| Author | Message | ||
     Hughlysses |
Thread here: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/406 2/800661.html?1485474244 | ||
| Two_seasons |
So sad to see this happen again  | ||
| Crusty |
. (Message edited by Crusty on January 27, 2017) | ||
| Dannybuell |
The Flight Of The Phoenix... "the legendary bird dies and simply decomposes before being born again." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology) LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION... Automotive Fashion Begins IN Southern California. lots of $$$ & Media Too... Could LA Sustain A Specialty Vehicle Maker? | ||
| Twirlin |
God DAMNIT. | ||
| Surfsofa |
OK, if this is true, what parts do I need to stockpile now before it's too late? | ||
| Black |
Man, I want to cry. | ||
| Rpm4x4 |
I'm also wondering how difficult parts will be to get. With the 1125 firesale we still had HD to get parts from. What can we expect from EBR? Are they stopping production but still selling parts? I'm still considering buying one but I'm wondering if parts will be hard to get, or impossible to get. Makes a difference in what I would be willing to pay. | ||
| Hughlysses |
From the press release:
| ||
| Rpm4x4 |
Yes but for how long. 1 year,3? For 5 years of support and I would be willing to pay pretty close to full price. | ||
| Rpm4x4 |
I'm starting to wonder if it's me. I was just about ready to buy an 1125 when buell shut down. Now that I am ready to buy an EBR, well  . I can't wrap my head around why these things are not selling like hotcakes. So much awesomeness from every angle. I am super bummed | ||
| Twirlin |
Coming from an owner, I can vouch for how incredible these machines are. What a shame to lose them again... | ||
| Twirlin |
 | ||
| Hughlysses |
Just posted to EBR's Facebook page by Dan Hurda:
 | ||
| Twirlin |
Thanks for posting that Hughlysses. That is some helpful information. I plan to attend IMS Chicago in 2 weeks. Any word on if they'll be present? I assume not... | ||
| Hughlysses |
^ I guess it depends if they had to pay for the floorspace/booth in advance. If they did, they may as well show up as it might help them sell the remaining bikes. | ||
| Twirlin |
I reached out to James @ Action Powersports. Sounds like he planned to work the booth with EBR, and that won't be happening. I need to know whether to hang on to any hope. The post from Dan makes it sound like they are hovering until things pick up. Just don't know what to think. right now. Glad to hear that warranty and service parts will continue at least... | ||
| Court |
If I were in the Chicago area I would not miss the IMS show and the chance to thank anyone present from EBR for what they have done. With what seems like a world of folks trying to thwart them . . . they have changed, literally, the world of motorcycling and for better than three decades been the voice of the true rabid enthusiast. I suspect I'll get to write a lot about this but the short and simple version is it's not how many times Erik Buell and the Elves have been knocked down . . . it's the number of times they've struggled, most the times with the money that would have funded Erik's retirement, back to their feet and built motorcycles that were as good as anything in the world. I've known Erik longer than perhaps anyone else here and he continues to amaze me with each day. The motorcycling world, not just Buell and EBR enthusiasts, owe Erik Buell and The Elves a huge debt of gratitude. I hope anyone who can get to the Chicago show does so and says "THANK YOU". I also hope that Homecoming this year is one of the best ever and, with manufacturing winding down, we use the chance to celebrate the fact that we, as Buell and EBR owners, have been treated to one of the best rides in the history of motorcycling. No regrets Coyote . . . . . Court | ||
| Twirlin |
I, for one, will be expressing my gratitude to EBR directly if they are present at IMS Chicago, but also because I am an owner. I can't think of a better way to say "Thank you for what you've brought to the world" buy buying their product, and believing in it. IMS will see me proudly wearing EBR gear, and I hope to see others there supporting them. Homecoming this year will not be missed (I regretfully could not attend last year's). | ||
| Reepicheep |
While I am sad to think that both Buell and EBR may no longer be making bikes, I am happy I found the brand early and got so much enjoyment out of it. My out of pocket costs for a 2000 M2, a 2005 XB9SX, an 07 XB12X, and an 08 XB12XT were about $17000 total. For that amount, I got to ride close to 100,000 miles so far, had a decade of enjoyment and friendships like no other, and the XT is in the garage in showroom condition and the X is in the garage with all the parts to be rebuilt with a new crank and go another 100k miles easy... just waiting to be a hobby project that I will enjoy. $17k for 100k miles under my belt, and another 150k to 200k prepaid and waiting for me in the garage. Tremendous bang for the buck. I only wish I had kept the M2 (at another $3500, my trade in on it) and had another nice and rewarding hobby bike in there. And the 9sx, which I sold for $2800. I wish I still had that one also.  | ||
| Twirlin |
I'm with ya Reepicheep. I wish I hadn't sold my 2006 XB12SS....I miss her. Can't say I'm not happy with my '15 EBR 1190SX though, just wish I had the Buell to keep her company. | ||
| Greest_lightnin |
Sad news. The biggest reason I bought the SX was because the Phoenix rose again. I guess I should have read better into the "L" and the "A" and the "P". OK, I'm an idiot, but I don't regret it. The bike has been bullet-proof, runs like a raped ape, and makes me grin...like a jackass eatin' briars. Didn't Bombardier try to buy Buell when the azzhole shut them down? Hopin', Al | ||
| Court |
If I were you I'd ride the SX and enjoy the hell out of it . . . it's one of the best motorcycles you can buy. The Bombardier family, all 8 of them, have been struggling amongst themselves and outsiders, to retain control and I'm not sure they are really in a buying mood. There was some talk at one times since they had an old, closed and unused plant in Michigan. | ||
| Reepicheep |
You aren't an idiot, you got an incredible bike for the money. If you look at actual warranties, and how many really get used, and how much you really are at the mercy of a dealer to escape them when things go really wrong, and what the actual out of pocket costs are to not do it with warranty, I think most people would be really surprised. I have no interest in a 180HP naked standard, and I have two Uly's in the garage beside an old UJM parallel twin. I need another bike like I need a hole in my head, and can't afford one anyway. But I am 95% certain that it will be me that is looking back in 10 years kicking myself for not buying an SX over the last year. Never has there been so much bike for so little money, and it seems likely that it will be the last of something very special. Go ask a Porsche guy if they would like to go back to 1990 and buy a decent 911 for about $10k, or a nice 914 for $5k. And watch the look in their eyes as they think about it. You are at that moment, and you have the bike. Keep it and ride it and enjoy it. The performance you are getting from your $10k or $15k investment is pretty staggering and completely unprecedented in the history of motorsports, with or without a warranty. | ||
| Dannybuell |
The Phoenix May Rise Again In Los Angeles... https://www.census.gov/geography/interactive-maps. html | ||
| Hughlysses |
^ ??? | ||
| Twirlin |
I'm with Hughlysses......huh?? | ||
| Crusty |
 | ||
| Hughlysses |
California's getting ready to secede anyway. EBR's would become "imported" motorcycles for most of us.  | ||
| 86bgn |
"The Phoenix May Rise Again In Los Angeles... " I am not getting it? | ||
| Twirlin |
We must be missing something....lemme go find some mushrooms, then it'll all become clear. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Maybe he heard Motus is getting ready to buy EBR and he misinterpreted LA as "Los Angeles" when it really means "Lower Alabama". | ||
| 86bgn |
A cross between Motus, and EBR, strait out of Lower Alabama lol | ||
| Greest_lightnin |
"You aren't an idiot, you got an incredible bike for the money." Agreed. At $9995 with 1.9 miles on it, it was a steal. Al | ||
| Dannybuell |
Los Angeles- mushrooms? LOL. Think about it for a moment. The demographics, media, money. Better Weather Than Most Of The Country... The LA area IS internationally known for automotive design, Right? Birds Of A Feather... Google '* design center' * = Honda, Nissan, Toyota... California is the place you ought to be... | ||
| Twirlin |
So you're saying EBR should pick up and move to Los Angeles? I mean, the motorcycle community is strong there, I don't disagree. I'm just trying to decipher if you're saying what SHOULD happen or what you read somewhere WILL happen. Looking for some clarity of thought is all. | ||
| Terrys1980 |
The only thing California has besides tree hugging vegan hippies(minus a few) is technology and surfing. Nothing kick ass high performance ever came out of California besides maybe Tesla. | ||
| Twirlin |
^ Amen Terry | ||
| Crusty |
Maybe EBR should move to Concord, NC? The winters are milder and there are a few high performance engine builders in the area. When Dr. John Wittner used Nascar friends for help, he built a championship winning Moto Guzzi. There are worse places to move to. (like LA, IMO) | ||
| Court |
There was a time, neigh on 1997, when Buell looked at moving . . . I scouted 2 locations . . we held a Buell event at one . . . but it never found traction. | ||
| Dannybuell |
Just putting in my 2 cents on where the people, $$, and media are motorsport crazy.... | ||
| Ratbuell |
Mountains of western Maryland? (and half a mile from my front door...hehe) http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/cascade- town-centre-unveiled-for-fort-ritchie/article_975b cfaa-4849-11e6-a672-cf22441a8690.html Some seriously bad-ass structures on this base. I ride (in nice weather) my mountain bike daily around the grounds for exercise. It's still basically clean-sheet stuff at this point, as far as I know, but they're talking some pretty healthy development. Fingers are crossed... https://www.google.com/search?q=fort+ritchie+army+ base&rlz=1C1TSNO_enUS492US492&biw=1156&bih=638&sou rce=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi9usis4PbRAhWMLS YKHeowAUsQ_AUICCgD http://www.therecordherald.com/storyimage/PA/20160 713/NEWS/160719937/AR/0/AR-160719937.jpg | ||
| Thefleshrocket |
I'll be at IMS in Chicago next weekend. I've never seen one of the 1190s (aside from the RS) in person and would have really liked to have checked one out at the show. I can't imagine EBR will be there, but I'll hope nonetheless. | ||
| Twirlin |
Who is planning to go to Chicago IMS? I, for one, will be going with a small group. | ||
| Greest_lightnin |
"The only thing California has besides tree hugging vegan hippies(minus a few) is technology and surfing." I spent 3 years at Castle AFB. Our favorite description of Californians was quite near a bowl of cereal... "What ain't fruits and nuts is flakes" lol... Al | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
My father told me they said the same exact thing on his naval boat when they came to Long Beach. (During Vietnam) Just saying that phrase is quite old! | ||
| Dannybuell |
The Media IS The Message. A Few polite press releases, trade shows, and EBR gets a mention... California Is Ground Zero for All Kinds Of Media, Right? Those California folks have been leading in aerospace, computers, and automotive science for a long time. There IS enough population in metro LA to fuell an obsessive bike like an EBR... get moved in, settled, and then a Jay Leno's Garage piece... | ||
| Ljm |
I have to say I agree with Dan. I am here today (L.A.), 70 degrees, sun, on motorcycle goes by my hotel ever 3 seconds. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I think California would be ideal from a marketing standpoint, but probably not from a manufacturing standpoint. California isn't exactly known for its business-friendly taxes and regulations. I doubt anyone will convince Erik to move ~2000 miles at this point in his career either. | ||
| Twirlin |
^ That's correct. Why spend money on moving to CA if you're struggling to keep your doors open? Doubt they have the disposable income to invest in a move of that magnitude. | ||
| Rsh |
Doesn't matter how many people on this board rave how great the 1190's are. Some dealers in California still have left over 2014 and 2015 bikes on the floor, they aren't flying out of dealer show rooms. Product needs to move to stay in business. | ||
| Mog |
Rsh is so correct. The EBR 1190RX, SX and Black Lightning are real honest threats to the Ducatis and KTMs, etc. The EBR name just does not have that long false eyelash cachet as do the other super pricey marks. Some nobody would make the CA owner of an EBR feel really small if he/she/it had to actually explain that EBR was American, powerful, flickable, light and second to nothing. If some CA dude or dudette must explain some shiny 'go fast product', then their whole life is ruined. That is why EBRs still sit in showrooms in CA. As for NC, I have a standing invite to EBR and I will be riding Fri, Sat & Sun, here is the weather https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/28401  do not forget The Dragon either. | ||
| Rsh |
Unfortunately a number of people still think some of Erik Buells engineering ideas are quirky. The ZTL perimeter brake usually tops that list. EBR's lack of performance in World Superbike also comes up. Some people are turned off by the styling, fit and finish is also mentioned. Pricing used to come up, not as much lately. The last example being the most pertinent, pointing out the past and possible current business failure. Besides the recently announced halt in production, obviously the other nits are excuses and short sidedness of not being open enough to try something different. It's hard enough to get people to part with their money, add in an unwarranted excuse and it's a no sale. | ||
| Dannybuell |
Could A Factory Showroom Thrive Where Biking Is 24x7x365 ? | ||
| Two_seasons |
Would an on-line only sales model work? Would it then work if there were three physical stores where you'd do a ride/complete the sale? Each coast and the middle, fly in or come with a truck? Would it make sense to have factory authorized service at six existing Rotax dealers? After all, how many exotic car service centers are there around the USA? There are Corvette owners who have their cars shipped or driven (some self) to a dealer who offer fantastic service where, to them at least, it's worth the trip...(thinking Harchelroad Motors). They are located out in the middle of nowhere, yet owners flock to them from hundreds/thousands of miles away!  | ||
| Hughlysses |
Would an on-line only sales model work? This has been suggested several times. Apparently, the majority of states require a dealership in that state for vehicles to be sold there, which kills the idea of internet-only sales. EBR did allow on-line $500 deposits for new motorcycles since LAP restarted them, but apparently the actual sale is still completed through a dealership. | ||
| Ljm |
If you have a GTR in Alaska, the Nissan dealer ships it to Seattle. It could work. |
