Roehr has one model, costs $45,000, and has a grand total of four dealers, one of which is the "factory". I wish Roehr well, but they're hardly positioned to be a replacement for Buell, small as Buell is.
Maybe Bombardier should make Erik an offer to set up a new line under their aegis - he's already got a working relationship with their Rotax division.
csspostal wrote:Wonder if they will be nice discounts to purchase a Buell bikes to clear out inventory or will the price be hiked as they are now a collectors item?
Buell's have already been discounted quite heavily if I'm not mistaken. I'm sure the Motor Company will increase the dealer hold back at some point. I remember when I was dealing in these, they were selling far below MSRP, and pretty close to cost in some cases. Definitely not a money making business for the retailer. I can't imagine them getting much more cheaper.
Roehr has one model, costs $45,000, and has a grand total of four dealers, one of which is the "factory". I wish Roehr well, but they're hardly positioned to be a replacement for Buell, small as Buell is.
Maybe Bombardier should make Erik an offer to set up a new line under their aegis - he's already got a working relationship with their Rotax division.
How many of his ideas and designs are lost to the Motor Company now though? Even though he may be on the patents, there is a good chance that it all belongs to H-D, and he'll have to start from scratch.
Mr. Buell is pushing 60 and probably has a million or two in the bank, not including HD stock options worth X amount of dollars. It's not like he will be left out in the cold. His company may be DOA but he will be fine.
Well this blows....plain and simple. But consider this: Harley is spending $125Mil to shut it down. It's not for sale. They plan on getting nothing for it. The Buell manufacturing facilities will be written off. Sounds like they are prime for a buy-out for cents on the dollar! They now have a relevent high performing unique bike in the 1125. With large corporate failure comes BIG opportunity for someone with the balls / means. It's a scary time to be geting in to manufacturing motorycles, which is why it could really be the best time! I sincerely hope that Eric Buell (a man with the balls, if not quite the means) can pull it off. Buy it back for pennies and make it what it should have been all along.
Amazing, I really thought that the "young future" of H-D was Buell. Buell had such a good (and long) run. Maybe some of the Buell technology will find it's way into H-D?
Buell will be missed. I will lift a pint tonight to Buell and MV Agusta!
Mike
Last edited by totalmotorcycle on Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
BUELL CUSTOMER FAQ
Why is Harley-Davidson discontinuing Buell after the recent new product introductions, racing success and new brand efforts?
The Company made the decision to discontinue the Buell product line as part of its strategy to focus on growth through the Harley-Davidson brand.
What will happen to the Buell motorcycles currently in dealer inventory?
Buell dealers will sell remaining motorcycle inventories. There will be no more Buell motorcycles produced.
Why should I buy a new Buell when you are discontinuing production?
The innovative features and overall quality of Buell motorcycles provide an outstanding ownership experience. The Company may be discontinuing the production of Buell motorcycles, but they are extremely exciting motorcycles to ride and own. The Company will continue to provide normal warranties on new motorcycles and provide parts and service support. Buell motorcycles offer an overall value proposition that is very compelling.
How good of a deal can I get on a new Buell?
See your local Buell dealer for his remaining available inventory and prices.
Will I be able to get financing for a new Buell?
HDFS will continue to finance Buell motorcycles. Please see your dealer for details.
How will I get my Buell serviced? Will you honor my warranty?
Authorized Buell Service Providers will provide warranty, service and repair work. And Harley-Davidson expects to be providing replacement parts and service for as many years as required market by market. Of course we will honor all of our warranties.
What about Buell racing and privateer Buell race teams? Will there be contingency programs like they have had in the past?
Buell will continue to supply parts to dealers to support racers who want to go racing next season. However, the racing support program and contingency will be discontinued.
Are any of the brand’s models going to be available as Harley-Davidson models?
Harley-Davidson has no plans to produce Buell motorcycles as Harley-Davidson products.
Will Harley-Davidson be using any Buell designs or incorporating Buell technology into the H-D product line?
Buell has introduced many advancements in motorcycle design and technology over the years. Harley-Davidson will continue to benefit from that knowledge going forward and it’s possible that some of this technology will find its way into a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
For other questions related to Harley-Davidson or Buell, please see your local dealer.
Graunke wrote:Food for thought: What if a few select models from the Buell lineup, begin appearing mid year, under the HD brand? Could happen....
Could definately happen, H-D isn't going to seriously let 26 years of R&D go down the drain. We might see something from H-D using the Buell technology, but it would have to somehow "fit" within the H-D image.
