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
info@erikbuellracing.com
- Erik Buell Racing Sell First Race Bikes To European Team Erik Buell Racing has sold its first race bikes,...
- Buell Motorcycles is Going Out of Business, Erik Buell Confirms – Video After a dreadful third quarter financial result by the...
- Buell Announces 2009 Racing Contingency Program Buell Motorcycle Company today announced its 2009 Racer Appreciation...
I am very pleased to see that Mr. Buell has not been kicked to the curb, but it’s difficult to see how trying to keep a fleet of aging racebikes running means that he is “back”. Back would mean continuing to race AND to develop new bikes. I can’t tell for sure from this article, but I really hope to see new bikes emerge and not just warmed over 09 models. Good luck Buell! I still want to see a competitive American sportbike.
I am hoping that the Race shop will eventually grow into something bigger down the road. Let’s see what Erik Buell can do with this new venture.