I was thinking on Monday, with $1.6B Mega-Millions hanging in the near future.....what would I do with that money? My wife blurted out - "Beach house, Cayman Islands". I said, "Yeah, but then I'd call Erik Buell up and we'd get it right this time."
I understand the frustration and hesitation that the buying public and dealers have with this situation, but let's be honest....the guy hasn't really had enough runway to finish the vision. And if his employees keep coming back to him, who can fault him? Leadership and vision are rare commodities these days.
More posts by EBR online. Gary Hoover posted the following comment that seems to make the most sense: “Just a point of clarification for those who don't know (as opposed to those who just want to talk crap) - LAP owned EBR didn't declare bankruptcy or go out of business. After buying the rights at auction, LAP/EBR made motorcycles from March 2016 until January 2017. In January 2017, they ceased production, but they didn't shut EBR down. EBR still exists as an LAP owned company. They sold off a large amount of the equipment but retained the key rights, technology and ability to make EBR motorcycles. They would obviously like to restart or sell to someone who would restart because they need one of those things to happen to make back the money they've invested to first buy and then continue to run EBR. The recent teasing posts must indicate one of two things. Either 1) they've found an investor or buyer and EBR in some form will begin making motorcycles again, or 2) they are trying to get people talking to attract investors or buyers so EBR in some form can begin making motorcycles again. I don't think there's any other logical way to interpret the posts other than they indicate one of those two things. They're not dead and buried and they're not posting from the grave. There is almost certainly an interest to continue and the key question now is if there is an ABILITY to continue or if money is still required to make that happen. We may never see EBR revived, but these posts are telling us LAP/EBR is trying to make that happen one way or another.”
EBR/LAP would really help themselves if they'd update the EBR webpage to reflect their current state. I don't believe anything has changed apart from the parts page since motorcycle production was stopped. The pages imply you could go into a dealer right now and buy one, which isn't the case except for some left-over 2015 and earlier bikes.
Don't see it happening. EBR does not have the product or the clientele to sustain itself. Millennials are not buying motorcycles. I think EBR would need investment from India or China and build product for oversees consumption, then use that base to support US sales. It didn't work out the first time. Hopefully Pegasus can fly again.
Posted on Wednesday, November 07, 2018 - 06:05 am:
According to his LinkedIn profile, Erik is no longer associated with EBR. He’s currently listed as Chief Technical Officer and co-founder of Vanguardspark, the company that’s developing electric bicycles and motorcycles.
Posted on Wednesday, November 07, 2018 - 07:46 pm:
If Erik is not involved with EBR as mentioned in the post above and with the recent cryptic messages posted on Facebook, does that mean LAP is going to try and make a run producing bikes? LAP/EBR had a 5 year plan and time is not up yet. Strange world.
Posted on Wednesday, November 07, 2018 - 10:57 pm:
quote:
'That was the curious incident,' remarked Sherlock Holmes.” “How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?”
New guy here this is as good as anyplace I figure. In the process of buying a XB9SX.
Jeez would that be great for EBR to get up & running again! The chinese/india/foriegn idea is the only that truly makes the most economic sense. Buell grew w/ the Clinton gangbusters economy and crashed w/ the Dubya Dipshit administration f'in everything up.
I will NEVER sell my Buell. I'll be homeless sleeping under my XB9 before I sell it.
The build and parts quality between the Buell brand and top of the line Hiya-"bussee" is like night & day. EBR reminds me of the Tucker Car Company. A helluva good movie too. Check it out.
Glad to be here among bikers who know what true quality motorcycles are. It ain't about hp (it doesn't mean sh#@ in the MC world) or 0-100. Its American quality that a jap or even WOP bike can't touch.
(Message edited by Xb9sxvtwin on November 23, 2018)
(Message edited by Xb9sxvtwin on November 23, 2018)
(Message edited by Xb9sxvtwin on November 23, 2018)
(Message edited by Xb9sxvtwin on November 23, 2018)
It kinda looks like EBR is dong some type of production run. From Facebook: “Erik’s elves are working hard to surprise the good girls & boys! What is on your Christmas wish list?
The fastest American Superbikes, designed by Erik BUELL Racing.”
Update on Facebook this morning regarding recent posts:
quote:
The question was asked... are you guys building New bikes or not?
They responded:
Following... because this was a good question. EBR’s team is very thankful for their passionate fans. When EBR does an actual press release it hits top news sources across the globe. Contrary to some ideas, it takes an entire team to be able to build an American superbike that is fully licensed for 50 states & capable to complete on the racetrack. EBR is still in business, we have supported our dealers & riders from our home office at the same building in East Troy, with a very quick parts operation in Michigan, & our superfans can see (if you look closely) these photos are not from 2017 in East Troy. There will be news coming in the next couple weeks once EBR has the proper package of information to release. For now we hope the real fans can enjoy (& hopefully not melt) when they see some of the teasers and photos we are sharing. Please keep in mind there is a team of people who care deeply about EBR and they remain positive with their support to continue to put these American Superbikes on the road & track. We appreciate our fan’s & riders continued passion & support! Ride Fast & Ride Safe!
In pic's and the short video posted on Facebook, the bike's being assembled are not on a typical assembly line. Looks like the bikes being assembled remain in the same static location (background not changing) with parts being wheeled over to the assembly lifts. Maybe LAP is making a go of it.
Marked/sold as 2018 models, there won't be very many of them in the current production scheme of things. The factory as we knew it doesn't exist any longer from what I know (not much really) other than a front office being manned (womaned?) by Kim. I *believe* these were being built in Michigan at LAP's warehouse. Can't prove it one way or the other, that's just my guess on it.