BUELL closing ???

[chris56]

is this a yoke only ??
http://www.buell.com/en_us/

[BeRight]

Looks real to me - how sad - what a loss for American motorcycle innovation and technology.

[ntxYguy2009]

I am sorry to hear about Buell. My prayers go out to the employees and their families.

[Bersquack]

Very sad indeed!

[Firefly]

Wow-- yeah--- it's for real.

I give credit to Erik posting a video like he did-- that's the right way to do it.

Bummer.

[Tom in NM]

is this a yoke only ??
http://www.buell.com/en_us/

. . . . . HD decided to kill Buell. That was my take-away from the statement and Q&A. Sad. The motorcycle market could use a lot more diversity instead of herding the "market" to just one style of bike or one 'style' of riding.

My following statement probably won't sit well with the HD contingency here, but this is just another (corporate) step in converting THE rebel brand into a bunch of clones for the suburban biker who wants/needs a bada** image.

Tom

[sleepman]

It's the for real. HD included it in their 3rd quarter financial report. Not a big surprise really considering they never went out of their way to market the Buell.

Also up on the chopping block is MV Agusta. HD has decided to sell that brand after having acquired it not too long ago.

[NancysToy]

I fail to uderstand why they didn't try to sell it off. This is much more complex than simple economy, I suspect.

[BRPjunkie]

While the Buell design, engineering and performance were noteworthy, it is very hard to stay in business when your market share does not rise to noteworthy levels. With less than 1% of the bike market, they are like Saturn is (was) to the auto market.

[Tom in NM]

I fail to understand why they didn't try to sell it off. This is much more complex than simple economy, I suspect.

. . . . it has lots of sides to it. I would not be surprised if they did try and sell it off, but could not find a buyer that would not end up being more competition. And just straightening out the licensing on the technology would be a nightmare and like so many companies today, without the over head of actually making anything, there could be significant income from licensing.

My limited experience with the HD/Buell combination was that it was a failed market expansion - one that the rank and file in HD never "got" and therefore, could never reap any benefits from. Mismanagement of growth, resources, vision, execution or assets - - - - probably all the above. I know the big local HD shop would not allow any of the Buell models on the floor with the "real rides". You had to go outside to see them and on 4 different trips, not one salesman ever went with me after pointing the way, while on the floor, it is not uncommon to see a couple of salesmen and their assistants 'hanging' with a HD (pigeon) customer.

Sad for what it says about HD, the industry in general, and the future of motorcycling.

Tom

[NancysToy]

While the Buell design, engineering and performance were noteworthy, it is very hard to stay in business when your market share does not rise to noteworthy levels. With less than 1% of the bike market, they are like Saturn is (was) to the auto market.

Just out of curiosity, what is the market share of the Spyder?

[3wheeldemon]

Very sad but not surprising. Hard to compete with the big four in their turf. Maybe HD refocus on developing the leaning Harley trike:



3D

[Bersquack]

Very sad but not surprising. Hard to compete with the big four in their turf. Maybe HD refocus on developing the leaning Harley trike:



3D

I have been drooling at those images for two years and if it becomes reality, I may very well sell my spyder for one of those.

[John in PA]

Hey, I'm a Moto Guzzi nut. Our slogan is:

"Moto Guzzi--going out of business since 1921!"

1% US market share would be a step UP for us!!

But the bikes (and the Guzzi folks) are great! Just the best kept secret in motorcycling...

[ArmyJoe]

My wife is looking at a used Buell Blast for her first bike. What do you think this will do to prices? What do think will happen with service and support?

[BRPjunkie]

Just out of curiosity, what is the market share of the Spyder?

Doesn't register yet, but BRP is counting on the aging market and design of the Spyder to create a new market segment. Below are the MC market shares of the approximately 1 million units per year. Interesting also are the ATV statistics where BRP is last, but they are a relative newcomer to that market. Unlike Buell, BRP has snowmobiles, PWCs, ATVs and boats to help new product launches. Selling a line of products with different markets, uses and seasons spreads costs and risks. Buell didn't have that going for it. That doesn't explain BMW, Triumph or Ducati.

Motorcycles
HD = 28%
Honda = 25%
Yamaha = 17%
Suzuki = 13%
Kawasaki = 11%
KTM = 2%
BMW = 1%
Triumph = 1%
Ducati = 1%

ATVs
Honda = 30%
Yamaha = 20%
Polaris = 20%
Suzuki = 11%
Kawasaki = 9%
Arctic Cat = 7%
BRP = 3%

[NancysToy]

Doesn't register yet, but BRP is counting on the aging market and design of the Spyder to create a new market segment. Below are the MC market shares of the approximately 1 million units per year. Interesting also are the ATV statistics where BRP is last, but they are a relative newcomer to that market. Unlike Buell, BRP has snowmobiles, PWCs, ATVs and boats to help new product launches. Selling a line of products with different markets, uses and seasons spreads costs and risks. Buell didn't have that going for it. That doesn't explain BMW, Triumph or Ducati.

Thanks for the info. Very interesting. A total of million bikes a year would make the Spyder about a tenth of a percent. Pretty low, but far exceeding the 1,500 units (0.15%) a year BRP initially anticipated. They exceeded their goals, and came out with a new model in just two years, so they must be happy. BMW, Triumph, and Ducati are pretty much expensive niche bikes in this country, I'm afraid. Their dealer networks make BRP's Spyder network seem positively robust, by comparison. Let's hope that there is more than simple economics involved in the demise of Buell, and that nothing else, including the Spyder, follows suit.

[Tom in NM]

My wife is looking at a used Buell Blast for her first bike. What do you think this will do to prices? What do think will happen with service and support?

. . . . Scotty will be buying dozens for his museum.

Tom

[Tom in NM]

That doesn't explain BMW, Triumph or Ducati.

Motorcycles
HD = 28%
Honda = 25%
Yamaha = 17%
Suzuki = 13%
Kawasaki = 11%
KTM = 2%
BMW = 1%
Triumph = 1%
Ducati = 1%

I would never have guess KTM would be on this list - let alone above the bottom 3. A tribute to the power of dirt and testosterone.

Tom

[Smylinacha]

Not all HD riders are like that - HDX & Roaddog aren't like that, all my friends who ride Harley's aren't like that and they don't like the ones that buy them now - all a bunch of wanna be bad a$$es who in all reality are only rich white collar wanna be bad a$$es. Look at the gear they sell now - it's all metro lookin! LOL!

And the ones I see ride in shiney new leather, looks like they ironed their chaps w/ a nice little crease in them. Never see a scuffed boot or helmet - it's really quite comical but guess what - Harley makes their cash off people like this. It's unfortunate but it's the truth.

Glad I hang out with REAL bad a$$es. They can tell ya stories.

. . . . . HD decided to kill Buell. That was my take-away from the statement and Q&A. Sad. The motorcycle market could use a lot more diversity instead of herding the "market" to just one style of bike or one 'style' of riding.

My following statement probably won't sit well with the HD contingency here, but this is just another (corporate) step in converting THE rebel brand into a bunch of clones for the suburban biker who wants/needs a bada** image.

Tom

[Smylinacha]

I would like to see that happen but I betchya it would cost alot

Very sad but not surprising. Hard to compete with the big four in their turf. Maybe HD refocus on developing the leaning Harley trike:



3D

[Smylinacha]

Dang so if I get a Ducati I can be a 1%'er - now that would be cool!

Doesn't register yet, but BRP is counting on the aging market and design of the Spyder to create a new market segment. Below are the MC market shares of the approximately 1 million units per year. Interesting also are the ATV statistics where BRP is last, but they are a relative newcomer to that market. Unlike Buell, BRP has snowmobiles, PWCs, ATVs and boats to help new product launches. Selling a line of products with different markets, uses and seasons spreads costs and risks. Buell didn't have that going for it. That doesn't explain BMW, Triumph or Ducati.

Motorcycles
HD = 28%
Honda = 25%
Yamaha = 17%
Suzuki = 13%
Kawasaki = 11%
KTM = 2%
BMW = 1%
Triumph = 1%
Ducati = 1%

ATVs
Honda = 30%
Yamaha = 20%
Polaris = 20%
Suzuki = 11%
Kawasaki = 9%
Arctic Cat = 7%
BRP = 3%

[BRPjunkie]

Dang so if I get a Ducati I can be a 1%'er - now that would be cool!

I know a guy who has had two Ducatis and according to him, if we think Spyder techs are bad, try finding a good Ducati Desmo wrench.

[Smylinacha]

Yeah, in CT there aren't many

I know a guy who has had two Ducatis and according to him, if we think Spyder techs are bad, try finding a good Ducati Desmo wrench.

[Roaddog2]

maybe the Spyder can have the 1125cc now......

Was talking to Bob about that he asked in Washington they told him it was built to H-D specs and they could do the
engine better so you never now what's down the Pike