Author Name
Michael Curry
Author Bio
Michael has been riding street motorcycles since 1975. He's owned and ridden everything from Hondas to Harleys with a preference for spirited sport-touring riding.
Michael is a Roadcarvin.com co-founder and serves as chief editor, scribe, staff photographer, and other things.
The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows kicks off the season this weekend in San Mateo, California November 18th - 20th.
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I've used these on my bikes for years. I keep a couple under the seat, in the storage compartment of the rear cowl.
Most cheap ...
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TWO AMERICAN ICONS REUNITE TO SALUTE THE FORCES OF GOOD Harley-Davidson® and Marvel Studio’s Captain America Join Forces to Defend Freedom
On July 22, Marvel Studios releases ...
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2011 Models Announced
7/27/2010 update: H-D announces three new models for 2011.
It's that time of year again: collecting the latest information about the upcoming 2010 Harley-Davidson models.
7/25/2009 update: H-D announces 9 new models for 2010.
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Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca - A Look Back. Laguna Seca has undergone many changes and safety updates since 1957. The infield was added in 1988 to extend the track from 9 turns to 11 turns and from 1.9 miles to the current length of 2.238 miles to meet FIM regulations.
I ...
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Track day road test impressions of the 2009 Buell 1125CR and 1125R We rode the 2009 Buell 1125R and 1125CR models at the Buell Inside Pass Track Day at Infineon Raceway. Though our main focus was on the track riding sessions (and the track itself), we learned enough about the ...
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, Canon EOS 50D, or other other Canon digital cameras.
Harley vs Buell
It's a shame when a large corporation buys your company, and then closes you down a few years later. Too bad HD can't read the handwriting on the wall. A modern, innovative product like Buell was their future. what is HD going to do, when all the gray beards who have kept them going the last decade, are too old to ride or dead and buried. The younger generation has no interest in HD's clunky old product line.
YOUR STATEMENT
the old grey beards never die, harley has been solid 4 over 100 years. u got to be kidding, BUEL? cool. but harleyMC will be strong beyond your lifetime
I seem to recall a bailout
I seem to recall a bailout by the Federal Government already once in my lifetime of Harley Davidson. Slowly they are succombing to an assemply plant only as there parts are made overseas. They are not making any engineering changes and with the sellout of being truly American made even the grey bears will lose interest. Buell was a statement and cutting edge in many areas. They were definetly poised to do something great.
Don't sell! keep R&D in
Don't sell! keep R&D in house... Economy rebounds in a few years and they come out blasting again...
If Buell was Harley's future
If Buell was Harley's future then, it was a bleak future. I've worked for several Harley shops, and I have to say; I'm not sorry to see Buell go. Buell bikes, are extremly prone to breaking down. The parts were cheap, and they really can't keep up with a zx-14 or other bikes in their class. Erik Buells biggest contribution to Harley was his help building the v-rod which isn't a fast bike, but none the less a good solid bike that rarley has any issues. Marketing Harley's and Buells in the same shop was never going to work. Two demographics in the same shop..."Geezers/hard core cycle purists" vs "young punks, and those who wanted to buy a Harley but didn't want to abandon the young appeal" Harley has supplimented their marketing strategies since with their dark custom line. I'm not sad at all the Buell is gone. The xr1200 is twice the bike the 1125r ever was or would have been. Harley nor it's shop workers will ever miss Buell. Good-bye spirited and free thinkers! We won't get choaked up like Erik. Peace!
RE; Buell
Fine, you don't like Buell, but at least get your facts straight about the XR1200... it's simply not in the same league of performance as the 1125R. The XR1200 is 100 pounds heavier and 50 HP down from the 1125R. But you're right, the XR1200 has shinier pipes. And a ZX-14 will mop the floor with both of us.
The "young punks" (that includes me, I guess) just want a decent v-twin engine in a frame that can actually go around corners without grinding off hard parts. The XB with the old Sporty engine did that for me great, the 1125 even better.
I for one hope Erik Buell bounces back into streetbikes after 2011 when his non-compete clause expires.
"The xr1200 is twice the
"The xr1200 is twice the bike the 1125r ever was or would have been"
Really..that is sort of an apples and oranges comparison. In competition there is no comparison, look at the times posted for the respective races last season.
No really
"The xr1200 is twice the bike the 1125r" is apples to oranges comparison, yes they are both motorcycles but the design, target audience and length of the development cycle are not at all comparable. Its would be much the same as comparing the lap times of the current Harley spec racers to the times posted by a 1125R. they won't be even close. That is not to say the Harley spec racers suck just that they are different bikes. Apples to Oranges.
I am not agree with you... I
I am not agree with you... I am a big HD fan and I have always dream of riding one and of course it would be popular against the next generation. HD is having its own value which wouldn't going to change with changing time. Harley Davidson India
HD and Buell
It will be a sad day once the Buell factory is closed. Buell was finally getting into the modern superbike game. I had just sold my RC51 to get an american made sportbike but now that I hear Buell is going to be no more it makes me sad... I will still buy that 1125R I was looking at though :P
I too think it's a shame
I too think it's a shame that Buell is shutting down. But, your wrong about interest in HD waning. There is plenty of interest in HD from gray beards and youngsters alike to keep HD afloat. And remeber there will be more gray beards to relace the ones who are dieing off. :)
Buell
In my opinion, Buell never was all that. They didn't have the old skool appeal of Harley-Davidson, and they certainly were no threat to the japanese sport bikes that are out there. So what real purpose do they have? Maybe as a beginner bike for someone who's skill level isn't up to 'Busa level. Other than that, they never really fit in. Sure it was kind of cool to ride a sport bike with a Harley motor. But that's like of like putting a fake ram air hood on a vehicle. It may look cool, but it doesn't work and you're gonna get smoked anyway.
Harleys aren't going anywhere. Sooner or later every one grows up. When they do, they buy a Harley.
Comment from a real motorcyclist
The Hayabusa isn't a bike for people with riding skill; it's a bike for people who lack riding skill. It's a slow-handling pig of a 570+ pound bike for people who ride in a straight line and twist the throttle. You don't see guys who buy top-notch sport bikes like Ducatis, MV Agustas, Aprilias, and, yes, Buells considering Hayabusas.
The Buell 1125R and 1125CR are among the finest sport bikes made for the street. They are very fast (146HP at the crank, 375lbs. dry), have an incredibly wide powerband, don't have to turn crazy-high RPMs on the highway, have better flickability than 600cc Japanese bikes, and, if you are racing, can be built to put out 175rwhp (185rwhp with an 1190cc kit).
But that's the difference between Buells and Japanese sport bikes: Buell built street bikes that can be run on a track, while the Japanese build track bikes that can be ridden on the street. That's an important difference: The fastest track bike is seldom the fastest street bike (and vice versa). Everything from the Buell's ergonomics to the flat torque curve is optimized for high-performance street riding. Even the engine size and configuration was chosen with no consideration of fitting it into some existing racing class.
Your comment about how "every one grows up" just shows that you haven't. People can be "grown up" an want a bike with sophistication and performance, like a BMW, Honda Gold Wing. Even those who want an American V-Twin might be more interested in the better-engineered Victory line.
My biggest concern in buying my two Buells was whether Harley would still be in business to provide parts for them. I remember the 50% tariff on Japanese bikes over 700ccs that was levied to keep Harley from going bankrupt in the 1980s. Since you're obviously not very in-touch with the motorcycle business, I'll tell you that Harley's problem is an aging demographic. The average age of Harley riders is going up -- disturbingly. It's even to the point where Harley has introduced a trike for some aging would-be riders who can no longer balance or support the weight of a motorcycle. Harley owners are starting later and buying fewer motorcycles throughout their riding lifetimes. Harley has lost the Hells Angels bad ass image and is now seen as a choice for white-collar pretenders and for "returning riders" (old people who have not ridden in decades). Bikes like the 883 Sportsters, which make less power than a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter, has helped cement the image of Harley as a brand for people who really aren't serious riders.
buell
I‛ve never liked the looks of the buell but thats just me‚ when I bought my 2010 fat boy lo there were a few people talking about the shut down‚ hd does have to cover the new bike sold that have outstanding warrenty though‚dont know what they would replace them with if a new one was needed though?
Buell 1125R
After riding one for more than 140 miles in one day of twisties and highway,
I must have one!!! Sweet bike! And I thought that I didn't like Sport bikes?!
This one is excellent!
H-D is making a BIG mistake in stopping Erik!
I will never be interested in anything else sold under the H-D banner.
Yes, I have also ridden the XR1200R and V-Rod.
They are Boring!
Ride This One
Yeah right. There are so many things that make up the overall "Harley". I've been riding since 1968, and yes I guess you might call me a "gray beard" and I've never ridden a sport bike, but I know with my race tuned FXDB I could dust most of the 4 cycle rice Grinders. Suzuki 1800, no problem. I'm going today to pick up my new CVO Fat Bob. If all one wants to do is wheel stand and show off, then a sport bike is for them, but don't come off saying us guys have "one foot in the grave" and don't know performance.
Buell
It is a shame. They finally seemed to get it right with the 1125R. Too little too late? If Harley was smart they would integrate a few of the better/more popular Buells into their own product line. In other words put the Harley name/logo on the bike. Just a thought.
Do the Right thing, Harley
I'm a Harley rider, and as a Harley rider, I've been a little annoyed that there have been Buell riders bashing Harley . . .
. . . but I also see their point. I've always seen my bike as more than just a bike. It's a statement, it's a symbol and that symbol isn't: "Take all your lawyers can get for you and screw the little guy."
Harley doesn't represent me with their actions. If I was on the board, I'd sell the rights to Erik Buell for $1.
Let him do something with it if he can.
You're one of the good guys.
Buell was a division of Harley. We bought well over 100,000 Buell motorcycles at Harley dealerships. Harley shut down Buell and gave us the finger, telling us, in effect, that they aren't interested in having us as customers. So, yeah, we're kind of bitter about that.
Imagine how you would feel about Honda if they bought Harley Davidson and then shut them down some years later, refusing to sell the manufacturing rights to anyone.
But you're right: Harley should sell the manufacturing rights to Erik Buell for $1. Limit him to the Rotax engine and other future engines not derived from, or sourced by, Harley. Maybe even stipulate that he not build any more bikes with air-cooled V-twins -- just to distinguish Buell as not being related to HD any longer.
HD is idiots
They are complete idiots. HD will fold into oblivion eventually. Buell was the best thing going for HD. Who wants to ride a bike like thier sitting in a lounge chair???... or holding thier arms up in the air like the karate kid??? (answer: Old people and apes)
Even though the new 1125 was crotch rocket...they were designed and built in america and AND was Vtwin... A N D won the AMA championship!!!What more can you (fellow americans) ask for? WE BEAT RICE!
Made a big mistake.....
....in not appreciating the fun factor in the 1125R. Picked one up during the recent fire sale....I should have done it sooner!
No B.S. there - 1125R rocks
I got a chance to ride the Buell 1125R and 1125CR at Infineon and I have to say those bikes kick ass. Here are our 1125R and 1125CR first impressions.
BUELL'S are stll alive and will once again thrive just ride one
It is a true shame when corporate America chooses to trim the fat but they did it before sharpening the knife. This may have not been a big money making venture for Harley at present, but once the economy rebounds they would have won a big chunk of the market.
All it would take is for those potential bike buyers to ride a BUELL and they would see the difference. I am not a close minded Bike enthusiast as I have owned many different Makes,Models,Sizes,Styles... And this Buell XB12X has been one of the most fun bikes of all. Not to mention the amount of torque I am getting with a few performance mods.
I am now looking for the 146hp 1125 street BUELL as my next addition to my motorcycle collection.
"GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MY AMERICAN BUELL"
Buell - and MV Agusta
The crisis and economic recession must really have hit Harley hard and taken them by surprise. Especially when you think about them buying MV Agusta (LOVE those bikes by the way!!) and Buell - hope there's a new buyer for both brands - would REALLY hate to see them go into oblivion :-(
There were buyers for Buell - and Harley would not sell.
Harley refused to sell Buell -- despite there being serious buyers willing to pay a pretty penny for the Buell name, designs, manufacturing rights, and patents.
They claimed that they were doing this for financial reasons. That was a lie. If they were doing it for financial reasons, they would have sold the valuable Buell name and intellectual property (which HD will never incorporate into any Harley). This was a vindictive, spiteful example of corporate political infighting; it was motivated by a few people in Harley who wanted to settle a personal score with Erik Buell. They would rather lay off 180 Americans employed by Buell right before Christmas than let Buell continue to make motorcycles -- for any company.
harley vs buell
My boys give me guff about having a buell and never riding anything else except buells. I have to say ..from..experience that harley was wrong for closing them down. they should have gave them their own distribution network so they could have their own shops and not hog dealerships. most buell customers feel alienated by the techs when we need parts for our bikes and I ,with all this will buy an 1125r and a firebolt again (crashed one ) low sided on antifreeze in the road surface. I own a thunderbolt s3t and if you know anything about bikes this thing rocks hard. The shame of it is that the parts were slightly inferior which was why Eric made the xblade fuel frame and if you rode a sorted bolt you know what thats like. Harley pissed on Eric by not letting him have the vr1000 motor after some silking out by Eric would have chased every body back to the drawing boards like the firebolt did, forcing mass centralization on the world, but enough sucking this guy off. I give him the props he deserves because as an engineer he has few peers as a racer he had few and as a designer even fewer.
BUELL
Put a decent motor in the frame like a DUCATI MOTOR.
Buell's 1125 is one of the
Buell's 1125 is one of the best v-tvins out there
with the 1190 kit it will smoke the 1198 R Corse any time
Ducati 1198 R corse 180 hp 134nm on crank
Buell 1190 R 185 hp on rear wheel
Only the ducati desmo v4 can beat that and there are only 1500 made worldwide
Otherwise you have to compare the 1125 to the 1198
1198 134 hp
1125 146 hp
what is harley thinking
Harley davidson cruiser's cost's to much money for today's world.I thought buell's older bikes would have made great sportsters,see my problem is harley riders have turned sportsters into ape hanger cruisers,and there not there sportsters.(PS)there on the right track with the XR1200,but it lack's a rear seat,well a rear seat you can sit on.
Harley Davidson and Buell......
From a European perspective, Buell should not have been sold in Harley dealerships, two completely different markets and potential customers. While it is true that it's extremely rare to see a Harley rider under 55, this is as much related to the cost of the bikes as to the image. Other manufacturers like Triumph and BMW have had the same problem in the past and made a deliberate investment in new models designed to appeal to younger riders. This Harley has failed to do and I believe the golden years of strong sales and big profits are now gone. A switch over to some new Ducati Multistrada-type lighter cheaper models with European-style modern looks as part of their range would start to revive interest in the brand from younger 30+ riders. Come on, Harley, lets recreate the Easy Rider days of a cool brand.
Buell Motorcycles.
Buell motorcycles was doing very well with the Harley-Davidson company.
In October 2009, Harley-Davidson announced the discontinuation of the Buell product line.
The Motorcycles were very good.
I think someone should take up that company.
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