Tpoppa

I have read several artices where HD has stated that it will reach younger blood (under 35) with it's 'dark customs.' I had to look that up. 'Dark customs' are bikes like the Iron 883 and the Night Train, they have matte finishes in place of some of the chrome. They doen't need as much polishing & that is supposed to appeal to younger riders. I agree cleaning bikes sucks ass, but I really hope that isn't their whole plan. It's also been suggested that the Vrod and new XR1200 could be next on the chopping block.

Interesting read on how HD has handled this situation. http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/ ... vings.html ...Elsewhere, it's suggested that the Iron 883 -- essentially a Sportster with matte black paint -- represents a successful model for reaching the under 35 demographic, yet Sportster production will be put on hold during Q4, 2009... ...All this sounds startlingly similar to the business practices that got Harley into so much trouble in the first place. It'll continue to rely on the same demographic buying the same motorcycles and, since a large proportion of those customers don't have enough money to buy either the bikes or the accessories, it'll continue to give loans to people that can't afford to repay them. It'll make those loans using money that it has, in turn, borrowed, often at a higher interest rate than what's being charged to customers. The company has presented no short-term plans to pursue the design of motorcycles with appeal outside its existing customer base and is therefore hoping the customers of other brands change their preference rather than finding new ways to appeal to new customers. As Boomers age beyond their riding years and see their purchasing power massively reduced by the end of cheap credit, Harley is failing to understand either the need or the means to reach a younger or wider audience. Relying on the market for motorcycles to return to its pre-recession levels without taking active steps to see it do so seems a remarkably naive way to do business. Harley is now effectively a passive passenger riding the economy's roller coaster. If the economy goes up, a lot, it might be OK. If the economy goes down or remains stagnant, it may find itself unable to repay that $1.9 billion and be forced to seek protection from its creditors...

I don't believe any 2010 1125s have actually shipped to dealers. There are a handfull of 2010 XBs around, but not many.

Warranties will be honored. Parts will be be available for (at least) 7 years. My guess is much longer as all the unused 1125 motors are being crated and shipped from Austria to Milwaukee where they will sit... The decision to close and not sell is puzzling, especially as HD is claiming they are hurting for cash. I am aware of at least 1 group that is making a bid to buy Buell and there was another (unconfirmed) rumor of Yamaha expressing interest.

How's this? I'm not aware of 09 productin numbers.

The 1125s use non-HD motors, there are some HD execs that seem to resent that. I'm guessing that is why they are deep discounting the 1125s more than the XBs.

One of the best 1125 tuners in the country is right here is NE Ohio. http://www.ohiosportbike.com Dave knows his way around the 1125 and the racetrack.

Very Interesting! Yamaha is expressing interest in buying Buell. October 16, 2009 AP Iwata, Japan In a statement released by Yamaha Motor Corporation, Hirofumi Osawa, President of Yamaha Corporation of America, stated that the company is looking into acquiring recently defunct Buell Motorcycles. “We are interested in the spirit of innovation that Buell has used as a foundation in their business. We feel their values align well with Yamaha’s culture”, stated Mr. Osawa. According to Yamaha, discussions of a purchase are in the exploratory stage. Harley-Davidson Corp, owner of Buell since 2003, could not be reached for comment.

I hope Penske, who is fresh off the Saturn deal falling apart, takes a long hard look at Buell and MV Agusta. I'll bet they could stike a good deal on suspension bits.

There are about 30 bikes I would like to own right now. The bank account and the garage are only so big.

The HD dealer network completely fucked Buell. The sales staff knew nothing about sportbikes. Gear & accessories were basically nonexistent, unless you wanted tassels and chrome. Walk into an HD dealer in actual riding gear and you're looked at like a retard. As much as I have liked my 2 Buells, I couldn't stand setting foot inside the HD Boutique. If Buell was sold along side Ducati, Triumph, BMW, Aprilia, etc, there would be more people sitting on them in showrooms and more being sold. And the sales staff would know what the fuck they wer talking about. Sad day... Motoczycz, Fischer, & Roehr go ahead and lock your doors.

Thanks HD for a thorougly mismanaged dealer network... :bigfinger: :bigfinger: :bigfinger: http://www.buell.com http://finance.yahoo.com/news/HarleyDavidson-Announces-3rd-prnews-1887306056.html?x=0&.v=1

$4,500 for the the world's fastest, wrecked ZZR600 with no title...sweet. Has anyone ever heard of a 2 or 3 year warranty oh m/c tires? So many ridiculous ads on Craigslist, so little time.

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/1420223545.html I got my bike up for sale or trade to the best offer or highest bidder. I have no title, but it is mine and it is registered. I can give you a bill of sale, and even get you help registering it through a notary. The bike is nice and fast- 180 mph. Did wreck it pretty bad b4, but it's about 90% better and gets more looks than anything I've ever owned. Matching helmet comes with and 2 or 3 yrs remaining on a tire and rime warranty. It shouldn't be hard to get a title- I've just never bothered. Things I want for trade are: some sort of camper trailer, 350 installed in my 89' 1500 and little work, or SUV -------------------- Seriously? I hope this is no one here..

Anyone see Twist of the Wrist - MV Agusta? NO corners are cut. It was impressive.

Doubt it. They make their own motors AFAIK...unless HD involvemnt has muddied the waters.

I love MVs, I would trade both bikes and my girlfreind for that. Anyone heard of the 675cc triple MV Agusta F3, due out next year? http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/2879/spy-shots-mv-agusta-f3-prototype

I blame the school system.

It's been popular in Europe for years as the Deauville, it's the current incarnation of the Honda Hawk GT. It'll do great as a commuter or a sport tourer. However, practical bikes just don't seem to sell well in the US. I think it'll be a sales flop, but will probably have a small cult following.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/GM-signs-deal-to-sell-Hummer-apf-2907039406.html?x=0

Speaking of sexy. RC30X - not an actual model but, DAMN!!

When your bike has been wrecked too many times, turn it into a fighter. No point chopping a bike in good shape. I do like thfighters, but I'm partial to the XBS and Speed (or Street) Triple.

Let's see...punch LeBron's buddy on Tuesday, traded on Wednsday. LeBron's buddy, better watch his ass. There's probably a few Browns that wouldn't mind being traded to a contender.

I push the pace