Erik Buell Racing closes doors. Indian company Hero Motorcycles pulls financial backing. Much as I admired the man for his innovative thinking, the EBR bikes were too far from the mainstream to make big sales numbers.
http://www.jsonline.com/business/eri...299863281.html
When life throws you curves, aim for the apex
Current stable: 09 Thruxton \ 09 FZ6S2 Sold List: 97 Ninja500R, 03 SV650K3, 01 Ducati 750Sport, 73 CB350/4, 03 F650GSA, 08 Gixxer600, 03 Gixxer600, 91 VFR750F, 09 KLX250, 06 Thruxton 900, 02 VFR800, 08 Spyder RS, 12 Street TripleR, 09 KLX250S, 16 KTMRC390, 10 F650GS
my Facebook, SpeedShotsOriginally Posted by salsashark
Well that's a shame. It was a hope of mine that an American motorcycle manufacturer could finally step up and make a sport bike that could compete with the rest of the world. EBR was showing some promise in that regard. It's too bad that they couldn't generate enough consumer confidence to make it happen.
It doesn't matter how cool a product is unless you can convince people to buy it at a price that allows you to continue in business. Erik is a brilliant engineer, but never managed to come up with a viable business model. A big part of the problem was the unfortunate influence of Harley Davidson, which forced him to use a power plant firmly rooted in the 1950s. The limitations of that power plant, along with other decisions forced on him by HD (controls and ergonomics come to mind), combined with less than optimal quality control, irrevocably linked the Buell name to that product. By the time HD loosened the reins and allowed Erik to build a bike around a modern drivetrain, the fate of Buell was sealed. EBR was unfortunately saddled with that baggage.
Thanks, Jim
TFOG Wheelsports, LLC
www.tfogracing.com
303-216-2400
Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant" is like calling a drug dealer an "undocumented pharmacist"
Couldn't agree more Jim. I always liked the Firebolt styling, and test rode an XB12R prior to buying my SV1000S, having pretty high expectations. I can't even put into words how disappointed I was with that engine. It shook like a Harley, sounded like a Harley, red-lined at 7,000, and on the test ride it felt like an SV650 on power. I just couldn't believe there was 1200cc of pistons under me.
You didn't ride a 1125R with the Rotax engine. I did for a week, and it was a great motorcycle. Sorry to hear the news.
John
KTM Duke 690
My girlfriend for the week on Tail of the Dragon. What a great day!
John
KTM Duke 690
This is too sad.... EBR wasn't performing in WSBK, which means funding won't continue as a fledgling company working through the rooting stages... I think EBR could have escaped the HD stigma, however, not without some significant wins... Sportbikes after all are trickle down from racing...
Respect and truth trump all!
I don't get lost. I explore.
I'd own an 1190rx but not at the $20k price tag.
I've got more flavor than a packet of macaroni.
When life throws you curves, aim for the apex
Current stable: 09 Thruxton \ 09 FZ6S2 Sold List: 97 Ninja500R, 03 SV650K3, 01 Ducati 750Sport, 73 CB350/4, 03 F650GSA, 08 Gixxer600, 03 Gixxer600, 91 VFR750F, 09 KLX250, 06 Thruxton 900, 02 VFR800, 08 Spyder RS, 12 Street TripleR, 09 KLX250S, 16 KTMRC390, 10 F650GS
my Facebook, SpeedShots
His bikes are on display at Barber.
https://scontent-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hp...9c&oe=55DBB459
When life throws you curves, aim for the apex
Current stable: 09 Thruxton \ 09 FZ6S2 Sold List: 97 Ninja500R, 03 SV650K3, 01 Ducati 750Sport, 73 CB350/4, 03 F650GSA, 08 Gixxer600, 03 Gixxer600, 91 VFR750F, 09 KLX250, 06 Thruxton 900, 02 VFR800, 08 Spyder RS, 12 Street TripleR, 09 KLX250S, 16 KTMRC390, 10 F650GS
my Facebook, SpeedShots
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
