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Electraglider_1997
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 10:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

After getting over my shock and dismay of the closing of EBR I am left wondering what Erik has in mind to do next if anything. I have to apologize for any disparaging remarks I wrote about why I thought this happened to EBR. Everyone of us knows that it takes a special person with lots of grit, determination, fearlessness and personal sacrifice to accomplish what Erik Buell has in his 65 years. Certainly he is not finished yet. Maybe he will change directions and show us what he can do in the electric motorcycle field. He apparently has his own design ideas on how an electric bike should be done and I would be very interested in seeing what an Electric Buell can do.
By the way, you'll never see me riding a Hero motorcycle in my lifetime. Deadbeats that seem to be.
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Court
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 11:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Erik is nowhere near finished.
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Buewulf
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 11:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I don't know. It is hard to imagine him getting another motorcycle company off the ground. I think the Buell name is a little too tarnished now to interest either investors or consumers.

He is a true entrepreneurial spirit, though, and it can be hard to keep guys like that down. The e-bike thought is an interesting idea.
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Uly_man
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 12:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yes it is true to say that I have been critical of Buell bikes in the past but not of Erik. This man has done things with bikes that NO ONE PERSON EVER HAS.

The problem is not him but the world we live in today. Lots of reasons but, more than ever, it is mostly about money like HDs dumping of Buell to keep its profit margins up with "core high profit" lifestyle/ merchandising products like T-Shirts and the like. I was astounded, on my first visit, to an HD dealer to find that I could buy a HD cat collar and HD condoms? Saying that those, and some HD Bourbon, CAN make for wild night.
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Court
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 12:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You make an excellent point and the endless quest for American investors ....,, during 2010 and 2011 ..... Would leave a sick taste in anyone's mouth.

American investors do not like American investment unless they can double their money in a year and run.

They're gamblers ..... Not investors.
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Uly_man
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 01:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"They're gamblers ..... Not investors". And that is why, for the most part, many people are now suffering money problems.
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Hughlysses
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 01:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That was one of the things in "the Ragged Edge" (documentary on EBR) that impressed me. They included some similar comments on the US economy by a "professorly" looking guy at a couple of points in the movie. I had no idea who he was, so I googled him, and he's a VERY noted economist and Harvard graduate. Hopefully he's helping Erik right now.
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Court
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 01:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Erik has very competent help.

I was in contact with the documentary crew for 2 years prior. We ... Rather I.... Missed several occasions we tried to schedule interviews.

There is much more to tell. They covered about 30% of the material and did a stellar job.

I could comment on about 25 years of interesting, many yet to be known Buell facts but It was not the time for me to be commenting on current matters. While personally involved or with detailed knowledge.

Erik has at least one of the top financial people in the business. You may not see her but he enters every financial deal properly armed in terms of competency and knowledge.
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Uly_man
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 02:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Erik has at least one of the top financial people in the business. You may not see her but he enters every financial deal properly armed in terms of competency and knowledge". I would be inclined to say that this person has NOT been of much use. Even my simple, not Pro/ Dr of Economy head, can see the way money works.

(Message edited by uly_man on May 11, 2015)
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Uly_man
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 02:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Oh and before anyone flames my ass. I do not live beyond my income or borrow what I can not afford to pay back. I think if more could then the world would be a better, and more importantly, a safer place to live in.
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Court
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 04:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

No need to flame. But your personal financial responsibility doesn't translate to a rudimentary understanding of corporate finance. The instant events are far less connected to money than ethics.

If you entered into a contract to mow someone yard for $50 dollars ..... Go it in writing and notarized ..... Completed the work..., went to get paid and were told "go away.... No ones home" you'd get the idea.

Erik's got the best possible team there could be.
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Ourdee
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 09:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Erik has a knack for gathering extraordinary people together. That's my comment.
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Court
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2015 - 11:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Count me among their number.

Having known and worked with for years ........ If he called tomorrow and said I can't pay and I need you here ..... I'd be there in 5 days.

He's taken some shots on the chin ..,... They've never come close to his character.
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Trevd
Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 09:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've never met him, but I would think that at 65 years old, and having gone through what he's gone through over the past 8 years, the temptation to just back away and put his feet up in retirement might be strong.

I'm only 43 and I often feel like I'd like to retire!
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Zac4mac
Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 10:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Trev - that's not Erik.
He'll retire a few days after he's buried....
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Court
Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 10:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

>>>>>>He'll retire a few days after he's buried....

He's been dead twice. That doesn't work.

I have great expectations.

I'm keeping them to myself ... Done being called a kook-aid drinker by the small of mind and vision.

Court
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Woodnbow
Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 03:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

How many new American motorcycle companies have been started in the last 50 years? How many of those are alive today? It's not as easy as it looks folks. That being said, Buell was successful wasn't it? 26 years in business producing well over 100,000 units is nothing to be ashamed of.. I think he'll be back, I hope he'll be back. If nothing else it's interesting to watch and I'll always have fond memories of the Buells I've owned and the one I still do. Thank you Erik and thank you Court for your part in the story. It's been a great ride and I'm looking forward to the next leg of the journey.
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Uly_man
Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 01:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"But your personal financial responsibility doesn't translate to a rudimentary understanding of corporate finance". Of course not, sorry, but more of a thought about the worlds "general" dealings about finance. But, believe it or not, there is still a similarity between business and personal fiscal issues.
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General_ulysses
Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 04:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've never met Erik, but I do have a tuber and an XB. So I have a sense of the types of motorcycles he's designed and sold in the past. In my opinion, I did not think it was wise for him to attempt to compete with the big European and Japanese manufacturers in the superbike racing class. At least on a mass production scale. I do think he could build competitive one-off race bikes (given the budget) that could compete with the big brands, but scaling that effort up into a cutting edge technology production motorcycle that is competitive in price, performance AND reliability all simultaneously? Ain't gonna happen. They've got too much money, too many resources and too much economy of scale. You will not beat them at that game. Honda started out in the global market by producing cheap, simple, small and very reliable motorcycles. Not cutting edge superbikes. They didn't even attempt to try until they were well established and had the experience and resources to take a stab at it.

But from what I've read about Erik, he is a racer. That's where his heart is. So I suppose, given the chance, he was compelled to attempt to build and sell his superbike and not the modern day equivalent of the Honda dream. Fair enough. I just wish he could also have a passion for practical, yet very cool and unique motorcycles as well. Like my S1 (ok, not the most practical!) or an improved Uly. I mean, who the hell is really gonna use half the performance the latest superbikes provide anyway? Get real. Develop practical bikes that are awesome and have substantial capabilities. Then when you sell enough of them and have deep enough pockets, develop a race team with heavily modified versions of the same bikes.

Just my $0.02, not trying to rain on Erik's or anybody's else's parade. I admire the dreamer, the man who steps up and takes a swing or two throughout his life. Erik's one of those guys - in spades.
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Woodnbow
Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 05:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Maybe he could contract with S&S for their version of the sportster engine and start building new 100" 6 speed XB's?
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Hughlysses
Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 05:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Maybe he could contract with S&S for their version of the sportster engine and start building new 100" 6 speed XB's?

Or updated tubers!
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Froggy
Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 05:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

Get real. Develop practical bikes that are awesome and have substantial capabilities.




EBR did design well over a dozen bikes bikes in the last few years that meet that description.
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Panhead_dan
Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 08:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"EBR did design well over a dozen bikes bikes in the last few years that meet that description."

Thanks Froggy, I was gonna say something too.
In fact, I can't say as I agree with anything in your post, General sir.
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Figorvonbuellingham
Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 10:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Maybe he's going to build an electric racer and go conquer pikes peak?
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Woodnbow
Posted on Thursday, May 14, 2015 - 03:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Or updated tubers!" I could live with an updated 100" 6 spd S3T... find a place for the XB style monoshock and Uly bags... Oh, yes I could.
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General_ulysses
Posted on Thursday, May 14, 2015 - 05:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Froggy quote: "EBR did design well over a dozen bikes bikes in the last few years that meet that description." (awesome, practical and substantially capable)

I agree he did design and sell some bikes over the past few years that "are awesome and have substantial capabilities." But only in the "character" and fun to ride department. That's why I currently own two of them. I disagree that they're very practical, at least certainly not as practical as Japanese bikes. Reliability is a primary factor in what I consider "practical." My XB and tuber Buell experience has taught me that there is no comparison between Japanese reliability and Buell reliability. Trusting your bike to go on a long trip and not let you down because of a failed fuel pump, or broken electrical system wire(s), or broken ECM connector or a check engine light coming on or the bike popping and hesitating with a mere 7000 miles on it, or a kickstand switch shorting out or the engine developing significant leaks at 5000 miles or the counter sprocket pulley splines stripping out or....The list goes on and on and pertains directly to "practical", or lack thereof, to be precise. More reliable than an old Norton or Triumph? Sure. But nowhere in the ballpark compared to Hon/Kaw/Yam/Suz.

Panhead dan quote: "I can't say as I agree with anything in your post, General sir."

You're certainly entitled to your opinion mr panhead, as am I. Especially considering I spent my hard earned cash on not one but two Buells of older and newer lineage. I speak with direct experience, not speculative rumor. I was never much on mindless hero worship. Merely an honest man who tells the unvarnished truth with no spin and no BS. Can't handle it? Harley on, friend.
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Steveford
Posted on Thursday, May 14, 2015 - 07:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

FWIW, I had ZERO issues with my 06 Useless until right about the 25,000 mile mark.
After that, well, it's been interesting.
What will Erik do next?
Probably sue the piss out of Hero and then move forward.

Correction: I had a saddlebag latch snap off in my hand within the first few thousand miles. Nothing like good old plastic!

(Message edited by SteveFord on May 14, 2015)
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Uly_man
Posted on Friday, May 15, 2015 - 03:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have to agree on many of General_ulysses points regarding the comparison of "Jap to Buell" bikes reliability issues as far as the general modern bike rider is concerned IE They do NOT expect these sort of issues on modern designed bikes. Or do I for that matter.

Buells are great bikes, possibly some of the best ever made, but lets face facts the reliability of them has done the brand NO FAVORS AT ALL in the past.

Bikes are not high profit margin products and even the "big Jap four" makers have had serious problems in recent years and they make millions of bikes selling to a very large long established/ trusted/ stable "world wide" dealership and, a key issue, customer loyal market.

I was amazed that Erik managed to come back into the market, after the problems with HD, but stunned that he did not do it with a more "market useful" product. The Uly was built on the basic XB platform as a demand for the "adventure/ all round" type bike that people now want. This is the same sort of thing other makers have also done for many years. Big sports bikes are dead for all the reasons that those who have had them KNOW why.

If you passion is to make "high end" race bikes for the track/ road then fine but if you want to make "mass market" bikes then make them for those who want something they need.

(Message edited by uly_man on May 15, 2015)
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Phelan
Posted on Friday, May 15, 2015 - 07:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

General Ulysses, I think you're missing the point that Froggy was making. EBR designed several new models for Hero that are expected to be precisely what you say- practical, reliable, and fun. And fwiw, bikes of all makes and models have issues. Get on a Ducati, Kawasaki, or BMW forum and you can read about owners' issues there too. Both my current S2 and my Ulysses have been far more reliable than my Honda Civic for example. Yet the Civic is known for reliability and my Buells known for lack of.
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Tempest766
Posted on Friday, May 15, 2015 - 10:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

After getting over my shock and dismay of the closing of EBR I am left wondering what Erik has in mind to do next if anything.

I think he should just quit while he's behind. Obviously the godlike idol worship of the man wasn't justified, if only from a purely economic viewpoint of those of us who are stuck with niche bikes that will never be worth anything and will just become more and more costly to keep on the road.
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Ourdee
Posted on Saturday, May 16, 2015 - 12:08 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

niche
niCH/Submit
noun
1.
a shallow recess, especially one in a wall to display a statue or other ornament.
synonyms: recess, alcove, nook, cranny, hollow, bay, cavity, cubbyhole, pigeonhole
"a niche in the wall"
a comfortable or suitable position in life or employment.
noun: one's niche; plural noun: one's niches
"he is now a partner at a leading law firm and feels he has found his niche"
synonyms: ideal position, place, function, vocation, calling, métier, job
"he found his niche in life"
a specialized but profitable corner of the market.
"important new niche markets"
ECOLOGY
a position or role taken by a kind of organism within its community. Such a position may be occupied by different organisms in different localities, e.g., antelopes in Africa and kangaroos in Australia.
verb
verb: niche; 3rd person present: niches; past tense: niched; past participle: niched; gerund or present participle: niching
1.
place or position (something) in a niche.


those of us who are stuck with niche bikes that will never be worth anything


Dude....You should sell that thing. What is with all the bad karma? If your purchase of the XB12XT was an investment in hopes of a financial return, you need to fire your investment adviser. I have never confused Erik with God, nor worshiped him. All vehicles become more costly to keep on the road. Now to address the perception you have of being stuck with the "Niche Bike". It is an 08 If purchased in 09 with a 6 year loan, how could you be so upside down on it that you can not sell it for enough money to pay off the balance? As for "stuck with". I am calling bovine defecation.
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Zac4mac
Posted on Saturday, May 16, 2015 - 12:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Practicality? really?
My 09 Uly is the poster child for Sensible Motorcycles Inc.
It's so dependable sometimes I forget scheduled maintenance...

My 08 1125R has been on 2 cross-country trips(3k miles+ each) with no issues but perm-grin.

Only 600 miles on the 1190RS but no trouble there either.

Gimme another frosted mug of Kool-Aid.

Z
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Ourdee
Posted on Saturday, May 16, 2015 - 12:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

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Electraglider_1997
Posted on Saturday, May 16, 2015 - 11:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I went out to the local EBR dealer and they claim they sold 2 after the shutdown and I was left wondering if the salesman was being completely honest with me. He said they hadn't sold for much under MSRP. Considering the warranty question of parts being available which I think not, it would seem they 1190 bikes should really go for dirt cheap. Salesmen always want to present a rosy picture so that you feel like everyone is lining up so no fears.
They now also sell Polaris Indians which also means that Slingshot 3 wheeler. That Indian salesman claimed that the Slingshots were selling like hot cakes. When I start seeing those things on the road then I'll believe it but for now I think BS. I'd personally feel like a foolish spectacle riding around in one of those things.
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