| Author | Message | ||
     Cityxslicker |
I dumped HD the friday after their announcement, Made a nice pump and dump from picking up in March, I was going to hold and weather the storm. But FU HD I figured they werent going to support my brand, I wouldnt support theirs to return the favor. I would buy a HERD of Blasts before I buy any other HD product. | ||
| Acgwolfe |
I just cant help but to think this is the best thing to happen to Eric in a long time. I take from that article that Buell was never ment to do well. And their short sightedness is a blessing if you ask me. Eric now has freedom to build what HD wouldnt allow 20yrs ago. Other than parts for my XB I will never purchase another Harley anything. The cool thing is you know that they visit this site. | ||
| Ebr_fan |
Maybe after all is said, & done Erik can hitch his wagon to a manufacturer that will truly let the man run his division. BRP rotax may be a perfect fit. The spyder is an example of a machine that most, if not all major manufactures wouldn’t build. I look for the can am brand to be back in the mix of sport bikes very soon. Will this be were EB ends up after the non compete clause, only time will tell. I say save your pennies boys, cause EB is about to be unleashed! | ||
| Spatten1 |
Polaris should hire him. They build machines that people want. | ||
| Court |
>>>>I just cant help but to think this is the best thing to happen to Eric in a long time. I absolutely agree that ERIK has had the shackles removed. Someone may want to hitch THEIR wagon to him . . . | ||
| Ebr_fan |
"Someone may want to hitch THEIR wagon to him . . ." VERY TRUE! | ||
| Rohorn |
Polaris should hire him. They build machines that people want. A few years ago, I asked a Victory rep if they would ever build a Buell style bike. He said that they were only interested in the cruiser market, since it was so much bigger than Buell's market. When I pointed out that Buell sold more bikes than they did, he got extremely snotty and implied that I know nothing about the motorcycle business. Maybe I don't. And maybe he works for someone else now... | ||
| Spatten1 |
And maybe he works for someone else now... That's funny. Sometimes reps get a big head backed up by a little job.... When I worked for Kawi our jet ski group was frustrated because Polaris machines had better accessories and sold well, while our guys believed our quality and performance was better. Polaris listened to the customer about storage and other amenities. Seems the same with Victory. They started out with mistakes, but got things pointed in a direction that the customers wanted. | ||
| Ebr_fan |
i cant see, victory being a good fit. BRP makes the most sense. who knows there may be a bike in the works. EB does not stay idle. | ||
| Jaimec |
Victory is owned by BRP, ya know. | ||
| Spank |
They are? | ||
| Larryjohn |
Victory is owned by BRP, ya know. I'm sure Polaris would be interested to learn this.  | ||
| Jaimec |
BRP = Bombardier/Rotax/Polaris. Polaris owns Victory. Ergo, BRP owns Victory. | ||
| Spank |
Brp does not own Polaris! Maybe you are thinking of Ski-doo? | ||
| Larryjohn |
Or maybe Bombardier Recreational Products? | ||
| Ebr_fan |
"Victory is owned by BRP, ya know." i dont think this is an accurate statment. each company has a differant ceo. Polaris Industries CEO Scott Wine BRP Rotax CEO José Boisjoli | ||
| Larryjohn |
Here's some help BRP = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_Recreation al_Products Polaris = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaris_Industries Not that I am some great guru of these companies, since I don't own products of either one, but it seems that folks tend to lump them together. Which is understandable since they both have overlapping products. To get back on topic (sort of) I would rather both of these companies stay away from Erik Buell. These companies could easily turn into another HD style fiasco for Buell in 10-20 years. We don't need to see another indentured servant relationship, even if it is better than the previous one. Buell needs to be its own company. Just my 2 cents though. | ||
| Ebr_fan |
"I would rather both of these companies stay away from Erik Buell" you have a good point larryjohn, but it takes huge amounts of capitol to get a motorcycle into production. plus getting a dealer network in place. all this takes time, & lots of cash. | ||
| Spank |
I see your point, but I think that the BRP thing has the most legs to it... if anything. I think though if he signs up with some big company he probably won't have ultimate control. So who knows... | ||
| Jaimec |
BadWeb... always an educational experience. Please carry on!  | ||
| Lake_bueller |
I picked up the Cycle World issue at lunch today. I haven't had time to make it past the first 2 pages. But it sounds like Erik signed a deal with the devil. It's too bad that he had the rug pulled out from under him like that. On the side note....it makes me even more motivated to find a way to purchase the 1991 RS that I've been eyeing for the past 4 years. | ||
| Hootowl |
I think he probably learned a good lesson with HD, and will have certain things in his contract protecting his ability to control aspects of design that he was not able to do before should he partner with another large company. | ||
| Ebr_fan |
at the time EB made the the desicion all of us would have made. the next company if he even signs with one. Look of him to have lots more creative control. | ||
| Davegess |
BRP is very interesting, not so much because of the componets, Rotax, Ski-do etc but the components owned by the OTHER Bombardier company. That one makes privates jets and 200 mph computor controlled trains. They have a ton of knowledge about high tech stuff. The Bombardier family controls both. | ||
| Ebr_fan |
it would be a play ground for erik buell | ||
| Larryjohn |
He also has a bit more leverage now than when he first signed with HD which means he has more options. Imagine trying to start a company from nothing. No name recognition or interest in your product. Nothing, the "brand" has yet to be created. That is a tough spot and where EB was 26 years ago. That's not where he is now. He has credibility in the industry and with consumers, and not just from the Buell faithful but also from those who never "got into" Buell for whatever reason. Buell is gone, not because he failed, but because the "big, bad, and evil HD" killed Buell. He is set free from HD and his hands are clean. The perception (which I agree with by the way) is that he did not fail, HD failed. He has a golden starting point for a new company. I am sure anyone with the same dream as his would kill to be in this position, I know I would. I am just looking forward to what happens next. I will wait patiently for my next new Buell because I can enjoy what I have now while I wait. | ||
| Ebr_fan |
now if we could only get hd to sale the "buell" brand name back to erik we would be in busines. but dont hold your breath. | ||
| Hootowl |
Buell started 26 years ago without the help of HD. That happened later, in stages. I think the remaining 2% was finally acquired in 98. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Buell lacks the financial mass to be stand alone. Right now, Buell consists of about 8 employed people and thousands of fans. There's simply not enough mass to create a viable delivery system without the help of a funder. I believe, from what we've seen in product offerings from BRP, that they would be the BEST choice. They have all the tools and a big gaping hole in their recreational vehicle offerings. Motorcycles. Watercraft? Yep. ATVs? Yep. Snow Machines? Yep. Three wheeled creations? Yep. Motorcycles? Nope. BRP would get a twofer. Street bikes and dirt bikes. Barricuda and Griffin. BRP has the financial resources, they have the engine design house, and they have the attitude, producing unique products that break the mold. | ||
| 007blast |
ft bastard hit the nail on the head. you did forget one thing brp has a dealer network too. |
