A great american classic.... sh*tcanned

[Morbid Intentions]

I am very upset.....

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/2009/10/harleydavidson-terminates-buell-brand.html

I just don't get how getting rid of Buell will make them more money.... Buell's were the flagships of V-twin performance, raking in TONS of wins in motorbike championships


I just don't understand it... ::shakes head::

 

[1bad4.6l]

That is a bunch of BS. they should never end those bikes.

 

[Calabrio]

Buell probably didn't generate a lot of money per bike sold.
And those buells may have been stealing sales off their V-rod line.

I'm not sure, but it is disappointing.

 

[SoonerLS]

Buell probably didn't generate a lot of money per bike sold.
And those buells may have been stealing sales off their V-rod line.

I'm not sure, but it is disappointing.

That would be my guess--Buell was a side-line that must not have been returning enough money to make up for what it was taking away from their core brand.

FWIW, I heard part of a radio report the other day talking about how HD was really concerned about the aging of the Baby Boomers, and how they're trading Hogs for RVs. Sounds like they're retrenching to match the market realities.

 

[k9t8m]

Buell probably didn't generate a lot of money per bike sold.
And those buells may have been stealing sales off their V-rod line.

I'm not sure, but it is disappointing.

I disagree. I ride a buell, and would NEVER own a V-rod. I am very disappointed with HD's decision, but If I had the money Id still buy a buell over ducati or other import streetfigher.

 

[Calabrio]

The LA Times reports that "while the rarity of Buell bikes has been a draw for the brand's small fan base, it's part of the reason Harley-Davidson decided to pull the plug. Just 135,000 Buell motorcycles have been produced in the brand's 26 years, and MV Agusta sells only about 300 a year in the United States. By comparison, Harley-Davidson will produce as many as 227,000 motorcycles this year alone.....

According to Harley they want to focus on the core brand.
The discontinuation of the Buell brand, which has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson since 1998, is part of a "go-forward business strategy" aimed at driving growth "through a focus of efforts and resources on the Harley-Davidson brand," James said.

As part of its new strategy, the company will focus on sales in emerging markets such as India, where Harley recently announced plans to begin selling its motorcycles in 2010, and on a small but growing North American market for women and minority riders."