meant to say, “within the moto world (especially motorcycles), it would be difficult to argue that companies do not want to compete in the peformance category.”

Seriously – Within the moto world, it would be difficult to argue against the notion that companies don’t want to compete in the performance category. Most engineers have that desire at some point in their career.

Look at the early days of the HD/Indian rivalry. It was all about who was faster.

All I am saying is the performance drive seems to be lost at HD, especially if it were not for Buell (who is still dissed by so many “faithful”).

How many HD models are based on the same platform, selling to the same type of buyer or riding style? Not good when the market fluctuates and generation tastes change. I’m not suggesting to replace the entire line of excellent, cool models. Some of the HD faithful have a strange sense that if HD adds a certain model to the lineup, then that will begin to dilute the brand. Thankfully, GM doesn’t think that way because then we wouldn’t even have a performance car built in this country.

Awhile ago the magazines reported HD hired a talented new Manager to take the VR1000 racebike program to the next level…many readers, riders, & moto journalists had a lot of hope in that news. The next thing we know, HD scrapped the whole deal. Maybe that old news wasn’t the real story

It will be interesting to see what happens with the current rider – fast forward to 20 years hence….

a cruiser or a sport tourer?

Buell will be HD’s saving grace if the market swings to the sport tourer segment more than the cruiser.

The prime time to buy Buell may have passed. In some respects that is a shame, because an American company with deep pockets and courage, could have really taken them further, faster. No offense to the HD faithful & employees that read this fine site. I’m just tired of not having a mass produced performance motorcycle from the States. Its bullshit. BMW – good going.

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2008/01/21/2008-buell-ulysses-xb12xt/

My guess is that they won’t do the S3T style sport tourer again. The StreetRod did poorly enough not to “tourify” something like that, either. Lots of more functional (really!) FXR/FXD variants have come and gone.

Ducati dumped their sport-tourers as well. Those used to be BMW’s primary niche, but they are looking elsewhere.

Considering the size, weight, and popularity of Kawasaki’s and Yamaha’s big sport tourers (forgot the latest alphanumeric strings), I cant help but wonder how a V-Rod powered purpose designed S-T would do. Or big 3 cylinder Rotax, if Buell isn’t taking that road anymore.