Buell Motorcycle Company

Buell Motorcycles
Company typePrivately Held Company
IndustryMotorcycles
Founded1983
FounderErik Buell
Headquarters
Grand Rapids, Michigan, Michigan
,
U.S.
ProductsMotorcycles
Websitehttps://www.buellmotorcycle.com

Buell Motorcycles is an American motorcycle manufacturer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. It was founded in 1983 by ex-Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell.[1] Harley-Davidson acquired 49 percent of Buell in 1993, and Buell became a wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson by 2003.[2] On November 17, 2006, Buell announced that it had produced and shipped its 100,000th motorcycle.[3]

On October 15, 2009, Harley-Davidson announced the discontinuation of the Buell product line as part of its strategy to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand.[4][5] The last Buell motorcycle produced through Harley-Davidson was in October 30, 2009, bringing the number manufactured to 136,923.[6]

In November 2009, Erik Buell announced the launch of Erik Buell Racing, an independent company run by Erik Buell which initially produced race-only versions of the 1125R model, then subsequently offered an updated 1190RS model for the street or the track, and produced further improved 1190RX and 1190SX models which are intended for street or track use.[7]

In February 2021, Buell Motorcycles announced they are back in production under the new ownership of Erik Buell Racing (EBR). Buell announced they will use the superbike platforms developed from 2011 to 2020 to build out their model line up to approximately ten models in 2024. The models will include variations for touring, dirt, adventure, and cruisers.[8]

  1. ^ Kevin M. Kelly (August 2006). "Buell Motorcycle engineering, innovation, & dedication". Automotive Design & Production. Retrieved 2008-02-29.
  2. ^ "Buell Motorcycle Co. - Two Wheel Innovation". US Industry Today. Archived from the original on 2008-03-06. Retrieved 2007-12-13.
  3. ^ "Buell Website Press Release Regarding 100,000th Unit". Buell.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ Barrett, Rick (15 October 2009). "Harley drops two lines, income plummets". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. ISSN 1082-8850.
  5. ^ "Harley-Davidson to acquire Mv Agusta Group expanding presence in Europe". Harley-Davidson.com. Archived from the original on 2008-07-15. Retrieved 2008-07-11.
  6. ^ "Last Buell rolls off production line". Motorcycle News. 13 November 2009. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
  7. ^ "ERIK BUELL ESTABLISHES ERIK BUELL RACING". Buell Motorcycle Company. Archived from the original on November 25, 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2009.
  8. ^ "Buell is Back. Buell Motorcycles are back in production in America". 18 February 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2021.