I own a 02 Cyclone, and worked at a Harley dealership at the time I bought it. I still own it, and am not getting rid of it because it is sooooo fun to ride. That being said, getting in bed with H-D was probably the first nail in the coffin, because the vast majority of H-D dealers did NOT care or want buells on their show rooms. I was there on the inside, and being a buell owner was really disappointing to see. Eric Buell has a TON of passion for what he does, but as we all know, it takes more than passion to sell bikes, and in this case it takes a lot of money to further a brand. And capital is something that he's struggled with from the very beginning. I'm still a huge fan of the bikes and what he's tried to do. He's come up with a lot of innovations, and at least deserves credit for coming out with bikes that are hella fun to ride. Hate to even say this line, but you don't really understand until you've ridden and owned one, recalls and everything. I hate seeing the brand struggle to get off the ground so much.
Buell may be dying a slow undeniable death, but I'll always be a fan. Same with victory. I want a victory, just can't afford one right now. It's like a couple old friends dying....
To me it's not so much about the price, but more about the experience. Although Its different for me, cause once I like something, I don't get rid of it. I never look toward getting my money back after ownership.
just my take..and .02
Frank