image, to be able to sell the ‘Good O’l American Bike’ to the mainstream, and loose the Hells Angle image, which only stirred bad publicity for them. The Japanese bikes are far and away, more reliable, quicker, faster, lighter, and less expensive. There’s just no way that non-Japanese can compete. European bikes being a novelty, or rather typically a ‘POSER’ bike. While the European bikes are better built and have the ‘EXOTIC’ pressence, they to can not compete with Japan. Buell was a fun bike, but above and beyond that, just a curiosity………………The King is Dead, Long Live The King………

]]> By: NATERhttp://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/#comment-1554 NATER Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:56:04 +0000 http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/?p=5609#comment-1554 Check again Bill Smith, buell is 2009 ama champ. they wised up and got rid of slow H D engine, and put in a winner!!!! Check again Bill Smith, buell is 2009 ama champ. they wised up and got rid of slow H D engine, and put in a winner!!!!

]]> By: NATERhttp://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/#comment-1553 NATER Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:10:35 +0000 http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/?p=5609#comment-1553 I AM SHOCKED. I love my 1125r I bought it in 08 its by far a better bike than the other sport bikes. I was looking foward to my next buell purchase. H D i have never owned and now will never own. what a stupid decision to close tha best co. Buell is like David vs Goliath, taking on the sport bike giants. I hope this isnt the last we see of them. I think Eric would be better off with out the likes of H D. hanging over the buell name. I would love to see buell spred its wings and really take off. The best to you Eric, and H D you guys can stick it. you have helped me choose my next bike and it wont be a leaking slow over priced pile with H D on it. I AM SHOCKED. I love my 1125r I bought it in 08 its by far a better bike than the other sport bikes. I was looking foward to my next buell purchase. H D i have never owned and now will never own. what a stupid decision to close tha best co. Buell is like David vs Goliath, taking on the sport bike giants. I hope this isnt the last we see of them. I think Eric would be better off with out the likes of H D. hanging over the buell name. I would love to see buell spred its wings and really take off. The best to you Eric, and H D you guys can stick it. you have helped me choose my next bike and it wont be a leaking slow over priced pile with H D on it.

]]> By: Ralf Steinerthttp://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/#comment-1523 Ralf Steinert Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:06:24 +0000 http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/?p=5609#comment-1523 I love my Buell S1 and I like the brand. Nevertheless I didn't step into a Buell store for the last 8 years and I won't miss the company at all. Why? Introducing the XB models, Buell became „different in any sense" to me. Eric wanted to build a new best street-surfing sportbike, all his innvotions were subsequent needs to achieve his aim. And he succeeds (more or less). All later innovations were ridiculous and complied only marketing and PR needs.Good luck, Eric. You better go back in your old garage and leave the marketing guys outside... I love my Buell S1 and I like the brand. Nevertheless I didn’t step into a Buell store for the last 8 years and I won’t miss the company at all. Why? Introducing the XB models, Buell became „different in any sense” to me. Eric wanted to build a new best street-surfing sportbike, all his innvotions were subsequent needs to achieve his aim. And he succeeds (more or less). All later innovations were ridiculous and complied only marketing and PR needs.

Good luck, Eric. You better go back in your old garage and leave the marketing guys outside…

]]> By: Bill Smithhttp://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/buell-motorcycles-to-go-out-of-business/#comment-1520 Bill Smith Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:27:34 +0000 http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/?p=5609#comment-1520 If you look exclusively at Buell numbers, their inability to innovate to or beyond the level of the Asian/Italian manufacturers, and Eric Buell’s stubborn insistence to cram bad V-twin engines in poorly designed sport bikes you cannot act surprised.Eric touts innovations that in fact were nothing more than over-priced poor concepts confirmed by leading competitors (there are no adaptations of Eric’s ideas overseas). Eric, there are very valid reasons why the REAL sport bike designers won’t support fuel in frame, calipers in swing arms, single rim-mounted brake rotors, large (ugly) under-frame muffles, and belt drive (which I happen to like). They were all bad Ideas formed in cheese chalets and back-yard beer festivals in Milwaukee Wisconsin!Placing Harley engines (excluding the V-Rod/Rotax engine) in sport bikes made Eric the laughing stock of the sport bike industry. Buell was never a threat to the Asian/Italian competitors and was always the bastard step-child of Harley Davidson. A combination destined for failure.I was always quite surprised the Harley Davidson (HD) corporate culture didn’t fix the obvious problems at Buell (in the design shop) and the lack of any real marketing to the proper target segment. But then again, HD knew Eric had been designing substandard product that just could not compete with power-house designers/manufactures like Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Ducati.Good luck Eric,The sad owner of a Buell 1125r If you look exclusively at Buell numbers, their inability to innovate to or beyond the level of the Asian/Italian manufacturers, and Eric Buell’s stubborn insistence to cram bad V-twin engines in poorly designed sport bikes you cannot act surprised.

Eric touts innovations that in fact were nothing more than over-priced poor concepts confirmed by leading competitors (there are no adaptations of Eric’s ideas overseas). Eric, there are very valid reasons why the REAL sport bike designers won’t support fuel in frame, calipers in swing arms, single rim-mounted brake rotors, large (ugly) under-frame muffles, and belt drive (which I happen to like). They were all bad Ideas formed in cheese chalets and back-yard beer festivals in Milwaukee Wisconsin!

Placing Harley engines (excluding the V-Rod/Rotax engine) in sport bikes made Eric the laughing stock of the sport bike industry. Buell was never a threat to the Asian/Italian competitors and was always the bastard step-child of Harley Davidson. A combination destined for failure.

I was always quite surprised the Harley Davidson (HD) corporate culture didn’t fix the obvious problems at Buell (in the design shop) and the lack of any real marketing to the proper target segment. But then again, HD knew Eric had been designing substandard product that just could not compete with power-house designers/manufactures like Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Ducati.

Good luck Eric,

The sad owner of a Buell 1125r

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