| Author | Message | ||
     Buell2001b |
BRP should be a sponsor for Erik Buell racing. like pramac ducati. imagine the 1190R in WSB with a huge BRP logo. then Erick Buell can make the racing motorcycles and BRP can sell the street models and the high performance limited edition would be Fully Erik Buell. like shelby and Ford, same concept. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
you did forget one thing brp has a dealer network too. That's a given. You need a dealer network to move the bikes. We are also forgetting what ELSE BRP might get. How would an ATV be altered by being exposed to Erik's design philosophies? How might a snow machine be improved through mass centralization? How could manufacturing costs be reduced and profits increased by Erik's insistence on one part performing multiple duties? BRP stands to have the opportunity to take a fantastic company with great products into an even better company with magnificent products. What parts bin goodies does BRP have that Erik could integrate into the next Buell? Hate the switch gear of Buells? How about BRP switchgear instead? Hate the styling compromises HD forced? How about BRP's off the chain styling team? I don't know that BRP will be the ultimate home for Erik or not. I hope so, but who knows? I do know two things: Erik isn't even CLOSE to finished contributing to the world of motorcycles. There are companies willing to pay top dollar for the kind of contributions Erik can make to the world of motorcycles. | ||
| 007blast |
all great points fb, only time will tell. | ||
| Jaimec |
My issue FINALLY came today! I've already read the article, so I'm going to just hang on to the issue for future reference. | ||
| Spank |
I am wondering though if Erik might want a more American based company? | ||
| Whatever |
"Buell" does not have any employees. HD killed "Buell". EBR might have 8 employees, but I am not a racer, so I will be waiting to see who will make my next bike, now that I have a job and payed off the Buell, it is a possibility. I will pay cash for my next one... EriK, I am saving up... can you hear me... the crowd is chanting... EriK! EriK! EriK! That Barricuda looks fun!!!  | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I am wondering though if Erik might want a more American based company? Considering the main components for the bike were created from companies all over the globe, I'd bet he is willing to work with whatever company is willing to provide both the funding AND the freedom. Considering Rotax is one of the most likely sources of powerplants for the next round of Buells, I would think BRP would be the best place. Cuts out the middle man. What "American" recreational vehicle company would be able to fund Buell? | ||
| Xbrad9r |
I look forward to Erik building bikes for a company that can understand and appreciate the "trilogy of tech" his bikes are built around. The only trilogy HD cared for was: shirts, stickers and chrome. | ||
| Spank |
"What "American" recreational vehicle company would be able to fund Buell?" See that's what I am wondering. I love the idea of BRP, but with Erik saying he still can see the need for an American sportbike company, made me question the BRP deal. (Message edited by spank on April 08, 2010) | ||
| Glitch |
The company would be American, and I'm sure he'd stay with as many domestic parts as possible. Though to keep costs down, and priced to sell, he'd have to outsource quite a bit I'm sure. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Is Budweiser an "American" beer? If it's manufactured here, I believe you could still claim "American Made". MV Augusta is an "Italian" motorcycle manufacturer. Benelli is an "Italian" motorcycle manufacturer. Volvo is a "Swedish" auto manufacturer. I don't think it's going to be a problem. | ||
| Spank |
I guess I don't either, it was just a thought. As long as "his" company doesn't move to Canada.  ...no offense to Canada! | ||
| Court |
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| Boltrider |
BRP = Buell Racing Products | ||
| Swordsman |
Oh snap! Court's quoting Jedi... brace for impact!  ~SM | ||
| Court |
So many seem to be consumed with imagined constraints and recreating a place where Buell was 3 years ago. Look forward. The goal is not to "fix" Buell or make it was like we recall a few years ago but to make something special and amazing. Buell has been seriously constrained for years. No longer. | ||
| P47b |
Your right Court, Buell did everything right. All the way, down to the Lean Manufacturing. You can see that in every picture of the plant. Spank I believe what you are saying is you want an American owned company. Not manufactured in America and owned by another nation. | ||
| Jaimec |
Last time I looked, Canada was in North America... so it would still technically be an "American-based company." | ||
| Swordsman |
"The goal is not to "fix" Buell or make it was like we recall a few years ago but to make something special and amazing. " Yeah, everyone seems to be wanting to tack Erik onto another company, just like before. I guess because going in alone is such a monumental undertaking. Perhaps we're in for a real surprise.....   ~SM | ||
| B00stzx3 |
I'll buy and ride whatever Erik makes. And I know he'll keep it American, made by American workers. Like I've said before..I'll walk before I'll drive an import. And I'll walk before I ride anything but an Erik Buell made motorcycle  | ||
| Spank |
P47b - That's exactly what I was saying. I am not stuck on the idea of a bigger company getting involved...just an idea from my point of view. I hope he does go it alone (or with a silent partner if needed). Maybe we can finally get factory direct bikes! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Oh, I'd LOVE to see Buell motorcycles to be their own entity. That would be the BEST option. If Erik and crew can find the funding to make that happen, fantastic. Unless Erik has hit the lottery, the money will come from somewhere. Those funders are going to have ideas about how things should be run. Whether it's BRP, and angel fund, or Court's wife cutting the check, there will need to be a significant investment to move Buell from the 8 or so folks working with Erik right now to the world beater Buell Motorcycle company we all want. | ||
| Glitch |
For anyone except Erik to say anything is pure conjecture. Ain't it fun! | ||
| Jaimec |
Spank, that would be a good idea for you more technically and mechanically inclined... but I think the VAST MAJORITY of motorcycle buyers would prefer having a local dealer they can turn to for parts, service and what-not. For example... when is the last time you saw a Fischer MRX on the road?? Those bikes are certainly sexy looking, and the price is right... but... | ||
| Spank |
I understand, just think it would be cool to have it delivered right to your house! ...just to have the option! | ||
| Reindog |
Unfortunately for me, I will miss what Buell achieved with the Uly. The air cooled V-twin engine is simple, reliable, easy to maintain, and produces sufficient horsepower to kill me. I own an 06 XB12X and an 09 XP12XP and I am the happiest camper this side of Court. But it is probably unrealistic to believe that Erik will ever again produce an air cooled engine. Sadness. That said, I eagerly look forward to see what Erik's future produces even if it is not for me. Hopefully, I am wrong. (Message edited by reindog on April 09, 2010) | ||
| Glitch |
But it is probably unrealistic to believe that Erik will ever again produce an air cooled engine. Sadness. True sadness. I love air cooled engines, always have. Simplicity, for me, is the way to go. What can I say, I'm simple. According to Erik, chances are slim to none for him to produce air cooled bikes. Sadness indeed. | ||
| Jandj_davis |
I despise the fact that it is almost impossible to find an air-cooled motorcycle today. I don't need the 180 hp @ 15K RPM's (and 25 mpg) offered by today's liter bikes. I want a big-bore torque monster that gives incredible performance and great economy, with the simplicity and beauty of a simple design. Throw in a belt drive, and you've got THE BEST commuter/streetbike ever designed. I guess that's why I'll probably upgrade from my 03 XB with another XB. At this point in time, the XB-series is the ONLY bike of its kind. The 1125 "could have been" a fantastic bike, but if I want 30 mpg I'll buy a Hyundai. In my opinion, and less than 45 mpg is just plain unacceptable. The current trend toward 100% performance 100% of the time is going to kill the "common sense" in our sport. I realize he was under HD's thumb, but even from there Erik was able to come up with a bike that is "perfect" for the American motorcyclist. Even after all this time, there are still people flocking to the Buell brand, from the eccentric Peter Egan to the college student on a sphincter-sized budget. If Erik can do such amazing things while under the rule of one of the 5 WORST corporate boards in the USA, my mind REELS at the thought of what he could have accomplished. Give Erik the reigns to the wagon, and who knows what's coming next. WHOO, I'm pumped up thinking about it. My best to you Erik, and until there is another like it, the Buell XB will be the only bike I own. | ||
| Hughlysses |
But it is probably unrealistic to believe that Erik will ever again produce an air cooled engine. Sadness. I don't necessarily see that. While Rotax doesn't make any air-cooled motorcycle engines, they still produce a few air-cooled engines, and I'd bet they could do an air cooled motorcycle engine without too much trouble. There's always S&S as well. Who knows? Maybe the new Buell motorcycle company will be building their own engines. I hope he's eventually able to establish a wide range of bikes with an air-cooled line and water-cooled line like he was on the way to achieving at Buell Motorcycle Company. | ||
| Glitch |
I despise the fact that it is almost impossible to find an air-cooled motorcycle today. Have you seen the 2010 Ducati Monsters? I don't necessarily see that. Just going by what Erik himself said in one of the interviews already posted. I'd give the quote, but I don't remember which one it was. Who knows? No one. Only time will tell. |
