EBR closes again...

psych0hans · April 15th, 2015, 02:12 PM

http://www.jsonline.com/business/eri...299863281.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erik Buell Racing closes, files for receivership

Erik Buell Racing, an East Troy motorcycle manufacturer previously owned by Harley-Davidson Inc., has ceased operations.

The company, with 126 employees, also is filing for court protection from creditors, Buell said Wednesday.

Erik Buell Racing is the sequel to Buell Motorcycle Co., which was owned by Harley-Davidson Inc. for more than a decade before Harley dropped the brand in 2009.

Initially, the new company produced hand-built $40,000 sport bikes for road-racing enthusiasts. More recently, it geared up to build a mass-production motorcycle that sells for about $19,000 but has a similar racing pedigree.

Company founder Erik Buell invested his own money into the new venture, followed by backing from Hero MotoCorp., the largest motorcycle manufacturer in India.

The company had been doing well on the racing circuit but struggled financially.

"The turn we recently took, after we thought we were moving forward, was unexpected. We thought we had secured funding, but in the end, we were not able to get the funding in place. Therefore we need to do the best we can under the circumstances for all parties in interest," Buell said in a statement.

The company is closed for now, Buell said, and is seeking protection under a state statute which is similar to federal bankruptcy law. Attorney Michael S. Polsky will be the court appointed receiver at the company's request. Bids will be solicited for the company as part of the Chapter 128 process, with the winning bid to be determined by the court.

"To say this setback is a disappointment does not begin to express what I feel right now. I am personally grateful for the support of our outstanding workers, customers and vendors. While this is a sad ending, I personally hope for a new and better beginning," Buell said.

Alex · April 15th, 2015, 02:15 PM

Ugh, that's too bad. I've owned one Buell (a cheap one), and am unlikely to be interested in another one anytime soon, but it's still a shame that they can't make it work.

Sirref · April 15th, 2015, 02:24 PM

sad to hear

erik buell isn't one to give up though, hopefully he'll be back soon
I assume this means canepa and pegram are out of WSBK?

cbinker · April 15th, 2015, 02:38 PM

its a bummer, its tough to target only one market.

snot · April 15th, 2015, 05:40 PM

Sad news, I like the design of the 1190.

adouglas · April 15th, 2015, 06:43 PM

So what the heck happened with the link to Hero? Thought that was supposed to be a stream of financial support in exchange for design expertise.

Klondike1020 · April 15th, 2015, 07:12 PM

This sucks. I just listened to a great interview of Erik's on satellite radio business channel smart smart guy.

Jono · April 15th, 2015, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adouglas

So what the heck happened with the link to Hero? Thought that was supposed to be a stream of financial support in exchange for design expertise.

Got tired of throwing money at a company that couldn't sell bikes.

http://lanesplitter.jalopnik.com/eri...own-1698051637

This news really doesn't surprise me. I mean, the bike was ugly, and for about the same price you could have a gorgeous Ducati Panigale.

kdogg2077 · April 15th, 2015, 07:58 PM

It's sad that America can't make one mass market sportbike to sell.

backinthesaddleagain · April 15th, 2015, 08:09 PM

Was out at movies with friend who is a multi brand dealer including ebr. He saw it today in cycle news.

fishdip · April 15th, 2015, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdogg2077

It's sad that America can't make one mass market sportbike to sell.

A they make a bike with A shity engine or B its way over priced.

psych0hans · April 15th, 2015, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adouglas

So what the heck happened with the link to Hero? Thought that was supposed to be a stream of financial support in exchange for design expertise.

That's exactly what I was wondering as well... From what I know of Hero, they are well known for screwing people over... Maybe that's what happened? They got what they needed from EBR and conveniently backed off?

Sirref · April 15th, 2015, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psych0hans

That's exactly what I was wondering as well... From what I know of Hero, they are well known for screwing people over... Maybe that's what happened? They got what they needed from EBR and conveniently backed off?

That is exactly what would appear to have happened.

It was a business move on their part, they needed engine designs which erik is very good at so they threw money at him to satisfy him for them. Now they're taking the engines and selling them the exact opposite way erik was, in cheap bikes. Erik's business plan makes no sense without backing from a larger motorcycle firm or building a much higher quality product that destroys the competition, which he didn't quite do yet.

I still have a lot of hope for buell in the future, but his is a very difficult path. With how refined everything is these days to start a new sportbike company from scratch and be at all competitive is amazing. Sure he wasn't winning, but building a bike that could even take points in wsbk was impressive in it's own right.

alex.s · April 15th, 2015, 11:48 PM

damnit!

Alex · April 16th, 2015, 07:29 AM

There is speculation that this is more a financial/liability/paperwork problem to move some debt around, rather than the end of the company entirely. Stay tuned for a couple months to see if it gets reborn in a restructured fashion, still connected with Hero. Time will tell.

LittleRedNinjette · April 16th, 2015, 10:03 AM

I just heard about this. Sucks BIG time. I like Buells/EBRs. My boyfriend has a Lightning he rids and just got a Firebolt to fix up in the hopes of lowering it so i can ride it. He really wants one of the new EBRs too.

I hope Erik Buell can bounce back with something.

Alex · April 17th, 2015, 09:00 AM

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2015/...-buell-racing/

The Red Scourge · April 17th, 2015, 10:27 AM

Wow, this is disappointing. I was born and raised in East Troy, WI and this was one of the few recognizable things about the town. That and Stevie Ray Vaughn dying at Alpine Valley. I could always say I'm from where Buells are built. I can't say I'm that surprised though.

Aufitt · April 17th, 2015, 07:55 PM

Alex · April 17th, 2015, 08:59 PM

That was last time, silly.

Sirref · April 17th, 2015, 09:03 PM

Seriously though, if they decide to dispose of the ebr 1190rx line like that...I'll take a few off their hands to dispose of for them at the track

Aufitt · April 17th, 2015, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

That was last time, silly.

And probably the next time too if US buyers don't buy them.

They are much loved in the rest of the world, apart from the LAMS model abomination.

LittleRedNinjette · April 18th, 2015, 05:33 AM

They got them down to 11k by me. I wouldn't mind a red rx....

liberpolly · April 18th, 2015, 08:43 AM

What if it breaks and you need a part?

Alex · May 15th, 2015, 01:55 PM

Followup article on Jalopnik.

kdogg2077 · May 15th, 2015, 02:05 PM

That article makes Harley look really bad. What does it say about a bike company that their CEO doesn't like motorcycles?

CC Cowboy · May 15th, 2015, 04:27 PM

All I can say is;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q40PrakrvFQ

akima · May 16th, 2015, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

All I can say is;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q40PrakrvFQ

What happened in the corner after 5:02? It looked like he ran a little bit wide and then he did a weird little thing with the throttle. Tiny little revs.

akima · May 16th, 2015, 05:50 AM

Video from Jul 13, 2014 which ends with the statement "It's oustanding just how close these bikes are in terms of performance... and clearly; the battle is just beginning." :/

Link to original page on YouTube.

CC Cowboy · May 16th, 2015, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akima

What happened in the corner after 5:02? It looked like he ran a little bit wide and then he did a weird little thing with the throttle. Tiny little revs.

I believe he might have had rear tire spin and he was just trying to hook it up again.

choneofakind · May 17th, 2015, 04:13 AM

What if Erik pitched his business to Polaris. They seem to be all about the new brands these days. Could work.

CZroe · June 4th, 2015, 01:01 PM

A local motorcycle shop (SMF Cycles) was trying to move up from selling Hyosungs and started working on a new shop that was supposed to open a long time ago. They had a huge setback right before they were supposed to open (and had already closed the old shop) when thieves broke in and stole almost all of their inventory (they had lots of used bikes of all makes and models).

Anyway, they finally opened about a year ago as an EBR Racing dealer with a huge EBR Racing sign on a giant pole like a truck stop might have for advertising prices to Interstate traffic. Giant set-back #2.

LittleRedNinjette · June 4th, 2015, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

What if Erik pitched his business to Polaris. They seem to be all about the new brands these days. Could work.

We're hearing rumors that this may happen... *finger crossed*

April 15th, 2015, 02:15 PM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Ugh, that's too bad. I've owned one Buell (a cheap one), and am unlikely to be interested in another one anytime soon, but it's still a shame that they can't make it work. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

April 15th, 2015, 02:24 PM	#3
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	sad to hear erik buell isn't one to give up though, hopefully he'll be back soon I assume this means canepa and pegram are out of WSBK? __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?

April 15th, 2015, 02:38 PM	#4
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	its a bummer, its tough to target only one market. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

April 15th, 2015, 05:40 PM	#5
snot sammich maker Name: snot Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '15	Sad news, I like the design of the 1190. __________________________________________________ https://www.brocksperformance.com/VZ...0035+C450.aspx

April 15th, 2015, 06:43 PM	#6
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	So what the heck happened with the link to Hero? Thought that was supposed to be a stream of financial support in exchange for design expertise. __________________________________________________ I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

April 15th, 2015, 07:12 PM	#7
Klondike1020 Intrepid Adventurer Name: Josh Location: Rochester/Buffalo NY Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2004 GSXR 750 , 71 cb350streettracker, 07 Polaris Predator 500 Posts: A lot.	This sucks. I just listened to a great interview of Erik's on satellite radio business channel smart smart guy. __________________________________________________ LIFE IS NOT FOR REGRETS OR EXCUSES. Breath deep, seek peace. Embrace the Madness. Life is good, let it be

April 15th, 2015, 07:58 PM	#9
kdogg2077 ninjette.org sage Name: Alex Location: Ebensburg, PA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529	It's sad that America can't make one mass market sportbike to sell. __________________________________________________ "Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine."
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

April 15th, 2015, 08:09 PM	#10
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	Was out at movies with friend who is a multi brand dealer including ebr. He saw it today in cycle news.

April 15th, 2015, 11:48 PM	#14
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	damnit! __________________________________________________

April 16th, 2015, 07:29 AM	#15
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	There is speculation that this is more a financial/liability/paperwork problem to move some debt around, rather than the end of the company entirely. Stay tuned for a couple months to see if it gets reborn in a restructured fashion, still connected with Hero. Time will tell. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

April 16th, 2015, 10:03 AM	#16
LittleRedNinjette Certified Troublemaker Name: Teri Location: Hamilton, NJ Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17	I just heard about this. Sucks BIG time. I like Buells/EBRs. My boyfriend has a Lightning he rids and just got a Firebolt to fix up in the hopes of lowering it so i can ride it. He really wants one of the new EBRs too. I hope Erik Buell can bounce back with something. __________________________________________________ Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better...

April 17th, 2015, 09:00 AM	#17
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2015/...-buell-racing/ __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

April 17th, 2015, 10:27 AM	#18
The Red Scourge ninjette.org member Name: James Location: Asheville, NC Join Date: Oct 2013 Motorcycle(s): '76 Yamaha RD400, '71 Kawasaki G3SS, '88 Honda CBR400RR, '90 Yamaha FZR400/600 hybrid Posts: 138	Wow, this is disappointing. I was born and raised in East Troy, WI and this was one of the few recognizable things about the town. That and Stevie Ray Vaughn dying at Alpine Valley. I could always say I'm from where Buells are built. I can't say I'm that surprised though. __________________________________________________ "When in doubt, gas it!"

April 17th, 2015, 07:55 PM	#19
Aufitt The A Team Name: Aufitt Location: Western Australia Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Z50, CB125, RZ500, MC22, R3. Posts: 394

April 17th, 2015, 08:59 PM	#20
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	That was last time, silly. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

April 17th, 2015, 09:03 PM	#21
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	Seriously though, if they decide to dispose of the ebr 1190rx line like that...I'll take a few off their hands to dispose of for them at the track __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?

April 18th, 2015, 05:33 AM	#23
LittleRedNinjette Certified Troublemaker Name: Teri Location: Hamilton, NJ Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17	They got them down to 11k by me. I wouldn't mind a red rx.... __________________________________________________ Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better...

April 18th, 2015, 08:43 AM	#24
liberpolly ninjette.org guru Name: Poul Location: Seattle Join Date: Jan 2015 Motorcycle(s): 1999 Triumph Legend "Arwen", 2006 Ninja 650 "Matsuo Hotaru". 2010 Ninja 250 "Firefly" - sold. Posts: 338	What if it breaks and you need a part? __________________________________________________ Screw the inscrutable, eff the ineffable.

May 15th, 2015, 01:55 PM	#25
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Followup article on Jalopnik. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 15th, 2015, 02:05 PM	#26
kdogg2077 ninjette.org sage Name: Alex Location: Ebensburg, PA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529	That article makes Harley look really bad. What does it say about a bike company that their CEO doesn't like motorcycles? __________________________________________________ "Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine."

May 15th, 2015, 04:27 PM	#27
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	All I can say is; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q40PrakrvFQ __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

May 16th, 2015, 05:50 AM	#29
akima Nooblet Name: Akima Location: England Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R FI Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '13	Video from Jul 13, 2014 which ends with the statement "It's oustanding just how close these bikes are in terms of performance... and clearly; the battle is just beginning." :/ Link to original page on YouTube. __________________________________________________

May 17th, 2015, 04:13 AM	#31
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	What if Erik pitched his business to Polaris. They seem to be all about the new brands these days. Could work.

June 4th, 2015, 01:01 PM	#32
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	A local motorcycle shop (SMF Cycles) was trying to move up from selling Hyosungs and started working on a new shop that was supposed to open a long time ago. They had a huge setback right before they were supposed to open (and had already closed the old shop) when thieves broke in and stole almost all of their inventory (they had lots of used bikes of all makes and models). Anyway, they finally opened about a year ago as an EBR Racing dealer with a huge EBR Racing sign on a giant pole like a truck stop might have for advertising prices to Interstate traffic. Giant set-back #2.

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