Harley Davidson winds up Buell!

[sondela]

If I weren't a confirmed and enslaved Ducatista, the 1125r would have been my choice of bike.. rode it and thought it was just so right in its own special way... I'm very sorry indeed to know they're going to be left in the past.

[Big Dave]

That or HD plan to diversify the HD brand.

I reckon they plan to use the IP in the H-D brand products.
They may even resurrect the Buell brand in the future.
They own all of it 100%.

Also, diversifying is the opposite of their current strategy.

[Big Dave]

Just on what mystic said there - interesting to note that the XR1200X Sportster is getting close to Buell-like performance. Still a ways to go, but closing.

That's down to EB kit fo sho.

[Big Dave]

*splutter*

Just a thought, Vetter Hurricanes are starting to get pricey.

[Big Dave]

The only other reason to pull the plug on the brand is if it's losing money or soaking up capital.

Hmmm. Prior to the meltdown they had plans for a new factory at Local Government Development Approval stage.

My understanding (not sure) is that the operation was profitable - but I also see the word distraction between the current set of lines.

[nallac]

check out the prices of the 1125's.
Hell pricing on them,Xb's must be more popular as prices are dearer,

http://www.grandrapidsharley.com/oth...&submit=Search

[dangerous]

check out the prices of the 1125's.
Hell pricing on them,Xb's must be more popular as prices are dearer,

of course they are... they be a proper Buell, proof to show the rotax was a cock up as far as most Buellagains go.

[nallac]

of course they are... they be a proper Buell, proof to show the rotax was a cock up as far as most Buellagains go.

having never ridden a 1125 i can't comment weather they are a good thing or not. Gotta be a lot different to the old Harley based vibrator.

[dangerous]

having never ridden a 1125 i can't comment weather they are a good thing or not. Gotta be a lot different to the old Harley based vibrator.

I have... and farking awesome they are to, but ya might aswell have a Ducati or Aprila, cos to ride and listen to they resemble nothing of a Buell. Give me that 'Harley based vibrator' anyday.

[Big Dave]

[merv]

No doubt about it BD, as a bike brand they were different!

[nallac]

Buell have sold quite a few bikes going by that info BD, never knew how popular some of the earlier ones were,like my X1.

[Big Dave]

[Headbanger]

I can't see how the tiny amount of bikes produced would even cover R&D,never mind production.

What a disaster.

[Big Dave]

Disaster is it's not continuing.

Total staff at peak was less than 200. Always been a boutique manufacturer. Made 125,000 vehicles.

I think Harley have achieved largely what they wanted when they acquired.

Heaps of new technology introduced into mainstream Harley science. See comments re XR1200X performance and 28 patents.

They were about to go into an expansion mode before their economy shit itself.

The dirt bike would have been interesting.