RIGHT ON.......:2thumbs:
Layoff
- Thread starter Sinthroid
- Start date
txchopperguy
Well-Known Member
Absolutely...and stop giving all of OUR hard earned tax money to people who don't work for it.
I must say... it don't look good.
What is going to pull them out of this? At the rate they are going vs the recovery rate of the economy, coupled with a lack of product line up.
Like I said, this is a bad look. I sure hope I'm wrong.
bigdogtech01
Well-Known Member
At least they have not asked for a bail out like the damn car manufacturers and banks have all been doing. From what I know anyways. They must have it under control right? I have a company called Raymond corp in my hometown of Greene, NY. They were threatening to move to another state such as Indiana if they had to keep paying so much damn taxes. The NY state realized they needed to do something so they have given them millions to basically stay here in this area. Seems like KS could do something for them to help out. I know I know, bail outs are bad because we the public are the ones that will end up paying for it. But if anyone is going to get bailed out it might as well be a kick ass American motorcycle company that employs and builds everything here in the USA:flag:
airbrush-ed
kustompaintbyed.com
That's true.
Here are some thoughts of mine on this:
It is troublesome for me that BDM is letting more people go and I realize the the biggest contributing factor is the economic recession.
BUT I have to say, I think it is time for BDM to build something NEW and DIFFERENT that more people will want. When WCC and OCC (via Motorcycle Mania, Biker Build-off, and the Pauls and Mikie TV shows) made wide tire long choppers incredibly popular, I thought THE Motor Company missed the boat by not offering a similar HD product.
Then for both HD and BDM along came the "Fashion-trend-change" to Bobbers and Baggers. Harley had a bagger line, but BDM could only come up with a way over priced "hang-a-bag-on-it" model.
To make matters worse, the still-able to-ride Baby Boomer market is rapidly diminishing. And they are the ones who remember the bikes in Street Chopper magazine from years ago (the ones that BDM was emulating and letting those Baby Boomers buy and re-live). And also giving them a good warranty, continuous Blue-book value, and a company that would always be there (we hope).
To some degree that market has been taken away by the Sport Bike younger crowd and the influence that the European Sport Bike riding and lifestyle has had. And something not to be taken lightly is that the "Woman rider" can handle and ride the smaller sport bike easier AND it makes her ASS look better! Case in point is JewlZ from Vegas who I met at Thunder-on-the-Mountain rally at Brian Head, UT this summer. And riding a crotch rocket did not prevent her from "hanging" with some hard core Vagos brothers for LV (which she was doing when I took this pic of her).
Anyway, I guess my point is that BDM needs to build a "Better Mousetrap". Not just one that more people need, but that more people Have-to-Have! Easier said than done, but maybe BDM needs to think outside the box. Maybe start with a more appealing, more rideable "woman's bike" (like the stand-by Sportster).
Something they could learn from is the trend in cell phone APPS (the Big THING of the future). And everyone wants a new one! Did anyone see Charles Osgoods Sunday morning on CBS yesterday? Watch it, You have to be on the cutting edge! And you have to have a product to sell that lots of people JUST HAVE TO HAVE!
Shovelcowboy
Keeping Up With The Apps - CBS News Video
airbrush-ed
kustompaintbyed.com
I agree Shovel. We were telling Sheldon this stuff at every company meeting we had. Diversify! He basically has several slightly different flavors of the same meal. They're all cool, mind you. But it does leave alot of people (and potential buyers) out. Do something different, re-hash something old, or put a spin on something new.
All I'm saying is not everyone wants (or can afford) a $30000+ nine foot long bling barge. I'm not bashing BDMs style. I love it! But there's alot of other markets that BDM could get a slice of. If they would only TRY.
And you are SOOO right about a woman's ass on a sportbike!
All I'm saying is not everyone wants (or can afford) a $30000+ nine foot long bling barge. I'm not bashing BDMs style. I love it! But there's alot of other markets that BDM could get a slice of. If they would only TRY.
And you are SOOO right about a woman's ass on a sportbike!
airbrush-ed
kustompaintbyed.com
Just heard today that only ONE artist is still employed in the paint shop. Only 3 others in the paint shop, total. One clear-coater, one buffer, one warrenty guy. Some of the last standing artist are now painting amusement park rides. But hey, it's a job - seasonal. Also heard that the remaining employees now have to buy their own health ins. from Cobra. That shit's exspensive!
Sad.
Sad.
PA Chopper
Active Member
I wonder how BDM can layoff all their employees and still roll out the 2010 models? I haven't seen any new models on dealer sites or even an updated BDM site. Makes me nervous. My dealer says he can order the 2010 models but he won't until Feb.
DrMOJO
Member
Rolling Thunder Motorcycles (Salt Lake City) has some 2010 models on their website: 3 K-9s, 3 Mastiffs, 1 Pitbull, 1 Wolf, 1 Bulldog. Also, I saw couple of '10 K-9s on Cycletrader.com. The K-9s, Mastiffs, and Pitbulls appear to look the same as last years models. K-9s have new 5-spoke rim design. It would be nice to see some '10 bikes hit the showroom floor, but there is a alot of leftover '08s and '09s around.
Rolling Thunder Motorcycles - Big Dog Motorcycle Dealer, Custom Choppers, Leathers and Accessories Shop
Rolling Thunder Motorcycles - Big Dog Motorcycle Dealer, Custom Choppers, Leathers and Accessories Shop
Gabriel
Active Member
Talked to them Friday and they still have 100 or so on insurance. However 100 or so have been furloughed.
It seems as though there is a problem getting finance for new buyers, The Banksters are not loaning money...
I think they are prepared to weather the storm. I hope so
Nomad2day
Longhair Redneck Geek
I went down and talked to them in person about a fairing and they said they would email me with a decision if they would sell me one. Not a word from them yet. Yes I have emailed them through the corporate site for a response but nothing yet. This was in June when I went to the factory and talked to them.
What is a nice way to say kiss my ass?
Neil
What is a nice way to say kiss my ass?
Neil
airbrush-ed
kustompaintbyed.com
The word "furlough" is really saying you are fired, get out. This way they don't have to give out severance packages, and unemployment benefits run out. People still have to work and pay their bills, so they get other jobs and don't come back. So these people still have jobs at Bigdog, but are on furlough? Bullshit.
Saying that you are on "furlough" is like saying hold your breath, I'll get back to you later.
Don't call me, I'll call you...
Saying that you are on "furlough" is like saying hold your breath, I'll get back to you later.
Don't call me, I'll call you...
Gabriel
Active Member
I don't know them personally , I just took it as
a temporary leave of absence.
I suppose it's just a survival tactic?
Maybe they can get a bailout
mobsta
Well-Known Member
all these people loosing their jobs suck for sure.from what i read in the paper saturday cobra may run out monday unless the goverment exend it.that really sucks.i have read some guys on here say bd should noy sell cheaper bikes,i for one think they better builld something for this down market.kills me how some busineses are raising prices make it worst.just my 2 cents
Dugan
Active Member
FURLOUGH
I hate to see anyone go withouyt a income but if it saves a company then you have to do what you have to do . Thans called Business . I just hope all the guys laid off were able to find something . Good Luck Guys . :2thumbs:
I dont really agree . We put guys in "furlough" every year . I agree lots more this year than ever Most all come back . Just has to go with retail sales . If the sales go up they will call people back . If not the whole place will fold .
I hate to see anyone go withouyt a income but if it saves a company then you have to do what you have to do . Thans called Business . I just hope all the guys laid off were able to find something . Good Luck Guys . :2thumbs:
oldmutt
Active Member
Different companies have different ideas in order to get thru this. Take a look at what BBC is doing.
Big Bear Choppers | Rethinking, Revising and Reinventing the Premium American Motorcycle.
Granted their quality and warranty are not as good as BD but coming out with a low end custom bike for under 20K just might make them one of the few remainig players.
Big Bear Choppers | Rethinking, Revising and Reinventing the Premium American Motorcycle.
Granted their quality and warranty are not as good as BD but coming out with a low end custom bike for under 20K just might make them one of the few remainig players.