Harley drops Buell around 180 positions in East Troy to be let go.

[FlowBee]

HOG stock is up 5% already today!  Some suit is going to get his bonus this quarter!!

CNBC has the CEO of Polaris on right now.  They beat estimates this quarter by 9% and see this as the bottom.  He says "this is the perfect time to innovate and get ahead as we come out of this."  Polaris stock is up 10% today!

[Fourstring]

Although I'm not a fan, if I was going to buy an American cruiser it would be a Victory.  The guys at Polaris have shown some serious grapes in the last few years.

[Brad1445]

BUell was not killed it was a suicide of a million stupid moves, mostly on the 1125

[Rogue]

Brad, you should be happy and proud of yourself now.

You wanted this to happen more than anyone in here.  So enjoy your day in the sun.  

[Haar]

Does this move really surprise anyone?  Buell got a boost with H-D's $ then what else could happen.  Some day the U.S. industry will pay attention to who's who (Jap Big 4).  Remember what Indian did to it's followers and workers?  H-D taking on MV Agusta reminds me of the Aerimacchi days of the 70's.  Gee, I'd like to buy an American cruiser too if I didn't have to pay $5000 extra for a performing motor. CVO my ass.  Oh, I still have my AMF harley and it is what it is but ride the ones from across the pond.  can'tkeeprantinglikethis...goin'nuts.  --proud co-owner (taxpayer) of the big three and livin' the dream  

[saab93driver]

HOG stock is up 5% already today!  Some suit is going to get his bonus this quarter!!

I'd be willing to bet Buell himself has stock as part of his deal with H-D too so from a finanacial perspective he should be better off today than yesterday.  On the one hand I am sorry to see a company like this fold, on the other hand the teary eyed speech doesn't really move me - I don't feel bad for Buell himself.  He's actually fortunate that he got to live his dream more than most people ever do and I'd be surprised if he himself is walking away empty handed.  

[Thunder7]

I'd be willing to bet Buell himself has stock as part of his deal with H-D too so from a finanacial perspective he should be better off today than yesterday.  On the one hand I am sorry to see a company like this fold, on the other hand the teary eyed speech doesn't really move me - I don't feel bad for Buell himself.  He's actually fortunate that he got to live his dream more than most people ever do and I'd be surprised if he himself is walking away empty handed.  

I cant disagree with you but there may be another side to it- As we all know, motorcycling is a passion that easily consumes many of us. Buell was/is no exception and he has now had that rug ripped out form under him. Also, its very possible that part of what is upsetting him is that "his" people are going to be losing their jobs and if he is that rare person with that kind of conscience- It could also explain a lot.

[JamesG]

Erik never cared about the money, his dream was building motorcycles. His way.  Who was the last head of a bike company that was like that?  Soichiro Honda?

I only hope that Buell and the other engineers and R&D guys did not have no compete clauses in their contracts with HD and that Polaris scoops them up to work for Victory.  It would be awesome to see a real Victory sportbike that wasn't hamstrung by traditionalist dictates from a mothership board of directors.

Buell really was one of the jewels in HD's crown of its claim to being "THE American Motorcycle Company".  And they went and pawned it to make their bottom line look better like a junkie needing a quick fix.

It occurs to me to wonder how much the aquisition of MV Augusta cost in lawyer and legal fees? And now they are turning around and saying, "Oh, never mind. Anyone want to buy an Italian motorcycle company?"  There is nothing like indecisive dalying executive management to piss away a company's cash...


I was thinking of selling my '06 Uly. But now I think I'll keep it. It now represents Buell at its zenith.  

 

[OU812]

I cant disagree with you but there may be another side to it- As we all know, motorcycling is a passion that easily consumes many of us. Buell was/is no exception and he has now had that rug ripped out form under him. Also, its very possible that part of what is upsetting him is that "his" people are going to be losing their jobs and if he is that rare person with that kind of conscience- It could also explain a lot.

he was a hero to many. Myself included.

[woodman]

Erick needs to hook up with Bombardier (can-am). They own the major portion of Rotax so that would be his source for engines.

[ninegear]

Erik never cared about the money, his dream was building motorcycles. His way.  Who was the last head of a bike company that was like that?  Soichiro Honda?


It occurs to me to wonder how much the aquisition of MV Augusta cost in lawyer and legal fees? And now they are turning around and saying, "Oh, never mind. Anyone want to buy an Italian motorcycle company?"  There is nothing like indecisive dalying executive management to piss away a company's cash...
 

thats what made erik such a great guy. he was happy building bikes. even though his bikes where ugly as hell they made up for it with many other things.
if i had the cash i wouldnt mind buying mv augusta. i would drop the prices down a bit though.