| Author | Message | ||
     Buelliedan |
So with the rummage sale basically complete by LAP has it started to sink in that this is really the end of Buell for everybody? I know it has not yet for me. I keep hoping that it was all a bad dream and that we are back in 2010 and HD/Buell are making tons of new bikes with new models already being promotoed for 2011. | ||
| Hughlysses |
It damn sure looks like it, but until Erik publicly announces "That's it; I'm retired" I'm not banking on it. | ||
| Buelliedan |
Erik is 67 y/o. I really cannot imagine him taking on another venture at this point in his life. | ||
| Dave |
Awaiting Chapter 7 ... 8? DAve | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
So sad. I was a later owner, I bought a blast in '03 for a starter bike always drooling over the bigger bikes, even when I was in high school in the late 90s. I finally pulled the trigger and bought a new XB9SX in 2009. Man it was awesome, the dealer floor was loaded with Buell, three or four new 1125s and several of the XBs (XTs, 9, 12, SX, SCG). 6 months and 3k miles later, my bike loses half its value one morning. I'm way upside down on my note w HD finance, the dealer is selling new bikes at half of what I paid for mine. What luck, I was planning a trade on a 12SCG or an 1125 in 2010-2011. Still can't believe it. I won't buy HD ever again just for how they rearended me and every other Buell owner. Total disregard for the customer. I learned then, HD could care less once the check clears. My gray dawn will be on an Indian. | ||
| Airbozo |
It's funny Dan, but I have known 2 talented people now that started new adventures mid to late 60's after successful careers. One just sold his business to try something else and he is now mid 70's. Both shock me with their energy and drive. | ||
| Buelliedan |
I'm not saying that Erik is too old to do it. What I am saying is with all of the "stuff" that the man has been put through these past 10 years why would he want to? He has sacrificed the last 35 years or so to make a successful American sport bike only to have the rug pulled out from under him time and time again. Rumor has it that he would work at least 60 hours every week. I cannot imagine the toll this had on his family life. I really want to see the man be happy and enjoy himself for a while instead of always worrying about how to pay the creditors. | ||
| Jaimec |
That is precisely the subject of a conversation I had with Court last month at the Troy Dinosaur. Remind me to tell you about that some time. | ||
| Daddio |
Williamscottrobertson: "My gray dawn will be on an Indian." If HD pulling the rug out from under Buell was the tipping point, think how many people bought Victories just prior to Polaris pulling that rug in January... | ||
| Glitch |
Difference being, H-D had no intention of keeping Buell owners happy, while Polaris is still very interested in keeping Victory owners happy. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Erik posted this to Facebook last night:
Nice to see him having some fun.  | ||
| Buelliedan |
glad to hear he kept the RW750. | ||
| Greg_e |
I hope he kept a lot more than that. Some of the prototypes might be really interesting. | ||
| Buelliedan |
I would imagine most of the R&D bikes were actually the property of the various companies not Erik's personal bikes like the RW750 was (it was a gift given to him if I remember the story). Being as such I doubt he could keep those R&D bikes as he was not the owner, the companies were. (Message edited by buelliedan on July 11, 2017) | ||
| Tootal |
My racing,(and brewing), partner is racing at Schenley Park this weekend. I'll have to ask him if he ran into Erik. That's a great event to see if anybody's not seen it. Antique race cars flying around a city park trying not to hit the stone walls, curbs and trees lining the street, never mind each other! They call that Gentleman racing! | ||
| Hughlysses |
There were some pics posted to FB yesterday showing Erik looking VERY happy, standing under a small tent with the RW750, an 1190RS and one of the bicycles he designed. | ||
| Court |
Erik has . . . and we did a pretty damn thorough and complete inventory (I took pics . . . much to his chagrin) of what HE owns. My bet is he is happier than a pig in shit to be out of this quagmire. Probably eating Indian food and planning his next move. By the way . . . there are 2 bicycle designs "in the can" . . I'd love to see that happen . . as the proud owner of the first one made. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Here's one of the photos posted yesterday by Sandro Campagne:  | ||
| Greg_e |
Of the two in that picture, the RW is the one I would want. It speaks to me more than the 1190. | ||
| Buelliedan |
Well I already own one of the 1190 RS's so the RW would round out my collection well. I'm just sayin!  (Message edited by buelliedan on July 17, 2017) | ||
| Tootal |
And he's wearing a Ulysses shirt! Love it! I let my racing buddy know but he was loading up and heading out. The car didn't blow up, for the first time in three years, and he took seventh place without a proper tune. Next year will be much better! I wish I would have been able to go. It's a great event and seeing Erik again would have been a bonus! |
