A Wikipedia photograph of a Buell Dealership. (Photo: Feenchwv)
Harley-Davidson USA today announced that they are discontinuing the Buell line of motorcycles. This news comes as Harley-Davidson reported a third quarter earnings that was down 21.3% from the same period in 2008.
All remaining in-stock Buell motorcycles and accessories will be sold by authorized dealers, but no additional Buell motorcycles will be manufactured. Existing warranty coverage for Buell motorcycles will be honored and Harley-Davidson will continue to provide replacement parts and service through their dealerships.
Over time, the discontinuing of the Buell line is expected to eliminate 80 hourly productions positions and approximately 100 salaried positions at Buell. According to Harley-Davidson's statement, employment for the majority of these Buell employees will end on December 18, 2009.
On the Buell Motorcycle website, in a large main-page video titled "An Important Announcement From Erik Buell" a worn-out and defeated looking Erik Buell also announced the end of the Buell brand. Erik Buell is the founder and designer of Buell motorcycles.
According to Wikipedia, Buell Motorcycles were based in Troy, Wisonsin. Buell's partnership with Harley-Davidson began in 1993 and Buell had become a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson by 2003.
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Comments
That was certainly news to me. I hadn't even heard any scuttlebut. Thanks for reporting.
Very nicely done, Tom, as usual. I forwarded this article to our motorcycle friends, so you may have a few more page views than nonrmal.
I just wish you hadn't said "defeated looking." Buell is an American hero -- just because he's down, doesn't mean he's out. Folks can judge for themselves from the vid, but this is a sad day and anyone would look like crap.
RM
A real shame - no more American-made superbikes. I think Erik B will find a new path and we'll see something else from him.
This certainly doesn't bode well for H-D's "some time in December" announcement as to whether or not they're relocating the work currently done in York.
So, Buell Mortorcyles closed yesterday (see: buell.c0m/). Now Fischer Motors is the ONLY American Sports Bike maker (see: fischer1.c0m )!
Sad times. At least the company went out with a win. I hope we see more of Erik Buell in the future.
Hey Tom... thanks for kind comment on my latest article and congrats on this great catch!
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