Erik Buell Racing has closed the doors and is filing for receivership, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. After being closed down by Harley Davidson, it looked like Erik was back on his feet and Erik Buell Racing was doing well, but perhaps that was only on the track.
I'm actually surprised, I thought the Hero partnership had placed them on solid footing, evidently not. This is truly sad.
The company is closed for now, Buell said, and is seeking protection under a state statute which is similar to federal bankruptcy law. Attorney Michael S. Polsky will be the court appointed receiver at the company's request. Bids will be solicited for the company as part of the Chapter 128 process, with the winning bid to be determined by the court.
todd says
He’s probably still under contract with Hero for future development. EBR may not be part of that agreement and Eric may have been running it on his own (and maybe some inverstor’s) dime.
-todd
Paul Crowe says
That could be, not many details available yet.
Yeti2bikes says
Shame he couldn’t make it work. As a Buell owner I was rooting for him.
Paul Crowe says
In this economy, it has to be difficult for a small company to manufacture a product of the size and complexity of a Buell motorcycle at sufficient profit to keep the doors open. Larger companies have the cash flow from other product lines to keep going until it catches on, Buell, not so much. The market for motorcycles like the Buell isn’t growing, either, so you’re trying to take customers away from another company. That’s a battle for the big guys.
Erik has had a rough road and the motorcycles he made are testament to a lot of determination and hard work from everyone involved, but time and money ran out.
Chris Danielson says
What a road Mr. Buell has traveled! From the Barton engine etc. ’till now has been amazing……..
Never write this man off!
scritch says
On the other hand, Larry Pegram states that the EBR Racing team will still be able to lose for the rest of the 2015 racing season.
Agitprop says
I have far more respect for racers who show up at the track than I have for trolls who post on the internet.
Slowtire says
I guess all of the people that said they would buy his bikes, didn’t! What a surprise.
Meehawl says
Global financial crisis + small, niche market company with expensive product = workshops gathering dust
The equation is as old as capitalism, surely.
Justin Belshe says
Every Moto American should read the excellent interview with Bruce Belfer at motorcycle.com