| Author | Message | ||
     Hughlysses |
According to several news sources including Reuter's: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/01/hero-erb -idUSL3N0F714V20130701 Apparently EBR will work with them to sell Hero motorcycles in N America and Europe as well. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
The fastest way to get the price down is to get quantities up (or to price them close to break even or below to gain market share until quantities increase). The financial backing of HERO could go a long way toward providing the manufacturing quantities to allow EBRs in the garages of mortals. | ||
| Hughlysses |
A few more financial details in this article: http://www.rttnews.com/2143742/hero-motocorp-to-in vest-in-erik-buell-racing.aspx?type=maa | ||
| Jaimec |
I sure hope they don't screw him over like those idiots at Harley Davidson... | ||
| Patches |
http://www.heromotocorp.com/ | ||
| Hootowl |
As long as Erik retains a controlling interest, it'll be fine. | ||
| Sifo |
I wonder what they plan on selling in the US. Viewing their product line, I don't see much that fits the US market. The biggest thing I saw with a quick view of their lineup was a 223 cc bike. That's an undersized beginner/commuter bike in the US. I sure hope there is more to their plan. You need more than a weak beginner bike and an overkill super bike to entice dealers to provide floor space for your product line. | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
we've been down this road before and yall are all still complaining about HD... | ||
| Chauly |
I've spent the past couple of Saturdays reconnecting with the roots of modern US motorcycling;  It got me to thinking about what mass-marketing of motorcycles that are truly a universal utility vehicle. Consider that Honda and its licensed subsidiaries in 15 countries have built 60 million of this bike, plus the clones and knock-offs such as this one. 110 cc, 4-speed, automatic clutch, broad flat seat, luggage rack, basket(!)on the front, 80 mpg, disk brake. OK, scooters are too small/slow, most MC's are larger than this, but hey, 60 million??? That's a lot of people deciding it was right for them. Maybe it's time to meet the Nicest People on a H---ero? | ||
| Reepicheep |
Cool! Could be a great partnership. An insanely light 223cc barely street legal enduro machine for $3k new could probably do well. It would be a great first bike, and a fun play bike. Kinda like a KLR-250. | ||
| Teeps |
Sifo Posted on Monday, July 01, 2013 I wonder what they plan on selling in the US. Scooters? | ||
| Sifo |
An insanely light 223cc barely street legal enduro machine for $3k new could probably do well. Is 330 pounds insanely light? I'll leave that to you to decide. I have no problem with bikes in that class, but they don't exactly sell like hotcakes in my area at least. I don't know where the $3K price came from. It's hard to buy a basic scooter at that price. Scooters? Is EBR a scooter company? Not that there's anything wrong with that.  | ||
| Chauly |
The 110 Daehan in the pic MSRP is $1695. The weight is just over 200 lb... And it's not a scooter. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I didn't take the "selling bikes in North America and Europe" to necessarily mean existing HERO models. Although, I'm sure the distribution would be welcomed, EBR doesn't really have a robust dealer network at this point in time. Now if one were to look at where Buell had had the greatest market penetration, it would be the United States and Europe. | ||
| Bads1 |
It'll be interesting to see what happens long term. 50.2% is not a lot of control. He had more with HD in early years. (Message edited by bads1 on July 01, 2013) | ||
| Ljm |
Being the paranoid b@stard that I am, I could see a buy out, etc. But who knows? If it brings the EBR production bikes to the market, that part is at least good and will keep the existing 1190rs's from being orphans, which is good for some of us. At this point, they are hurting for a dealer network but hard to open one without something other than the flagship bike. So, if it moves the proccess ahead, all good. As far as little bikes, I am wrestling with selling my klx 250. Don't really need it but it an absolute kick to ride. I would think that at the right price, the market would be huge for small, economical, fun bikes. | ||
| Hughlysses |
From what's been posted since Hero and EBR became involved last (?) year, Hero wants to build bigger bikes for the Indian market. I'd think EBR wants to eventually introduce smaller bikes. Maybe bikes from the two companies will eventually meet in the middle somewhere. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Why not? EBR sells Hero scooters here in the us, Hero sells EBR "big bikes" in India. I made up $3000, based on the fact that I bet they sell that same bike for half that non US. Granted, that's optimistic. Like this: http://www.heromotocorp.com/en-in/impulse#  For $1500 or so. | ||
| Hootowl |
"It'll be interesting to see what happens long term. 50.2% is not a lot of control. He had more with HD in early years." True, but HD owned something like 98% eventually. That's a strong controlling interest. And, if my figuring is correct, it's 50.8% ownership that he will retain. As long as he has over 50%, his shares will always outvote everyone else's shares, and he will get his way. Besides, it sure looks like Hero's goals are in alignment with EBRs. Can't say that about HD. Does anyone seriously think he'd let someone else run roughshod over him like that again? "When you dance with an elephant...you get your toes stepped on" I believe was what he said. | ||
| Chauly |
Erik was screwed from the get-go in the Faustian deal with H-D. Even though he nominally had just over 50% in BMC, H-D wholly owed the Buell Distribution Corp that was BMC's sole customer. Erik could build the bikes he wanted; they just wouldn't place them in the dealers or promote them. (Correct me if I have this backwards or upside down...) | ||
| Milt |
I don't think there is a big market for 1190cc sport bikes in India - yet. | ||
| Fast1075 |
Reportedly Erik Buell said the Honda Cub was technologically brilliant in it simple design. The latest version of the Cub (not available here) is fuel injected. I still have a 1983 Z-50 (same engine minus the electric start) that is 100% original in the engine department other than the o-rings for the cam caps, spark plug, air filter and fluids. I have no idea how many hours are on it. Still cranks first kick every time. | ||
| 86129squids |
Fun fact: Soichoro Honda got started as a small engine/lawnmower mechanic. That is supremely cool to have that Zfiddy from the 80's... somehow, you GOTTA bring it for a Fiddy "race" in the future! I'm an 80's bike ho. | ||
| Brumbear |
I knew this would happen I said it would over a year ago. I guess thats it, there goes the resale there goes my desire to own a Buell. CR for sale any takers? I'll take $4500 cash or I'll moth ball it and give it to my kid. | ||
| Ridenusa4l |
can someone tell me why exactly, in anyway this is bad news??? Erik still has majority, thats all that matters, and this is still Erik we are talking about here, he is American to the bone and will never compromise on quality nor performance. This shouldnt sway anyone from buying an EBR and it should in no way have an effect on the resale of any of our bikes. Oh internet banter lol Jake | ||
| Brumbear |
It is what it is I am out. | ||
| Brumbear |
When your $20K 1190 is being made in India and don't give me that no way BS it will be and they start bombing in sales cause the QC sucks look at Range Rover a dollar a mile 100K throw emout. I aint up for it I am going Triumph or Kawasaki. | ||
| Ridenusa4l |
There is NO way EBR will ever be made in India, EBR and anything Buell related will be, and always has been made in the USA and to think that Erik would take away American jobs is irrational and disrespectful. IMHO Jake | ||
| Madduck |
There does come a point in life where you realize you've accomplished every significant goal and yet another 10 year push is beyond your energy level. Erik has to be pushing 65 pretty hard with a record of accomplishment that is incredible. Mastering the transition to a less hands on approach, others doing the heavy lifting will be his next challenge. Most real geniuses never get there. | ||
| Hootowl |
Well, except for the XB frames. And controls. And wheels. And... I don't think there is any such thing as a mono-country vehicle any longer. Well, not for vehicles made (assembled) in the USA. But Buell and EBR both have a track record of sourcing things locally when they can, and moving it onshore as manufacturing capability becomes available. I don't have any doubt that they will continue to do so. |
