Erik Buell Racing Announces 1190RS

[Schneegz]

From the Kneeslider:

Erik Buell Racing 1190RS Streetbike Semi Official Announcement
by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 9/8/2010




No one will be surprised that Erik Buell is planning a street bike based on the 1190RR, especially after the video back in July. So when EBR wants to put out more information, where does it show up? It appears on a t shirt with the new 1190RS logo on the Rat Pak Records website along with an announcement of a teaser video coming September 14th. They don't show the teaser, they tell you a teaser video is coming, which may or may not show very much. The website also includes this short bit:

The 1190RS will be the new street bike from Erik Buell Racing! The design is currently in the pre-production / testing stage and is not yet available for public sale.

Not much else to read, but follow the link if you're so inclined.  I can't wait to see it!  

UPDATE:  Hell for Leather has a statement from Rat Pack Records, which is marketing the merchandise.

We’ve just received a response from Rat Pak Records stating, “The bike won’t be avail [sic] until next year, but we are selling the merch for it ahead of time. It is the official merch for the bike, we just sell it for Erik as he has no time ship orders all day! Next week there will be some more info posted about the bike!.”

[squeezer]

Go Erik! I'd love to see it happen. And I can't wait to see the size of the pods.

[Brad1445]

I hope this is my dream bike.  The barracuda.
But have they,
 
stopped the stator problems?
clutch weep?
parasitic electrical draws?
yada yada yada go to badweb

Rotax rocks, if they can build a bike around it that don't need dealer visits between service intervals I'm in. The XB's were that good, the 1125 series is still full of unhappy customers sometimes waiting 3 months for parts.

Message to Buell = There is demand, don't F'up this time, get it right, don't rush or overlook flaws and the customers will come.

[falconati]

$10 says Brad will never buy one of these.  Any takers?    

[mugwump58]

Let's go back to the pod thing... Could be interesting. 6 days right?

[garry]

I suspect it will be quite rough around the edges, kind of like prototypes for public sale. If not, it will be very expensive.

[desert_rider]

Good for Erik!  Hope he can come back and kick some ass.  

[Roadscum]

Where will it be sold and serviced???  

[Rincewind]

Where will it be sold and serviced???  

Exactly.

[Mastros2]

Where will it be sold and serviced???  

Maybe in the Ducati/BMW/Triumph shops.  I'm interested!

[whodom]

But have they,
 
stopped the stator problems?
clutch weep?
parasitic electrical draws?
yada yada yada go to badweb

Rotax rocks, if they can build a bike around it that don't need dealer visits between service intervals I'm in. The XB's were that good, the 1125 series is still full of unhappy customers sometimes waiting 3 months for parts.

Message to Buell = There is demand, don't F'up this time, get it right, don't rush or overlook flaws and the customers will come.

Well, the stator problems and clutch weep can be laid directly in Rotax's lap, so I'm not so sure they rock after all.  Hopefully ROTAX will get it right the second time around.

[ninegear]

$10 says Brad will never buy one of these.  Any takers?    

i'm in.

i never could get why brad was always all like "o noo it has pods!!! i feel so betrayed!!!" didnt he like buell before the 1125r?

[Brad1445]

 i'm in.

i never could get why brad was always all like "o noo it has pods!!! i feel so betrayed!!!" didnt he like buell before the 1125r?

Yes I have owned five of them, loved them all, and my dealer loves me, lol. They saved the first 1125 for me with no deposit,  but I do have the ability to recognize a train wreck ie 1125 series.  The pods are more than just an award design its an outward statement that things were rushed and done on he cheep.  Time has proven me right.


I love v-twins, and I love the idea of "made in the the USA"

[Brad1445]

Well, the stator problems and clutch weep can be laid directly in Rotax's lap, so I'm not so sure they rock after all.  Hopefully ROTAX will get it right the second time around.

Rotax could be argued  makes the best engines in the world. They did  build the engine, Buell engineered it.  Buell set the time table.  It was the 25th anniversary and they were going to release the bike no matter what.  Thats why you have five year old parts mixed in with new parts.

[whodom]

Rotax could be argued  makes the best engines in the world. They did  build the engine, Buell engineered it.  Buell set the time table.  It was the 25th anniversary and they were going to release the bike no matter what.  Thats why you have five year old parts mixed in with new parts.

Rotax does make very good engines.  Buell did not "engineer" the engine; they set the basic dimensional and performance parameters for it and Rotax engineered it.  

At any rate, let's hope the 1190 is flawless.

[Schneegz]

Rotax could be argued  makes the best engines in the world. They did  build the engine, Buell engineered it.  Buell set the time table.  It was the 25th anniversary and they were going to release the bike no matter what.  Thats why you have five year old parts mixed in with new parts.

The reason "you have five year old parts mixed in with new parts" is that Harley refused to fund the project, so Buell - using their own very limited funds - had to cut costs wherever they could.  That also probably explains the obvious lack of development when the bike was released.  Time is money, and development time doubly so.  As for the engineering of the engine, whodom is right that it was mostly done by Rotax.

[JReazor]

Where will it be sold and serviced???  

Ya gotta start somewhere. Hopefully they'll end up in multi-line dealerships where the should have been all along.

[Rincewind]

As Asphalt and Rubber says, "Before you Buell fans start getting all in a tizzy, we have to break the news that the hype being generated about the EBR 1190RS is more about raising money for Erik Buell Racing, than announcing an upcoming motorcycle."

So... buy a lot of t-shirts if you want to see this bike!    Buell doesn't have the money to make this happen.

[2DFlyer]

Maybe in the Ducati/BMW/Triumph shops.  I'm interested!

'cept round here Ray Price HD is the Triumph dealer...

[Rincewind]

First official teaser vid

[Schneegz]

First official teaser vid

What's with the ugly side-mounted exhaust can at the end?  

UPDATE: From Asphalt and Rubber.



Allso, from Hell for Leather Magazine, Buell rider Geoff May talks about developing the 1190RS so they can race the 1190RR in AMA Super Bike next year.

[falconati]

Sounds like a dirt bike  

[Castaway]

Those sunglasses!    

[atadaskew]

This thing has to be pretty spectacular now that Harley can't be used as an excuse for holding him back.

Shame that bikes like BMW's S1000RR etc are on the market.

Why did Buell use Harley motors anyway?  With him going to Rotax for the 1125 series, why didn't he just use non Harley motors from the get go?  I can't see at any point in Buell's timeline where the Harley motor he chose was better than the non HD motors out there.

Shouldn't the historical equivalent of this have been Buell's starting point all along?  Buell was only owned by Harley later in it's life.

[whodom]

Why did Buell use Harley motors anyway?  With him going to Rotax for the 1125 series, why didn't he just use non Harley motors from the get go?  I can't see at any point in Buell's timeline where the Harley motor he chose was better than the non HD motors out there.

Shouldn't the historical equivalent of this have been Buell's starting point all along?  Buell was only owned by Harley later in it's life.

Buell's history is pretty well publicised; this is my synopsis (any errors are mine):  Buell was an engineer at Harley in the mid-1980's who was racing on the side.  He had the chance to buy the designs, rights, tooling, and parts for the British Barton racing bike that was raced in AMA Formula 1 at the time. The bike had potential but needed a lot of development.  He was making great progress in improving the reliability of the engine (a "square" four 2-stroke) and had sold 2 bikes when AMA changed their rules and made this bike obsolete.  

Here's Erik, mortgaged to the gills, with a bike that nobody has any use for.  Through his channels at Harley, he found that there were ~80 leftover XR1000 engines sitting in a warehouse.  He got one of the engines and figured out it could be fit into his Formula 1 trellis tube frame with a few modifications which would make a pretty cool street bike.  He convinced some of his contacts at Harley to sell him the engines on credit and he started building bikes.  THAT's how he got started using Harley engines.  When the XR1000's ran out, the regular Sportster 1200cc V-twin was available and would fit the frame so that became the next engine for his bikes and so it went from there.  Harley bought part interest in the company and eventually the whole thing.

Buell also had intended to introduce a water-cooled V-twin ~12 years ago (there are several videos at youtube where he details that story) and had at least one prototype bike running (with the fuel-in-frame design).  This engine was being developed with Harley; unfortunately Harley eventually dominated the specifications for the engine, increasing its size and weight to the point Erik couldn't use it.  This engine is what's in the V-Rod.

[sprint EX]

 For some of us that Harley  based motor is one of the reasons we bought Buells. Simple, reliable, good power, works for me. Plus I thought Buell had a better chance of being around then Moto Guzzi.

[atadaskew]

Buell's history is pretty well publicised; this is my synopsis (any errors are mine):  Buell was an engineer at Harley in the mid-1980's who was racing on the side.  He had the chance to buy the designs, rights, tooling, and parts for the British Barton racing bike that was raced in AMA Formula 1 at the time. The bike had potential but needed a lot of development.  He was making great progress in improving the reliability of the engine (a "square" four 2-stroke) and had sold 2 bikes when AMA changed their rules and made this bike obsolete.  

Here's Erik, mortgaged to the gills, with a bike that nobody has any use for.  Through his channels at Harley, he found that there were ~80 leftover XR1000 engines sitting in a warehouse.  He got one of the engines and figured out it could be fit into his Formula 1 trellis tube frame with a few modifications which would make a pretty cool street bike.  He convinced some of his contacts at Harley to sell him the engines on credit and he started building bikes.  THAT's how he got started using Harley engines.  When the XR1000's ran out, the regular Sportster 1200cc V-twin was available and would fit the frame so that became the next engine for his bikes and so it went from there.  Harley bought part interest in the company and eventually the whole thing.

Buell also had intended to introduce a water-cooled V-twin ~12 years ago (there are several videos at youtube where he details that story) and had at least one prototype bike running (with the fuel-in-frame design).  This engine was being developed with Harley; unfortunately Harley eventually dominated the specifications for the engine, increasing its size and weight to the point Erik couldn't use it.  This engine is what's in the V-Rod.

 

[falconati]

Buell's history is pretty well publicised; this is my synopsis (any errors are mine):  Buell was an engineer at Harley in the mid-1980's who was racing on the side.  He had the chance to buy the designs, rights, tooling, and parts for the British Barton racing bike that was raced in AMA Formula 1 at the time. The bike had potential but needed a lot of development.  He was making great progress in improving the reliability of the engine (a "square" four 2-stroke) and had sold 2 bikes when AMA changed their rules and made this bike obsolete.  

Here's Erik, mortgaged to the gills, with a bike that nobody has any use for.  Through his channels at Harley, he found that there were ~80 leftover XR1000 engines sitting in a warehouse.  He got one of the engines and figured out it could be fit into his Formula 1 trellis tube frame with a few modifications which would make a pretty cool street bike.  He convinced some of his contacts at Harley to sell him the engines on credit and he started building bikes.  THAT's how he got started using Harley engines.  When the XR1000's ran out, the regular Sportster 1200cc V-twin was available and would fit the frame so that became the next engine for his bikes and so it went from there.  Harley bought part interest in the company and eventually the whole thing.

Buell also had intended to introduce a water-cooled V-twin ~12 years ago (there are several videos at youtube where he details that story) and had at least one prototype bike running (with the fuel-in-frame design).  This engine was being developed with Harley; unfortunately Harley eventually dominated the specifications for the engine, increasing its size and weight to the point Erik couldn't use it.  This engine is what's in the V-Rod.

Nice history, thanks.  YOU'RE GETTING A PLUS ONE TO YOUR REPUTATION FOR THIS, SO NOW YOU CAN SLEEP TONIGHT

[Mastros2]

 For some of us that Harley  based motor is one of the reasons we bought Buells. Simple, reliable, good power, works for me.

A great engine for the street.  

[BobW]

CanAm dealerships may be negotiated as an available network. Common use of engines (Spyder) would require little training for techs to provide service and they are an established OEM that EBR could "scratch backs" with. I would imagine he needs every penny he has to simply get street legal bikes developed, let alone certified and then manufactured. I have no idea what would be involved to try and grow a "new" distribution, support and sales network on top of the rest he has on his plate, some type of partnering would almost have to be in the works.

[loadedmind]

I like the look of them, but, frankly, too much shaky shaky for my tastes.  I always enjoy seeing American-based companies do good, especially regarding my passion - motorcycling.  After having ridden the ZX-14 for a while where the ride is silky smooth and the engine vibration kept to a minimum, I suppose I've been spoiled.  I really hope Buell gets bigger, regardless.

[Tar Snake]

Where will it be sold and serviced???  

Eric's Mom's garage..... where else?

[chornbe]

Well, the stator problems and clutch weep can be laid directly in Rotax's lap, so I'm not so sure they rock after all.  Hopefully ROTAX will get it right the second time around.

Uhm... wait... how can you possibly blame the ENGINE manufacturer for problems that are in the ENGINE when Erik Buell is right there, ready to have a finger pointed squarely at him? I'm not sure you're thinking this through correctly.

[clempot911]

I hope he makes it. With HD out of the way he can build/market the bike he wants, not having someone look over his shoulder approving every step. The 2 negatives I can think of are: He lost his sugar daddy, and he has no dealership network.
I think the first can be overcome by getting some investors on-board. The 1125 showed a glimpse of what can be done, and that there is a real market for a US built competitive performance bike. As for the 2nd, maybe NOT being associated with HD will actually help.

[xbud]

CanAm dealerships may be negotiated as an available network. Common use of engines (Spyder) would require little training for techs to provide service and they are an established OEM that EBR could "scratch backs" with. I would imagine he needs every penny he has to simply get street legal bikes developed, let alone certified and then manufactured. I have no idea what would be involved to try and grow a "new" distribution, support and sales network on top of the rest he has on his plate, some type of partnering would almost have to be in the works.

I'm surprised this hasn't happened already. It seems like a win-win for both parties, BRP/Rotax gets back the engine business lost through HD and Aprilia, and Buell gets a distribution network for dealers, parts, service, financing, etc....

[chornbe]

I hope he makes it. With HD out of the way he can build/market the bike he wants, not having someone look over his shoulder approving every step. The 2 negatives I can think of are: He lost his sugar daddy, and he has no dealership network.
I think the first can be overcome by getting some investors on-board. The 1125 showed a glimpse of what can be done, and that there is a real market for a US built competitive performance bike. As for the 2nd, maybe NOT being associated with HD will actually help.

Well, most of the designs are still being licensed from Harley, if I understand the agreements. The frame design, the perimeter brakes and ZTL system and the fuel-in-frame design are all designed owned by Harley.

Again... if I've understood things correctly.

[BobW]

Chris, I didn't realize that. I would imagine that would have to streamline and simplify the process and maybe Eric and supporters bought needed equipment at the fire sale HD held regarding the Buell funeral services. He still has to certify both EPA and DOT regardless as an OEM (?)offering street legal models for sale, the process alone has to be costly in both $ and time. I wish him luck in these tough times for motorsports and his small volume with high start up costs will make for a huge cost per unit in a very competitive market. I agree that he has to get it right even if that costs a few bucks more per copy. I will/want to buy "American", but it has to be Good at a fair value/price, e.g. I bought a Sprint ST, but love the no longer sold ape Futura. Close in looks and both have great power plants, but the ape had soooo much more in comfort, handling, etc. I would love to see EBR base a real ST off his creation as he gains traction.

So many good bikes starting to come out of the shadows and now that the Govt declared the Recession ended last summer riders will be ready to buy with all the extra money the didn't realize they had.  

Cheers

[Rincewind]

Is this the 1190RS?  Here is an EBR teaser shot from their Facebook page.  I expect we'll see the whole thing shortly.  

[Rogue]

Keeping my eyes open.  

[garry]

My guess is that EBR will offer street-legal sport bikes as a boutique maker ala Bimota. Very few units per year at a big premium for the well-heeled Buell faithful.

[veefer800canuck]

Why do they have a screaming inline-4 at 0:08?  

[Rincewind]

Today's EBR tease c/o their Facebook.  Guess what - no pods!

[Schneegz]

From Asphalt and Rubber:

The 1190RS loaded up for the trip to Indy.



Side mounted exhaust.  That's sure to annoy the Buell faithful.

[Tyrroneous]

The main exhaust is still hidden inside the belly pan...where it belongs.  The Buell faithful are speculating that the side mounted portion is designed to help the bike clear emissions (noise and chemical).  Further, the Buell faithful are speculating that the visible portion of the exhaust is designed to be easily removed.

[Schneegz]

The main exhaust is still hidden inside the belly pan...where it belongs.  The Buell faithful are speculating that the side mounted portion is designed to help the bike clear emissions (noise and chemical).  Further, the Buell faithful are speculating that the visible portion of the exhaust is designed to be easily removed.

That makes sense.  Erik Buell also talked about adding a race exhaust and ECU, so I assume we'll get to see how it looks at the reveal at Indy.

[Bueller]

Now that would be good.  The rising Exhaust is the only part of that creature that I don't like.  Underslung is one less thing to damage in a drop.

[naustin]

@ $40,000+, There is no risk that I will ever own one of Erik's new bikes.  They are now firmly in fantasy land with Ferraris and Bimotas and 100 foot Yachts. The fact that Erik is actually building a limited number of bikes, and certain privileged rich people can actually own doesn't make me feel any better about what Harley did to Buell....   Overall, I'm only mildly interested to be honest.  I'm just posting here to see how the headlight turns out....

I wish him luck though.

[Squidbuzz]

From an interview that I saw on Facebook, he is looking to sell 100 of these.  With that he will hopefully make something for us regular folks, not to mention something that would be more Sport Touring in nature.