Harley-Davidson, Inc. closes its Buell Motorcycle Company subsidiary
Hoodoo
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
10/15/2009
http://motorcycling.speedtv.com/article/bikes-harley-davidson-shutters-buell/
East Troy, WI
Buell Motorcycle Company officials thanked the company's customers,
employees and dealers for an unforgettable ride, following today's
announcement by Harley-Davidson, Inc. that it will discontinue the
Buell� product line as part of Harley-Davidson's go-forward business
strategy. The new long-term strategy aims to drive Company growth
through a focus of efforts and resources on the Harley-Davidson� brand.
"I want to personally thank all our past and present Buell employees,
dealers and suppliers for their efforts. I also want to thank Buell
motorcycle owners for their support and passion for the brand," said
Buell Motorcycle Company President Jon Flickinger.
Flickinger said a limited number of new Buell motorcycles remain
available for sale through authorized dealerships and production will
wind down by October 30. He also stressed that Harley-Davidson will
provide replacement parts and service through dealerships and that
warranty coverage will continue as normal for Buell motorcycles.
"I will always be proud of what we have accomplished.
It is a testimony to what a small group of passionate and inspired
people can do, and with brilliant innovations, we've produced some of
the best-handling bikes of all time," said Buell Chairman and Chief
Technical Officer Erik Buell. "I personally look forward to exploring
how I can continue to work with Harley-Davidson to bring advanced
product technology to riders.
"I have also had the great fortune to meet and get to know many Buell
riders over the years, and they are an amazing and interesting group of
free thinkers," Buell said. "May you ride with pride into the future.
And may your roads ahead be as adventuresome and rewarding as mine have
been for the last 26 years."
A wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc. since 1998, Buell
Motorcycle Company was founded in 1983 by Erik Buell and produced more
than 135,000 motorcycles. Over the past 26 years, Buell motorcycles won
numerous design accolades and awards, and countless races and
championships around the world, including the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike
championship in 2009.
--
"Think with your dipstick, Jimmy."
Hoodoo
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Buell Saved! Erik Buell Starts New Business Venture for Race Bikes
By Brian Christner
Published: November 22, 2009
http://2wheeltuesday.com/2009/11/buell-saved-erik-buell-starts-new-business-venture-for-race-bikes/
http://2wheeltuesday.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Buell-1125R.jpg
Buell 1125R
Just recently the last Buell motorcycle rolled off the production line
which started a flurry of rumors and speculatiuon on what will happen
to both Buell motorcycles and Erik Buell. Returning back to his race
roots Erik Buell has now moved out of his office at Harley-Davidson
and is opening his own race shop. Erik Buell Racing is an independent
shop that will specialize in helping Buell race bikes continue their
pursuit for the podium.
Harley-Davidson has backed the new business allowing Erik Buell to
continue licensing the race only Buells.
Here is the original press release from Harley-Davidson announcing
Erik Buell Racing
MILWAUKEE (November 20, 2009) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG)
announced today that following the company’s recent decision to
discontinue the Buell motorcycle product line, Erik Buell, Chairman
and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company, will leave
the company to establish Erik Buell Racing, an independent motorcycle
race shop.
Erik Buell Racing will specialize in the supply of race-use-only Buell
motorcycle parts and race preparation services for engines and
motorcycles, and the building and sale of Buell® 1125R-based race-use-
only motorcycles under license from Harley-Davidson, as well as
providing technical support to racers of Buell motorcycles.
“I’m looking forward to helping Buell racers keep their bikes flying,”
said Erik Buell. “We’ve got some exciting race development projects in
the works and it will mean a lot to me personally to see Buell racers
competing for wins and championships in the 2010 season and beyond.”
“I’m pleased that Harley-Davidson is assisting Erik in establishing
this business to continue supporting the racing efforts he has had so
much passion for over the years,” said Buell President and COO Jon
Flickinger. “Harley-Davidson and the Buell Motorcycle Company will
always be proud of their affiliation with Erik, and we wish him well
in this new endeavor to support Buell racers.”
Erik Buell Racing will be based in East Troy, Wisconsin and will be
staffed by Erik Buell and a veteran team of personnel. For more
information, after December 1, 2009, contact:
Erik Buell Racing, LLC
2799 Buell Drive, Unit C
East Troy, WI 53120
www.erikbuellracing.com