I went to my local dealer that I've been doing business with over the years to order some Buell parts before it's too late. Good dealer. The owner stated that Buell never did fit their Harley Business Model: selling at list or above, selling tons of chrome accessories, t-shirts and swag, and a profitable service department. I got the feeling he thought good riddance on the Buell line, as that's not where the $$ was. He's right. I have probably spent 3 times more on the Harley bikes/accessories/swag I bought from him than on my Ulysses.
As far as the bikes themselves, he likes the Buell. In fact he said he had his eye on one certain Lightning he had on the floor. But as far as business goes, he never liked the Buell situation. I asked about the 15 or so Buells he had in stock - discount them or sell them as collectables. He smiled and said that was up to the buyer. He mentioned that he had two calls that morning inquiring about certain Buell models.
I would think Erik Buell is financially okay, but seeing how passionate he is about bikes, I'm sure he would trade his $$ for a chance to still be designing and making his own bikes. I really hate to see anyone go out of business and employees losing their jobs.
