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Metalstorm
| | Posted on Thursday, October 15, 2009 - 10:12 pm: | 
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Dear Mr Buell,
I deeply regret that I have never had the opportunity to meet you in person and shake your hand and say thanks for all the joy and thrills I have gotten from your superbly built american sportbike.
Please know that I will most likely own my Buell until the day I die.
I shall do everything in my power to keep her in top running form and I will ride her often. And I will ride her with pride.
My Buell Motorcycle represents all that is good in the world. It presents the simple statement that anything, yes anything is possible.
Thank you for that.
I wish you all the best.
Tom Lucchesi,
Point Reyes Station, CA |
Road_kill
| | Posted on Thursday, October 15, 2009 - 10:37 pm: |
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Dear Erik and Elves,
Thanks for making the funnest bike I have ever owned. Please know that the passion, integrity, and ingenuity you have brought to the motorcycle community has had a VERY positive impact on all of us. I wish you all the very best through these difficult times. I sincerely hope that the future brings you good fortune. There are many of us that will gladly support the cause.
Bruce McRae
2008 XB12X |
Bamaben
| | Posted on Thursday, October 15, 2009 - 11:54 pm: |
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I'm still trying to digest all this. I started riding Buells in 96 on a awesome Thunderbolt. I've met Erik and had a few fun conversations with him. I felt so honored and amazed to meet him. I remember Daytona 97 when you could count the number of Buells seen on one hand. Now there seems to be a ton of them.
I don't ride a Buell right now but I dang sure wish I did. I will have another some day. I don't post on here like I did in the beginning years ago but I do follow everything and its been great reading until now. Man this sucks....
Ok, time to stop whining about my sorrow. The real tragedy is that hundreds of hard working Buell employees are going to be left jobless. They and thier families are going to have tough times. You all will be in my prayers and hope that there is some crazy chance that Buell can be reopened and all will be well.
Thank you Erik Buell and all the Buell employees for everything that you guys and gals have given us.
Ben Sutton |
Sparky
| | Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 12:05 am: |
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Erik and the Elves,
Thank you for creating the best handling, most innovative, gnarliest and exciting American Sport Bikes ever! The passion you put into the unique engineering of these machines shows every time we throw a leg over them and return from a ride with that silly grin on our faces.
You have touched our hearts in a big way with the script on the gas tank that says, "BUELL AMERICAN MOTORCYCLES". This sentiment has carried over to the people who bought them and banded together wordlwide as represented by rider groups here in the BadWeB.
Thank you for all that.
Best wishes down the road. We're there for you.
Sparky & Jen
'87 FXRT (Buell improved suspension)
'96 S1 Lightning (keeper)
'98 S3 Thunderbolt (great touring bike - traded for 1125R)
'03 XB9R Firebolt (great all-around sport bike - traded for 1125R)
'09 1125R (keeper) |
Telewoodski
| | Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 12:53 am: |
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Dear Erik,
I'm so sad that you have poured so much heart and soul into the bikes you have developed to have this happen to you today. The emotion in your video today had me shed a tear, and I would like to take this moment to thank you for giving me one of the greatest joys of my life, my XB12R. After reading this site for a couple of years now, I know that good things are still ahead, and I wish you all the luck in the world.
Thanx,
Blaine
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Xbimmer
| | Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 12:55 am: |
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Day One in May 2006, and I still feel the pride 61K later.
Erik and Company, thank you for your dedication, ingenuity, uniqueness, and guts through the years to produce leading edge motorcycles.
My hopes are with you and your future, I'm incurably optimistic and believe this will turn out well.
Thank you. Buells rule. |
Littlebuggles
| | Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 03:17 am: |
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I'm unable to say more at the moment than "Thank you Erik, and thank you Elves!" your work, talents, and innovation haven't been wasted. You have my highest respect and gratitude; and prayers for you and your families as well.
Thank you
Mike Bugby
Murray, UT
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Court
| | Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 08:06 am: |
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. . . . . I have not authority to speak on behalf of anyone buy can personally share that these kind words are the best thing folks can be doing now.
I'll make certain these words get communicated.
Court |
Psychobueller
| | Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 09:11 am: |
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A retrospective that I hope gets shared with the folks in East Troy:
In 2001 my father and I had 7 bikes together. Sold our old BMW R100/7 to make room for a new Buell M2 (the orange one). Spent 1 week fighting over the keys. Went back to dealer and bought the blue one too. Gotta keep peace in the family!
One of our best days:
Rode the crap out of those bikes. Went lots of places. Stopped riding all of the other bikes pretty much and thinned the herd down to 2 Buells and a GoldWing.
After my "crash" at Americade:
My father crashed his M2 hard in June 2008. Totalled the bike and broke his leg in 2 places. Never will be 100% again, but first thing he wanted to do when he was able was make sure he could shift. Went shopping and came home with this:
Since buying my M2 I have gotten married, bought a house, had 2 kids, and bought another house. One thing that is constant is my M2. The wife is very good about understanding my crazy passion and was supportive when she saw me crying yesterday.
My daughter is a gearhead and I'm sure she is one of very few 4 year olds who can spot a Buell from 100 yards. She refers to the local Harley shop as the "Buell Dealer", which is nice!
With my friend Seth's XB racebike:
So THANK YOU to the folks in East Troy. You do not know me, but you have had a profound affect on me and my family. I will be forever grateful and in your debt. May the wind always be at your back and your roads forever twisty. |
Ourdee
| | Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 09:24 am: |
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Dear Erik,
I thank you for the personal interest you took in my 08 XT, and I at Hal's last homecoming. While most were watching you and the band play, I saw your wife and some of the kids back by the wall. I was impressed with how they carried themselves and the look on your wife's face as she watched you. You my friend are a blessed man. I respect you immensely and will pray for you during this emotional roller coaster. Sincerely, R.D.Stockinger
PS If you need anything, ask. |
Jerry_haughton
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 09:30 pm: |
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Erik -
Truly sorry to hear the news, not only for you, but for your extended family in East Troy and your many admirers in the motorcycle industry.
I've not always been a friend to you here on the board, and I'm sorry for that. You've always shown me kindness, sometimes when I didn't really deserve it (a poorly-timed Q&A session at Willow Springs many years ago comes to mind...)
I hope there's a rainbow out there with your name on it. You're one of the hardest working people I've ever met, but thru it all you somehow find a way to make everyone you come in contact with feel special.
That's a rare talent, and surely part of what endears you to so many Buell owners around the world.
I, like many other people in the Buell community, can honestly say that my involvement with Buell motorcycles has changed my life, and in my case the change has been for the good.
Best wishes, sir.
Jerry Haughton
PS: Do you think the time is now right for Court and Dave to do "26 Years of Buell"? I bet there are some juicy "remind me to tell you" chapters just itching to be told...  |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 10:11 pm: |
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>>>> Do you think the time is now right for Court and Dave to do "26 Years of Buell"?
We were contacted/contracted on Thursday. We would not agree to write the "last" chapter, we agreed, and are working on, the NEXT CHAPTER. |
Svh
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 10:20 pm: |
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I can't wait for the next book and the one after that. |
Captcaz
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 10:45 pm: |
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Mr Buell & the Elves,
I've owned several of the import brands before I found Buell, but until now I never realized how little I felt towards the product I was riding. Since getting my XB, I stand 6 inches taller and my chest puffs out when folks ask what I ride. I probably bore them when I talk about how great of a bike it is ... but they listen and admire the bike and the beauty in it's design.
My point is that you all made a product that I want to tell the world about. I ride proud on my XB, and it's a feeling I never had with the other bikes I rode. I ride in weather I used to avoid just to spend more time in the saddle, and I spend the extra time with folks I've never met just to introduce them to the bike you made for me.
You also brought me into the wonderful Buell family ... everyone involved with Buells - from the elves in the factory to the owners & sponsors - share your passion about these bikes, and the credit for inspiring their dedication and enthusiasm is all yours.
I hope to meet you one day to thank you all personally for the joy you give me every day I ride.
My thoughts are with you all,
Doug C.
Ps- My XB's name is 'Q' - from the 007 movies (the R&D guru who made all the cool weapons and gadgets for Bond to use) ... and she IS part of my family. |
Peeping_jon
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 11:18 pm: |
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Erik & all the Buell Motor Co. family. Thank you for building this fine bike that I have the pleasure of owning. You guys engineered & built a masterpiece. Puts a Permagrin on my face, relieves stress and you meet the best people riding a Buell. So sorry for the current state of affairs. Thoughts & prayers go out to all of you and yours. Just give a shout out if anything we can do. I've seen some amazing thing happen when the Badweb gets involved. Can't wait to see what Erik comes up with for us, "HIS CUSTOMERS" next. Thanks again for the great bike & good times. GOD BLESS AND BE WITH YOU ALL through these trying times.
Jon Gates
PT Marion Pa. |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 11:31 pm: |
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Mrs. Tordik, thank you for the great support you gave me and Rex for the S2 Gathering. BMC support made it a very special event and an event that will live on for many years.
Mr. Buell, thanks for hiring Kim so many years ago. From what I have seen she is the glue that kept things together. Thank you for inspiring people from all walks of life to enjoy life on two wheels. My heart is sad, my hope is high and my Buells are well ridden.
BFFB
Frank Skinner
Buell Enthusiast |
Boomerm2
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 11:37 pm: |
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Erik & the Elves
Thank you so much for designing and building the best bikes I have ever ridden. There is nothing that I can say that is new or original, but the bikes and the people who build them are the best. We wish you well in the future and will be watching closely.
My wife and I currently have three and love them all.
2002 M2
2003 XB9SL
2004 XB12R
Mike and Katie Boomer
PS - The M2 is still my favorite and the one I originally fell in love with.
PSS - I can't wait to see what you come up with next. (Katie) |
Court
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 12:07 am: |
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>>>From what I have seen she is the glue that kept things together.
More accurate than you can possibly imagine.
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Brinnutz
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 12:16 am: |
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Erik,
Check the mailbox at 2799 Buell Drive. Dropped a note.
Elves,
Check the mailbox at 2799 Buell Drive. Dropped a note for you too.
They wouldn't slide under/through the doors and I didn't want them to get wet sticking halfway out. =) |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 01:04 am: |
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To Erik
Thanks for a bike that brought the fun and hooliganism back to my riding. For getting me off of a bike that was a sunny day rider, for special events, and onto a bike that is my daily rider, my camper, my tourer, my dirty adventurer.
To the Elves
There was nothing better than to see a bike go from a crate to dyno and follow it in the path as you worked your magic to make it come alive.
CityXSlicker
Get on with the Bendy and Dirty
(because the best places are rarely flat, straight or paved)
w00t |
Hex
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 01:15 am: |
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I'll add mine to this thread even though I posted it before. Oh yeah, I mailed it to Erik as well...
Dear Erik Buell,
I am pained at the news you broke to us yesterday in your video at Buell.com. As a fellow garage shop engineer, inventor, machinist, music lover, artist, biker, patenteer, free-thinker, motorcycle racer and passionate SOB, I take your loss personally and to heart. I want you to know that I BELIEVE IN YOU, and that you will always find a comrade in me if you need one.
Over the last two years and twenty thousand miles, I have enjoyed motorcycling on your creation more than the entirety of my 26 years on two wheels. I have owned nearly twenty motorcycles in my life, and I can honestly tell you that there is no grater motorcycle on this planet than what you have created. Your motorcycle and your friends have consumed me, I am forever a Bueller. Your inspirational vision and dedication to creating for me the XB12R is truly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Your Buell Bro,
Eric Ryan aka Hex
Owner Ryan Rod Company
Maker HexAngler
Roseville, CA. |
Idaho_buelly
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 01:23 am: |
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Erik,"I believe in you", best bike I have ever owned and rode. I absolutely love it!.I had the chance to ride the 1125R today WOW!! Will be waiting for your return..
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Ustorque
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 09:41 am: |
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I forgot to thank Erik and the Elves for a few very important things, and they are the "Buell" moments that i share and will continue to share with my three daughters!
City's first season in New England almost 4 years ago!
Obviously The S.E.G. is not only an adult Bueller trait!
Even as my youngest arrived 10 months ago we were ready for her!
Last winter when i really tore into the buell for my first heavy wrenching, to truly learn what these machines were all about first hand. I found myself accompanied by my then 6 and 4 year old for hours on end handing me tools and asking me more and more questions about the buell. I don't have any sons and as i talked with my two little ladies last winter, while my 984 thunderstorm motor hung like a disconnected heart under the bike, i realized i didn't need one....these girls love the ideas behind the Buell as much as any little boy ever could.
sorry to ramble, once again thanks to Erik and the elves for building us all something amazing!
P.S. Erik you've got eight years to build my oldest daughter Sophia a really cool entry level sport-bike, I can't wait to see it!
Thanks again, Shawn Penney
(Message edited by ustorque on October 18, 2009) |
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