Buell is dead....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 27
From: florida swamp
With all due respect, dealers could offer free BJs at the local strip club and it wouldn't matter. Tight credit, no more easy home refinance money, people just have other priorities right now. Read that there is a shortage of used cars on the market because not as many trade ins but also because those who are buying a car are buying used. Same with bikes, more people are keeping what they have or buying used. Stuff has just gotten too expensive and cash is tight. Buying MV Agusta never did make much sense to me. There's just not a big enough market for high priced premium sport bikes. Way too much competition and lower priced bikes with the same or better performance. Harley is just lucky they have a loyal customer base. At least for now.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,788
Likes: 2,222
From: Texas
With all due respect, dealers could offer free BJs at the local strip club and it wouldn't matter. Tight credit, no more easy home refinance money, people just have other priorities right now. Read that there is a shortage of used cars on the market because not as many trade ins but also because those who are buying a car are buying used. Same with bikes, more people are keeping what they have or buying used. Stuff has just gotten too expensive and cash is tight. Buying MV Agusta never did make much sense to me. There's just not a big enough market for high priced premium sport bikes. Way too much competition and lower priced bikes with the same or better performance. Harley is just lucky they have a loyal customer base. At least for now.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
People and legitimate businesses suffer. Mortgage industry becomes a scam. Still haven't seen anyone go to prison for the mismanagement of banks, credit institutions, and whatever you wish to categorize AIG as. Seems that mismanagement of this scale should incur anger and prison time.
Last edited by oldairboater; Oct 15, 2009 at 09:55 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
The economy is tough and they are making some real tough decicions. I wonder what do they see down the road that we don't. Maybe the Buffet money came with strings.
My opinion this is a short sided turn tail ***** decison that may come back to bite in the wazzo in the future. History will repeat itself. Once you concede a market segment you will never get it back. The article indicates that they are are focusing on a single brand. Unbelievable we will pay the Goldman Sachs, Citicorp and Chase employees billions in bonues while we dimantle America. That is short sighted and criminal.
The other criminal act I just wonder when the government or industry going to come clean and admit there are people that will never go back to work. No matter how well the economy starts cranking.
Me I am out of HD stock now.
My opinion this is a short sided turn tail ***** decison that may come back to bite in the wazzo in the future. History will repeat itself. Once you concede a market segment you will never get it back. The article indicates that they are are focusing on a single brand. Unbelievable we will pay the Goldman Sachs, Citicorp and Chase employees billions in bonues while we dimantle America. That is short sighted and criminal.
The other criminal act I just wonder when the government or industry going to come clean and admit there are people that will never go back to work. No matter how well the economy starts cranking.
Me I am out of HD stock now.
Last edited by leicafish; Oct 15, 2009 at 10:02 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 3
From: Central Illinois
I think the worst of the situation is some of the people involved with Buell. Gary Valine, Gary Stippich and several other knowledgeable people who made things happen there. I know alot of people didn't like them or understand them, but they were mostly people who never rode one. Harley took alot of engineering from Buell. the new XL is alot Buell, compensating clutch hubs etc. Product survival is dictated by consumer's desire and sales. It was a good bike while here, but Harley did what they had to do.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
My opinion you better hope there is a place for your grand kids to work. I find most impalatable when any man loses his job and has his spriit taken away.
Last edited by leicafish; Oct 15, 2009 at 10:08 AM.