| Author | Message | ||
     Hughlysses |
I'm sure there are a lot of unknown legal issues here- what kind of "non competition" agreements have Erik and the Elves signed, how much of "Buell" is the MoFoCo going to hold on to, etc. But from a technical standpoint, what can Erik do once he gets back on his feet? The loss of HD support means no more XB engines and no dealer network, but AFAIK virtually every other part on a Buell motorcycle is produced by an outside supplier. Frames, wheels, swingarms, switchgear, suspension, etc. Rotax is certainly still in business of building engines. For that matter S&S produces Sportster-style engines that I'm sure could be adapted to XB type bikes. From a technical standpoint, it seems 95% of what's needed is a place to put bikes together. Can Buell resume production in a barn again? TWO things MAJOR things Erik DOES have now that he didn't have 26 years ago: (1) A loyal following and (2) the internet. What do you think? | ||
| B00stzx3 |
We'll follow him till the end. Even if he produces inline 4's I'll buy em and ride em. All we need is the engine, frame, swingarm and ZTL patents. | ||
| Texastechx1 |
he could make "buell" ballerina shoes and I'd still buy them. because I KNOW they would be that good. | ||
| Xl1200r |
The issue is not who will make the stuff, but who has the right to. HD likely owns many of the patents on those parts. Unless someone can buy all that from them, Buell may have to start from scratch with a new bike to get going again. | ||
| Limitedx1 |
^^^ if thats true then the original contract sucked! so erik signed over all his patents and got 2% of the company just to sell a bike in their store? doesnt make sense unless eriks pocket is so fat its touching the ground | ||
| Hughlysses |
Mark- I'm sure that's the $1M question. I'm hoping Court can chime in on that. I better post in "Court in Session". | ||
| P_squared |
Just pure speculation on my part, but here goes: HD is selling MV. HD is closing/discontinuing Buell. Why not sell? Could it be HD has a long term plan to possibly attempt to resurrect the company at a future date? Since they own 98% and Erik owns the other 2%, it's hard to say, without knowing the details, of what intellectual property belongs to Erik vs. what HD "owns." That will have an impact on the next steps I'm sure. Since Erik is not under contract to HD, that will also have an impact on next steps. On the plus side, if Erik decides to go it alone/separate from HD, he’ll have another chance to start over fresh instead of fighting the bureaucracy which took 25 years to bring the 1125R to life. I have to believe that a man who has a 200 year plan, and is only 26 years into that plan, will find a way to make lemonade out of lemons. I trust the sun will rise tomorrow also, which is why I’m keeping my chin up about this whole deal, so will look at this as a new opportunity for Erik and Buell motorcycles. | ||
| Tpoppa |
Penske is fresh off the Saturn deal falling apart. I hope they take a long hard look at Buell and MV. I'll bet they could strike a good deal on suspension bits. | ||
| Swordsman |
This is just me being cheesy, but if Erik starts another company and can't use the Buell name/patents, he outta' call it Phoenix Motorcycles! Kinda' fits with the mythological imagery of the Pegasus, and has all that rebirth stuff going for it. ~SM (Message edited by Swordsman on October 15, 2009) | ||
| Hughlysses |
Just checked, all the patents I can find are assigned to "Buell Motorcycle Company" or "Buell Motor Company". I suspect that means that HD owns them. On a brighter, more interesting note, I did run across this patent application showing an 1125R type motorcycle with an underseat radiator: http://www.google.com/patents?id=87qxAAAAEBAJ&prin tsec=abstract&zoom=4#v=onepage&q=&f=false Maybe this was set for 2011? | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
I dunno, it was filed in 07. | ||
| Koz5150 |
I would like to see an Erik Buell designed Victory sportbike. They have the dealer network, the American image, and access to the right powerplant technology to build a true sportbike. No reason to be held to the V-twin engine. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
I hope EB comes down with Favre syndrome and wants to stick it to his former employer. | ||
| Court |
Nearly all the above information is inaccurate. | ||
| Swordsman |
Ah, good 'ol Court! Always good for a few vague and mysterious non-answers!  ~SM | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Maybe now we can get out from under HD's thumb and finally get a dirt bike ! sorry, I know, bad slicker, no mud for you. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
MV is for sale??? Hmmmmmmm. Now who do we know that could use a motorcycle company?? Hmmmmmmmm | ||
| Hughlysses |
Court posted some updated/interesting info here: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=17&post=1605755#POST1605755 HD explains why they are NOT selling Buell but ARE selling MV Agusta. |
