Is There Any Hope for a Revived EBR?

[1190SX]

That's why I think they should stop trying to keep up with the industry and just keep making the bike, it's such a solid and capable platform even without the modern tech and features of the competition that it's already a classic.

People don't ride CB750's in 2017 because they have any noteworthy technology

They ride them because they are hipsters and were born 20 years after the CB750 was made.

[Scott]

So whats the difference with EBR making super low production real, legally recognized bikes... and OCC type chopper builders making 10X the amount of slapped together 'special constructions' like you or I could make in our garage and title the same way? It's really easy to get a MFG license.

Could EBR forgo the expense and red tape of the feds and the EPA by doing the same thing? Their profit margin would increase substantially and could sell bikes with their reputation (as the chopper people do). Feasable?

The biggest problem I see is the 1190 was slightly outdated in 2014, and terribly so now in 2017 as fast as this market moves. EBR would need a HUGE influx of cash just to build the electronics suite that performance buyers expect today. HP only gets you so far these days....

I believe they can up to a point and if they grow beyond that, they can justify the cost.

The big problem I see is they can't survive selling 100 1190RX's per year at $10,000 per bike.

At low volumes like that, they're going to have to charge something like $30,000 per bike. And that price isn't crazy for an extremely low volume, unique bike (look at bikes like Motus or Confederate). The problem is, it will be very tough to charge $30,000 for bike that was selling for $10,000.

But I think there is a route they can take. There were rumors prior to shutdown of a forced induction bike (either turbo or supercharger), and I think that could be an ideal solution to their problem.

The 1190RS could handle with the best bikes out there, but it couldn't compete on power. A forced induction variation could compete on power and be truly unique and justify a $30,000 asking price. The wouldn't be able to race, of course, but at this point, they don't have the resources to race, so I think they should focus on beating the Superbike competition by breaking the rules those bikes have to stick to to continue to race.

And don't just stop at forced induction, increase displacement, perform other engine tweaks not allowed by WSBK rules, and use carbon fiber to keep weight down (I don't believe WSBK rules allow carbon fiber fairings for example).

If EBR can use the WSBK rules against the bikes they'll be competing with in the magazine shoot-outs, they can gain an advantage. And the magazines don't care how they get there as long as the package performs.

Even against something like the H2R, they won't be able to compete on power, but put them on the track together and the supercharged EBR will have the the weight and handling advantage and could likely beat the H2R around a tight track.

A bike like that could take advantage of existing parts and tooling while also having a whole new unique personality that would be like nothing else out there and could, if done right, outperform the competition.

At least that's the way I'd go until they can build back up to doing more mainstream bikes.

[Hughlysses]

Adding ABS would open the European market to them, where sales were pretty good. They seem to have had the design for that well underway if not completed, so hopefully that could happen without huge investment.

If they keep the bike otherwise as-is, they should really market it that way- that this is a bike for real motorcyclists who don't need all that gadgetry. Hey, maybe they could even go back to analog gauges and get rid of the failure prone digital display.

[Kid Thunder]

Amen to that.

[MakingPAIN]

Old bikes rule

[Cooter]

Real bikes = Kickstarts and spokes!
Petcocks with reserve, center stands, chrome, big plastic knob steering dampers... I might even be convinced to say front drum brakes, but I already conceded to tubes

I agree 1000% with you guys. Keep EBR as a B.adass A.nalog S.uperbike T.hat A.lways R.elies on D.rivers S.kill.

Woo Hoo!

[1190SX]

A real experience. Just you, the bike, and the road.

[Cooter]

Fun Fact:
The New Bmw's have a VDS on them. A Vertical Down Sensor.

Yep, a little light turns on if you fall over. You would think the pain and sparks would be enough to let a person know, but now you need a light? Heck, it probably uplinks to the Bimmer satellite to schedule a service appointment and calls your insurance adjuster for you.

We need this stuff??

[MakingPAIN]

Did I catch a "B.A.S.T.A.R.D" in there cooter? Are you calling from a walkie talkie? Lol.

And air cooled fins with rubber dampers between them!!!
Could we also add, dual rear shocks. But not Harley because they are a little behind on times. They just figured out that six gears is a nice feature. Next they might find out common pin cranks suck. Lol

[1190SX]

Fun Fact:
The New Bmw's have a VDS on them. A Vertical Down Sensor.

Yep, a little light turns on if you fall over. You would think the pain and sparks would be enough to let a person know, but now you need a light? Heck, it probably uplinks to the Bimmer satellite to schedule a service appointment and calls your insurance adjuster for you.

We need this stuff??

So if a neutral indicator is an "idiot light" what would the vertical down sensor be? I'd like to get an ejection seat with parachute for my bike soon, if these things get any faster it will be a requirement.