Buell gone?

[throttlemeister]

See video announcement from Eric Buell on www.buell.com. Apparently HD have scrapped it.

EDIT: double post. Grrr.

[cyotee01]

Some more info:

2009 Buell gets Axed by Harley-Davidson - pictures

I have no doubt it will live on in a new structure.

[kjazz]

that is so painful to watch him make that announcement. I can only imagine how sour his gut has got to be over this.

[SMSTEVE]

Along the buh-bye to Buell lines, looks like some of the dealers want the bikes OUT of the showrooms yesterday. What a shame.

I can't believe the price for the 1125R the dealer linked below is showing, wow. One of my friends just called the Buell dealer in Camarillo, CA and they told him $9,627 out the door for a 1125R. I guess they haven't gotten the memo yet. Wonder how long that will last if other dealers just dump them for under $5k.

Wisconsin Motorcycle Dealer - Uke's Harley-Davidson, Buell (look about half way down the page)

From my friend: "factory is telling dealers to reduce ALL 1125 $5000. some dealers are going further."

[cageyar]

2008 and 2009 Buells are listed at Brian's HD in Langhorne, PA as "No Reasonable Offer Refused"

http://www.brianshd.com/new_vehicle_inventory.asp

[FUEL90]

[shreddr]

Why the fire sale on the bikes? If they were reasonably reliable you could scoop 2 up for a song and have one for spares. they wont last long in the dealerships at those prices. its a little scary though!

[Guest24]

What will parts availability be like in the future? That's the big question.

[cageyar]

Originally Posted by Nail24

What will parts availability be like in the future? That's the big question.

Kind of like owning a DeLorean. Eventually, clubs will be the primary support network for parts.
The smart people are buying up dealer parts inventory right now.

[shreddr]

I remember thinking at one point I wanted a Buell, but they didn't have em at the HD dealers, and I only saw a few around. when I did get to see one though, I was amazed at how cheaply it appeared to be made, typical HD crap construction. I always thought that perhaps if they made a screaming eagle version it might be worth having, but not at the prices they were getting for those things. Erik Buell did bring innovation, but he failed to incorporate quality as part of the mix. when you are reading recalls in the mags that indicate DEATH as a possible outcome of a product failure, that is not a good sign.

as far as smart guys buying up parts inventory, anyone with a handle on manufacturing efficiency will tell you inventory is the last place you want to tie up your cash, you want a lean system that produces with demand and essentially zero inventory. if you want to INVEST in Buell parts in the hopes they are worth more in the future, go ahead but there are probably safer and more lucrative bets.

[cageyar]

Originally Posted by shreddr

if you want to INVEST in Buell parts in the hopes they are worth more in the future, go ahead but there are probably safer and more lucrative bets.

That's what I was referring to-I don't think it's an outlandish bet if you have the available cash. He sold a little over 100,000 Buells in the last 25 years-you accumulate some inventory and setup a website-where else are they going to go?
The clubs and forums already exist so it's not difficult to make potential buyers aware. Hey, lend me $100,000.

[frozensun]

Originally Posted by FUEL90

Honestly that's an excellent deal

Even if you keep it for the warranty period and dump it later, looking if i have the same deals near me...probably not

[1100s nut]

Originally Posted by FUEL90

Hey fuel..is that dealer around here? I called Thunder HD friday and he had one 1125r and was not sure about the discount.

Lane

[boxercup]

PRESS RELEASE
October 15, 2009


For Immediate Release



H-D Closes Buell and looks to Sell MV Agusta


Details of Buell and MV Agusta Actions - VIDEO Message from Erik Buell

MILWAUKEE, WI - October 15, 2009 - (Motor Sports Newswire) - The Company will discontinue production of Buell motorcycles. Remaining inventories of Buell motorcycles, accessories and apparel, while they last, will continue to be sold through authorized dealerships. Warranty coverage will continue as normal for Buell motorcycles and the Company will provide replacement parts and service through dealerships.

The decision will result in a reduction over time of about 80 hourly production positions and about 100 salaried positions at Buell. Employment will end for a majority of Buell employees Dec. 18, 2009.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. expects to incur approximately $125 million in one-time costs related to the discontinuation of the Buell product line. The Company expects to incur approximately $115 million of that amount this year.

Relative to MV Agusta, the Company will immediately commence efforts to sell the business, which is based in Varese, Italy.

In the third quarter, Harley-Davidson, Inc. recorded a one-time fixed-asset impairment charge of $14.2 million related to Buell and a goodwill impairment charge of $18.9 million related to MV Agusta.

"Buell and MV Agusta are great companies, with proud brands, high-quality exciting products and passionate enthusiasm for the motorcycle business. Buell has introduced many innovative advancements in motorcycle design and technology over the years and MV Agusta is known in Europe for its premium, high-performance sport motorcycles. However, our strategy to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand reflects the fact that we believe our investments in that brand are a better utilization of overall company resources," said Wandell.

SOURCE: Harley-Davidson

------
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Well there goes another market....

[boxercup]

Originally Posted by throttlemeister

See video announcement from Eric Buell on www.buell.com. Apparently HD have scrapped it.

EDIT: double post. Grrr.

Oh I feel bad for Eric!

[yugi]

I've got 1125CR for $7000 OTD today, red, just like one above. Not $5000 before tax, but close.

[ckcarr]

Good deal!

[wswartzwel]

So... if you can get NADA from your insurance CO..... Go total the things and make $$$$$

[sgoodwin]

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

So... if you can get NADA from your insurance CO..... Go total the things and make $$$$$

Sorta like Eric was doing with Blasts?

[Ricochet Rabbit]

I've been off and on about buying a Buell for years, going back to the Cyclone days. In the end, I thought that owning a Buell would be like try to maintain a long term relationship with a stripper. Certainly interesting, and a lot of fun for short periods of time, but in the end, it just wouldn't work out. Too bad they're gone, though.