| Author | Message | ||
     Rocketsprink |
“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.” Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I don't like the line in this quote Harley-Davidson and the Buell Motorcycle Company will always be proud of their affiliation with Erik. In a strange way, it almost seems to me like they are planning to reopen BUELL minus Erik. I know H-D owns BUELL. It just sounds weird. | ||
| Xl1200r |
It does come off a bit weird, but if they quoting someone's speech, a slip up like that isn't unreasonable. And to top it off, Buell is technically still in business - at a minimum until Dec 18 while the plant is still "open", and possibly longer depending on how HD handles the parts and service contract stuff. So I don't think stating that Erik is leaving HD and, by Default, Buell Motorcycles, is all that alarming. | ||
| Paw |
I do not think H-D can use Erik Buells name...They may own the right to the patents and all that stuff but not the name Buell...Besides if they would H-D would just re-badge it. If they would do that who in there right mind would buy one? You would have to be out of your mind to buy and H-D sportbike. However there is a part of me that want H-D to get into that maket so Buell can kick the living shit out of them on the racetrack!!! (Message edited by paw on November 21, 2009) | ||
| Steve_mackay |
IT would not surprise me if HD starts up Buell without Erik. It's not a secret that Erik isn't well liked by HD management. But I still don't see it happening. | ||
| Bads1 |
I would say they do own the name Buell when it comes to motorcycles. What they don't own is Erik Buell when he puts his first name infront of it. | ||
| Court |
>>>It just sounds weird. Don't read anything into it . . those statements were done in haste in the closing hours of a very intense and busy week. Think past "Win-Win" and you are overextending. | ||
| Mndwgz |
OK. Thinking past "Win-Win" to Barracuda II-Barracuda II. | ||
| Rubberdown |
Maybe Erik just wants to focus on racing and racer's needs. Everything else is just to pay the bills. | ||
| Midknyte |
Guys, recognize a bone when it's been thrown. This is very good news. Not perfect. But good. | ||
| Oldog |
A couple of years back Flick ( Mr Flickenger ) came to TWO and spoke to a group of Buell owners. He took questions, and spoke to the Group ( there for MB5 ) at large about the then plans for the future, I specificaly ask about support for the tubers, He said that they would for the forseeable future continue to support them, Granted there have been a few issues but they (Buell / HD) did Just as he indicated, I have been able to get parts for my X1 up to now, He "Flick" seemed to "get it" I have to beleive that in time if the answers ever come as to the real WHYs We will find that he was in Eriks corner, I will at least think that untill Court, Erik, or Flick say other wise ... I have hopes for a future "Phoenix" motor cycle, sold by dealers that "get it" EBR maybe the spark that starts that fire, we can hope... | ||
| Court |
Mr Flickinger Flick is a stand up guy, very smart, honest, no nonsense and has ALWAYS done exactly what he said he'd do. If Flick says it . . you can take it to the bank. I hold him in VERY high regard. In addition, as has been discussed, he's a REALLY good rider. He got lots of points in my book when the Honda guy got pissed when Flick stuffed him in a corner at Mid-Ohio. Jon Flickinger is top drawer people in my book. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
I'm not hanging Jon Flickinger out to dry. There are just many ways that statement can be interpreted. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Rocco, I wouldn't put too much into Jon's statement because from what I've seen, he's been a true "stand up" guy for the Buell Motorcycle Company and he's always been in Erik's corner from a manufacturing standpoint. Steve, I also think that at some time in the future, Harley will again start building Buells, otherwise it would be the crime of the century to waste all the innovations to the Buell motorcycle to just drop it with-out selling it. Way too much money to loose for ANY company!!! | ||
| Rubberdown |
Points for stuffing another rider?! Was it a race or a track day? |
