May 2010 Cycle World

[whodom]

Barracuda II on the cover and short review inside; massive article on Buell story and demise under HD by Steve Anderson (former Cycle World writer and former Buell platform engineer).



Limited on-line viewing of issue available here:  http://www.zinio.com/browse/publications/index.jsp?productId=77581896&affId=cj&rf=cjaffcatalog&csid=cj (limited to three "zooms" per computer)

"Of all the words of tongue or pen, these are the saddest: 'what might have been'"  

[xbud]

 Cool read, thanks for posting this. Too bad it never made it to production

[Tpoppa]

I'm glad that story saw the light of day.  I wonder how many more Rotax powered XBs would have sold for $7,995 vs. the $9,995 sportster powered version.

HD made life tough for Buell.  If you think about it, the fact a small American Sportbike company was able to win the DSB title on a shoestring budget is amazing    HD missed their chance to create American motorcycles that could have been icons for the current and next generation of riders, just as their Big Twins were icons for folks that were around in the 60s and 70s.

[kevin_stevens]

 Cool read, thanks for posting this. Too bad it never made it to production

   It was published just today.  You can buy it at any newstand.

KeS

[Tpoppa]

   It was published just today.  You can buy it at any newstand.

KeS

Pretty sure he meant the Barracuda II.

[Brad1445]

Sell it under the Harley name I will buy one tomorrow.

[Tpoppa]

Sell it under the Harley name I will buy one tomorrow.

HD engineering can't figure out how to mount ape hangers on the clipons.

[Prubert]

Hmm, wonder if Cycle World just ran with this and didn't let H-D know they were doing it?

IF H-D did know about this, why would they let this out?  It serves no purpose, just peels off the scab and pours salt in the wound.

Why are they trying to keep the Buell furor alive?

Interesting.

[Tpoppa]

Hmm, wonder if Cycle World just ran with this and didn't let H-D know they were doing it?

IF H-D did know about this, why would they let this out?  It serves no purpose, just peels off the scab and pours salt in the wound.

Why are they trying to keep the Buell furor alive?

Interesting.

I'm sure HD is not happy about it, but how could they stop it?  The author seemed to point out that he was staying within the bounds of his non-disclosure agreement.

[Prubert]

I'm sure HD is not happy about it, but how could they stop it?  The author seemed to point out that he was staying within the bounds of his non-disclosure agreement.

I don't think H-D could ever stop it leagally if they didn't violate an agreement.

I bet H-D advertising $$ is something they may want to keep.  CW is a large mag and may not give a rip about pissing off H-D, thinking they don't need them and H-D needs CW to help advertise their product.

I just don't see H-D really wanting this out there now, it seems that CW is turning the knife....deserved or not.  

Later.

[kevin_stevens]

Pretty sure he meant the Barracuda II.

Indefinite pronouns confuse me.  

KeS

[Tyrroneous]

Thanks for the link.

I like my 1125R and feel its a decent looking bike, but that Barracuda 2 is a looker for sure!  Buell was just beginning to hit its stride.

 I think Its clear that the 1190RR that Eric Buell Racing sells is based heavily off of the Barracuda.  Both bikes have the same radiator design, same subframe, same airbox cover, etc.

[kevin_stevens]

I don't think H-D could ever stop it leagally if they didn't violate an agreement.

I bet H-D advertising $$ is something they may want to keep.  CW is a large mag and may not give a rip about pissing off H-D, thinking they don't need them and H-D needs CW to help advertise their product.

I just don't see H-D really wanting this out there now, it seems that CW is turning the knife....deserved or not.  

Later.

They're not "turning the knife", they're reporting news; background and information on a significant event in the motorcycling industry and community.  I'm sure they'd be happy to report H-D's position on it as well, in fact they've covered the minimal blurbs that TMC has released on the subject.  That H-D doesn't want their dirty laundry aired is understandable but not CW's problem.

KeS

[Tpoppa]

I don't think H-D could ever stop it leagally if they didn't violate an agreement.

I bet H-D advertising $$ is something they may want to keep.  CW is a large mag and may not give a rip about pissing off H-D, thinking they don't need them and H-D needs CW to help advertise their product.

I just don't see H-D really wanting this out there now, it seems that CW is turning the knife....deserved or not.  

Later.

True.  CW is putting HD advertising $$ at risk.  Someone @ CW must have felt strongly about letting this article see the light of day.

[chornbe]

I'm thinking if someone could just bring back Indian, the world would be a better plac... oh wait.

[Rogue]

HD made life tough for Buell.  If you think about it, the fact a small American Sportbike company was able to win the DSB title on a shoestring budget is amazing    HD missed their chance to create American motorcycles that could have been icons for the current and next generation of riders, just as their Big Twins were icons for folks that were around in the 60s and 70s.

H-D is happy with their decision because it's like they got rid of the one thing they hated so much--sportbikes.

Time will tell how much longer H-D can continue to sell on nostalgia.  I guess as long as there are Baby Boomers riding around they will.  Once that generation retires from riding will they be able to replace them on a 1 to 1 basis?  I don't think so.  Their sales statistics already show the average age of their buyers are much older.  Extrapolate that in 10-15 years and you can clearly see the demographics and tastes switching.

Fact is, the newer generation and forward thinkers don't want to buy on nostalgia unless you back it up with real, competitive, modern day performance.  Hell even a retro-Ducati will run circles around a Sportster.  Look at what the younger people are riding now:  Sportbikes!  You think most of them will trade those in for slow cruisers when they get older?  Or will they prefer a higher performance standard?  Will they have the same loyalty to an American brand or will they cross shop with other brands?  I think when today's riders age they won't want to swap all that performance for a H-D.  Also, most of these riders won't give a rat's ass about the movie Easy Rider.  Those two cowboys would never have made it to New Orleans with zero suspension!

[Prubert]

Once that generation retires from riding will they be able to replace them on a 1 to 1 basis?  I don't think so.  Their sales statistics already show the average age of their buyers are much older.

...So you get Trikes (from the factory) and then the next logical step is a CVO Casket/Headstone.  

[Tar Snake]

...So you get Trikes (from the factory) and then the next logical step is a CVO Casket/Headstone.  

Delete the flames and skulls on mine please!

FLOFGTCAO= Freakin' Lake of Fire Gnashing Teeth Custom  Afterlife Operations.

[ConPilot1]

I will perpetually spit upon the ground whenever I hear the name Harley-Davidson for crushing the only other viable American bike manufacturer there was.
CW should twist the knife whenever they can. Screw Harley's advertising dollars, and the furor over it SHOULD be kept alive because it was a downright travesty if you ask me.

Just because it was a different bike and it didn't appeal to the stinking hairy masses of brainwashed jihadi-bearded leather fringed flag slathered American Cruiser knuckle-dragger trend humping fashion lemmings and the ONLY bike company that they feel have a right to exist on the planet is the maker of those hideous open piped, ridiculous chrome plated boat anchor noisy self propelled dildo yachts. (yes, taken from American Angst)

They stand around and cry like pussies in the filthy plywood-and 2x4 decorated bars they hang out in as they hoist their beers and Bic lighters and sing when "Ah'm Proud to be an American, where at least ah know ah'm free"
plays while their dear, dear Harley-Fucking-Davidson, Incorporated, stamps out a brilliant serious American sportbike company and 200 American jobs to the tune of $125 mil right out of the corporate coffers because they can't stand any competition in the American market.

Fuck them.

Ptooooey.

[whodom]

The real kicker about the article is all the things Buell WOULD have done if not for HD mis-management:  A ~$7000 XB9 instead of a ~$9000 one.  Larger air-cooled engines based on the XB9 arrangement up to 1400 cc!  A turbo'ed XB with 150 RWHP nearly ready for production.  No-fully faired 1125R because "we don't want to compete with the Japs".  No internet sales of clothing/gear/accessories because that's not how HD does it.  Blast engines costing 80% more than planned!  No sportier Blast or 600cc variants!  

AAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!