| Author | Message | ||
     Curve__carver |
two SV650's (one of which is highly modified) that, with the addition of hard luggage and some suspension upgrades, are perfect for banging around in the city. I love these bikes. I have a soft spot for the design principles and with suspension work, the execution is virtually flawless. Off topic, but I picked up a leftover Gladius SFV650 last year. It even came with a full set of Hepco Becker luggage. Stock suspension was a joke. So, I modded the front/rear suspension and added superbike bars. Now it's a damn fine corner carver that doubles as a light tourer. If you haven't ridden one, there is A LOT to like about that 650 twin! | ||
| Jdugger |
My suspicion is a large portion of the current Buell customer base wasn't ever really the intention of Erik. Instead, stuck in a visionless company and hamstrung by ridiculous management, Erik took the hand he was dealt and came up with something as close to a sportbike as he was allowed to build, but tailored to a specific, niche segment he could be successful in since his stuff clearly wasn't going to be competitive head to head with the pure sport bikes. That's no longer the case, but Buell diaspora are an eclectic bunch. And, here we are wishing EBR builds a bike(s) they would have never even contemplated if they had had their own way the past 25 years. The result is a bunch of customers kinda wondering where the bikes that appealed to them went, but a whole new and much larger market now taking EBR seriously. Just my opinion on the topic, but $10 says we don't see anything outside of serious sport bikes from EBR for a while. | ||
| Pwillikers |
Agreed. | ||
| Curve__carver |
That's no longer the case, but Buell diaspora are an eclectic bunch. And, here we are wishing EBR builds a bike(s) they would have never even contemplated if they had had their own way the past 25 years. The result is a bunch of customers kinda wondering where the bikes that appealed to them went, but a whole new and much larger market now taking EBR seriously. Just my opinion on the topic, but $10 says we don't see anything outside of serious sport bikes from EBR for a while. ...and can you count for me the number of motorcycle companies that are finacially successful selling ONLY pure sportbikes? | ||
| Jdugger |
I didn't really make a business argument for it, just stated my observation. | ||
| Curve__carver |
Sportbikes are sexy and will always be on the front page. ...but, they are going to have to expand to entry level bikes, or dirt bikes, or STs, or (gulp) cruiser-ish bikes to have a big enough product line to create a larger customer base and a sustainable business model. Hero & similar development deals make a lot of sense, too. I'm sure there are some smart business minds on the team. | ||
| Duggram |
Jim, very well put. Before EBR Buell made sportbikes, road warriors and the Uly. If you look at the EBR Web site you can see that the planned future models are RX, SX and AX. We know what the RX is. The SX and AX could easily be road warrior and Uly type models. That would follow the customary and usual models of Erik Buell. The topic of this thread is like telling Budweiser or Miller that they're not going to make just beer but also champagne and wine. | ||
| Duggram |
Ducati is pretty successful and all they have are sportbikes, road warriors and Uly-like-bikes. | ||
| Curve__carver |
re: Ducati The Monster is their best selling model. While sporty, it's not a 'serious sportbike.' Multistrada, Diavel, etc. The 848 & Panigale are fantastic bikes, but I doubt that they could survive on only sportbikes. Nor would those 2 bikes support a dealer network. | ||
| Duggram |
So wouldn't EBR look the same as Ducati if they went thru with the possible RS, RX, SX and AX plan? EBR wouldn't have the "in" name but it would be American made. | ||
| Sprintst |
Frankly, "American Made" is probably a negative, overall We've got a generation raised on their parents hand-me-down Honda Accords, and I don't think they would ever consider anything American made to be top notch, high quality. "Jap Crap" (no offense intended) is something they've never heard. Japanese = top quality to them. Even "Chinese crap" probably doesn't mean much, since their Ipad and Iphone came out of China Now, that still leaves a good sized market, but long term I think it's a challenge for EBR, just like it is for Ford and GM, err, Government Motors (Message edited by sprintst on July 31, 2012) | ||
| Sparky |
I was impressed with EB's innovative approach of simplifying a bike by making one part perform two functions like swingarm/oil tank, fuel in frame, wheel/rotor (no carrier), etc. If we're making an EBR wish list, I'd like to see that theme continued with this: a small external auto-like alternator/starter motor setup instead of the troublesome per-mag alternator setup. Certain Triumphs & BMWs, I think, come with external alternators. These are more efficient, on-demand systems than per-mags although I doubt anybody has combined the starter motor with an alternator, yet. | ||
| Devondunit |
"We've got a generation raised on their parents hand-me-down Honda Accords, and I don't think they would ever consider anything American made to be top notch, high quality. "Jap Crap" (no offense intended) is something they've never heard. Japanese = top quality to them. Even "Chinese crap" probably doesn't mean much, since their Ipad and Iphone came out of China " Unfortunatly your spot on, the "American made" aspect is really just a point of patriotism and pride. I love the idea of keeping the industry in our own country when looking at the Buell story: when Harley let go of Buell that left a whole factory of people out of work and Erik has rehired many of those same people for EBR; I like the idea of supporting a job creating business in the states. | ||
| Finedaddy1 |
EBR-CR Belt drive (3) 1190CC (2) ABS (3) Body work in ABS plastic (3) I love my CR, but I'm now leaning toward something in a parallel twin 600-800cc adventure type bike....I'll keep my CR though! | ||
| Joel9 |
Give us an XBS style like this...(with a better seat,lol)  | ||
| Duggram |
Joel9, that looks great. Like it would fit right into the EBR lineup. Now could you make a Uly version? | ||
| Joel9 |
Not quite, but same motor i think...  | ||
| Redbuell1203 |
Ok I am probably opening a can here let's just say for the sake a argument that we are loyal to the core! How about going just a tiny bit further and let some of the "design guys" here have some artistic fun a play with the 1190 build and add some different platforms. I am still one that would like to see a 1190x. Let the bashing begin.  | ||
| Motorhead102482 |
While the Motus is interesting as previously stated, it is a bit expensive for me. I would like to see a new Uly-ish type bike from EBR. Basically something that can be an all around motorcycle, canyon carving, commuting, etc. What's wrong with the Monster? In my opinion it's one of the best motorcycles that ducati makes. I've considered buying one recently (keeping my 1125r of course), but I can't justify having another sporty bike. I need something that's convenient to commute with (military and go to school). I love to ride, but find my lack of storage space the limiting factor to my ride time during the year. Carrying a backpack gets old. | ||
| Jdugger |
> What's wrong with the Monster? Nothing, IMHO. Great bike. Very sporty, but makes race compromises suitable for what is mostly a street bike. Very eye appealing. | ||
| Dktechguy112 |
Hey sprintst, ford never took gov loans and gm paid their loans back. American made means a hell of a lot to me, and i grew up on 'jap crap'. I drive a 350z, and while its a great car it doesn't have soul like my cr does. | ||
| Sprintst |
Hey sprintst, ford never took gov loans and gm paid their loans back. American made means a hell of a lot to me, and i grew up on 'jap crap'. I drive a 350z, and while its a great car it doesn't have soul like my cr does. I hear you. I appreciate Ford for that, but after having 1 personal and 5 company Fords, I don't think I could ever bring myself to buy those POS's again. Transmissions slipping at 8k and replaced or rebuilt every 25k, brakes, power steering, clutch fork blade, sensors, fuel pumps, seat belts, etc.... Junk cars and poor warranty support. I can even get the family pricing and I can't bring myself to try one again. What does American made mean to your friends?} (Message edited by sprintst on August 03, 2012) (Message edited by sprintst on August 03, 2012) | ||
| Court |
Damn well kept secret, eh?    I hate them so much my next one if rolling down the line today . . . (white)  There is something about a $30K car that handles like a Porsche (same performance tires) and goes like a scalded dog . . . . it's no 911 . . . but I confess it's amazed me. We also still have the 2010 Focus we bought by "accident" (supposed to be a 90 day deal waiting on a new E350 Cabriloet) and fell in love with. Both Focii consistently turn in 37MPG . . . full leather . . best onboard electronics of any vehicle short of an F18 fighter . . . No complaints . . . .  | ||
| Reepicheep |
160 hp in that little car? Wow. That must be fun. | ||
| Pwillikers |
Alright you guys, stop with the thread hijack. What specs / options are most important to you for the new EBR bikes and why? | ||
| Phwx2 |
EBR should build a Harley clone, but with a chain, more chrome and an extra 100 lbs of lead hanging right on the front fork - maybe as a "hood ornament". Sell it for 2%less. That will teach'm. I'd buy one out of spite. Thank you for our time. | ||
| Craigg |
I would like to see a nice Sport Tourer or Full Touring EBR. Not everything has to be speed. I say make the following. -High Priced bike 1190RS -$20K range Sport Bike -$10K range Sport Bike -$5K entry level Sport Bike -Sport Touring Bike -Full Touring Bike Then they have something for everyone. I only say that because I'm biased. I love my 1125R but sometimes I just want to cruise. So I've been looking for a Tourer/Sport Touring but nothing that I like or what I want to spend. I want it to be an American Company which only leaves a few options. | ||
| Sprintst |
Damn well kept secret, eh? six times burned, six times shy. things change, perceptions change slower} | ||
| Father_of_an_era |
I can say the same about Dodge. 5 times burned and I finally gave up. I have had 2 Ford F-150 trucks since. My first had 260,000 miles on it and my current F-150 has over 80,000. Never and issue with either. I love these trucks! | ||
| Dktechguy112 |
"Hey sprintst, ford never took gov loans and gm paid their loans back. American made means a hell of a lot to me, and i grew up on 'jap crap'. I drive a 350z, and while its a great car it doesn't have soul like my cr does. I hear you. I appreciate Ford for that, but after having 1 personal and 5 company Fords, I don't think I could ever bring myself to buy those POS's again. Transmissions slipping at 8k and replaced or rebuilt every 25k, brakes, power steering, clutch fork blade, sensors, fuel pumps, seat belts, etc.... Junk cars and poor warranty support. I can even get the family pricing and I can't bring myself to try one again. What does American made mean to your friends?} " I'm a dodge guy at heart. My dad has a ram 3500 with a cummins diesel. That truck is a beast. It was my DD for 30k miles, an awesome truck, it has over 100k miles on it with zero issues. Ford is kicking ass, their cars are going to another level. Dodge was helped by the merc partnership. There is always someone that has a story about a company that builds pos cars. I had x of them, and they all sucked. I will admit some of my friends don't like American cars. But the ones that don't have never owned one, they never gave them a shot. It pisses me off as an engineer that some people look down on American engineering. I pride my self on excellence and precision, although I guess that's the German in me.  |
