| Author | Message | ||
     Donatello |
Not sure if anyone has any info on this, but there is an article on Speedtv.com that is talking about Ducati wanting new rules allowing 1200cc twins for 2008. In the same article, there is mention that KTM, BMW and Buell are interested in entering bikes in 2008. Here's a link to the full article: http://sc1.att.mindcomet.net/articles/moto/worldsu perbike/36668/?page=2} | ||
| M1combat |
That would be neat... | ||
| Donatello |
Is Buell coming out with a competitive package to be announced this June/July and maybe showing it at Laguna after the dealers see it? I would guess it would have to be watercooled to even be close to competitive with the inline fours, no? | ||
| Jaimec |
Not with the engine they have now!! Even at 1300+ cc the bike is barely competitive against factory 600's in Formula Extreme. It wouldn't stand a chance against a full factory 1000cc Superbike! Unless this is a back door way of saying they DO have something big planned for 2008... | ||
| Trojan |
And MV will make a million dollar profit nextyear  HD/Buell would have to introduce a seriously powerful street bike just to have a base to build on, let alone win in WSB. A V-Rod derivative won't cut it so it would have to be a new motor altogether. I can't see that happening before 2008 somehow, although I will be happy to be proved wrong | ||
| Spatten1 |
That would be quite a leap. I can see it if HD/Buell sources engines from another manufacturer that already builds superbike caliber engines. I'm sure Buell could build a good enough chassis. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
I would LOVE to see a Buell in WSBK. I don't think we will see it anytime soon though. | ||
| Donatello |
Now that Aprilia is developing a four isn't the Rotax twin available? I remember Troy Corser saying that Aprilia had the best bike in SBK when they decided to pull out for Moto GP pastures. I believe they even won some races when Dunlop tires were up to the task. It would be interesting to see if maybe a longer swingarmed XB frame would do well with the extra power of a water cooled twin like the Rotax. Also interesting to see if HD mothership would sink some serious $$$ to get there name on the podium again....  Last I heard J. McWilliams was available again. | ||
| Sloppy |
WSBK doesn't make any provisions for air cooled engines. Heck, they still can't find a good balance between two's and four's. In any case, Buell will not be able to compete in WSBK. The other question would by, why would Buell even waste its resources on competing in WSBK? AMA FX, yes, but not WSBK. (Message edited by sloppy on April 18, 2007) | ||
| Trojan |
If the Buell factory cannot afford or commit to a full on factory effort in AMA domestic competition, I really don't see where the money would come from in WSB. They certainly couldn't rely on 'privateer' teams on the World stage, and nothing less than a full on factory effort would be good enough. They would also have to stump up many many millions of Dollars just in running costs alone, let alone development etc. Remember they would have to build a suitable and eligible road bike first, just to have a basis for a WSB racer, and that will probably be years off, if ever. Having said all that, if the commitment was there then why not? Look at KTM. They have come from being a small scale dirt bike manufacturer to being a major force in racing in just a few short years. They are now at the forefront of international racing and have won in 125 and 250 GP racing. The new RC8 Superbike will certainly be another groundbreaking and exciting motorcycle that will surprise (and beat) a lot of the established factories. The Aprilia/Rotax V-Twin is unfortunately well past it's sell by date when it comes to world class competition, so wouldn't be a viable option for WSB any more. | ||
| Court |
I'm not getting rid of my BUELL RACING shirt. | ||
| Trojan |
I'm not getting rid of my BUELL RACING shirt Hope you have some good mothballs | ||
| Glitch |
I guess all this comes from Buell's announcement with regards to their new dirt bike line and a super bike. I knew it wouldn't take long for rumors to start up. Pretty clever marketing. Make a very general announcement about a few new bikes, with no details. Gets everyone talking. | ||
| Court |
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| Trojan |
I think if you were to mention the words 'let's build a Superbike racer' in the H-D boardroom you wouldn't see Willie G & co would probably choke on their latte and you wouldn't see them for dust  Then again..........Let H-D Germany build it Nikko Bakker frame, Ilmberger carbon bodywork etc etc etc....   | ||
| Court |
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| Glitch |
Then again..........Let H-D Germany build it... Well, how'd it do? | ||
| Firemanjim |
I am undecided on whether to get the 750 or the 1000 when it comes out--- Have not bought a new bike since 1995 S-2 so I am about due. | ||
| 07xb12scg |
750 or 1000 Gixxer? This story I don't buy at all, but then again I didn't buy the Buell off-road story and now it's official. Buell couldn't compete without a new engine. | ||
| Tpoppa |
Unless Buell comes out with something that really peaks my interest, my next bike will be a Triumph. Either a Speedtriple or 2008 Streettriple 675. | ||
| Buelet |
Dare I say, that from what I have heard from an inside source... That many people's "wet" dreams may come true as early as this July.  Please note: I'm not saying this is a hard fact, but rather substantive speculation. (Did I just make up a word?) | ||
| Ducxl |
I'm not getting rid of my BUELL RACING shirt. can i have one?? any left?? | ||
| Firemanjim |
Tpoppa,can't wait to see that 675 Speed Triple,it should be tres sweet! And I keep hearing the same sorta rumors that Buelet is refering to----- thus my 750 or 1000 comment. | ||
| Buellshyter |
Geesh, such negative thinking. If there is a will - there is a way. | ||
| Freezerburn |
I think Trojan is baiting Court or hoping for Anne on a mouse to chime in. | ||
| Buelet |
Oh, and I forgot to mention till you reminded me Firemanjim... around 1000 is what I was told. Darn you, Erik Buell! I can pretty much come up with a good reason to own one of each... How to decide, how to decide? I can probably justify adding a dirt-bike, but another street-machine... I want - I want - I want... It's the human condition! Ok - I win!  | ||
| Madduck |
I think if Harley believes that a significant part of its customer base wants to go to races or see a Harley racing on NASCAR TV they will build a competitive racer and go racing. They were astonished at the good will the successful drag racing program generated. success breeds more success. Selling all the XBRRs made certainly qualified as there were a lot of folks that didn't expect 50 to be sold or that so many dealers would be interested. Selling a boatload of ULYs hasn't hurt anything either. The coming years are going to be really interesting for those of us that love Buells/Harleys. | ||
| Trojan |
I think Trojan is baiting Court or hoping for Anne on a mouse to chime in. Absolutely | ||
| Court |
There is SO MUCH POSITIVE in the world of Buell at present it's unbelievable. Buell's made a profit. . . hired some of the top talent available, enthusiasm at East Troy is at an all time high, customer service homes runs are becoming common place and parts problems are few and far between as quality hits an all time high . . .er, for the industry. By reading the internet a person could think that all these design engineers that Buell has hired are sitting about playing cribbage. Sure makes you wonder where Erik has been the last 3 weeks doesn't it . . . | ||
| Spatten1 |
hired some of the top talent available I hope that means people with experience designing high-performance engines. That would be stellar, if HD funds them well enough. Very expensive to design and build a new high performance engine, which is why I thought HD should just buy one first, and see how sales are for a full-on Buell sportbike. But if they are going to do it in house, and have the talent to do so, it would be very cool indeed. |
