Autoblog

Buell may be coming back

Zach Bowman — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Motorcycle

Erik Buell Racing has secured financing from GE Capital to build a dealership network to sell its wares, according to the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel. Last we heard, EBR had rustled up $20 million from foreign investors in order to begin manufacturing a new line of affordable motorcycles. That's a change of tack from from the company's $40,000 EBR 1190RS. So far, the manufacturer has lined up around 30 dealers, some of which were formerly Buell Motorcycle Company outlets. Right now, EBR says the company isn't large enough to support stand alone dealers, so we can expect to see the manufacturer's hardware sold alongside competitive, high-end machinery for the time being.

GE Capital routinely provides financing for manufacturers, dealers and distributors, and has been a part of the motorcycle industry for years. EBR will likely use some of its financing to create a number of more accessible bikes, including a machine called the EBR RX, which is a lower specification version of the company's 1190RS. Likewise, a naked street bike called the SX is in the pipeline as well as an AX dual-sport adventure machine. Visor Down reports the lineup will very closely mirror the Buell lineup of five years ago before Harley-Davidson pulled the plug, though the new bikes will abandon their winded V-Twin engines in favor of modern, water-cooled powerplants.

Buell may be coming back originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buell fueled with $20M investment, plans $20K streetbike

Zach Bowman — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 08:43:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle

Erik Buell Racing has gotten its hands on $20 million from foreign investors in a first step toward starting production on a range of new, affordable bikes. The cash will be used to hire more staff and expand the company's current Milwaukee production facility to 54,000 square feet. Details are skinny at the moment, but Buell says EBR plans to start selling a $20,000 bike in line with the current EBR 1190RS (seen above), though with less hardcore components. That price tag puts the newcomer in the same playground as creations like the Ducati 1199 Panigale and well above the BMW S 1000 RR.

But the stack of cash doesn't mean EBR's plans are set in stone. It reportedly takes around $100 million to get a startup bike manufacturer off the ground with all of the necessary dealerships and production capability, which means Buell will likely continue to court investors for the foreseeable future.

EBR hasn't disclosed its mystery investor just yet, though the minds at Asphalt & Rubber believe the funds could have come from Hero MotoCorp, an Indian motorcycle manufacturer. The company has made waves about possibly acquiring Erik Buell Racing in the past, and the two motorcycle builders already have a strategic partnership in place.

Buell fueled with $20M investment, plans $20K streetbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bottpower BOTT XR-1 gives Buell bones new life

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Design/Style

Bottpower BOTT XR-1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to The Kneeslider, the wrenches at Bottpower have been saddled with an interesting new project. It seems that a certain client has a soft-spot for the now aging Buell XB, but has grown tired of the bike's, um, unique styling. In order to cure that ail, Bottpower has been conscripted into a plan to give the machine a new lease on life. The notion is to craft a chassis that could use the suspension, brakes, engine and swing arm from the ill-fated Buell but would also serve up a flat-tracker stance.

You have our attention.

The owner has a mind to complete the project himself, but that hasn't stopped Bottpower from working up a few design studies of their very own. Even better, the company says that if there's enough interest in the project, it will begin selling kits so that Buell fans can create their own heathens.

The bikes should weigh in at a feathery 375 pounds and pack a walloping 100 horsepower when the tires touch pavement for the first time. Score.

Gallery: Bottpower BOTT XR-1

[Source: The Kneeslider]

Bottpower BOTT XR-1 gives Buell bones new life originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Erik Buell Racing 1190RS: America strikes back

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

Erik Buell Racing 1190RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

You can't keep a good man down. That certainly applies to Erik Buell, who, by all accounts, was delivered a giant shiny bowl of lemons from his previous employer, Harley-Davidson, and is somehow elbow-deep in a gushing flow of sweet-tasting lemonade. To wit, have a look at the new Erik Buell Racing 1190RS, a roadgoing version of Erik's 1190RR superbike racer.

As is typical with recent bikes bearing the Buell name, fuel is held in the frame, which is manufactured by the same company that welded up the units from the previous Buell motorcycle company, and the engine is a V-Twin design displacing 1190cc. That powerplant is a heavily massaged version of the Rotax-built unit used in the old 1125 models. Horsepower figures are not yet available, but the race bike makes about 185 horses at the rear wheel. Expect a slight drop from that figure.

Lots of premium components are hung from the 380-pound (wet) 1190RS. Expect to see Öhlins suspension front and rear, an Aim Sports digital dashboard, magnesium wheels and a full carbon fiber fairing. Surely, components for a hand-built bike like this cost a pretty penny, and though Erik isn't talking pricing just yet, don't expect the 1190RS to come cheap. Think Ducati 1198R (about $40,000 or so) territory. A slightly less expensive version using fiberglass and plastic in place of carbon fiber may also be in the offing.

Suffice it to say, we're excited that Erik is once again living his dream of producing high-end American sportbikes. Have a look at the images in our high-res image gallery below, and stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Gallery: Erik Buell Racing 1190RS

[Source: Road Racing World, Cycle World | Images: Steve Anderson/Erik Buell Racing]

Erik Buell Racing 1190RS: America strikes back originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buell shows off a new street bike? [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Motorcycle

You've got to hand it to Erik Buell. The man was dealt a very bad hand by his ex-employers at Harley-Davidson, but Buell decided to take a bowl of lemons and make some tasty lemonade. The first batch of sweet citrusy goodness came as Buell formed his eponymous racing team, but it seems 'ol Erik has bigger and better things up his sleeves.

A new video is circulating the interwebs today that clearly shows a Buell 1190RR race bike equipped with decidedly non-racy parts, including a license plate mount with turn signals and a set of electric cooling fans for the radiators that aren't necessary on the track-only models. Interesting, no?

There's still some time left on Buell's agreement with H-D not to build and sell any street bikes, but it seems like a foregone conclusion that Erik will once again be offering road-going machines to fans of unique American sportbikes just as soon as he's legally allowed to do so. Stay tuned, and check out the short teaser video after the break. Thanks for the tip, Gary!

[Source: Erik Buell Racing via The Kneeslider]

Continue reading Buell shows off a new street bike? [w/video]

Buell shows off a new street bike? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: MotorWeek talks with Dan Fischer, American sportbike maker

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Motorcycle

Fischer Motorcycles MRX - Click above to watch the video after the break

Television's Original Automotive Magazine, MotorWeek, recently took some time out to sit down with Dan Fischer, former AMA motorcycle racer and the man responsible for Fischer Motorcycles. In the interview and corresponding video (see it after the break), Fischer stakes a claim as the only affordable American sportbike manufacturer in existence, now that Harley-Davidson sadly shut down its Buell operations.

While the Fischer MRX is indeed designed and built in the United States, its heart actually comes from South Korea. We're fine with that, as this 650cc powerplant is what allows Fischer to sell its wares at an attractive $7,995 asking price. What's more, the claimed 80 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of torque coupled with a fine six-speed gearbox means you won't really be hurting for more power on the street.

Also included in the base asking price are an adjustable Ohlins rear shock, 43mm USD fork adjustable for compression and rebound and a made-in-the-USA one-piece frame. Options are plentiful as well, with full Brembo front brake package, carbon fiber bodywork and forged aluminum wheels acting as stand-out items. Want more? Click on past the break to watch the video.

[Source: MotorWeek via OtherMakes.net]

Continue reading Video: MotorWeek talks with Dan Fischer, American sportbike maker

Video: MotorWeek talks with Dan Fischer, American sportbike maker originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The most elaborate April Fool's joke ever? Buell and Bombardier (don't) team up for new streetbike

Devon Brozek — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Canada

Official Bomber Motorcycles logo?

Just when we thought we were going to have to get an AMA Pro License to ride any new Buell creations, an official press release from BRP, or Bombardier Recreational Products, appears to have leaked out, spelling out the company's plans to team up with Erik Buell and for the launch a new line of two wheelers called Bomber Motorcycles. Or so it would seem.

Many rumors have circulated recently pointing out the interest that BRP had shown in purchasing the Buell brand, however much to the chagrin of its many fans, Harley-Davidson would not concede in any talks of selling Buell, choosing rather to spend just over 100 million dollars to pack up shop and cling to some sort of lingering pride. Well, that was all so last week. As the old saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way, and Erik Buell and BRP have supposedly come up with a way to make the merger happen. Although none of us are supposed to know this yet, BRP spokesperson Avril Foujour (uh huh, yeah) confirmed yesterday that the press release was in fact official and had been leaked ahead of it's planned April 2nd release date. Apparently they didn't want anyone to think this was some sort of clever April Fools gimmick... oops, I think they got us.

Though all indications are that this may be the World's Most Elaborate April Fools' Joke, let's take a moment to consider just how much effort went into this prank. There's a name for the new company and bike (Stratofortress), an estimated release date (fourth quarter 2010) and plenty of typically boastful press release copy. There's a logo (see above), a Facebook page, Twitter account and even a dummy website. Someone has way too much free time on their hands, no?

See the complete and undeniably fake press release after the break.

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading The most elaborate April Fool's joke ever? Buell and Bombardier (don't) team up for new streetbike

The most elaborate April Fool's joke ever? Buell and Bombardier (don't) team up for new streetbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zero Charges Forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell

Devon Brozek — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Motorcycle, Electric

The Zero DS steps into the spotlight - Click above for high-res image gallery

You may have read our latest report regarding the future of recently canned Buell Motorcycles. Everyone's favorite American sportbike company hit the chopping block a few months back at the hand of industry giant Harley-Davidson, and its cropping of the division has led Erik Buell to forge ahead with his competitively obsessed Erik Buell Racing brand. However, a key player in the now defunct company may have sparked a bright future with another American motorcycle company.

Zero Motorcycles, the little electric motorcycle manufacturer that could, has announced the hiring of former Buell Vice President of Engineering Abe Askenazi. Coming off of a 14-year stretch with Buell, Askenazi will no doubt bring a level of experience and insight to Zero beyond its years. With funding at an all time high and the obvious future in electric vehicles, the transition from combustion to current should be rewarding for both Askenazi and Zero. Click past the break to view the complete press release.

Gallery: Zero Motorcycles Zero DS

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading Zero Charges Forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell

Zero Charges Forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most powerful Buell ever: Staying in the race with the new 1190RR

Devon Brozek — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Racing

It's only been a few months since Harley-Davidson officially announced the demise of Buell, but the gang at Erik Buell Racing weren't comfortable hanging up their leathers just yet. In fact, the newly-released 1190RR may be the first time we get to see the team really show off without any higher-ups to please.

Reading the specs, it clear that you won't run into this Buell at a Riders Edge event. A new version of the Rotax-built V-twin will displace 1190cc and spit out 185 rear-wheel horsepower. EBR claims that through use of high-quality chassis components and good diet and exercise, they were able to reach a fighting weight of 360 pounds (before the 4.6 U.S. gallons of fuel are added to the frame).

The trick race-bred features keep coming, like a full titanium exhaust and valvetrain, multi-plate slipper clutch and straight-cut gear six-speed tranny. Chassis and suspension take the "tune to the moon" approach, with fully-adjustable Showa race suspension, variable rake and, therefore, variable wheelbase. Just off its championship victory in the 2009 AMA Daytona Sportbike series, Buell shows no sign of bowing out gracefully anytime soon. Click past the break to view the full specifications of the 1190RR.

[Source: Hell For Leather]

Continue reading Most powerful Buell ever: Staying in the race with the new 1190RR

Most powerful Buell ever: Staying in the race with the new 1190RR originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buells, getcher Buells! Harley-Davidson implements a bike-finder

Dan Roth — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Motorcycle

Does the classic rumble of V-Twin appeal to you, but find full-dresser's not your style? Buy a Buell. Now. There will be no more, and stocks are dwindling. Despite that, they're not emptying the tank fast enough for Harley Davidson. With the very last Buell ever produced now taking up residence at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum - an unfortunate fate for something that's so glorious to actually use - it's fire-sale time on the 1,300 or so new Buells left. To froth sales, Harley has set up a bike finder to put you on the two-wheeler of your dreams and get your money in its pocket.

Further sweetening the pot are aggressive incentives from H-D to dealers, meaning you're not likely to get a bad deal. Unless you're a chump.

[Source: Hell for Leather]

Buells, getcher Buells! Harley-Davidson implements a bike-finder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Salvation! Buell sportbikes reborn as Erik Buell Racing

Noah Joseph — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle

Buell 1125R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Knee-draggers take heart: following the disappointing news that Harley-Davidson has killed the Buell brand, comes the announcement of its rebirth. Don't go looking for any new street bikes, though; the Buell name will carry on strictly through racing.

According to the announcement, company founder and chairman Erik Buell will leave the Motor Company to head up the newly formed Erik Buell Racing. This spin-off will be supported by HDMC and based at the Buell factory in East Troy, Wisconsin. The racing outfit will likely retain part of the workforce that, until last week, was responsible for assembling the roadgoing sportbikes. Rather than building bikes for public consumption, however, the team at Erik Buell Racing will supply the Buell 1125R to racing teams for as long as the bike complies with current competition regs.

So, while existing Buell retailers will sell off the remaining stock of street bikes, the name will live on (for a while, at least) on the racing circuit. Check out the fresh mega gallery of 1125R images (on and off the track) and the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Buell 1125R

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

Continue reading Salvation! Buell sportbikes reborn as Erik Buell Racing

Salvation! Buell sportbikes reborn as Erik Buell Racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Buell motorcycle assembled in Wisconsin

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Motorcycle

As far as motorcycle manufacturers go, Buell lived a relatively short life. Founded by a former Harley-Davidson engineer in 1993, the sportbike company was acquired by HDMC in 2003. But hard times falling on businesses large and small forced Harley to announce Buell's closure. And now the last Buell has been pushed off the assembly line and into the great wild yonder.

After 136,923 motorcycles built over the course of 26 years of production, the final model produced was the black Lightning XB12Scg pictured above. On December 18, the plant in Troy, Wisconsin, will officially close down, while the existing network of dealers continue to sell off the remaining stock.

Farewell, Buell. We hardly knew ye.

[Source: Motorcycle News]

Final Buell motorcycle assembled in Wisconsin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Harley-Davidson paying dealers extra $5K for each Buell sold

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

In the market for a new motorcycle? Now might be a good time to visit your local Harley-Davidson dealership. Not necessarily for a new motorcycle wearing the classic orange and black Bar and Shield logo - not that there's anything wrong with that, if that's your thing - but for one of the last bikes from the recently discontinued Buell brand.

According to a report from the boys from Hell for Leather, Harley-Davidson is sending a check to each dealership worth $5,000 for every new Buell sold. This knowledge ought to give customers a little extra negotiating power when it comes time to sign on the dotted line, no? Happy shopping!

[Source: Hell for Leather]

REPORT: Harley-Davidson paying dealers extra $5K for each Buell sold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buell will be back? County officials throwing axed HD brand a life line

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle

Could Buell be saved from the brink of disaster by officials from Walworth County in Wisconsin? It seems awfully unlikely, but stranger things have happened, right? Apparently, the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance sent a letter last Friday to Erik Buell in an attempt to put together a business plan for Buell to continue manufacturing motorcycles.

Should Erik Buell be interested in Walworth's proposal, the group will reportedly begin seeking potential investors. For its part, Harley's director of corporate communications said the motorcycle manufacturer is "discontinuing the Buell product line rather than selling the business because of how deeply integrated Buell is into our business systems and distribution network."

Indeed, every Buell made uses running gear from parent company Harley-Davidson, and the offbeat sportbikes are only available in select Harley dealerships. It would be awfully difficult to extract the Buell operation at this point, let alone securing funding for the venture. That said, automakers have sold intricately entwined brands before using agreements that ensure parts are produced by the original owner until the new owner can source its own. In any case, we'll keep our eyes and ears open for more.

[Source: JSOnline.com]

Buell will be back? County officials throwing axed HD brand a life line originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harley-Davidson kills off Buell, will sell stake in MV Agusta [w/VIDEO]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Videos, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle

Erik Buell announces demise of his motorcycle brand - watch video after the jump

Harley-Davidson has just announced its third-quarter results, and things aren't quite as bad as they could have been... but we'll get to that in a moment. The big bombshell is that the Buell brand is being discontinued and the American motorcycle manufacturer will sell off its share in MV Agusta.

Head on over past the jump to watch a video of an obviously emotional Erik Buell breaking the news that his namesake brand has been axed. Buell explains that HD will continue to honor the full factory warranty on his motorcycles and thanks his dealership body and loyal customers for their support over 20 years of producing offbeat American sportbikes. Roughly 180 jobs will be lost within the Buell organization and HD will also immediately begin the work of selling its recently-acquired stake in MV Agusta.

So, back to Harley's third-quarter performance. Revenue from motorcycle sales came to $803.3 million, down 22.1% compared to the the third quarter of 2008. A total of 54,236 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were shipped worldwide, down 27.4 percent. Another $300 or so million was made off apparel and merchandise sales. Full details (and the aforementioned video) can be found in the ridiculously long press release after the break.

Goodbye Buell, we'll miss you.

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

Continue reading Harley-Davidson kills off Buell, will sell stake in MV Agusta [w/VIDEO]

Harley-Davidson kills off Buell, will sell stake in MV Agusta [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buell Blast comes to a crushing end, new entry-level sportbike in the offing? [w/VIDEO]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Motorcycle

2010 Buell Blast ottoman - Click above for high-res image gallery

For whatever reason, Buell's 2010 lineup is nearly devoid of the firm's long-running Blast model. While never overtly sporty, the Buell Blast has always been considered at least a competent motorcycle. The idea had merit: A relatively inexpensive mount with a seat close to terra firma, unintimidating power delivery and easy availability from Buell and Harley-Davidson dealerships all across the country. Still, something always seemed missing from the 500cc standard - nothing, apparently, that a giant crusher couldn't fix.

We'll let Buell's own website tell the story, mostly 'cause we're not entirely sure what's going on here:

The Buell(R) Blast was a cute little motorcycle. It just never made much of a sportbike. But, as luck would have it, it makes a killer ottoman. Or end table. Or art piece. Through an innovative process known as crushing, we've turned a limited number of Blasts into colorful metal cubes, each numbered and signed by Erik Buell himself. Hey, there's no denying the Blast's aforementioned cuteness. But there's nothing cute about racing or riding a sportbike the way it was meant to be ridden.

According to our friends at Hell For Leather, the Blast will soldier on in 2010 with its most of its Buell markings removed, and the little thumper will still be used for Harley's Rider's Edge training program. Now, on to the next logical question: What's Erik got on the backburner as a replacement for the Blast? Click past the break for a video of the Blast's' final gasps and check out the aftermath in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Buell Blast ottomon

[Source: Buell via Hell For Leather]

Continue reading Buell Blast comes to a crushing end, new entry-level sportbike in the offing? [w/VIDEO]

Buell Blast comes to a crushing end, new entry-level sportbike in the offing? [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Buell goes for Fastest Bike on Ice title

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle

Buell 1125R on ice - Click above to watch the video after the break

When Buell launched its new liquid-cooled 1125R sportbike in 2008, the brand that Erik built sent a message to the rest of the motorcycling world that it wasn't playing games any more. By all accounts, the 1125's Rotax-built Helicon V-twin engine is every bit the equal to other modern powerplants from Buell's competitors, and it's more than capable of pushing the machine into extra-legal velocities.

To drive that point home, Buell sent stunt rider Craig Jones (no, not that Craig Jones) to Lake Dellen in Sweden to see how fast he could get his 1125R to go. Wait, what... a top-speed run on a water? It seems that the lake in question ices over for a brief period in the dead of winter, which allowed the team to set up a huge expanse of wide-open space to have some wide-open throttle fun.

Jones' 1125R was specially prepared for the stunt with studded tires and a shot of nitrous. After it was all said and done, the Buell managed to hit 148.7 miles per hour (238 km/h). This achievement very well may be some sort of record, though, oddly enough, nobody seems to keep track of this particular statistic. We wonder why. Click past the break to watch the video. Thanks for the tip, John!

[Source: Buell via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Buell goes for Fastest Bike on Ice title

VIDEO: Buell goes for Fastest Bike on Ice title originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Harley-Davidson purchases MV Agusta, Cagiva

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle

Click above for high-res gallery of the H-D Night Rod Special

Earlier rumors of an impending purchase by Harley-Davidson of Italian bike maker MV Agusta turned out to be spot-on, as the American Motor Company has officially announced the deal today. The total price for MV, which also owns Cagiva, is reported at about $109 million, with $70 million of that sum required to pay off MV's debt. Claudio Castiglioni, who's family had previously owned the company privately, will remain on board and will serve as Chairman. Castiglioni stands to pocket an undisclosed sum in 2016 if he is able to meet certain stipulated profit goals.

This new deal is an interesting one on a few levels. First, HD already owns a sportbike brand, though its Buell subsidiary plays on a very different level than MV Agusta. The influx of cash from Harley should do wonders for MV's current range of sports and naked bikes, and may allow a greater number of customers access to the storied Italian marque. Consider the fact that Buell was a very small player with a number of quality problems before the Motor Company stepped in and fixed the situation. Additionally, the MV Agusta and Cagiva brands carry quite a strong legacy of high quality machines and will lend instant credibility in Europe and America to Harley's sporting credentials. The full press release is posted after the break. Thanks to all who sent this in!

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

Continue reading Officially Official: Harley-Davidson purchases MV Agusta, Cagiva

Officially Official: Harley-Davidson purchases MV Agusta, Cagiva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers sequel roundup: Buell-based fembot, SR-71 and Audi R8

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Supercars, Audi, GM, Motorcycle, Rumormill

If leaked documentation, which you should avoid if you don't want to read any plot spoilers, regarding the upcoming Transformers sequel is accurate, it appears that Mr. Bay may be bringing a motorcycle-based female robot to the big screen. We've heard that the character known as Arcee was considered for the initial film but was discarded so as not to confuse the audience with multiple gendered robots. If the rendering seen above is any indication, though, we'd imagine that Arcee's pinky-purple coloring would get that point across right away. There are two female riders listed on a leaked Call Sheet for the upcoming movie, and it appears that they are to be riding the oddly-colored Buell in the film.

Also revealed in the leak is information that leads us to believe that a certain Decepticon may make an appearance as an SR-71, along with what could either be the shapely Audi R8 or the mystery car we showed you yesterday. If the German supercar did show up, it would end the all-GM lovefest and be rather interesting to see morph on-screen, as well. Consider our interest piqued, as if we already weren't.

[Source: Comic Book Movie]

Transformers sequel roundup: Buell-based fembot, SR-71 and Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buell to offer Ulysses Police bike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:35:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Police/Emergency, Motorcycle

Generally, when you see the boys in blue riding on two wheels, it's either on an air-cooled V-Twin Harley-Davidson or on a BMW road bike. Neither of these vehicles is appropriate when the road goes away, which could cause a few potential problems when giving chase. Buell, makers of the Ulysses, a bike which falls smack-dab into the center of the burgeoning Adventure Touring category, has decided to rectify the potential problem by offering a version of its on-or-off-road machine to the police. Differences between the Ulysses Police and the standard version amount to different standard side cases, a standard tall windshield, heated hand grips (which are available for the standard model as well), handlebar deflectors and an emergency response kit which includes the obligatory flashing lights and siren.

We wouldn't recommend trying a getaway under any circumstances, but the chances of shaking the Ulysses Police with its 103 horsepower V-Twin and off-road credentials seems pretty slim. As a bonus to the officers on board, the EPA rates the machine at 51 mpg urban/64 mpg highway. Seems like a pretty decent package, we'd say.

[Source: Buell]

Continue reading Buell to offer Ulysses Police bike

Buell to offer Ulysses Police bike originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 May 2008 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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