Cycle World

I've just had the time to read this thread, and fooook me does it have a lot of threads to it - IYKWIM :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:

I must say though that I pretty much follow with Jedi's thinking on the test - Yes, so what, it was a reasonably bad test but hey, lets move on and do better next time. I've personally ridden an 04 450 off road for a day and thought it was superb, but I'm not going to get hung up about somebody elses opinion.

Whether it's a well prepared bike or not, you are never guaranteed to get a good test result and more importantly, if you did live your life by the words of magazines, you'd probably end up mad anyway

A point in case where a UK mag did a test of Supermoto bikes but actually downgraded their assessment and the result they gave a manufacturer just because the factory had given special attention and support. With bike rags you just sometimes can't win............

What also rather surprises me is the level of expectation levied here on getting a SUCCESSFUL distribution going on these bikes.

From the perspective of a customer you only want a good reliable, well stocked, well supported, well communicated, up to date, and knowledgable, passionate, trustworthy, enthusiastic, efficient network of dealers and factory and distributor - No? not half demanding....... :wink:

Personally, I'm pretty astonished when I think of the scale of putting a new distribution network together in a country the size of the United States. Just the logistics of doing something similar in the UK pretty much dumbfounds me :roll: To do this sort of thing properly and also long-term, as well as considering the best for business and customers takes a very long time and requires patience.

So on the scale of things, maybe it can be considered a success by BMG that the 'berg even made it into the magazine for the test in the first place, meaning, between the lines that indeed the 'berg IS a contender now.......

what was it someone used to say - bad publicity is better than no publicity?????? You US boys probably won't know about this example but you just need to look at Jordan FFS!!!! (no, not the F1 team)

One of the other things I find quite intriguing is the number of experts we have here on running multinational businesses and transcontinental distribution networks. I mean poor Jedi, every time he comes here to communicate with us he gets a barage of instructions on how to run the business............

Personally, I think from the US perspective you're lucky that your distributor talks to you as in my experience it isn''t really in a distributors interest to deal directly with customers. It is often considered more appropriate that communications are to customers through dealerships because that is where the relationship really is on a day-to-day basis (or should be) - and that is the face of the business for all of us because that's where the cash changes hands........

Now, with regards to the factory listening, something is obviously working because each year, the factory have at least dealt with some of, if not most, of our concerns and problems with the bikes - it seems someone is listening in the ether somewhere :wink: :wink: :wink:

Now I've also got to ask but what is this about getting this site to be referred to more officially by BMG (or the factory) I'm sorry but I think one of the best things about this site is that it is UNofficial - personally, I wouldn't want it to be official - I'm mean ffs, would you want KTM, Husaberg, or BMG having any control or influence over what you can or cannot say and how the site is run - I don't think so.......... :wink: :wink: :wink: (now if they paid for its upkeep but kept their nose out, maybe that would be OK ! )

I hope I haven't offended too much, but in case I have, well, never mind, it's only my 2p :wink:

Still much more to say but my eyes are getting blurry and it's time for lunch.

Simon

PS yes, I already know I'm a hypocrite

Hi Simon,
Arm chair quarterbacking is the great American passtime.

Your point is well received. However, (in my opinion based on prior experience) regarding Husaberg no press at all is better than negative press. Bad press simply reconfirms the poor general consensus regarding Husaberg.

Indeed, it is impossible to please everyone all of the time. Just the same should one decide to throw their hat in the ring a first rate effort should follow.

My personal gripe in all of this is that the powers that be did not heed the warning. What good is experience if no one listens?

Kindest Regards,
Dale

I to have ridden the 04 FE450 in both tight bush tracks and in fast sand. Rest assured the 04 are are big improvement as far as general build quality and overall performance.

Bike start almost instantly with the electric start hot or cold. My mate has only kicked started to show others that it indeeded can be started easily with kick starter. Otherwise its electric leh al the way.

Genearl performance is very polished, great starting, very good throttle control of idle and that never say die low rev torque for those trcky sections, & that charateristic punper carby rush when its dialed on hard. Midrange and top end feel very close to 501 but is a little bit quicker reving. Fuel ecconomy is outstanding. On one ride my 03 501 ran dry at 125km mark and Pete's 450 still had over 2 litres left!

Another friend has just upgraded his 2001 FC550 (also had a 97FE501) for a new 2004 FE550 and whilst I have yet to ride it, he absolutely loves it. It starts instantly hot or cold on button, and is smother off the botton and quicker on top than his old 550 making it a much better overal power delivery.

Both these guys have had 2 previous bergs and have nothing but praise for the their new beasts.

Rest assured the new Bergs are the best yet and will see their owner grining from ear to ear.

Cheers
Horto

LINEAWEAVER said:

Hi Simon,
Arm chair quarterbacking is the great American passtime.

Your point is well received. However, (in my opinion based on prior experience) regarding Husaberg no press at all is better than negative press. Bad press simply reconfirms the poor general consensus regarding Husaberg.

Indeed, it is impossible to please everyone all of the time. Just the same should one decide to throw their hat in the ring a first rate effort should follow.

My personal gripe in all of this is that the powers that be did not heed the warning. What good is experience if no one listens?

Kindest Regards,
Dale

Click to expand...

Hi Dale,

Yeah, I agree that it is pretty stupid when those powers that be refuse to listen to experience - where would we be without it if not on a terminal carousel going round in circles!

I know I have a habit of giving people too much of the benefit of the doubt, but I sit here confounded by what is happening over there and thinking surely they really aren't this stupid?????????

I mean, we have a global organisation that has demonstrated year on year growth at an extra-ordinary level (albeit slowed down lately) - demonstrated unparalleled success yet they are pissing off an entire segment of their market - that is very loyal to boot.

You see my understanding was that as a business you wanted to welcome customers with open arms, and then when you have them in your grip, you just don't let go :roll: You communicate with them so they know what is going on - even, as some late companies (that should also be governments I think) have demonstrated, so much that the customers believe so much in the company they can stare reality in the face and still believe what they're being told!!!!!

I don't know there must be a plan somewhere that is collecting itself together just waiting to spring a pleasant surprise on us...........but wait, maybe that's the problem, maybe someone out there just hasn't the fogiest on what to do ............. and properly :wink: :wink: :wink: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Simon "benefit of the doubt" D.

I have read this thread on three different days. I didn't want to reply without some forethought.

First: Yes, someone made a mistake. Sending a damaged and untuned bike to a 'shoot out' was/is a mistake. That is obvious. What I have read as a common theme is "Who is the ***** that did that?" Anyone can see that, but no one has offered any solution. It seems the second 'Great American Pastime' is verbal bashing of someone that made a mistake. How about a solution??? I am confident that Jedi did not know in advance that the bike was unprepared. I admire Jedi for 'not ratting out' the culprit. Jedi is in the business of nurturing business relationships. That is how national marketing is best accomplished. I was in his line of work 12 years ago ( although in a different product market ). 'Ratting out' the culprit would probably do more harm than good as far as future sales and marketing are concerned.

So, what are the solutions?

I would be willing to donate a few days of my time to prep a bike and deliver it if the shoot out is in Arizona. Dirtbike magazine regularly uses Arizona for it's testing.

How about you, Dale? Are you willing to donate some time to be part of the solution if the shoot out is in California? You are pretty big about finding the faults, how about helping with the solution.

Husadaddy could do the same for New Mexico, though I doubt the magazines would do a shoot out there.

If you want to be part of the solution, please post. If all you can do is complain, I think Jedi has heard enough of that.

My 2¢

Mr. Splat,
Not only did I warn BMG well in advance I also volunteered my services pre test. Then after the fact though pre Cycle World release I received a frantic phone call from BMG seeking advice on how to contain their self induced damage. Once again I offered to fly to L.A. and address the issue. still no takers.

Now... What's in your wallet? 8O

Dale

Ps
Next time, I humbly suggest a bit of formal research be added in to keep your forethought company.

hehe, I so saw that coming....

Splat, I think your thoughts are good, however, I've heard from three different people of the refusal to take Dale up on his offer. Therefore, I don't see how it can happen until they tire of these types of reviews.

thanks,
json

Hi Simon,
Selling Husabergs is more like selling Harleys than anything else that comes to mind. You see, Harley Davidson markets a lifestyle not a product.

Owning a Husaberg is far more than simply owning an offroad motorcycle. In my opinion and regarding a cult motorcycle such as Husaberg the strict following of a conventional business strategy will continue to prove disappointing at best.

Husaberg was born of passion out of the ashes of Husqvarna. Passion is the life blood of Husaberg for which no amount of planning will replace. Nine to five, overtime and / or bottom lines are not a suitable substitute.

Kind Regards,
Dale

LINEAWEAVER said:

Mr. Splat,


Now... What's in your wallet? 8O

Dale

Ps
Next time, I humbly suggest a bit of formal research be added in to keep your forethought company.

Click to expand...

My wallet is plenty full; and open. 8)

I made my offer to be part of the solution without the constant bashing of the people that we want to see succeed.

If you take offense or are irritated by my first post, then you may have an inkling of how frustrated Jedi must feel with the constant barrage of accusatory posts and comments.

I would mention that the constant negative posts regarding BMG, it's predecessors, and KTM, does more harm to the product image than the damage caused by that article. I am confident that we lose many potential Husaberg buyers after they visit this site and read those posts. When they read a topic like this and see all the pent up frustrations being vented, they must have their fears confirmed. How could they not?

BTW, Jason, I do not mean the site does more harm than good. This site is extremely informative and helpful. But the negative posts do turn people away to other brands.

LINEAWEAVER said:

Next time, I humbly suggest a bit of formal research be added in to keep your forethought company.

Click to expand...

I just reread the thread. You never mentioned any offer of assistance. I stand firm.
You only complain and whine. Would you like a little cheese to go with your whine? :lol:

Splat said:

LINEAWEAVER said:

Next time, I humbly suggest a bit of formal research be added in to keep your forethought company.

Click to expand...

I just reread the thread. You never mentioned any offer of assistance. I stand firm.
You only complain and whine. Would you like a little cheese to go with your whine? :lol:

Click to expand...

I myself do not understand how you can possibly suggest that all he does is complain and whine, sounds like you are doing the whining to me!

I think he intended "formal research" to include more than re-reading a thread. That's more like "pseudo-research".

:roll:

You may stand firm, but your statement against him was based on a flawed premise, seeing as how he had already performed the actions you suggested he should try to be part of the solution since he's "big at finding faults".

I didn't find any whining in his posts(I reread them ), but I also wouldn't expect anyone to call BMG to ask for a list of who's offered to help, so I didn't find your assumptions to be hard to come by.

You should take a deep breath before you post something like the typical "cheese and whine" post. I don't know if you've seen it around the web, but that phrase has been used before

thanks,
json

can we get a copy of this big shoot out test up? nearly 100 posts and out in the rest of the world we haven't a clue about the test. can one of you get a copy to schwim.

did i slightly change the subject? sorry!

Taffy

"My wallet is plenty full; and open. 8)"

Mr. Splat,
This is great news indeed. Husaberg is in dire need of establishing new, well stocked dealerships throughout the United States and Canada. Please phone or Email me ASAP and I shall promptly put you in direct contact with Roy Thomas of BMG so you may get started.

"I would mention that the constant negative posts regarding BMG, it's predecessors, and KTM, does more harm to the product image than the damage caused by that article. I am confident that we lose many potential Husaberg buyers after they visit this site and read those posts. When they read a topic like this and see all the pent up frustrations being vented, they must have their fears confirmed. How could they not?"

Sorry, I disagree as I firmly beleive in stating the truth be it positive or negative.

Sincerely,
Dale

Phone / Fax: 510 223-9052
Email: [email protected]

PASSION

LINEAWEAVER said:

Hi Simon,
Selling Husabergs is more like selling Harleys than anything else that comes to mind. You see, Harley Davidson markets a lifestyle not a product.

Owning a Husaberg is far more than simply owning an offroad motorcycle. In my opinion and regarding a cult motorcycle such as Husaberg the strict following of a conventional business strategy will continue to prove disappointing at best.

Husaberg was born of passion out of the ashes of Husqvarna. Passion is the life blood of Husaberg for which no amount of planning will replace. Nine to five, overtime and / or bottom lines are not a suitable substitute.

Kind Regards,
Dale

Click to expand...

Silly me (seriously),
I have always considered a Husaberg to be a logical choice as a race bike and have wondered why it wasn't treated as such. Based on my nic, it is easy to see that I am also a TM fan. TM builds a factory level race bike for the public, and I have always felt that Husaberg does too. Back in `92 one of the magazines commented that it was a shame that more Husabergs would be purchased to win the admiration of friends rather than to win races. At that time, the onlly 'bergs I knew of were David Rhodes and myself, and we regularly put the 'bergs out front of any given race. By '94 both of us were on Kawasaki's due to better race support.

I'd never thought of comparing a purpose built bike to a Harley that really doesn't excel at anything, except create an image. To me the Husaberg passion is to build the best tool for off-road riding. Maybe I'm wrong, the Husaberg is a cult bike, rather than a "factory race bike for the masses" like it used to be. Maybe it's time to get a jap bike again?

Re: PASSION

tm-enduro said:

Maybe it's time to get a jap bike again?

Click to expand...

Info. is starting to come out on the 05 KTM's, and it is positive. Hopefully the bergs will get some updates for 05 too.

Hi TM-Enduro,
In my humble opinion the added complexity of the later years (ie electric start, balance assembly, etc.) has removed Husaberg from the as delivered, "Purpose Built", offroad race bike category.

Husaberg roots are that of of building no nonsense competition machines of which they excelled. The shift has quite obviously been toward motard and dual sport. Such a transition requires certain concessions for which Husaberg may not be particularly well suited.

The cult following for which I made reference in an earlier post is regarding the later Husaberg of motard and dual sport marketing.

In order to be taken seriously as a true racing entity races must be entered and occasioanly won. To the best of my knowledge and regarding North America, Husaberg does not have an official competition entry in any discipline.

Just for clarification:
This is not a negative ***... it is simply an observation.

Best Regards,
Dale

LINEAWEAVER said:

In my humble opinion the added complexity of the later years (ie electric start, balance assembly, etc.) has removed Husaberg from the as delivered, "Purpose Built", offroad race bike category.

Click to expand...

We agree, the 'berg is not the light weight race bike it used to be. Is it that hard to make a 240 lb 500cc 4T? Most of the 4T's are just too heavy or quirky. Maybe a cre250?