EBR Closes / Bankruptcy

[s0dhi]

http://www.jsonline.com/business/erik-buell-racing-closes-files-for-receivership-b99481936z1-299863281.html

:(

[fishxb12]

Nooooooo.... thay really sucks.

[streetfighterx]

WHAT?! After that C-Net article earlier today I thought EBR was doing fine...

[noone1569]

I'm hoping this isn't true =(

[Enemy Zero]

Sad, sad news. Unfortunately they bikes were just not selling. The dealer here in Vegas told me they sold 1(!) the entire time they've had them. I wanted to see bigger and greater things from his company. I just think too many people saw the prices as steep and it was scary to buy that deep into a newly established company.

The people I know that have them, love them and cherish them. Hold on to them people.

Wonder if there will be a fire sale like the HD/Buell one.

[Cosworth]

Im really hoping this isn't true as well... Guess we'll just have to wait and see if anything actually comes of this.

Of course we all know there's nothing but truth on the internet right?

[burgandy25]

I wonder how this will affect the EBR store. I.e. the EBR ECMs and the 1125 oiling rotor parts. Hope they will continue support for those of us who have yet to get a hold of them.

[heagachongoose]

I'm really hoping this isn't true as well... Guess we'll just have to wait and see if anything actually comes of this.

Of course we all know there's nothing but truth on the internet right?

Yeah.... Honestly I have been suspecting something along these lines would happen...I have been hearing things from all over the interwebs... Hopefully this is just some sick joke. But if not, hopefully Buell doesn't sell his soul to hero and end up in another HD'esque situation.

[thrstrmech]

bummer...did Hero pull out? they invested 25 million into EBR...maybe Rotax will come aboard since they wanted to buy Buell from Harley back then? crap, crap, crap:(

[buellerchris]

Papers will be signed in 20 minutes. This is no joke folks.

[Cosworth]

^ I don't like you anymore. [sad]

[heagachongoose]

IDK.....


I wonder what would happen if we started a go fund me for EBR? If every bueller donated it might make a difference.

[noone1569]

IDK.....


I wonder what would happen if we started a go fund me for EBR? If every bueller donated it might make a difference.

I already donated 18,999$

[streetfighterx]

I wonder what the inner workings with Hero were like? There was the whole thing with people saying Hero bike were gonna be sold through EBR dealers and that never happened.

Then the fact that the $50 million valuation Hero put on EBR in 2013 was way too much.

[noone1569]

My guess:

EBR files for bankruptcy against creditors (mainly Hero), goes into receivership.

Hero purchases EBR from receiver.

Hero Motorcycles USA is launched.

[heagachongoose]

^ yep. And in total control.

[noone1569]

^ yep. And in total control.

You don't become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world by being stupid and investing 50million in a fledgling company.

[djs2k2]

You have got to be kidding me!

[thrstrmech]

more concerned with what now in support of the motorcycles sold? would it be like the HD contract for Buell? guess it's too early to speculate until pen meets paper.

[djs2k2]

Can we get some clarification on this sick April fools joke! "I pray"!

[wolfo68]

Is this why I can't get the damned thing licensed

[Mope]

Sad, sad news

[Cooter]

Sounds a lot like corporate re-positioning. But it sucks. It's a bad rep for a company that depends on it's name. Being an American company, it's you and me that pay the cost[sad]

I will keep my eye out for a fire-sale on an SX though. Because "My hypocrisy knows no bounds":p

[konarider94]

Because "My hypocrisy knows no bounds"

hah. I hear you on that. I'd label myself as an opportunist though. Realistically I cant justify $17-18k on a new bike. Im a used motorcycle buyer. I know somebody has to buy these things new but I cant bring myself to do it.

[gbalias]

maybe he couldnt pay his taxes.

the timing is sh1tty

[Cosworth]

Not sure if its just my computer but just tried to go on EBR's website and its not working.

[heagachongoose]

Website content is gone.... I was just on the site an hour ago.

[Cosworth]

Same here, I had ordered a ECM monday.

[303xb]

Ebr website is offline

[stamen]

dam it!! :(

[DesertDog]

I've been having a bad day and this just made it much worse.....

[user_deleted]

word among the few east coast dealers who are/were franchised for EBR motorcycles is two-fold:
1-at original MSRP of $18,999 there was no demand.....period. marquee match-ups such as ducati, aprilia, ktm and bmw in that price range were established and recognizeable. EBR not so.
2-recent price-point entries by kawasaki/honda/indian/suzuki/yamaha made competition incredibly cut-throat and truth be told all 5 big players offer a hell of alot of bike in the $9999 range. EBR never did.
3.the death-knell for EBR and downward dealer spiral began with the $4000 price cut several months ago. it soiled EBR's reputation...was impossible for dealers to explain it away....and left the impression that the bikes were unsellable among consumers.

[snrusnak]

He needs to just get out of running his own business, he's obviously not able to do so lol. Sucks as I'd like to see him succeed, but I don't think you'll ever see much more from him in terms of his own company.

[djs2k2]

Talked to a dealer today asked if the bikes would go on sale? They said as of now no they are still $17999.00 and that they haven't been informed yet about how the bankruptcy will work meaning that it could just be a restructure!

[WayneBrettzky]

Hal's in Wisconsin has them advertised for 15k... Too bad I need a truck more than a 2nd bike. And I'll never trade my xb, NEVER!

[WayneBrettzky]

Spring clearance

http://www.halsebr.com/fckimages/SPRINGCLEARANCEEVENT_FLYER_0401_15.pdf

[RossLH]

Any meeting that Erik starts with "Today is not a good day" is not a good meeting.

If anyone in the area wants to do some riding, I have some free time in the coming weeks.

[burgandy25]

I hope the products under the EBR store stay available for some time. The rotor, brake mounting hardware and such are not offered at other places. It would be nice for those to stay available.

[djs2k2]

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/17165_20150415203215_L.jpg

[Burts Bird]

NOoooooooooooooo!!!! Its gone! I thought they were doing so well!

[williegoat]

The EBR website is displaying the default page for an unconfigured Apache.

[stamen]

Sounds similar to what happened with Brammo and Polaris if anyone followed that one, also a recent event.

[RyanExtra]

Maybe some one will buy them. Sounds like Hero pulled out completely.

[rchuff]

It's to sad to talk about. [sad][sad][sad]

[Gloomshadow]

this is a hostile take-over. it has to be. Pawan Munjal will buy the other half of EBR during the auctions and he would have total control, and the rights to the 1190... and the dealership network.. then the HX250 and Hastur come to the US with EBR badges on the tank. Hero has the money, they had a record breaking quarter last quarter.. looks like Munjal didn't get to where he is by playing Mr Nice Guy. Then he hires Buell back as a chief of engineering of certain products and Munjal owns everything. OR.. everything just becomes "HERO".. Im tellin ya, this is "gangsta ****"

[burgandy25]

this is a hostile take-over. it has to be. Pawan Munjal will buy the other half of EBR during the auctions and he would have total control, and the rights to the 1190... and the dealership network.. then the HX250 and Hastur come to the US with EBR badges on the tank. Hero has the money, they had a record breaking quarter last quarter..Â* looks like Munjal didn't get to where he is by playing Mr Nice Guy.Â* Â*Then he hires Buell back as a chief of engineering of certain products andÂ* Munjal owns everything. OR.. everything just becomes "HERO".. Im tellin ya, this is "gangsta ****"
Gloom- I thought I read elsewhere that Hero pulled out completely? This left EBR high and dry and then lead to this? Either way I hope that you are correct and Hero steps in but from the proceedings it sounds like everything is going to auction.

[stamen]

gloom I think your spot on, sadly :( (def. gagnsta **** lol).. But there's still one important thing left in the puzzle. I don't think Erik just wants to just suck it up and get hired as a Chief Engineer and be told what to do. Hoping someone steps in and helps (hopefully someone with a lot of money doesn't want control of his company). BTW here's some more background info on Hero, the article gives some good background on the company. After reading it things are starting to make sense. What do you think? http://www.gizmag.com/hero-honda-battle-buell/30727/

[BuellyBagger]

Not to minimize the gravity of this whole deal, but now what will I do if my ebr em craps out. In the case Hero isn't just taking over and they end up liquidating the company. Or any of the rest of you that have invested a lot more than $350 in ebr parts and the few of you that bought those sweet bikes. Poo

[burgandy25]

Yeah I think we would all like to see Hero buy them outright if it means keeping his bikes/engineering out here. Even rebranded as a Hero it would give the "name" of a bigger brand since Hero is such a large global presence, even though we have not have Hero here in the U.S. Fiat is a big name and has been years since its been on our shores, maybe the Hero name/brand can get large in bike sales here.

[generalcuz]

I already struggle to find parts for my 1125cr at times. Just got it back last night from a fork overhaul. Had to wait three weeks for it. I would love to buy an SX or RX amidst what will most likely be an onslaught of dealer fire sales, however finding parts for something so rare when it goes south could be a death blow. The original MSRP was too rich for me but man it's tempting for a price closer to $10k. Still, the parts issue, especially with the induction system. Didn't someone already have problems with theirs and sell it?

Really sad to see this whole thing go down. I have been riding my 1125cr for four years and love it. She is a good little beast but pricey to maintain nonetheless.

[Cosworth]

Eh a little googling can find the parts. Fork seals for the 1125 can be had for 20 bucks tyd.

[wolfo68]

I think the issue was that Hero wanted to buy controlling stake and Erik said no so they left and are forcing his hand through legal means.

I could see Hero buying it and rebranding the whole thing.

[stamen]

I wonder how much the company is worth.

[djs2k2]

A trillion dollars!!!!:p

[RossLH]

On the bright side, my bike made the front page.

[Mope]

He certainly sounds like there's already a plan in place "I personally hope for a new and better beginning". Remember the Buell closure video? It was awful. This doesn't have the same feeling, does it?

A parting thought on Wisconsin receivership......"A major reason lenders and purchasers of troubled companies use Chapter 128 is that the statute and case law expressly allow the receiver to “pass to the purchaser good title, free and clear of all liens.� The sale orders are similar to those issued in Bankruptcy Court and reassure the purchaser that it will not be burdened by the debtor’s past problems."

[Cooter]

Hmm. I wonder if we could split the cost. Whats 25 millions divided by BuellXB.com members?? Add BadWeb and just pitch in a few hundred thousand a piece:D

[Mwstevenson]

The turn we recently took, after we thought we were moving forward, was unexpected,� Buell said in a statement. “We thought we had secured funding, but in the end, we were not able to get the funding in place. Therefore we need to do the best we can under the circumstances for all parties in interest.�
So this is a bit of the article in Cycle World, do you think the funding he is referring to is Hero? If it is then WTF, the race team has been running a couple of seasons now with Hero plastered all over their stuff, how could they back out now?

[s0dhi]

I tend to agree with some of you that have suggested the Hero is going after the whole thing. Erik may not have wanted to give up control initially when the deal was struck. Hero probably backed off providing that Erik meet certain milestones (sales figures, Hero introduction to US market, etc.) When Erik did not meet those milestones, Hero pulled their backing. Now Hero is in a position to take the whole operation, if they desire.

I still want an 1190RX. I wouldn't hesitate picking up a Hero 1190RX when/if they do hit the Canadian market.

[jetlee]

Hmm. I wonder if we could split the cost. Whats 25 millions divided by BuellXB.com members?? Add BadWeb and just pitch in a few hundred thousand a piece
It's actually quite interesting how this math panned out.

There are 20,490 BXB members. Add in some guys from BadWeb and BRO to bring that number to 21,000. Then $25M/21k= $1190/ea

[thrstrmech]

too early to decide on anything...it's just been hours since the **** hit the fan and speculations are flying left and right. give it some time to let the dust settle, this affects both parties involved...Hero and EBR, much deeper than we all know at the moment.
stay calm...we've survived HD's crap and believe we can survive this as well.

[mrlogix]

^^ wow, I would be willing to do that

[sparky300]

Hoping someone steps in and helps

Polaris? Weren't they interested in acquiring Buell but HD wouldn't play ball?

[djs2k2]

Yeah I just want to hear from the man himself!

[Tbone]

Anyone hear if Rotax has any interest in buying them? Wonder if that would be a good thing?
Thought someone mentioned they were interested in purchasing Buell at some point. Hope this ends well some how? I cannot afford a new bike, but if I could I definitely would have been interested in the never released AX, or a used AX, which looks like it may never happen?

[heagachongoose]

There are 20,490 BXB members. Add in some guys from BadWeb and BRO to bring that number to 21,000. Then $25M/21k= $1190/ea\

Oh the irony.


I don't think anyone besides hero will touch it. Even then they may let it rot until Buell is willing to sell patents and rights for cheap just to get by. I've got a feeling that this situation is more malicious than we would think.

Companies with money only want more money. They don't care what it takes to save or obtain. Hero is set up right where they want to be. About to tear open a gateway to US wallets in a grand fashion. For much less than it would have taken if they had played nice.



But. If polaris would step up. That would be cool. Or FORD (http://corporate.ford.com/annual-reports/annual-report-2014/index.html).

[wolfo68]

Does Ford still have deals with HD?

[heagachongoose]

As far as I know they are a parts supplier for HD. Which just puts them in an even better position to take on their own Motorcycle division.

[GregoXB]

What happened to, "Fiercely Independent?" Seemed like he learned his lesson, but forgot it the very next day.

Coming to the market with a superbike was also not the best decision. All he needed to do was to look at his sales from Buell. Then he should have asked himself "What sold the best?" Ok, let's make more of that.

[user_deleted]

and i was betting the new EBR adventure bike with full luggage was going to be bitchin'

[BuellyBagger]

and i was betting the new EBR adventure bike with full luggage was going to be bitchinI was too as my uly's new baby brother

[snrusnak]

^lmao. talk about (forced) irony

[djs2k2]

Well I will say that Buell is an amazing motorcycle builder/creator/innovator, but the worst business man/decision maker!

[Gloomshadow]

Right now, Buell's half of that company could be bought for pennies on the dollar... right where Hero wants it. Without Hero's cash-flow.. Buell's part in that company isn't worth squat. Watch Hero take EBR for pennies. Hero will then approach Buell and ask him "wanna design some EBRs and Heros? .. we could use a good guy like you." That's whats coming next..

[arikam]

I called the Pensacola dealer. They say 14,999 is the bottom price and it's possible the banks will repo all that are left. If they drop to 10k $ I'll buy 1. I'd like to get the sx but either one would be cool.

[moshaholic2]

Was really positioning myself to pick up an SX in the next couple months.

If there is a fire sale, Ill jump on it. (Picked up my new 09 XB12ss when HD dumped them).

Fingers crossed for a HERO buy out. Its a great bike. But, racebikes dont support companies. The 100,000's of scooters, dirt bikes and comuter bikes do (or the car compant that owns you)

Race bikes are show pieces for companies. A "look what we can do". Not something to prop you up.

Good luck Erik! Hope to see you still involved!

[08herobolt]

I agree with previous posts about Hero. In my gut I feel like they did this as advertising for their brand in the US and will try to rape and pillage everything EBR and Buell had. This looks really sketchy to me. I hope it's not true but it smell funny. I would love to see Polaris get involved.

[Gloomshadow]

EBR is probably better off under control of Hero, hate to say that but EBR needs an entire industry behind it to really make it happen.. EBR is too weak to survive on its own against the Big 4

[JustinMT]

Perfect timing.... just picked up a stock pipe to have made into a Drummer and send in my EBR ECM tuned for my Hawk to be re-flashed to the Drummer tune. Just my luck.

[Mope]

That's what the forum is for........especially during this, ahem, temporary void in service. I'm sure someone has the file you need.

[303xb]

Prices dropping

http://m.cycletrader.com/dealers/Flemington-Yamaha-Kawasaki-Polaris-2978336/listing/2015-EBR-1190SX-112946742

[thrstrmech]

wow, $11,499

[djs2k2]

I wish!!!! Maybe if they cost that much from the beginning they would be selling like hotcakes that's a lot of bike for the money!

[antivenom]

how about this we started Kickstarter fundraiser or when this fundraiser sites to help with Erik Buell racing I'm pretty sure everybody that's a fan with a pitch in a few dollars

[heagachongoose]

Prices will drop more. And then skyrocket when ebr is bought out. Once it hits 8k I am bringing one home.

[djs2k2]

Someone said once it hits $10k the banks will repo before letting the dealers sell at that price!

[303xb]

What "banks"? The bikes are mostly floor leased through GE via EBR. With EBR out of business, GE will come after the dealers for the bikes (which they paid about 12k for). My guess is, they will take the loss and start selling for 9-11k. If they drop below 10, I'm snagging one.

[BuellyBagger]

Hey if anyone needs to unload a nice 1125r for cheap to go snag a 11 90 let me know! :D

[JustinMT]

Just confirmed that Drummer is now offering ECM tunes for I believe $180.

Thank God.

[mriulvr]

Hey if anyone needs to unload a nice 1125r for cheap to go snag a 11 90 let me know!Â* [up]

[jetlee]

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2015/04/team-hero-ebr-says-it-will-finish-wsb-series-despite-closing-of-erik-buell-racing/


Team Manager/rider Larry Pegram is telling the press that the Team Hero EBR WSB squad should be able to complete the 2015 WSB championship series, despite the troubles that have led to the closing of the manufacturer Erik Buell Racing as reported Wednesday. Pegram rides in the championship with Niccolo Canepa.

The Team Hero EBR effort has shown significant improvement of late. Canepa, for instance, scored the team’s first point of the year and reached Superpole 1, last weekend. Reliability issues also seem to be improving, as both team riders finished each of the races last weekend at Aragon.

It appears the team is receiving funding directly from title sponsor Hero Motocorp, rather than relying on funds from the distressed Erik Buell Racing. The series continues at Assen this weekend.

[thrstrmech]

another article of EBR Racing team still going forward here (http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/217661/1/ebr-racing-at-assen-despite-manufacturer-bankruptcy.html)[up]

[heagachongoose]

*cough cough

Hero race team.

[djs2k2]

I had to cough twice at my last physical!

[mrlogix]

hey, if Hero does take over, maybe every bike sold will come with a blueberry slurpie. Calm down, just kidding.

[arikam]

^^ yikes.

[thrstrmech]

from EBR facebook page as of 5 hrs ago...

Thank you for the supportive posts, texts, and e-mails since the announcement that EBR has ceased operations. This is a difficult time, and your comments mean a great deal to me personally and also to the EBR team that has done such amazing work over the past few, intense years.

No doubt, it was an incredible ride, feeling like the longest qualifying lap ever. And, then, just when we knew we were about to set an all-time record, we tossed it in the last corner…

Keeping with racing analogies, now we need to get back on the track and look ahead remembering all the things we were doing right around so many turns.


Unfortunately, in the end, we tried to do too much with too little funding, but it doesn't diminish the accomplishments. We introduced the world class American super bikes of 1190RS, 1190RX and 1190SX, while at the same time doing revolutionary work for Hero on the HX250R, Leap, SimplEcity, iON, RnT and many others, plus concepts never publicly seen. It was great EBR innovation and design, and introduced new technology to Hero and its suppliers to provide a real kick start for them. But in the end all of this simply overwhelmed us, and for that we are sorry and saddened.

I want you to know that looking ahead my focus is 100% on helping the receiver best maximize the value from EBR to benefit all, and I will make every possible effort to get the new organization to where it can support the dealers and customers first, and then help find investment to get back to full throttle.

Thank you for your support, it means a great deal. Please stay tuned - I cannot predict the future, but always believe the best is yet to come.

Erik

[Mwstevenson]

Something I was just thinking about: if they (EBR) are 20 million short and that is half (Hero owning 49.? %) if someone else comes in to invest they then would be partners with Hero. You would have to think Hero would have something in place, in the form of contractual wording, to have first right of refusal. Don't mean to get too deep, kicking back with a few beers and damn I was looking forward to an AX.

[heagachongoose]

BAHA. You guys are silly.


Idk. A blueberry slurpie sounds pretty good to me.



I want you to know that looking ahead my focus is 100% on helping the receiver best maximize the value from EBR to benefit all, and I will make every possible effort to get the new organization to where it can support the dealers and customers first, and then help find investment to get back to full throttle.Â*

Yahp. Just saying. More to the picture than what the public is being fed.

[djs2k2]

I really did have to cough twice!

[mrlogix]

okay, enough whining. Erik is a brilliant engineer, and a business dumbass, yes. We all have made mistakes at one time or another in our lives.

WE ARE BUELL.

http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/General-Motorcycle-Chat/Tuning-on-Buells

please read this thread and reflect on what we are and where WE are going. :D

[Matteson]

And then there was the ZX10r...;)

[Matteson]

No, but really sport bike riders just don't like Buell. I really think it's the Harley stigma. That will forever haunt him in whatever he does.

[djs2k2]

No I think we were different! I wouldn't buy a Harley but I like the fact that I could ride with sports bikes and cruisers. That and the fact that my 12 sounds like an American muscle car!

[mrlogix]

^^ [up][up]

[Enemy Zero]

I believe as Matteson said, a lot of it is the Harley stigma. I know this because I was one of these people.

I loved the look of the bikes but was scared of the reliability of Harley motors. There were also other issues as far as cost vs performance. The Buell product was something for people that wanted something different or were set on owning an American/HD product. Most people that didn't know of the product were more than likely introduced to it via the riders edge program and ended up buying a Blast. At the time, HD was running a program where within a year you could trade your blast for the amount that you bought it towards something bigger if you like and I'm sure most moved up to Harleys as the dealers would usually hide Buells in the back corner and treat them like eyesores on the floor of their showrooms.

My biggest issue at the time as a sportbike rider was that in 2005 I bought my ZX6R for 7k OTD and had more power and performance than the current 9 or 12 buells on the market which would have cost me a minimum of 9k through any of the dealers here.

Buell was a tough sell in the sportbike market and people up until today still believe that even the EBR bikes have HD power plants in them and don't believe the bikes warrant the kind of money they're asking when people can buy a brand new Gixxer/ZX/R1 1000cc sportbike which will do everything and more with more electronics and perceived technology for less money. It's a sad reality as I missed out on a lot of great riding all because I was following specs written on paper and not following what really matters when riding motorcycles and that's having fun.

[GregoXB]

Yea, a ZX6R is not that powerful. They make 42lbs of torque [smirk]. About 110hp at 14,000 rpm [down]. You will go through 2 pairs of motorcycle shoes per season from shifting alone.

[MotoX6]

The dealership tonight said they sent all the EBR bikes back. They said they threw them in the dumpster like the Bulls?? Can't be. I know the value of the few EBR's will be rare someday!

[mrlogix]

^^ what dealership??[confused]

[Restlessrustler]

my local dealer is offering them at 11,5...im seriously tempted at the sx.....does it vibrate less at the handlebars as my xb?

[arikam]

Pensacola dealer said 18k $. And we will only tell by time what the price will drop to. I'll buy 1 at 10k. What happens with warranty on it? If the company is closed, does that mean no warranty?

[Matteson]

Ride a zx6 and then comment about power lol. Those 636 jap bikes can sneak up on ya. They spool up quick. And scalpel like precision.

[djs2k2]

I've rode the 636 it's not slow by any means but the torque that I'm used to just want there! Sure a great top speed but no down low. Plus it's a cheater bike lol!

[sparky300]

Here's your sub-$10k SX...bring your checkbook

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcd/4984936215.html

[Abledcool1]

I don't know much about hosting websites, but is it normal for a site to go offline as quickly as EBR's did when a company goes out of business?

[GregoXB]

Ride a zx6 and then comment about power lol. Those 636 jap bikes can sneak up on ya. They spool up quick. And scalpel like precision.

Yea I have. Not only does it lack torque, but I never seemed to be in the right gear when I needed to be. Also, the rock hard suspension and Valentino Rossi sitting position got old in about 15 minutes on a public road. In usable street power in any gear, the XB12 stomps it all day.

[streetfighterx]

I don't know much about hosting websites, but is it normal for a site to go offline as quickly as EBR's did when a company goes out of business?

I was wondering the same thing. Maybe because all operations have ceased while the company is in receivership they had shut down the site.

[Enemy Zero]

Yea I have. Not only does it lack torque, but I never seemed to be in the right gear when I needed to be. Also, the rock hard suspension and Valentino Rossi sitting position got old in about 15 minutes on a public road. In usable street power in any gear, the XB12 stomps it all day.

Yes, now that's what you're looking for but to the average noob boy racer that only reads spec sheets, the ZX6R has more POWA! You can't look at this with an educated decision in mind.

When I was younger, I wanted a sportbike. Not a half faired or quarter faired bike. A true sportbike with a **** ton of plastics. I knew I didn't want to step up to a 1000cc bike yet because i was still new so I stuck in the 600cc class and when it came to price, performance and perceived reliability, the 636 was THE ONE.

I can't say that I am the norm either. I actually did some research and used it to for decision making. The majority of people out here in the sportbike game will just say "I'ma get a gixxer yo cuz my friend says they're the best!" And that's the end of it.

You can bag on 600's all you want for not having torque but when you learn how to utilize the rev band properly you can find the torque. Not everyone live their life a quarter mile at a time and its not always measured by torque from a standstill. If I were looking for a track only bike, a 636 would be my absolute first choice over an XB. Sure the handling will not be as sharp but its no slouch and it will have the power when I need it and where I need it. The XB's have torque but on a track, up top a 636 is gonna eat it alive in the straights.

[jetlee]

I don't know much about hosting websites, but is it normal for a site to go offline as quickly as EBR's did when a company goes out of business?

I was wondering the same thing. Maybe because all operations have ceased while the company is in receivership they had shut down the site.
It's as simple as pressing a button, literally.

When they officially went into receivership, someone went *click* and the site went *poof*. It's that easy.

[djs2k2]

Jetlee- so it wasn't magic, interesting! On another not if the ebr's were 8,999 from the beginning I bet every body on this forum would have one!

[jetlee]

Seeing as two people commented on the subject of EBR's website, and you'd all rather bitch about 600cc 4-bangers' lack of torque, I figured I'd answer them.

Jetlee- so it wasn't magic, interesting!
I know this comes as a huge shock, but no. There's no unicorns or leprechauns controlling the websites.

[djs2k2]

Jetlee- dirty I thought the *poof* was magic, my bad! L:DL

[thrstrmech]

On another not if the ebr's were 8,999 from the beginning I bet every body on this forum would have one!

would have had an SX as soon as it was released for the price, the RX should have been priced maybe at 10-11k, just my opinion

[Enemy Zero]

Seeing as two people commented on the subject of EBR's website, and you'd all rather bitch about 600cc 4-bangers' lack of torque, I figured I'd answer them.

Merely trying to help answer the question some had as to why Buells and EBRs weren't selling. Guess I should have summed it up with "We're a group of cheap asses that are still stuck in 2002 when Liter bikes could be had for under 9k. How dare Erik Buell charge 18K for a world class superbike when I can buy a Japanese liter bike for 15K!!!" *pulls out pitchforks and torches*

[djs2k2]

You can get a jap liter bike for 13-14k he wasn't even close with a 4-5k difference and when you're talking a novelty/whatever you want to call it that's a big gap. To put it into perspective you can buy a leader bike brand new and a used one for the cost of 1 EBR. I'm not hating because I know it outperforms and is a bit of genius and ingenuity! I don't think it was the Harley stigma I think it all boiled down to cost, and if it's not feasible to put that bike out for any less that's just to bad because it was kick ass!

[heagachongoose]

Marketing was a big thing too. You can't expect a very very small company to survive using facebook as primary advertising. Apart from a few magazine articles and racing. That's all they had. Getting the word out is a big thing when you are a fresh company. Good advertising and establishing a good name in customer service are two general things that every new company needs in order to compete. Regardless of the area of retail. Especially in a market as flooded as today's.

[Theycallmecrash]

EBRs have been rebated down to $15k for a long while now, so the arguement a Jap Liter bike can be had at a much better price is invalid. Price wasnt the issue, marketing and Buesiness planning were.

[mriulvr]

For a new company, moving product is essential. Moving product is related to both price point and marketing. I, for one, would have LOVED to buy an SX but for that kind of money I wanted to wait a couple of years and let them work out the inevitable new model bugs. For a new bike from a new company it would seem that being "competitively" priced with established brands is not enough. IF competitively priced, most buyers will go with what they know or are recognize. I am still amazed at how often I have had to explain to people what Buell is after they have asked my what kind of bike my 04 XB12S is. Just happened again yesterday. So, yes, marketing is crucial, brand recognition is crucial, price point is crucial, getting product on the street is crucial, it was more complicated than any single issue.

[djs2k2]

The thing is even if EBR recovers and sell bikes for the next hundred years people will still ask our great grandchildren what is a Buell!!

[GregoXB]

I guess that's the problem with American youth. They slobber all over anything Japanese just because. They don't stop for a second and say hey maybe it is a little overhyped. What else is out there?

[wolfo68]

All I can say is to buy them low while you can.

[Matteson]

They buy Japanese, German and Italian because they win races. Win on Sunday sell on Monday.

[JustinMT]

When I think of a Buell, I think of a bike designed and made in America, for blue collared people. Affordable and fun for nearly every budget. Sure, it doesn't have the top end speed of a Japanese sportbike, but it has enough grunt to throw you back and hold on and keep you grinning the entire ride.

I think where Erik went wrong with EBR is simple - he forgot his loyal fanbase. Not much more to it. He could've easily come up with multiple bikes that were affordable to the people who supported him, but he went above and beyond, expecting a $30k + bike to sell here in the states like a CBR, R6 and whatever other Jap bike you want to throw in there would sell.

Don't get me wrong, I love the EBR bike, but to rollout the models like he did and expect to be in business long made no sense.

[mrlogix]

without knowing what Erik's overall business plan was this is all speculation. Someone posted earlier in the thread that the deal with Hero could of been Erik was going to help Hero develop some entry level to mid range bikes and sell them as Buell's in the U.S. If that would have been the plan and it would have been leveraged earlier in the progression of development of the branding of EBR, that could have worked. I would have bought in if I was him. If they F*cked him, like H-D. Wouldn't know what to say.

[cjanderson_90]

A dealer near me said they were going to call EBR to see if they could sell them for cost. They have a demo that they would sell for 1k under cost if allowed. May have to pick that up. Its an RX though...

[Hughlysses]

I think where Erik went wrong with EBR is simple - he forgot his loyal fanbase. Not much more to it. He could've easily come up with multiple bikes that were affordable to the people who supported him, but he went above and beyond, expecting a $30k + bike to sell here in the states like a CBR, R6 and whatever other Jap bike you want to throw in there would sell.
Although we may never know, I think EBR was working towards having a full range of motorcycles, including models aimed at current Buell owners. He started EBR with the rights to the Helicon V-twin, some left-over 1125 engines and not much else. He worked from that to introduce a $40k exotic bike, clearly based on the existing 1125. A couple of years later, they added a $19k (cut to ~$15k) sport bike, which was essentially the RS with a mass-produced engine (rather than one built from a disassembled 1125 engine with a bunch of exotic parts added) plus Showa rather than Ohlins suspension bits. Those two bikes were a result of the fact that the main thing Erik had on-hand at the start of EBR was a fully-designed and tested big water cooled V-twin. Any other engine would have taken a huge amount of cash and time to develop that he didn't yet have.

EBR was working for Hero designing scooters, a nifty 250cc sport bike (HX250R), and a 650cc naked (Hastur). If the 250 and 650 had been offered in EBR-badged versions, EBR would have had a decent model range for the US.

The more I think about it the more I think Hero's going to turn out to be the culprit in this situation. When the RX was introduced at AIMExpo, they announced Hero models would start being imported to the US in 2014 and sold at EBR dealerships. That didn't happen. Last summer, when asked about the status of the AX, more than one EBR dealer said "we've been told EBR engineers are concentrating on getting the Hero bikes ready to import to the US". I checked the EPA's vehicle listings site this morning, and there are NO listings for approved Hero engines for the US for 2015 or 2016. Did Hero decide their current bikes wouldn't sell in the US (a real possibility)? Did they just decide they could make a lot more money selling their bikes in other areas of the world, and put their US import plans on the back burner? Maybe EBR was operating under the assumption they'd get a contract from Hero for more work to import the bikes to the US and Hero never came through with it.

I've been waiting a year and a half for some sort of media blitz from EBR about their bikes and it never happened. I sort of figured they were waiting on something else to be ready (maybe EBR-badged Hero bikes?) before they went full-tilt with marketing. If EBR's business plan banked on having a full range of motorcycles from Hero and EBR to sell in their dealerships and Hero reversed on that plan, that may be what brought the whole mess down.

[Tbone]

Ditto MrLogix, This reminds me of a good friend who bought the department where they worked at a Major telecommunications company. The company when selling to him agreed he can have first look at bids if he maintained a certain level of capacity that required qualified personnel, equipment, materials, etc... Which meant he had a lot of overhead for payroll, taxes, floor space, business loan, etc.... EBR reminds me of my friends situation because they had a lot of, as well highly qualified personnel, factory space, manufacturing equip, etc...overhead. I imagine Buell, who is very intelligent, may have had an agreement with Hero to provide a base to facilitate a market/manufacturing/R&D/.... launch in New Markets. This was probaby a major undertaking to hire the people, do the R&D, manufacture some stuff, then get stiffed because of the lack of sales on Buells own product line which he did not focus on marketing. My own opinion Erik put too much out there in faith. I think if he was able to focus on building his own product base on a smaller scale he would have had less risk and a better chance of building it up. I personally would have driven to the factory in Wi, to test ride and possibly purchase, set up, and learn about a bike, then if everything aligned drive or ship back to Texas. Factory warranty, support, and service is acceptable to me even if it forces me to learn how to do more work more on my own bike. I Also think Hero may have hooked EBR in to shut them down, time will tell though on what happens next? My friends business was also liquidated, as the major company no longer provided him any bids, contracts, notices, or explanations.

[Cosworth]

I'm wondering whats going to happen to the people who purchased items from the EBR store in the day of the close-down, Ive been talking with a guy who purchased a oiling rotor the day of and hasn't heard anything yet.

[kaktus]

I'm curious about the online store as well. I really need the front rotor hardware kit and I think ebr was the only one making it.

[burgandy25]

I'm wondering whats going to happen to the people who purchased items from the EBR store in the day of the close-down, Ive been talking with a guy who purchased a oiling rotor the day of and hasn't heard anythingÂ* yet.

I did the same. I purchased the oiling rotor and the EBR ECM that day. You can still access EBRs website if you know how to correctly. you can access the store, dealers or anything along the top row of options. I got into my account on EBRs website and my order still says processing, so Friday I called paypal and they are requesting a refund via EBRS paypal account, also they said if they do not hear back by this week they will issue a refund and pull it from their account anyway.
I hope the EBR store opens some how or another to buy parts from them, i'm sure most parts on that "store" section sell and probably sell well.

[Cosworth]

I noticed that, everything is still there just looks like the main page is gone.
https://www.erikbuellracing.com/motorcycles/1190sx-2/

[wolfo68]

That had been completely removed, the home page seems to be back up with the links removed to show the press statement.

[djs2k2]

http://www.gizmag.com/ebr-bankruptcy-creditor-protection/37050/ this also has the hx250r pictures!

[streetfighterx]

Ebrracewear.com is still live. What are the chances orders are being filled?

[heagachongoose]

All the stuff was on sale last I checked. They are clearing inventory. Ebrracewar that is

[Restlessrustler]

I took a shot and ordered a couple things....figured it be nice to have another shirt and hat to show pride!

[Gloomshadow]

I got some "friends" in India that know guys working in Hero.. what they heard is that Hero and EBR fought like cats and dogs...

I listened to Pawan Munjal give a speech to his executives about a year ago.. they wanted EBR as its technology division AND access to its dealer network for the bikes they were planning to make (the HX250 , Hero Hastur 620)... just two days ago Hero told everyone in India that the HX and that Hastur were still on the way and that nothing has changed just bc EBR is closed.

I think this is a take-over.. but they are going to wait and buy the rest of EBR during the proceedings so they can pay rock-bottom dollar for it... then we are going to get hit with Hasturs and HXs..

I agree that EBR bit off more than it could chew.. they just should have made a few 1190RS like they did , then they should have hit us with that Hastur 620.. that little lightweight twin would have kicked ass in sales..

[heagachongoose]

Exactly. Big hero flexing it's muscles is what we are seeing. It is a take over.


Either that or it's a government conspiracy. Everyone! Quick! Make tin foil hats before they brainwash the masses! :p

[s0dhi]

I think this is a take-over.. but they are going to wait and buy the rest of EBR during the proceedings so they can pay rock-bottom dollar for it... then we are going to get hit with Hasturs and HXs..


Exactly. Big hero flexing it's muscles is what we are seeing. It is a take over.

I'm okay with that if it means I can still get an 1190RX.

[Gloomshadow]

I cant see Hero letting the 1190 go to waste.. it wouldn't surprise me if Hero bought rights to that bike and opened the US plant back up to make it as a race bike and show piece. It also would not surprise me it Erik ended up back in that plant running it.. I think this is more of a thing where someone is showing someone else "who is boss around here".. that's what I am picking up. Hero has the money and this is basically what Hero said it wanted a few years ago at least. Hero had to have known the 1190 was going to be a hard-sell... Hero isn't stupid. I bet this is all going according to "plan" as far as Hero is concerned ...

[Route0766]

My own option:
If the EBRs are a little more inexpensive, it will be an American HIT for the bikes, as everyone will affore and buy it (Like Ford Model "A" in the late 20's). People is tired to get cheap and bad quality materials from you knew who other brands in the market.
Again, my own opinion!!!!
:)

My Babies:

- 14 H-D FLS Slim
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/11735_20150420223347_L.jpg

- 15 Yamaha FZ-09
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/11735_20150219071345_L.jpg

- 09 XB9sX
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/11735_20131002214448_L.jpg

[thrstrmech]

I'm too looking at the FZ-09, but they just had a recall for a shift drum stop or something like that. which was manufactured incorrectly.

[moshaholic2]

My current EBR "dream"

Like Audi buying Ducati, like AMG buying MV Agusta.....

FORD picks up EBR. Massive parts sourcing and manufacturing etc.

Taking EBR's brilliant chassis, having the engine re-engineered and manufactured making the extra 15+hp they need to win WSBK, lowering the overall cost to the consumer and still having an American built bike and owned by an American (non-bailout) company.


One can dream cant they?

[doberdann1019]

FORD picks up EBR

That would be awesome, although I doubt it would ever happen. I'm surprised more car companies don't try their hand in motorcycles.

[djs2k2]

Preferably I'd rather gm pick them up but that will never happen!

[GregoXB]

I'm too looking at the FZ-09, but they just had a recall for a shift drum stop or something like that. which was manufactured incorrectly.

That happens on a Japanese bike, everyone sort of brushes it off. If that happens on a Ducati or another less known manufacturer, it becomes headline news.

[nicholas900]

I so much wanted an EBR. But I was worried about this. Its a tough economy. Even Ducati needs the low rent and low cc Monster bikes to be successful, and the recently hugely popular aventure bikes. Actually the low dollar Monster saved Ducati. Even the mighty D can't stand alone on high dollar race bike replicas.


I hope you guys that did support have access to replacement parts down the road.

[arikam]

That's what I'm worried about with buying one now or on deep discount. No warranty or no parts or no one who knows how to repair them.

[Hughlysses]

Cross-posted from Badweb: Teaser from AMCN (Australian Motorcycle News).


AMCN can confirm EBR falling under receivership was all part of a carefully planned strategy for Indian giant and 49.2 percent part-owner Hero MotoCorp to gain full control of the company. As reported by AMCN, Erik Buell’s company EBR went into receivership last Wednesday, is now bankrupt, and under the control of a court-appointed liquidator. However, all is not what it seems.

Don’t miss next week’s issue of Australian Motorcycle News for all the dirty laundry as to why the world’s biggest motorcycle maker decided this was the best way forward, on sale Thursday 30 April.

http://www.amcn.com.au/news/1504/ebr-receivership-is-part-of-the-plan!

[williegoat]

Cross-posted from Badweb: Teaser from AMCN (Australian Motorcycle News).

Quote:
AMCN can confirm EBR falling under receivership was all part of a carefully planned strategy for Indian giant and 49.2 percent part-owner Hero MotoCorp to gain full control of the company. As reported by AMCN, Erik Buell’s company EBR went into receivership last Wednesday, is now bankrupt, and under the control of a court-appointed liquidator. However, all is not what it seems.

Don’t miss next week’s issue of Australian Motorcycle News for all the dirty laundry as to why the world’s biggest motorcycle maker decided this was the best way forward, on sale Thursday 30 April.


http://www.amcn.com.au/news/1504/ebr-receiver ...
Wow, I wonder how many of his patents and inovations Erik Buell will loose in that deal?

[GregoXB]

Indian? Hm. I wonder if they will build an 1130cc air-cooled XB type bike? Or an 1800cc? I'd get in on that.

[Hughlysses]

Now HERE's an interesting article. A layman's level legal explaination of the receivership process and what it coudl mean for the future of EBR:

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/oped/erik-buell-racing-receivership-explained/

[mrlogix]

****ery, total ****ery. I feel for Erik. I have had 4 patents over my career. Each time the patent relating to a new part or process inline with my job, ergo, ownership belongs to the companies I worked for. I received compensation (token) for these. It's the way the game is played. I finally figured out **** the glory, it's all about the money and keep my ideas to my self. I would love to make the villain in this totally Hero, but old age brings a little wisdom. After Erik's last deal with HD, I am sure that he had lawyers (a bunch) go over all the negotiations with the Hero deal. The intent of the partners is the unknown. (e.g., what evil lies in the hearts of men, only the shadow knows). Erik should have had a partner on his side of the business that is a sales/marketing guru. It's hard to take over a company that is successful. Hopefully Erik learns like I did (with me it is two start-ups later) and comes out of this with the capability of starting again. :(

[303xb]

Sent Erik a message on LinkedIn yesterday and we had a small back and forth. What a cool guy -- anyway, it sheds some light on the receivership portion. He really has no say it sounds like. Conversation starts at the bottom.


Jack,

No I do not have any in my personal garage!

Ahh yes, the internet forum knowledge pool....

The receiver is definitely working with the goal of finding a buyer to keep the business going forward, but certainly I cannot promise that is what will happen and cannot say when.

Erik



On 4/22/15, 8:43 AM, Jack Hamlin wrote:
--------------------
You don't have any spares laying around the garage? :)

I'm sure you cannot talk about it, but the Buell forums are buzzing with all sorts of speculation. Any idea if EBR will emerge from the ashes?



On 4/22/15, 8:39 AM, Erik Buell wrote:
--------------------
Jack,

I am hoping also, as we were incredibly close to being over the hump and on our way.

Unfortunately at the moment while the receiver determines the path forward, all assets (including parts) are locked from leaving the building. Not sure when or in what manner they may be released.

Erik

On 4/21/15, 4:14 PM, Jack Hamlin wrote:
--------------------
Erik

So very saddened to see EBR go offline. You and your bikes are the only reason I ride motorcycles. I am hopeful for one more Buell comeback.

I have owned 2 xb's (xb9/12) and plan to grab an 1190sx from Reno Powersports in KC next week. My question is: Is there any possible way to get my hands on an 1190sx race kit (ecm/exhaust tips)? I realize the website/store is shut down, just hoping you might have a few laying around.

Thanks... All the best my friend.

Jack

[Timeless]

Or he knows to wisely keep his mouth shut. Personally, I think EBR will be back in some form or another, possibly being majority or wholy owned by Hero.

[jetlee]

AMCN can confirm EBR falling under receivership was all part of a carefully planned strategy for Indian giant and 49.2 percent part-owner Hero MotoCorp to gain full control of the company.
They "can confirm" yet they didn't.


Indian? Hm. I wonder if they will build an 1130cc air-cooled XB type bike? Or an 1800cc? I'd get in on that.
Hero is headquartered in India, making them an Indian company by nationality. Not the Indian-brand motorcycles.

[Hughlysses]

The weird thing is right now we have two almost opposite takes on the receivership:

1- AMCN says this is all part of Hero's master plan to acquire all of EBR.

2- Asphalt & Rubber says Hero would have gone to great lengths to avoid this situation if they intended to acquire all of EBR.

With the former EBR employees out finding jobs as fast as they can, the EBR dealer network in disarray, and signs of an EBR 1190 firesale already starting, (2) makes more sense to me than (1).

Hopefully we won't have to wait a year to find out what happens.

[Tbone]

Dang, I get a knot in my stomach everytime I look at this thread. I am just a poor boy and nobody wants me... especially at a stealership. I usually look at the used bikes and haggle like a cheap ass, pointing out as many flaws as possible and always asking for warranties, upgrades, accessories, better new tires, new brakes, etc... during the off season they are more willing to make a sale. I was hoping to be haggling over some used 1190 Buells, preferrably an AX if it ever gets built? Hoping this ends well!

[djs2k2]

AX is out of the question until this is sorted out and may never be of things get sour!

[Route0766]

May be next year I can afore this baby:

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/11735_20121220124402_L.jpg

[bike30]

Hello guys,

I found one incredible and amazing motorcycles with S&S V-Twin engine 1640cc - 170Nm at 3 000 RPM. Can you imagine it?
This manufacture is French, and the name is Avinton motorcycles . Have a look in their website: www.avinton.fr
see you!!;)

[everyothertime]

I really hate to see EBR go, possibly he'll just bounce back if another company buys him.. I'm over the whole American made aspect of things lately (when especially nothing is American Made anymore). I will definently be watching the 1190RX though, if one around me drops below 10,000 then I'm probably gonna jump on it.

[djs2k2]

Bike30- only has two post and is only posting about avinton motorcycles huuuuummmmm?

[mrlogix]

^^ that's why I wouldn't click on the link.

[Hughlysses]

Didn't those used to be called Voxan's (something like that?). They're very cool bikes, but I'll bet an carbon-edition 1190RS would be cheaper.

[Hughlysses]

Post-closure interview with Erik posted this afternoon: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/erik-buell-racing-ceases-operations-ebr-update-bankruptcy-industry-news?src=SOC&dom=fb


“At this time I’m not able to say much at all,� Erik Buell said in a phone interview shortly after the announcement. “What I can say is this—we had what we thought was rock-solid funding in place, and when that deal didn’t come through, we were left with no other option.� Buell would not comment on the status of EBR’s relationship with Hero, financial or otherwise. “It’s just not worth talking about what’s in the past,� he said.

It sure sounds like Hero backed out.

[djs2k2]

Fu¢k EM

[mrlogix]

^^ [up]
I'm with DJ on this one. If they ever release a bike in the US I hope it goes the way that the Yugo went. Straight down the tubes. F*ckery by God.

[GregoXB]

Hero has no market in the US. Never will. They don't need a market in the US either. They'll just be forever known, or unknown, as that Indian company that makes those ****ty scooters for the Asian peasant population. With Honda flushing them down the toilet, Hero has next to no hope of creating a motorcycle that commands any respect. Honda was smart to starve them of technology, the Japanese businessmen sniffed out the curry long before it exuded from the rectums.

[303xb]

http://m.cycletrader.com/dealers/A%26S-Motorcycles-727678/listing/2014-ERIK-BUELL-RACING-1190SX---Demo-113061462

9k. 5mi

[GregoXB]

"You can have the best product in the world but if you don't know how to sell it and if you don't have anybody who can sell it for you or tell the public, it's a waste of time the whole thing." -Arnold Schwarzenegger

[bbletterin]

There is always "Shark Tank" LOL, might get an offer ya never know.

[Hughlysses]

A couple of EBR owners on Badweb say they received letters titled "Notice of Receivership, Bar Date for Filing Claims, and Injunction" from the State of Wisconsin in the mail yesterday. I imagine this is part of the receivership process; they bought bikes that were supposed to be warrantied for 2 years so they have an interest in the outcome of the receivership.

[Gloomshadow]

All this "Hero would NEVER sell in the US.." is incorrect, I think. NEVER overestimate the average American motorcycle buyer. I have friends that have worked as salesmen for Harley, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda.. bla bla bla.. and the stories they tell me always have me just rollin' with laughter. The industry SURVIVES off of selling bikes to guys that basically know NOTHING about motorcycles. Right now, my buddy is making a Killing off of the FZ-07 and FZ-09, he cant keep them in stock. Its like a feeding frenzy and 90% of the guys buying the -07 don't know what "fully adjustable suspension" means anyway so, they don't miss not having one. They are buying because of looks, digital "dashboard" and low pricing. You could stick a Hero Haustur for 5-6 grand or Hero HX250 for 3-4 grand right next to a FZ-07 and it would sell also. They would just go "man, I like that black one! what is that? "Hero"? , that's new.. yeah cool its got a digital dash on the TANK! Boy, that's badass.. can I buy it? will you finance me?" Thats how that would go down. That's how it went down when Japanese bikes were new to the market.

[Hughlysses]

^ I think EBR was banking on having Hero motorcycles or EBR-versions of them in their dealerships, and probably a LONG time ago. The head of Hero himself said publicly in 2013 they expected to have their bikes in EBR dealerships in the US in 2014. That would have rounded out EBR's model lineup, helped their dealers tremendously by bringing a whole lot more foot traffic into their stores, and it would have eventually sold more EBR super bikes.

The more I read the more I think Hero backed out of this deal (or strung EBR along with promises) and that was fundamental in EBR's current situation.

[Hughlysses]

This deal between Hero and EBR sure seems to bear a lot of resemblance to the Mahindra diesel pickup fiasco of a few years ago. Here's a good summary of that story:

http://forbesindia.com/blog/business-strategy/why-mahindras-pick-up-truck-foray-in-the-us-failed/

[Gloomshadow]

you would be correct, sir. Hero never delivered the Hastur or the HX250.. those were going to be the real money makers.

[Hughlysses]

This may explain the whole mess:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/hero-motocorp-ltd-trouble-in-india/

Bastards. [mad]

[thrstrmech]

well that does shed some light on the situation...really sucks[mad]

[08herobolt]

I believe f***ers is more apt in this situation.

[GAXB9R]

Damn...

[Hughlysses]

I'm betting Erik can take some significant legal actions against Hero based on this, and that we haven't heard the last of it.

[djs2k2]

Son of a beach!

[GregoXB]

"Since EBR’s troubles went public, Hero representatives have been in contact with engineers who worked for EBR."

The plan from day one was to steal Erik's engineers to fill Hero's technology gap.

[GregoXB]

I am going to bet that Hero continues selling scooters to peasants.

[mrlogix]

like I said at the beginning, 'total ****ery' [mad]

[mart7]

^[up]

[Hughlysses]

And now Hero pulls out of WSBK. That really sucks for Larry and Nic.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/its-official-team-hero-ebr-withdraws-from-fim-superbike-world-championship/#.VUGjuNFFWOM.facebook

[moshaholic2]

if it turns out to be true..... **** HERO W/ A GLOWING RED HOT POKER

[stamen]

The real question is if ex-EBR employees take a job from Hero once they know what really happened. But then again if they don't somebody else will. So sad for everyone involved on the EBR side of things.

[user_deleted]

the "Dots" really need to stick to what they're good at:
1-running bed-bug infested run-down motels
2-selling lottery tickets and discount cigarettes at cockroach infested run-down mini-marts.
3-receiving full scholarships...housing subsidies...cash entitlement payments......to attend US medical schools. all on the US taxpayer dime of course.

[djs2k2]

Lunatic- I'm sensing a little pent up frustration! Take a breath no need to have an aneurism, I would hate to lose a member!! And yes this is as shady as you get, maybe one of the Buell employees will take a job with hero just to burn the building down! Either way I hope Buell/ebr lives on no matter what it takes!

[go cytocis]

the "Dots" really need to stick to what they're good at:
1-running bed-bug infested run-down motels
2-selling lottery tickets and discount cigarettes at cockroach infested run-down mini-marts.
3-receiving full scholarships...housing subsidies...cash entitlement payments......to attend US medical schools. all on the US taxpayer dime of course.
You’ve posted thousands of invaluable times on here so I’m surprised to read your most recent in which you appear to be:
a) hacked, or
b) drinking, or
c) someone other than the wise & tolerant person I believed.

Let’s keep the hate & prejudice out of it please…

[djs2k2]

;)

[stamen]

I agree being haters and bringing culture into this publicly only gives us a bad name. It's ok to hate on scamy business deals though. Nobody likes those. But it's possible that Hero didn't pay EBR because they were in financial trouble to begin with seeing as their stocks were going down and their competition was increasing.

[moshaholic2]

But it's possible that Hero didn't pay EBR because they were in financial trouble to begin with seeing as their stocks were going down and their competition was increasing.

they just had the most profitable quarter EVER. Their stock has tanked as soon as the EBR deal went sour and surfaced. Their sock was boosted big time by the prospect of HERO getting EBR engineering help. Now, they have lost that and their stock has taken a dump.

I hope they shot themselves in the foot if all these rumors are true.

[mriulvr]

This whole thing sucks, again. Second time that a major company seems to have recognized the brilliance of the bikes Erik creates and then finances result in them taking the easy way out and shutting him down. I can't believe that there isn't someone out there with the funds to support and vision to recognize what a world class American sports bike would mean. To take a fledgling company without the R&D of the big boys and be competitive on the track is truly amazing. Just imagine what Erik could do with the right backers and time to get the bikes dialed in! Then there is the selfish part of me that fears that the AX will never see the light of day and my plan of adding an SX to my garage in two years going up in smoke.

Anyone know if Mark Cuban is a motorcycle guy? Gas Monkey sold him a car, Aaron is a Bueller, ...? :p

[mrlogix]

He needed a PR guy like Richard Rawlings....just saying..:D

[user_deleted]

Let’s keep the hate & prejudice out of it please

my apologies ken. shouldn't have posted that. frustration.

[mriulvr]

He needed a PR guy like Richard Rawlings....just saying..
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/11670_20150430164855_L.jpg
WHOOOOO!!!!!! I need a beer.

[Hughlysses]

This whole thing sucks, again. Second time that a major company seems to have recognized the brilliance of the bikes Erik creates and then finances result in them taking the easy way out and shutting him down. I can't believe that there isn't someone out there with the funds to support and vision to recognize what a world class American sports bike would mean. To take a fledgling company without the R&D of the big boys and be competitive on the track is truly amazing. Just imagine what Erik could do with the right backers and time to get the bikes dialed in! Then there is the selfish part of me that fears that the AX will never see the light of day and my plan of adding an SX to my garage in two years going up in smoke.

HD were saints compared to this Hero deal.

[GregoXB]

I wish Erik just toughed it out and stayed "Fiercely Independent." As unethical as Hero was, EBR is partly to blame for putting all their eggs in one basket and not listening to their own motto. They got all googly eyed as soon as Hero flashed them some green. If EBR was ever to be a successful company, it would only be through sacrifice, determination, and perseverance.

[camouflage]

Reading this http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/hero-motocorp-ltd-trouble-in-india/ brings back some memories of frustration and infuriation after having worked with a number of Indian companies.
They certainly dont do business in the same style as Europe or the USA where contracts are honoured and payments are made on time for goods or services recieved to an unwritten mutualy agreed standard of business.
I guess they just look at business on a different angle but on the whole they always want twice the agreed contract for half the agreed price.......
This then presents the problem that if you dont hold enought leverage in the deal then you will have your pants pulled down! How could Eric say "no more design work" when they kept dangling a $25m carrot....
I guess he let too much design work pass with out payment. He should of turned the design tap off until payment was recieved on the earlier stages of design work.

It just sucks that Eric has had the rug pulled from under his feet for the second time!

[Gloomshadow]

EBR should get a settlement out of that one .. 20 million is a lot to scam from someone.

[BambamXB12r]

Let's hope he gets back on his feet and truly stays fiercely independent this time. I have faith in Erik and his passion for building world class, truly unique bikes. He will be back, it just will take some time.

[doberdann1019]

Its sad they are closed, but thanks EBR for the 50% off sale!

RIP

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ONR5G_lUwg4/VUga8Q6jtPI/AAAAAAAAu_s/DwYkQjCThx8/w1068-h604-no/IMAG6296.jpg

[Cosworth]

^Thanks for posting, I grabbed myself a few things.

[Cherry_Bomb]

^Thanks for posting, I grabbed myself a few things.

From where since his site is shut down.

[Cosworth]

its http://ebrracewear.com different site.

[Hughlysses]

^ Most stuff is 50% off; discount shows at checkout. Orders are taking a while to get filled since they've gotten so many, so it may take 3 or 4 weeks to get your order.

[nightfire180]

I ordered the day of, after a month of being left in the dark they emailed me saying they have none of thr items. Yet all of the items they were out of are still for sale on there site.

[ReadyXB]

I ordered the day of, after a month of being left in the dark they emailed me saying they have none of thr items. Yet all of the items they were out of are still for sale on there site.
Were you able to get a refund to your credit card?

[nightfire180]

They already sent a refund according to them, and it can take up to two weeks.

[Omiotek]

Yeah now even if you add stuff to your cart it doesn't show in the cart.



Wish I would of gotten some stuff

[Cherry_Bomb]

its http://ebrracewear.com different site.

Thanks!!


I ordered the day of, after a month of being left in the dark they emailed me saying they have none of thr items.Â* Yet all of the items they were out of are still for sale on there site.

Go figure, I read this part after I place an order lol.


Yeah now even if you add stuff to your cart it doesn't show in the cart.

Well a few items I was interested in showed up in the cart, so I ended up purchasing them. Time will only tell if the order was filled. I hope so tho, good deals on some items!

[generalcuz]

Ordered a week after closure. Two weeks later I contacted them. Just was informed my entire order could not be fulfilled. Refund takes 1-2 weeks.

Be very weary of the gamble with trying to buy anything from EBRacewear. With their website inventories being so off, it's hard to get a read on

[Cosworth]

Ebrraceware is a separate company that operates out of Huntsville Tx

More of a fulfillment place really known as M&M designs, I believe they make shirts etc for companies like EBR.

Since EBR is gone I can only assume they are liquidating everything as to be done with it.

[Rogue4]

Ordered stuff the day after closure. Got a refund statement for half of it from M&M designs yesterday.

[Hughlysses]

The latest stink from Hero:

Forth quarter profits down 14%:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/earnings/hero-motocorp-q4-net-declines-14-at-rs-4 77-crore/articleshow/47189741.cms

Apparently their profits are way down because they wrote off the $25M they invested to buy 49.2% of EBR ~2 years ago.

and "Hero MotoCorp to set up subsidiary in US"

http://www.business-standard.com/content/b2b-manufacturing-industry/hero-motocorp-to-set-up-subsidia ry-in-us-115050800741_1.html

[mrlogix]

" has considered and approved setting up of an operating wholly owned subsidiary in United States of America for conducting the business of, among others, providing research, development and consulting services, distribution, marketing and promotion of two wheeler vehicles, and any other ancillary activities"

Hmmm, wonder where they plan on that being...total ****ery....

[stamen]

[down]

[08herobolt]

Let's burn it to the ground. There's nothing more American than a good old fashion revolt.

[eppt]

[up][up][up][up]

[bikebook]

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[everyothertime]

and meet all the awesome motorcycle lovers around you

isn't Buellxb the whole reason for this? I hate people like this guy. Where are the moderators at so we can delete this guy?

[mrlogix]

they are workimng on it

[jetlee]

Ordered stuff the day after closure. Got a refund statement for half of it from M&M designs yesterday.
I ordered sunglasses and a keychain when I saw it mentioned here in the thread. They arrived in the mail, yesterday, from M&M Designs.

[Hughlysses]

Hmm, apparently Hero isn't quite as ready to take on all design work in-house as they stated immediately after the EBR closure announcement:

http://indianautosblog.com/2015/05/hero-hx250r-launch-delayed-180001

[djs2k2]

That's what they get, yeah I'm bitter!

[mrlogix]

wonder how much they owe Erik?

[jetlee]

wonder how much they owe Erik?
$20M

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/hero-motocorp-ltd-trouble-in-india/


nsiders say that Hero has not paid EBR about $20 million owed for engineering and design work EBR did on 13 new Hero models for the Indian market. EBR bore the expense of the engineering and design work, then ran out of operating capital while waiting to be paid for that work, those insiders said.

[BambamXB12r]

Get those bastards Erik.

[Hughlysses]

Maybe Erik is holding onto critical design info for the HX250R because EBR didn't get paid for it.

[s0dhi]

Maybe Erik is holding onto critical design info for the HX250R because EBR didn't get paid for it.

I sure hope so. It would be one of his better business decisions.

[RossLH]

That's not really the way chapter 128 receivership works. The company no longer belongs to Erik, and any IP regarding the HX250R (as well as the other Hero bikes) goes with the company.

[Hughlysses]

There are some great quotes from Erik regarding the closure of EBR in the "letter from the editor" column in this month's Cycle World. Here are a few:


We've been working on the mainstream stuff. I can't talk about what was
coming, but I will say some of it is much different than anybody would have
expected. Stuff that is 18 months away from full-volume production that people
would go "Holy s--t! EBR did that?!" It was all much higher volume and lower
price.
In response to what's going on with the sale of EBR:

Buell said there was quite a bit of interest, and those people were in touch
with the law firm in charge of the sale.

Where the business is at this time is infinitely better than where it was
with the closing of Buell.

We could start production again in a day.

[mrlogix]

sounds like at least he is a little smarter after the HD f*cking he received. [up]

[RossLH]

Erik showed up to the Homecoming (because he had work to do...he didn't actually know the event was going on), and he seemed to have a very optimistic outlook regarding the future of the business. I'm rooting for him every step of the way.

[BambamXB12r]

:D[up]

[thrstrmech]

:D[up][up]