Harley Davidson winds up Buell!

**slowpoke** · 16th October 2009, 04:49

From www.superbikeplanet.com:

Buell Motor Company Folds
by staff
Thursday, October 15, 2009
There have been rumors for weeks that Buell would not re-open after the current shut-down. It appears that those rumors are true.

BUELL OFFICIALS THANK CUSTOMERS, DEALERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR UNFORGETTABLE RIDE

BUELL OFFICIALS THANK CUSTOMERS, DEALERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR UNFORGETTABLE RIDE

EAST TROY, Wis. (Oct. 15, 2009) - Buell Motorcycle Company officials thanked the company's customers, employees and dealers for an unforgettable ride, following today's announcement by Harley-Davidson, Inc. that it will discontinue the Buell® product line as part of Harley-Davidson's go-forward business strategy. The new long-term strategy aims to drive Company growth through a focus of efforts and resources on the Harley-Davidson® brand.

"I want to personally thank all our past and present Buell employees, dealers and suppliers for their efforts. I also want to thank Buell motorcycle owners for their support and passion for the brand," said Buell Motorcycle Company President Jon Flickinger.

Flickinger said a limited number of new Buell motorcycles remain available for sale through authorized dealerships and production will wind down by October 30. He also stressed that Harley-Davidson will provide replacement parts and service through dealerships and that warranty coverage will continue as normal for Buell motorcycles.

"I will always be proud of what we have accomplished. It is a testimony to what a small group of passionate and inspired people can do, and with brilliant innovations, we've produced some of the best-handling bikes of all time," said Buell Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Erik Buell. "I personally look forward to exploring how I can continue to work with Harley-Davidson to bring advanced product technology to riders.

"I have also had the great fortune to meet and get to know many Buell riders over the years, and they are an amazing and interesting group of free thinkers," Buell said. "May you ride with pride into the future. And may your roads ahead be as adventuresome and rewarding as mine have been for the last 26 years."

A wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc. since 1998, Buell Motorcycle Company was founded in 1983 by Erik Buell and produced more than 135,000 motorcycles. Over the past 26 years, Buell motorcycles won numerous design accolades and awards, and countless races and championships around the world, including the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike championship in 2009.

ENDS

**Elysium** · 16th October 2009, 05:04

Wow sure didn't see that comming. I don't like Harely's at all but if forced between a Harely or a Buell, I'd go for the Buell. Would've thought they'd just get rid of MV instead and keep Buell.

**BIG DOUG** · 16th October 2009, 05:27

yea mv is going to,I liked buells a cr1125 in the garage would be good.

**banditrider** · 16th October 2009, 06:52

Another article here: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...m5KzQD9BBI6IG0

**banditrider** · 16th October 2009, 06:55

And Erik Buell on video here: http://www.buell.com/en_us/

**NordieBoy** · 16th October 2009, 07:24

Bugger

http://www.buell.com/en_us/

**Mom** · 16th October 2009, 07:31

Oh, nooooo! Now that is a sad thing to hear.

**dangerous** · 16th October 2009, 07:39

Ok... so Erick Buell has released a short vid re Buell, but what about MV?
Harley own both buell and MV and for what ever reason as far as I know they are floding the Buell and MV side down, surley not bote bike names have excelled of late dosnt make sence to me, either there is a new owner in the mist or the storys arnt accurate.
Anyone have further info on this?

**Big Dave** · 16th October 2009, 08:26

I think NZ and Aus have only felt the edge of the GFC.

From the people I talk to online, things are really bad in Wisconsin. The everyday folks are hurting and the anti-Obama-ism is rampant.

I think they (Buell) may have shot themselves in the foot with the re-branding they have just gone through too. Very poorly received by their existing customer base.

Shame - I like the Buell people and the product.

**NinjaNanna** · 16th October 2009, 08:45

Not a good week for Buell owners - first the proposed ACC levies, now questions regarding the medium/long term availability of parts!!!!

Week from hell really - hope things really don't come in three's what could be next!!!!

**vifferman** · 16th October 2009, 08:48

Originally Posted by dangerous

what about MV?

HD still own MV, but are looking to sell it. They're just waiting for a favourable offer.

**nosebleed** · 16th October 2009, 08:53

Just got the latest SUPERBIKE this week and the first page is the editor talking about the DEcrease in biker accident stat's in the UK.

Further in is a 'positive' review of the Buell 1125CR.

I'll keep reading and find out what's gonna happen to us next.

**Big Dave** · 16th October 2009, 09:47

I have the HD press release online

http://krnewsroom.blogspot.com/2009/...-strategy.html

**Edbear** · 16th October 2009, 09:55

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I think NZ and Aus have only felt the edge of the GFC.

From the people I talk to online, things are really bad in Wisconsin. The everyday folks are hurting and the anti-Obama-ism is rampant.

I think they (Buell) may have shot themselves in the foot with the re-branding they have just gone through too. Very poorly received by their existing customer base.

Shame - I like the Buell people and the product.

Wot he said!