Another motorcycle maufacturer goes down today.

[HYPERR]

Notice the Buell idler pulley?

Buell Front End
Oil Cooler
Idler Pulley
Buell Oiler System

Makes one wonder what Buell technology might make it's way into future offerings.


BTW, the team that created the XR1200 budgeted about $8M to develop the bike.

It ended up costing nearly $40M.

Buell developed the 1125R from a blank piece of paper for less than $10M. Think there might have been a little feeling of threat from the guy in charge of the XR1200 project.

They should've let Buell be the project leader for the XR. The man is a true genius.

40Mill to develop a bike that is a deviation of a regular sportster is beyond ridiculous.

[BRUMBEAR]

Well you know I agree.
There is another reason H-D is gonna take a hit http://www.motorcycledaily.com/04March1 ... merges.htm
Much of today's 35-45 year old remember these as dominate machines cb and KZ japanese bikes ruled the scene and they are bringing them back with some success I might add. If Kawasaki does bring back a modern retro KZ ask yourself what you would buy seriously
a KZ 1000
a sportster
a bonneville
a cb honda
I am 45 and I would look at all but the sportster because they still look basically the same and there is no retro value so to speak.
Even though the bonnies have been around for a few years they still draw me more than a sportster.

[FT BSTRD]

I want to have the CB1100R's baby.

[HYPERR]

How about a Sportster based Super Motard bike? Have Erik Buell see the whole project from start to finish. Have him inject his magic into it, using the far superior Buell components. That being said, it must use the Sportster engine, and it must still look like an XR750. I would definitely buy one.

[BRUMBEAR]

A few more months on the Buells and the non competition thing is over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

[FT BSTRD]

I suspect the next chapter will begin after the one year licensing agreement is completed.

My guess is that much of what is being done with EBR is development for the next platform using 1125s as the test mule.

I could see a refined Rotax motor design based upon data gathered.


All is just speculation but there are two things I know from certain (from talking with Erik):

1) The licensing agreement with HD will NOT be renewed beyond one year

2) Erik isn't ready to quit

[BRUMBEAR]

I am praying for a BRP offer myself to bring them into the fold as a manufacter but who knows? Perhaps Buell can go it alone if there are people willing to buy the company I am sure there is a way to use public money or private loans , I would buy Buell stock for sure.

[FT BSTRD]

I am praying for a BRP offer myself to bring them into the fold as a manufacter but who knows? Perhaps Buell can go it alone if there are people willing to buy the company I am sure there is a way to use public money or private loans , I would buy Buell stock for sure.

Since BRP was willing to make an offer for Buell and because they are already using Rotax motors in everything else, they seem like the most likely candidate.

My guess is that there is already a bike in the works. The 1125R was in the works for 3-5 years before it emerged. I would say that at the end of the year, there will be an announcement that Erik has been hired by BRP. I suspect it will be another full year before there is even a bike mentioned. I think we are still looking at at least two years before another new Buell hits the streets.

I think EBR will remain as a race support entity.

BRP seems like a very logical option if they are willing to pony up the $$$.

[BRUMBEAR]

I think if BRP doesn't pony it up, there will be quite a few others that would just to get the name on there brand , Because of the way the US is set up it is near impossible to start a company and produce a motorcycle at the present time . The Buell name will more than probably be added to a parent Co.

[BRUMBEAR]

To get back on topic
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/art ... gD9EDCVPG0
this will not end good for Harley