RIP Buell Motorcycles

[Last Train]

Released today:

Buell to close (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjIoADTTeYU)

[R2D2]

Can't say they're my cup of tea, but it's still a shame to see a name disappear. :(

[Iceman]

always sad to see a company go down! :(

[igbell]

Shame about that, as they were part and parcel with HD so why HD couldnt keep them running I dont know.

[Kevinb]

Another name bites the dust. Again not really my cup of tea, I found the seats to short, but great styling just needed some decent engines.

[Davey]

I loved my old Buells - sad day for the industry


Who next....MV??

[Geordie Stu]

WOW such a shame. Maybe some day they can make a return with funding from a larger company. Bit suprised that HD didn't step in to save them. [smiley=sad.gif]

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

My own guess would be that as HD also own MV, as well as Rotax, they no longer need Buell as their token sports bike arm.

It is a great shame to see the name go, but Erik should have known the writing could be on the wall when he sold his company to them roughly ten years ago. Many people believe that it was due to being associated with the MoCo that put off many potential owners.

Dammit! That's three defunct brands in my stable now!
I must be a Jonah.........

[jj]

think buell were dead from the day harley bought mv only room for one sports range. time will tell how well mv do know several people who have sold them since harley took over, and dont forget the new f5 is being revealed soon 8-)

[Last Train]

Excerpts of the HD statement

Harley-Davidson also unveiled major elements of its go-forward business
strategy to drive growth through a single-minded focus of efforts and
resources on the unique strengths of the Harley-Davidson brand, and to enhance
productivity and profitability through continuous improvement. As approved
yesterday by Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors, the Company will
discontinue its Buell product line and divest its MV Agusta unit as part of this strategy.

"As our announcement regarding Buell and MV Agusta indicates, we are moving
with the speed and decisiveness required to bring our business strategy to
life," said Wandell. "The fact is we must focus both our effort and our
investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an
optimal path to sustained, meaningful, long-term growth."

chrome anyone ?

[StreetHippo]

Sad day. Not my cup of tea, but sad to see another brand down the ****ter :(

Stu

[dedward]

Very sad. Great bikes. With great engines. :(

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

Excerpts of the HD statement

Harley-Davidson also unveiled major elements of its go-forward business
strategy to drive growth through a single-minded focus of efforts and
resources on the unique strengths of the Harley-Davidson brand, and to enhance
productivity and profitability through continuous improvement. As approved
yesterday by Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors, the Company will
discontinue its Buell product line and divest its MV Agusta unit as part of this strategy.
"As our announcement regarding Buell and MV Agusta indicates, we are moving
with the speed and decisiveness required to bring our business strategy to
life," said Wandell. "The fact is we must focus both our effort and our
investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an
optimal path to sustained, meaningful, long-term growth."

chrome anyone ?


So it looks like thy're getting rid of MV as well. Brutale owners must be relieved.
Things must be getting tight in tractor town.

[Roxy]

NOOOOOOOOOO!

terrible news

:'(

[BB]

Such a shame, those bikes are a hoot to ride! :D

BB

[Amante_271]

:'( :'( Sad news :'( :'(

[Jon_W]

Sad to see such innovative machines no longer being produced.

Will be interesting to see what HD does with MV, seems they are returning to their core buisness of building cruisers.

I would think that this is not the last we've heard of Buell....

[Last Train]

Excerpts of the HD statement

Harley-Davidson also unveiled major elements of its go-forward business
strategy to drive growth through a single-minded focus of efforts and
resources on the unique strengths of the Harley-Davidson brand, and to enhance
productivity and profitability through continuous improvement. As approved
yesterday by Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors, the Company will
discontinue its Buell product line and divest its MV Agusta unit as part of this strategy.
"As our announcement regarding Buell and MV Agusta indicates, we are moving
with the speed and decisiveness required to bring our business strategy to
life," said Wandell. "The fact is we must focus both our effort and our
investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an
optimal path to sustained, meaningful, long-term growth."

chrome anyone ?


So it looks like thy're getting rid of MV as well. Brutale owners must be relieved.
Things must be getting tight in tractor town.

No mention of Rotax in the statement. That would indicate that they're not completely washing their hands of non cruiser motorcycling. It is a terrific engine and they must have plans for it. The interesting and somewhat quizzical bit is the decision to shelve Buell, and by doing this prevent any other party using the product name, yet look to sell MV ?.



Sad to see such innovative machines no longer being produced.

Will be interesting to see what HD does with MV, seems they are returning to their core buisness of building cruisers.

See above re MV


I would think that this is not the last we've heard of Buell....

Yeah that 8-)

[igbell]

No they cant close MV, I havent got my F4 yet.......

[FJ_Biker]

Sad news

[Jon_W]

As I was aware (have not looked for a while) Rotax do engine development for HD as well as selling the stand alone engines they are famous for. So for HD to ditch Buell and MV but not mention Rotax is entirely consistant with HD returning to it's core buisness.

Rotax is also a far lager company than either Buell or MV, making engines for boats, light aircraft, skidoos etc.

So for HD to axe Rotax would be a sign of desperation on their part.

I think they will revive Buell when the time is right.

[Mas1]

Such a shame not my cup of tea :(

[Bikermouse]

Sad indeed as they definitely are my cup of tea, if only I got get a leg transplant so I could touch the floor on their low seat versions...

kj

[Roxy]

so are we swapping to another club now?...mr soon to be classic! ;)

roxy [smiley=happy.gif]

[Last Train]

What !

and be labelled forever as a ....turncoat

hmmm

how many beers is that going to cost me ;)

[Roxy]

ha ha not sure about beer [smiley=beer.gif] but if tea was on the cards!! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[crewy]

Well looks like i had better get a loan or something so i can go out and buy an f4

[igbell]

while you at it see they will do a double discount and we can get me one as well :)

[Ducatista]

I'm glad I gave it a go whilst I had the chance.
Got any pics Last Train?

[Last Train]

Looking good Ducatista 8-)

I preferred the R over the CR.

Alas ;), there's no photographic evidence of me dropping the Uly

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq129/headallfire/cc2-1.jpg

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq129/headallfire/cc8-1.jpg

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq129/headallfire/cc012-1-1.jpg

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq129/headallfire/cc020.jpg

[Last Train]

The last of the line


http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq129/headallfire/Last-Buell-1.jpg


Press release (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/575/5088/Motorcycle-Article/Last-Buell-Motorcycle-Rolls-Off-the-Line.aspx)

[igbell]

Such a shame

[Roxy]

:'(

not good

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

Some say the last Buell actually rolled off the production line back in 2001.
Ain't that right, Last Train ;)

[FJ_Biker]

Interesting reading some of the comments of where they think Harley went wrong.

[Last Train]

Some say the last Buell actually rolled off the production line back in 2001.
Ain't that right, Last Train ;)

Hmmmmm

There's a very familiar, mancunian-esque, hint to that for sure 3T

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

Some say the last Buell actually rolled off the production line back in 2001.
Ain't that right, Last Train ;)

Hmmmmm

There's a very familiar, mancunian-esque, hint to that for sure 3T




http://i46.tinypic.com/5fp407.jpg

[Last Train]

:o :o

Oooh my giddy aunt...don't let it loose in here FFS

;D

[Last Train]

A new dawn :)


Erik Buell Racing (http://www.buell.com/en_us/racing/racing-news/detail.asp?news_id=1507)

[Last Train]

A bit more from the man himself

[smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] (http://www.buell.com/en_uk/company/)

[Roxy]

Buell President and COO - very unfortunate name..hee hee ;D

[Last Train]

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq129/headallfire/EastTroy.jpg


:(

[Roll_on]

Buell is not totally down and out I think when the market is strong again Harley Davidson will resurrect Buell to compete against imported sports bikes.

[Last Train]

Buell is not totally down and out I think when the market is strong again Harley Davidson will resurrect Buell to compete against imported sports bikes.

It's a possibility . :)


A vid of Final day frolics at East Troy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFQt9N9ytn0)

[Roll_on]

Buell is not totally down and out I think when the market is strong again Harley Davidson will resurrect Buell to compete against imported sports bikes.

It's a possibility . :)


A vid of Final day frolics at East Troy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFQt9N9ytn0)

That was what was reported in HOG the mag of the harley owners group.

[Last Train]

An interesting insight

http://www.froggypwns.com/buellpdfs/Cycle%20World%20-%20May2010%20-%20Demise%20of%20Buell%20and%20Barracuda%202.pdf

[Scotty]

Interesting indeed. Corporate politics.. hopefully Buell will rise, Phoenix-like from the yoke of Harley association and be able to produce bikes that a lot more people will want to ride...

[Last Train]

Go Erik

The return (http://the-big-rock-show.podomatic.com/player/web/2010-07-09T06_21_37-07_00)


[smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

[Roxy]

WHOO HOOOOOO

BUELL RULE!

:-*

[Last Train]

Here's a bit of news

www.hellforleathermagazine.com


and a great interview here (http://www.customfighters.com/3678/erik-buell-interview/
)

[wiltshire builders]

Bloody hell!

[Toph]

Looks like your next bike Kev!!! 8-)
yeah man!! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Last Train]

Looks like your next bike Kev!!! 8-)
yeah man!! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

It is very nasty looking 8-)

Anything he does for homologation/retail is going to be very pricey though

and it's got the wrong engine in it [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Caz]

:'(

[Jon_W]

Looks good. And no Harley bits??? Can only be a good thing in my opinion. EB can make the bike he should have made years ago.

[Last Train]

Here's a bit of X rated stuff

Typhon 1190 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z4o4ZWpASk)

8-)

[RichTT]

http://www.mac-motorcycles.com/images/spud_black_800x455.jpg

[Last Train]

Yep, Mac Motorcycles (http://mac-motorcycles.com/spud_black.html)

I went to the Ace Cafe August 09 to see one on their stand and all they had was a sofa and a carpet and a few drawings of them ? ::)

They're brilliantly designed bikes, built with the 500cc Blast engine.

Not sure where they stand as far as which engine to use now though.

[Last Train]

Here's some more from Erik

http://www.sportrider.com/features/146_1101_erik_buell_interview/index.html

[Last Train]

Days of Yore (http://www.break.com/usercontent/2009/2/The-Birth-of-a-Buell-665891)

[Snowy]

Days of Yawn (http://www.break.com/usercontent/2009/2/The-Birth-of-a-Buell-665891)

Fixed it for you ;D ;D


Sorry........

[Last Train]

Days of Yawn (http://www.break.com/usercontent/2009/2/The-Birth-of-a-Buell-665891)

Fixed it for you ;D ;D


Sorry........



;D

Just for you Mr Man :)


Great Buell vid (http://youtu.be/B1L8q3jpLVo)

[Last Train]

http://www.erikbuellracing.com/



Suck squeeze bang blow baby....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQPKYnM3jfI

[Geordie Stu]

Does this mean your machine lives again...? ::)

[Last Train]

Yeah man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE4S93geE6s

8-) 8-)

[Roxy]

WHOO HOOOO

ROCK AND ROLL DUDE!!

BUELL RULE!
[smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

[Caz]

Are you back Kev :) :)

[Morticia]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :'(
Buell Rocks! \m/

[Last Train]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWXYTwU__FU

[Roxy]

As the main man says...... that was rock & roll!!!!

Phhwaoooorrrrrrrr 8-)

xx

[Uber Dave]

Damn if they built those 1190RS 2 years ago they would have sold like hotcakes on the EU and maybe kept the company afloat!

[Last Train]

A double dose for you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T32OAdBoMv8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5MIGoAUZAc


8-) 8-)

[Last Train]

EBR 2 year Anniversary (http://www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com/ebrpress1)

Rock on dude

8-)

[Last Train]

Schhhhhwing :o


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrMOvh4xy2k

[Toph]

Welcome back Eric Buell! :)

[Roxy]

Schhhhwing indeed! 8-)

Buell rule!

xxxx

[Jon_W]

Very nice.

Are they still using the Jurassic Harley engine???

[Last Train]

Nope,

I think those bridges have been well and truly burnt.

Tis a bored out version of the 1125's Rotax lump

[Jon_W]

Rotax is a part of HD (the only profitable part).... they can't have burnt that many bridges.

[Nooj]

Rotax are owned by Bombardier aren't they?

Edit: Seems not - "Rotax is 50% owned by Bain Capital, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Another 35% remains owned by the Canadian Bombardier family, and the last 15% is held by the Caisse Quebec Deposit and Investment Fund, the largest pension fund in Canada"

[Jon_W]

I stand corrected. :P

[Nooj]

Banks own everything, shouldn't be that way >:(

[Last Train]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFazKZFmpzU

[Geordie Stu]

They live....! ;D ;D

[Jacde]

Oi Erik, when we going to see these on British soil??? 8-)

[Geordie Stu]

Oi Erik, when we going to see these on British soil??? 8-)

Check the fields, Tractors are everywhere...! :D

[Jacde]

Oi Erik, when we going to see these on British soil??? 8-)

Check the fields, Tractors are everywhere...! :D

http://www.boardoo.com/free-smilies/smilies/boardoo-shocked-smiley-2772.gif Stu!!!

[Beamer]

Trying soooooooo hard not to let a rather large chuckle at the tractor thing hehehe :-X :-X :-X

[Geordie Stu]

Trying soooooooo hard not to let a rather large chuckle at the tractor thing hehehe :-X :-X :-X
Oh go on ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Jon_W]

Oi Erik, when we going to see these on British soil??? 8-)

Check the fields, Tractors are everywhere...! :D

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Must... not... laugh....

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Last Train]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qetWxMAHVqU

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

Beat me to it!

Those Buells are slow old tractors, aren't they ;)

[flick]

wonderd where you got the accent from Kev ;D

[Last Train]

Beat me to it!

Those Buells are slow old tractors, aren't they ;)

Yep, good for nothing but ploughing :)

[Jacde]

Best motorbike racing I've seen in ages, tho the red neck commentator is off putting ;D

[Geordie Stu]

Where did you dig out the olde footage.... ;D

[Last Train]

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-fc/yawn.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)........Muck you fother



;D

[Geordie Stu]

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-fc/yawn.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)........Muck you fother



;D


Vintage race ::) ::) ;D ;D

[Last Train]

Hold onto your hats people....

Here comes the man (http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-industry/buell-coming-back/21963.html)

[Geordie Stu]

Like Pheonix from the ashes & Liverpool from the championship ;D ;D

[Last Train]

http://youtu.be/vvopz5Kjr4k

[Last Train]

How about it


http://youtu.be/xUTs8CPWIxI

:cool::cool::cool:

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

http://youtu.be/vvopz5Kjr4k

Needs the later heads - needs a HSR42 - get the recalls done - lose the rack - cut down the 'cam case' - change the swinger for one off an X1, de-lugged so you can lose the hugger - re-route the oil lines so you can burn them on the rear header - needs the pro race system - change all the fasteners back to the oe torx ones - needs a Metmachex oil tank - needs the frame braced - ditch all the aftermarket bling - put on the alloy engine mount made by my mate - keep it in a plastic bag and never ride it - etc..etc......( yawn)

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdA_AsXuaQQ&feature=player_embedded

Never thought I'd see a bike uglier than a 1125.

Intresting soundtrack........

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

How about it


http://youtu.be/xUTs8CPWIxI

:cool::cool::cool:

Far too many Bics for my taste.... and the road's a bit slopey..................

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

Erik's been at it again:

http://www.jsonline.com/business/indias-hero-motorcorp-takes-492-stake-in-erik-buell-racing-b9945389z1-213842871.html

You'd think he would have learned his lesson the first time around.

[Last Train]

Praps, Yanks don't understand 'once bitten, twice shy'.

[Last Train]

http://youtu.be/SnIMS2y7B8Q

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

Maybe Eric should've built something like this:

http://silodrome.com/buell-lightning-x1-custom/

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

Another one:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/36380709461572681/

[Last Train]

Another one:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/36380709461572681/


I Like that

Is that a re-working of the original subframe ?

[Last Train]

http://youtu.be/ClfVu_m-Ud4

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

I Like that

Is that a re-working of the original subframe ?

Nah, it's a short version that used to be available from the aftermarket, I can't remember who did them, though. RRC?

Same bike from the orange side:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/36380709461362707/

[Last Train]

http://youtu.be/iVY8KdgoHWY

[Last Train]

EBR in WSB (http://http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/5-sbk-news/19293-team-hero-ebr-from-ama-to-wsbk.html)

[Last Train]

*

[Last Train]

Great EBR/Buell feature (http://www.ukbeg.com/pash/Motorcycle%20Sport%20and%20Leisure%20-%20Buell%20feature.pdf) in Feb edition of Motorcycle Sport and Leisure...

[Uber Dave]

Great EBR/Buell feature (http://www.ukbeg.com/pash/Motorcycle%20Sport%20and%20Leisure%20-%20Buell%20feature.pdf) in Feb edition of Motorcycle Sport and Leisure...

That 1190RS is stunning! I love the detailing on it, the cooling duct on the front calliper for example and the duel projector lamps on the front. That dash is pretty cool as well!

[Last Train]

Buell Engines - A Training Film

http://vimeo.com/26253925

[Thorkill_The_Tall]

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/200384/1/progress-made-as-erik-buell-racing-debuts.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss

[Last Train]

:cool: :cool:

[Last Train]

A great piece from Cycleworld

2014 EBR 1190RX – First Ride (http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/03/20/2014-ebr-1190rx-first-ride-review-photos-specifications/?src=SOC&dom=tw)

374

[Last Train]

Here's a great write up from Performance Bikes.

1190RX (http://www.ukbeg.com/pash/Performance%20Bikes%20-%20June%202014%20-%20EBR1190RX.pdf)

'It's not uncivilised, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't always wash it's hands after it's taken a piss'

:D :D :D

[Last Train]

How about it ! (http://www.superbike.co.uk/race-news/splitlath-to-run-buells-at-the-2014-tt-races/)

EBR's to race at the Isle of Man TT

[Last Train]

EBR Sales Director (http://www.morebikes.co.uk/five-minutes-ebr-sales-director-steve-loxton/)

[Last Train]

Love this Buell tribute :D


http://youtu.be/izzlN2zC8PU

[Swanny]

Hehe :D

[Wes]

:)

[Last Train]

So EBR is gone.

But has Erik ?

Here is a snapshot of Buell's history and a sort of explanation of EBR's failings.

Buell Motorcycles (http://lanesplitter.jalopnik.com/one-man-s-imperfect-quest-to-build-sportbikes-in-americ-1704285665)

[Last Train]

Interesting piece here;

Erik Buell Racing's Death Is All Your Fault (http://lanesplitter.jalopnik.com/erik-buell-racings-death-is-all-your-fault-1712321918)

[Toph]

Superb piece Kev, well worth a read, brilliantly written in plain language..
The quote "produces 185 horsepower and a fuc*ton of torque" did it for me.. superb..:D

The motorcycle industry needs visionaries and innovators like Eric Buell.. so sad to see the company hit the wall.
Personally, I've never ridden a Buell, but the enthusiasts of this marque always tell me how much they love 'em, must take a ride on one.

Got a feeling though we haven't heard the last of Eric Buell.

[BB]

Yes, get a ride on one Toph, you will be grinning from ear to ear! ;)

[Last Train]

Hot off the press.

http://motorcyclefeed.com/breaking-ebr-restarts-as-wholly-acquired-division-of-hero-6250/.

Fully owned now by Hero.

Poor old Erik, chewed up and spat out springs to mind, again.

Is he a cat with 9 lives ?

*EDIT*

Seems this might be hogwash ( ;) ) .

[Last Train]

EBR lives again :D

Here's (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/buell/the-man-who-bought-buell-bruce-belfer.html) a great interview from the new owner, Bruce Belfer.

[Burbler]

Out of the ashes again. Let's hope it works out .

[Dennis_Sinanan]

EBR is like a zombie from a video game! As soon as it is knocked down .and you think that is the end of it.... up it rises to fight again.

I wonder if the Buell bikes are made like that?
Kev would you mind kicking over one of your Buells ( not your pride and joy the one you like less) and see it gets back up :-)

[Last Train]

EBR is like a zombie from a video game! As soon as it is knocked down .and you think that is the end of it.... up it rises to fight again.

I wonder if the Buell bikes are made like that?
Kev would you mind kicking over one of your Buells ( not your pride and joy the one you like less) and see it gets back up :-)

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-shocked003.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)


Even though I have felt like it on occasion :)

[Last Train]

EBR Europe (http://www.ebreurope.com/)

Start saving your pennies :D

[Last Train]

It seems Erik just will not go away...

https://www.facebook.com/ErikBuellRacing/photos/a.417900267495.190529.197762537495/10153465105087496/?type=3&theater

[Dennis_Sinanan]

Kev,
I guess it is time for you to add another one to your stable. :-)

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk

[Burbler]

I guess it is time for you to add another one to your stable. :-)

He'd be safer with a horse !

[Last Train]

From the April 2016 Performance Bikes.

I love the 'brilliant-yet-sheyte motorcycles' :D

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq129/headallfire/th_Buell_zpswxjd4zar.jpg (http://s440.photobucket.com/user/headallfire/media/Buell_zpswxjd4zar.jpg.html)

:cool:

[Burbler]

Luuuuuuvly colour that one.

[Last Train]

EBR is go

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/first-2016-models-roll-off-ebr-production-line-in-wisconsin/

[Last Train]

EBR is gone.....

Again.......

Rolls eyes......

Again......

https://canadamotoguide.com/2017/01/26/erik-buell-racing-to-shut-down-again/

Which will surprise no one.

[Last Train]

There has been a great deal of planning put into the Em's Day meet at RAF Spilsby, that's buggered that up a bit.

1104

Nice looking Firebolt to the left of shot :D

[Burbler]

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/ebr-motorcycles-shutting-down-again/#.WIqDBypZhvg.facebook

[Last Train]

Speculation abounds,

There is hope on UKBeg,

That Donald Trump will come, full gallop in his 6 block Chevy, with his all Murrican' mantra and save the day !

Current favourite is a company named......

Truell

:D:D:D

[Last Train]

A Brief History of the Buell Lightning (http://www.ebay.com/gds/a-brief-history-of-the-buell-lightning/58f9d1df4ff19d086e5f9d3b/g.html?roken2=ti.pSmFtZXMgTWNCcmlkZQ==)

[Toph]

Superb article Kev...learned a lot about Buells...
although they didn't say the S1 Lightning gives you sore nads after 60 miles...;)

[Last Train]

Erik Buell. 360 Degrees of Respect (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/360-degrees-respect-erik-buell)

[DC]

Erik Buell. 360 Degrees of Respect (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/360-degrees-respect-erik-buell)

Can't get that article LT , think you have to be part of LinkedIn .

[Last Train]

Ah, :cool:, I never realised that.

Try this:-

360 Degrees of Respect

As I take a break after Buell and EBR and look for whatever will be next, I decided to start putting together some thoughts from reflecting on my experiences and career. Actually it looks like there would be plenty of material for a book or two! But in advance of that, I decided to put up a few reflections here.

One of my greatest blessings was that I had a father who came from a very poor background where he had to start work when he was 11 to help support his family, yet he obtained multiple degrees, including a masters in chemistry and a doctorate in patent law. The result was a man with two personalities. When he came home from the office where he was a senior patent law partner, he ripped off his suit and tie and was immediately in jeans and a work shirt to start his tasks on our 150 acre working farm. Dad slept very little!

Because of this dual life, my dad's friends ranged from farmers and mechanics to lawyers and corporate executives, and they all were at our house, of course at different times. It gave me the opportunity to meet a wide range of people from an early age.

The executives and lawyers would come for drinks and dinner parties. They were kindly and would spend the appropriate amount of time asking how my schooling was going, and whether I was involved in social groups and sports. Then move away to discussing politics and high society with adults over cocktails. The farmers and mechanics on the other hand would show up to help my dad or for a casual beer. They wanted to see my go kart, talk about why a Farmall M was easier to start than a John Deere, why sowbugs were important, and on and on. Really interesting stuff for a kid!

My father saw his university education as the magic to his success, and pushed me very hard to focus on that. "Respect your teachers" was the adage. Strangely he did not truly understand what a bonus his wealth of life experience gave him. To him it had been a very hard path, and he thought the best path was scholastic. But I saw that there was a lot to learn elsewhere.

As I grew older I really began to feel a shallowness in the schooling I was getting. My grades were high, but what and why was I really learning? There was so much vibrancy in the real world. So much complexity that was washed over in economics, sociology, history and engineering classes. At the university level the snobbishness was even higher. It was all focused on respect for those above you. Teachers, administrators, coaches were the idols. Respect was aimed "upwards", and maybe a little bit sideways to your peers.

Yet what I found equally, no, let's be honest, much more interesting was when I was working in the evenings at the motorcycle shops, car repair garages and on weekends on farms. This drove my father crazy, and led to me being thrown out of the house at 16. He could not understand why I wouldn't focus exclusively on school, especially since if I did what he wanted I would not have to work.

But I liked working with my hands, and even more I liked the people working with me. Many of them had worked multiple jobs, giving them a wide perspective, and their networks of friends diversified it further. I learned to have respect in all directions. There were lessons, and teachers, all around me.

Because of all this diversity of interests, I did most of my engineering classes in night school. Of course this meant I graduated late. Was this a setback? No, it turned out to be a huge advantage. Not only because I had technical skills from the wide range of tasks I had done, but far more so because I could appreciate every person with whom I worked.

Sure I could weld, but I also could appreciate the guys who could weld a lot better than I. Same with machine operators, and assembly line workers. I knew how focused and meticulous a top level engine mechanic was, so I asked for and paid attention to their observations on engines. These folks soon knew I understood and appreciated them, as well as listened to them, so they talked to me.

I'm not talking about the ubiquitous executive walk through, shaking hands and knowing names. I'm talking about really respecting and listening to these people. The real bonus: they have so many ideas. Sometimes these are nutty, usually they are unfinished and certainly they won't be explained in engineering terminology. But what a wealth of raw material.

So, despite my late start, I had a rocket career in my first engineering job, getting five promotions in less than four years. I was able to get many tasks done quickly because I listened a lot to everyone's thoughts on the problem, so my engineering solutions were more robust. And I got the solutions through the pipeline faster because I had mutual respect and support. And when I started my own business, this style continued to deliver outstanding results. My dad finally understood and respected my choices too!

There are so many examples now that I think back on it. For just one - the unique and radically flexible manufacturing we had at Buell came from listening to the assembly people, and not from hiring an outside firm to design and install a conventional assembly line. We were told what we were attempting was impossible, but in fact it was more than possible; it was extremely successful. And it cost us a whole lot less than the conventional route.

Through my career I've been fortunate to keep this perspective, and I've seen great success from others who have it. But this cross-society respect is less common than it should be. Can you have business success staying detached? Why, sure. There are many who clawed the mountain of success and then golden parachuted into a gated community retirement. But from what I have seen, you will have greater and longer lasting business success if you respect everyone; and you will also have the far more important success of many friendships.

Erik Buell

[DC]

:cool: Interesting Read .

[Last Train]

RR1200 Battletwin (https://silodrome.com/buell-rr1200-battletwin/)

[Last Train]

https://youtu.be/3_7Y9JF5LeM

[BB]

:cool:

[Last Train]

I’ve not mentioned the Uly much.

I’ve always fancied one.


https://youtu.be/gU1NJWbzJpA

[DC]

This was issued to Sussex Police back in 2008 , looks like it could go through puddles , up kerbs and everything ! :)

https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/upload/206312/images/dscf2344.jpg

[DC]

Really liking the look of this beauty !

http://cdn.hiconsumption.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2007-Buell-Ulysses-XB12X-By-Revival-Cycles-4.jpg

[DC]

The same bike by Revival Cycles .


https://youtu.be/1Rryx-VLHP4

[Last Train]

Really liking the look of this beauty !

http://cdn.hiconsumption.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2007-Buell-Ulysses-XB12X-By-Revival-Cycles-4.jpg

Yeah man, that is nasty !

:cool::cool:

[DC]

Yeah man, that is nasty !

:cool::cool:

Nasty indeed ! :cool: Think it would definitely get a place in the bigger garage .

[Last Train]

Go Erik

1243

:cool::cool:

[Last Train]

RR1000 (http://amcn.com.au/editorial/9700/)

Ta DC :)

Linky fixed

[DC]

RR1000 (http://http://amcn.com.au/editorial/9700/)

Couldn't get that link , try this ...........http://amcn.com.au/editorial/9700/

[Last Train]

Retrospective: 1989-1993 Buell RS1200 (https://ridermagazine.com/2018/04/26/retrospective-1989-1993-buell-rs1200/)

[Last Train]

Yeah man :cool:


https://youtu.be/qByyR2XCjY4

[Last Train]

1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt (https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/buell/1995-buell-s2-thunderbolt-13935.html)

[Last Train]

MCN Buell Test (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.motorcyclenews.com/amp/news/2001/june/our-first-long-term-test-on-a-buell/)

[Last Train]

1474

[Burbler]

1474

Tried that...tarmac won.

[Last Train]

Tried that...tarmac won.


:(

[BB]

Tried that...tarmac won.

Ouch!:(

[Last Train]

Hello pretty :D

1482

https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/avanzata-buell-m2-cyclone/urgani-buell-m2-cyclone-2/

[BB]

Not sure I could reach the bars! :D

[DC]

https://bonesheart.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2xBH4c-Buell-XB-12S-small.jpg

[Last Train]

https://bonesheart.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2xBH4c-Buell-XB-12S-small.jpg


Yeah man :cool:

[DC]

Nasty piece of work innit !

[Last Train]

Oh yeah, He's back

Go Erik :D

:cool: (https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/erik-buell-rises-once-again-time-electric-form)

[Last Train]

Go Erik :cool: (https://www.facebook.com/TrevDeeleyHD/videos/2113186902064239/)

[Last Train]

1624

:cool:

[Last Train]

1633

[BB]

That bottom option is not, well, it's just Not! :(

[Last Train]

1816

[Last Train]

https://fb.watch/2HeNqfSEWE/

This might be only be visible to FB philes.
I’ll see if I can find a direct vid link...

[Burbler]

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/news/2021/february/new-buell-motorcycles

[Last Train]

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/news/2021/february/new-buell-motorcycles

Yep :)

The name lives again but minus the main man.
I don’t know whether or not Erik will play some sort of role in the future. He has turned his thoughts to electric power recently with the FUELL (https://fuell.eu/) project.
The owner now is a real petrol head & seems really clued up.
Good luck to him :)

[Last Train]

Lots of PR stuff about,

Buell (http://https://youtu.be/_OPd_LazM28)

[BB]

Good luck to Buell and Fuell :cool:

[Last Train]

Erik says.... (https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/erik-buell-sets-the-record-straight/?fbclid=IwAR3uYIl45jK1SjhJZep66UsiGD5-5ujMM-1S0HNCnNr7J1TL8_sVXxLMS9k)

[Last Train]

https://youtu.be/y9TvIMgdEl0

[Last Train]

More Buell stuff :cool: (http://https://www.hotcars.com/the-real-story-behind-buell-motorcycles-15-facts/?fbclid=IwAR2wlGpEbJvy1Msq3QfcH-cKRN51ek5E9cohsBD6e1muSc2-YlE0BHbOTA0)

[Last Train]

Erik Fuell (https://electrek.co/2022/11/17/erik-buell-futuristic-fuell-fllow-electric-motorcycle/?fbclid=IwAR34u6mil4Eqt3pzaXAQzpLxerC06JhymR_zCOYl MjjnJTSV-uiJyoBop6Y)

I would :cool: