| Author |
Message |
    
Bikejunky
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 11:00 pm: | 
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Although the chances of Buell being brought back to life over the next few years might be slim to none, I was struck by a phrase in the HD press release. The phrase was "continue to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand" If in 2012 or even 2011 a helicon based Bar and Shield bearing sportbike with ZTL brake and Belt drive were to show up, I would support it. I would support it even more if it had Erik and the elves working somewhere behind the scenes to make it work... How bout that? |
Fmaxwell
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 11:05 pm: |
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@Fresnobuell
Though I believe that debating politics is often worthwhile, this is not the forum for doing so. |
Dentguy
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 11:10 pm: |
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Before I make the post I intended to (until I saw Fresnobuell's last post) I'll say....
Well said Fresnobuell.
Now back to my post.
"Take it elsewhere. I am so sick of the political bickering." +1. Not that sick of it, I just don't want to see it in this thread either. |
Rambuell
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 11:56 pm: |
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No way that a Helicon engine will ever show up in a HD motorbike. HD's barely rev to 4K and the Helicon is just getting going! Other BMC technology, maybe... |
Dirty_john
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 02:08 am: |
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even if HD bring out a Helicon HD sportsbike I doubt if I would buy one, HD have devalued my 09 1125R buy selling of the remaining bikes cheap, that is great for bringing more owners into the group but what if I have to sell the 1125R? until the rarity value kicks in I'm stuck.
Its lucky I bought the bike to enjoy and I intend to keep it for many years - a sad day for the Buell workforce, its them I really feel sorry for. |
Fmaxwell
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 03:00 am: |
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I don't know much else that could make it into a Harley from Buell.
The Helicon won't.
The underslung muffler won't, since Harley views the muffler as a chrome phallic symbol.
Same thing with the airbox being incorporated into the frame -- no opportunity for a chrome filter housing.
The ZTL brakes won't because Harley values style over function (and the ZTL brake discs would cover up the chrome rims).
I sure don't expect to see fuel-in-frame on a Harley.
Nor do I expect them to use a massive swingarm that houses oil. Remember, these are the people who think "cool" is making a bike look like it's a rigid frame with no swingarm.
The smartest move that Harley could make is packaging the Buell patents and 1125 design, tooling, etc. along with MV Agusta brand. Now you're talking a kick-butt sport bike company! |
Usmoto
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 06:30 pm: |
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I wonder why HD didn't decide to sell Buell instead of closing it completely. They could've at least made a little money. Or gotten closer to breaking even. Secondly selling Buell would give it an immediate chance to be bought by a company that could continue the Buell brand immediately.
Seems to me like the chrome lovin' loud ass bike owned company has finally lost their minds. I am partial to Buell 'cause I've owned 2 but I also love all bikes including HD's. I think HD has made a serious error in their decision. I wouldn't want an American bike company to go under for any reason but I do think that HD lessened their life span by getting rid of Buell.
On a positive note, at least Buell finally got out from under the HD thumb. Hopefully Erik can start designing and building bikes again in another venue.
Good luck Erik. |
Froggy
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 06:55 pm: |
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quote:I wonder why HD didn't decide to sell Buell instead of closing it completely.
It was stated by HD that Buell is too integrated into HD to sell off, unlike MV agustia which pretty much was a separate entity. Or at least thats the BS story that they are sticking too. |
Nadz
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 09:06 pm: |
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Shutting down instead of selling actually gives more options: see once it's gone it's gone, and who wants to see a Buellazuki? But right now I bet the Big Elf is working hard on resurrection. First step- get H-D to leggo the patents. |
Rambuell
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 10:21 pm: |
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It will be interesting to see if Roehr can make a go of it using the Revolution motor with a supercharger in their sport bike. A lot of similarities to Buell of yesteryear! |
Dirty_john
| | Posted on Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 02:10 am: |
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Given the cost of cancellation of the Rotax contract must be quite substantial and the need to produce spares for several years to come I can't help thinking that HD's actions are even more a knee-jerk reaction.
I wonder if there is some hidden agenda at work here as other posts have suggested. |
Painless
| | Posted on Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 03:14 am: |
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how bout H-D , is jealous of all the 09 "popularity" ? it was Mr. Buell that gave Americans the first AMA championship since the early 70's.. [not HD} |
Kickstand76
| | Posted on Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 09:20 am: |
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that's a good question Froggy. Maybe HD has an ace up their sleeve for the future. like an 1125rXb12sfireboltCRRR. |
Teach
| | Posted on Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 11:11 am: |
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Maybe it will take awhile for HD to be in a position to offer it up for sale. A lot of speculation, but maybe the decision to halt production was a fairly recent one and some time is needed to be in a position to actually offer it up for sale. Working out the details?? |
Sparky
| | Posted on Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 08:08 pm: |
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Oh I hope you are right, Teach. They are already seeing a lot of backlash in online forums and local news agencies. |
