Buell Motorcycles returns to the market with its previous lineup, but with the promise of a high-performance electric motorcycle.
Buell Motorcycles will restart manufacturing in the United States, and their return comes with some important news. The first is that Erik Buell is not a part of the project, and the second is that they hope to have ten different models by 2024.
Let us go back in time and remember that Erik was the main person of this brand when it launched in 1983. Later in 2003, Harley Davidson (HD) bought it out completely, and by 2009, the production came to a halt.
Erik Buell Racing (EBR) kept the rights at that time and continued on its way. Meanwhile, India’s Hero MotoCorp purchased 49% of EBR’s shares in 2013, but it ended up going bankrupt two years later.
Now Buell marked its return, but without Erik at the helm. The first thing it will do is to continue this year by adding the sporty 1190RX and 1190SX models. Later, Buell would add the 1190 Super Touring adventurer to the range. By 2024, the company would end up with a catalog of ten different motorcycles.
Buell’s CEO Bill Melvin said, “We are excited to bring Buell back with this awesome assortment of superbikes and performance motorcycles. We start with the fastest American production motorcycles, hand-built in the USA, so that’s a nice start! We’re building out those platforms for more touring and adventure models, then we’re expanding our displacements to be competitive with other global brands. The passionate Buell Nation can grow and thrive again.”
These three machines will incorporate a 1,190 cc V-twin block engine producing 185 HP and 102 lb-ft of torque. Besides, buyers will have an option to choose a bare carbon fiber finish or go with heritage-laced colors.
Upcoming Buell motorcycles will include variants for dirt-track, dual-sport, touring, and cruisers. Moreover, the brand will also offer small and medium displacement engines. The manufacturer is also in the early stages of developing a high-performance electric bike.
Erik Buell is no longer a part of the company, but he wrote on his Facebook page:
“At the end of the day, it’s just a brand name. At one time, it stood for innovation, but it was parked by HD for 12 years. Time will tell what becomes of it next.”
The big question is knowing how the Buell brand will fare, since the moment when it returns is not the most ideal; a market brimming with high-performance motorcycles and a post-pandemic situation that is not the same as it was before. Besides, the brand return begins with the same products that previously failed, except for the new electric model, of which there is no information.
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