New Press Release from Liquid Asset Partners Re: EBR

Just received this via e-mail from LAP:

Kickstand Up, Ready to Roll...


EAST TROY, WI – EBR Motorcycles has recently completed the protracted Wisconsin Chapter 128 business restructuring that began last April. The EBR 2012 – 2015 model parts inventory, brand name, trademarks, patents, operating licenses, testing equipment, assembly lines and all the future models under development are now owned by Liquid Asset Partners of Grand Rapids Michigan.

Liquid Asset Partners is actively reviewing options for a qualified individual or company to acquire or finance the motorcycle business and take it to the next level.

Erik Buell, founder of EBR, said, “This is indeed an incredible opportunity for a huge head start on getting an American sport motorcycle business going. I have to thank Bill Melvin Jr., Bill Sr., and the team at Liquid Asset Partners for seeing this and working toward activating the assets and building motorcycles again. It is also great that they have stepped up to immediately address parts availability for EBR owners. The old company had many of the pieces in place for success, and I am very energized by the opportunity to re-engage under a new corporation with the right ownership and focus.”

Kim Tordik, key management member, has worked side-by-side with Erik for over 30 years. Kim started with Erik in the early years of the fledgling Buell Motor Company, continued through the Harley years and on to the start-up of Erik Buell Racing. “I have seen and been a part of all the challenges and successes over the years. Working with Erik, we have always focused on keeping the customer first and top-of-mind. The amount of energy and enthusiasm for Erik Buell and his legacy brand is as prevalent now as ever. Knowing personally the extraordinary assets that are available and the creative talent we have, the best years are still ahead.”

The first step, beginning next week, will be to make service and repair parts available directly from Liquid Asset to the owners of the EBR RS, RX and SX models, as well as performance parts for previous Buell models that had been available from EBR. Since the motorcycle selling season is approaching quickly, management is making significant progress towards plans for the production of new RX and SX models. The goal is to have 2016 model EBRs rolling by mid-March.

Steve Smith, key management member, says “the ‘muzzle is off’ and that it is time to reach out to EBR suppliers, dealers, customers and fans around the world. During the restructuring process it was inappropriate for the staff to talk about the specifics. Not being able to speak up was very frustrating, as there was no shortage of false information and speculation being spread. The “Buell Nation” and EBR enthusiasts were inundated with all sorts of opinions and misleading stories over the last 9-10 months. With Liquid Asset now in control of the motorcycle assets and intellectual property, we are in a position to begin the process of restarting. We love and appreciate the continued enthusiasm of the EBR riders groups; to help with the future success of EBR, we encourage riders and enthusiasts to talk to their closest dealer and prepare their personal finances for hopefully buying a 2016 model EBR.”

Once the plans are implemented, the path is open for the next step of growth. The American innovation, speed and persistence of Buell and EBR that have been demonstrated and appreciated by hundreds of thousands the world over will still require significant resources to move to the next chapter. Liquid Asset has taken on the mantle of “brand steward” and is committed to preserving the true American Sportbike company with its lineage going back to 1983. Along with production initiating on RX and SX, new segment busting models that deliver Erik’s unique vision are on the drawing board. The new company has many assets and is ready to expand rapidly.

Anyone interested in more information about the EBR opportunity should contact Liquid Asset Partners at www.LiquidAP.com.

Anyone interested in EBR parts should visit www.LiquidAP.com/EBRparts/

Thank you,
Team EBR

Good sound!

Wow! Very interesting. Liquid Assets has hinted all along that they could finance. I wonder if their idea is to put minimal investment into them to get them up and running and demonstrate how they really are a functional company and then flip them.

No mystical greek, no Bruce who?
Erik is back on board.

YESSS!

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Originally Posted by Street Bastard

No mystical greek, no Bruce who?
Erik is back on board.

YESSS!

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Haha!

I'm not holding my breath. This is still a LONG ways off boys...

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Originally Posted by Hellgate

I'm not holding my breath. This is still a LONG ways off boys...

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I agree, but I think the company is in better shape than it has been for the past 9 months.

It is still, and always has been about money. Somebody needs to step in with enough cash that they can convince suppliers, dealers and customers that they will invest to keep the company running for 5 years - after which it will be strong enough to stand on its own.

We have known since the first auction that nobody has yet been willing to step forward with a wad of cash, but we do know there were entities interested (such as US GP Holdings, S & S and Zero). If Liquid Assets has the money and is willing to invest it to keep some key people on who can organize things so the company is ready to go as soon as they have the funding and if Liquid Assets is actively out publicizing and looking for that buyer or buyers (with Erik Buell helping and making phone calls), I think someone will take a shot at owning the only American Sport-bike company - one that has a small but passionate group of current fans.

Right now, I suspect Liquid Assets is putting together a slick report that will demonstrate the operating costs and revenue that the company would expect selling 300 bikes per year, and then they can project out how those numbers will shift and become profitable under reasonable growth expectations. Prior to Liquid Assets purchase, nobody could really organize or present the company in a way that illustrated its potential. It was just a pile of machines, computers and vague intellectual property that required potential buyers to use quite a bit of imagination and take quite a bit of risk if they were even thinking about leaping in. Liquid Assets can collect and organize the components to tell a much more clear story of where things could go.

I don't know who the new owner will be or how similar the new company will or won't be to what we know, but I think, in time, it will happen.

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New article at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

http://www.jsonline.com/business/erik-buell-racing -hopes-to-restart-motorcycle-production-in-march-b 99662505z1-367281991.html

This says they expect to restart production on a small scale in March before they find a buyer for the company.

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Originally Posted by Hughlysses

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This says they expect to restart production on a small scale in March before they find a buyer for the company.

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I found that very interesting. The previous release seemed to imply that they could be up and running by March, but this seems to imply that LAP will have them up and running by March while they continue to look for investors.

I think that makes a lot of sense if they have the pieces they need to make it happen.

I'd say that's good news. I can't imagine they won't find investors or a buyer. These are the most practically unique and beautiful bikes in the world and they can make power and handle on a world class level. With a good plan, sufficient marketing, and targeting the right customers here and overseas, I don't see why a team of reasonably competent people couldn't sustain a prosperous business. Plus, regardless of what politicians and big corporations say, exports i.e. bringing back leaving/left money is the best thing for our economy and our survival. Stupid mindless phone apps are not enough, lets sell something real!

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Originally Posted by Doug Porcaro

I'd say that's good news. I can't imagine they won't find investors or a buyer. These are the most practically unique and beautiful bikes in the world and they can make power and handle on a world class level. With a good plan, sufficient marketing, and targeting the right customers here and overseas, I don't see why a team of reasonably competent people couldn't sustain a prosperous business. Plus, regardless of what politicians and big corporations say, exports i.e. bringing back leaving/left money is the best thing for our economy and our survival. Stupid mindless phone apps are not enough, lets sell something real!

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Yeah, and after the Chinese racing championship, I'd bet they could sell a few bikes there. I think the only thing standing between them and success is having someone willing to write the checks until the business can stand on its own.

I'll keep buying those lottery tickets.

EBR just posted on their Facebook page that big news is coming next week.:bannana:

^ I saw that. :thumb:

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Originally Posted by Hughlysses

^ I saw that. :thumb:

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I hope I'm not reading too much into it. It could just be: "New bikes will be rolling off the line March XX." . . . which would be cool, but they've already said they were doing that, so I wouldn't consider that BIG.

I certainly hope it means someone with the money and brains to keep the company running until they're on solid ground will be buying them . . . but I'm afraid it might be something short of that.

The quote was actually "BIG news...". Hopefully they're not BS'ing us.

A little info is trickling out on Badweb. One dealer posted this morning that he had spoken with someone in the know and that he confirmed that production of new 2016 model motorcycles WILL begin next month. These will be RX's and SX's with no significant changes except for "bold new colors".

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Originally Posted by Hughlysses

The quote was actually "BIG news...". Hopefully they're not BS'ing us.

A little info is trickling out on Badweb. One dealer posted this morning that he had spoken with someone in the know and that he confirmed that production of new 2016 model motorcycles WILL begin next month. These will be RX's and SX's with no significant changes except for "bold new colors".

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:thumb:

While normally I'd be disappointed with "bold new colors" in this case it means the parts going on those bikes will match the parts on our bikes. So my biggest fear since the beginning of this, long-term parts supply, may not be an issue if they can keep things going.

I've been thinking about the news. On one hand, if they will be making bikes soon, we would expect them to try to make a big deal of it to get interest going and sell those bikes, so that could be all it is . . . BUT there's a unique situation here. LAP (which is the current owner and presumably has control of information such as that posted on Facebook) has one primary objective and that is to sell the company, not bikes. Hinting in a way that would lead most people to believe there is a buyer when there isn't one would be counter-productive to that goal. Potential buyers might read that Facebook post and say: "Well, I guess someone beat me to it. No reason to call now." and that would be the exact opposite of what LAP wants.

So I'm leaning toward the idea that this could be the kind of truly big news we're all hoping for.

I spoke to Marissa today at LAP getting a tracking number for my parts. I asked when will they give out an updated list of parts in stock. She said she wasn't sure because they are trying to negotiate re-stock of parts. What that means is anybodies guess.

^ Sure sounds like they're getting plans in place for continued support/production. I can imagine negotiating new contracts with former parts suppliers is a tough row to hoe. Some of them probably got burned pretty badly when EBR shut down. They're going to want cash up front until they're thoroughly convinced EBR will be in business for a LONG time.

It's next week. . .:biggrin:

Hopefully they don't hold us in suspense too long.

Interesting side note- one of the guys on Badweb (I think he's on this board too) traded messages with a guy that said he's riding an EBR to be used in an advertisement starting today. It sounds like the ad is being made for EBR.

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Originally Posted by Hughlysses

Hopefully they don't hold us in suspense too long.

Interesting side note- one of the guys on Badweb (I think he's on this board too) traded messages with a guy that said he's riding an EBR to be used in an advertisement starting today. It sounds like the ad is being made for EBR.

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:thumb: That is very interesting. As I mentioned a few posts back, I doubt LAP is particularly interested in selling motorcycles. They're interested in selling the company. If somebody is making a motorcycle ad/video I'd guess that represents real money being put in to sell motorcycles. And I wold guess that means a real investor and/or buyer as opposed to an interim care-taker.

talked with LAP today, second time in a couple weeks.

Big announcement tomorrow about bikes going back into production.

Asked if we wanted to be a dealer....told them maybe. I asked them if they are setup with Texas as a manufacturer yet, but they didn't know and they sounded unfamiliar with the process for Texas.. That is a big process with the state that will take them months. Until they do that, we cannot get EBR added to our franchised dealer license in Texas.

And no mention of what we should do with all our 2014s in stock collecting dust....

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Originally Posted by Ed / AF1 Racing

talked with LAP today, second time in a couple weeks.

Big announcement tomorrow about bikes going back into production.

Asked if we wanted to be a dealer....told them maybe. I asked them if they are setup with Texas as a manufacturer yet, but they didn't know and they sounded unfamiliar with the process for Texas.. That is a big process with the state that will take them months. Until they do that, we cannot get EBR added to our franchised dealer license in Texas.

And no mention of what we should do with all our 2014s in stock collecting dust....

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It seems like getting details like that worked out should be the first priority. If you can make it as clear as possible what you need to move the 2014's and beyond, hopefully they can work with you to get it done.

The next year is going to have to be about getting the trust of dealers, suppliers and customers back . . . and that means understanding and working through details like this.

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Originally Posted by Ed / AF1 Racing

talked with LAP today, second time in a couple weeks.

Big announcement tomorrow about bikes going back into production.

Asked if we wanted to be a dealer....told them maybe. I asked them if they are setup with Texas as a manufacturer yet, but they didn't know and they sounded unfamiliar with the process for Texas.. That is a big process with the state that will take them months. Until they do that, we cannot get EBR added to our franchised dealer license in Texas.

And no mention of what we should do with all our 2014s in stock collecting dust....

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I'm just greatful you guys would consider hanging with the team.

Ed- also glad to hear you guys are at least willing to consider sticking with the brand. Hopefully they get their Texas manufacturer registration straightened out quickly.

Standing by for news from EBR...

I frankly think that if the new EBR can't get some of their previous successful dealers back on board (and I think AF1 certainly fits into that class), there's no reason to even try to make another go of it.

That's not to say they have to do it immediately. They're probably working through 100 really tough things right now, and the EBR two months from now may be a different entity than the EBR today, but if I were EBR, I'd be assuring people like Ed that he was our top priority. And while they may not have all the answers now, they need to be able to say: "We are putting every effort into getting the answers and will be in contact with you throughout that process."

EBR doesn't have to move the mountain in a day, but they have to show people they're moving some rocks now.

I checked, and the fees aren't that bad for the manufacturer registration: $1800 for the manufacturer/distributor license fee, $40 per dealer, and $200 per manufacturer's representative: http://www.txdmv.gov/dealer/manufacture

Hopefully LAP/EBR can cough up that much if that's all that's keeping them out of Texas. Even if all 50 states require something similar (and I don't think they do), that's only ~$100k or so. A lot of money, but not that much in the scheme of things.

12:35 EST and still no announcement from EBR...

Edit- but someone just confidently posted on Badweb that the BIG announcement WILL happen today.

AHA! http://www.jsonline.com/business/eri...370674071.html

More info: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/...roy-wisconsin/

Wow. So it looks like LAP is going to fund it themselves if nobody else steps up? They hinted that was a possibility, but I didn't really think they'd go full steam ahead. They're even talking about racing?

Should be interesting to watch.

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Originally Posted by Hughlysses

^ Sure sounds like they're getting plans in place for continued support/production. I can imagine negotiating new contracts with former parts suppliers is a tough row to hoe. Some of them probably got burned pretty badly when EBR shut down. They're going to want cash up front until they're thoroughly convinced EBR will be in business for a LONG time.

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I was just thinking about this because I saw it as one of the big barriers along with dealership costs and credit to cover those costs etc.

But then I was thinking a little more about this specific situation this morning. Normally a company would have about 30 days to pay their vendor and that's a nice little cushion that disappears if they have money problems and their vendors require cash-in-advance.

But rumor has it that they have parts to make about 300 bikes. Let's imagine they plan to start with 30 great dealers and go slow. Those 300 bikes will likely be a one year supply (assuming each of those dealers selling about 10 bikes). So they haven't put out a dime to suppliers over the first year.

So even if they are on cash-in-advance terms with their vendors, they're already way ahead of the game since they had 'free' parts to start with. Now when they start paying their vendors for new parts a year from now, they can imagine they're actually paying for those first parts used to manufacture the bikes that will be coming off the line in a couple weeks. Instead of 30 day payment terms, that's like 365 day payment terms.

And since they won't have those vendors coming after them for that first year, that gives them some flexibility in the terms they offer to dealers. They don't need to be paid NOW by dealers (or a financing company working with the dealers) because they don't have bills from their vendors coming due that they have to pay.

There are still a lot of hurdles to get past, but cash-flow might not be as big an issue as it would appear at first glance. A smart money manager may be able to work with the tough terms their suppliers and dealers are going to be demanding by using that prepaid inventory as a cash-cushion in place of the credit terms they would typically use as a cash-cushion.

"(assuming each of those dealers selling about 10 bikes). "

EBR dealers back when the bikes were new did not sell 10 bikes each....we sold 3 total before all this mess and really bad PR

They haven't released MSRP on these 2016s. Will they be overpriced like the 2014s were?
They have said there is no flooring available for dealer stock -- I imagine GE wouldn't touch them since they are flooring a few hundred 2014s still.
Warranty on these new bikes? Warranty on the old bikes? many are still considered new sitting at dealers.
Parts support? -- hearing that LAP is already out of some spare parts.
Parts distribution to dealers? They are currently selling consumer-direct with no dealer margins.
Can they even find 10-20 dealers still interested in EBR?
Any help for the 2014s that dealers have?
Since they changed the name, do they need to reapply for all new EPA/DOT/CALI certs? Stamping VINs and printing MSOs is a big Federal deal. Is all that worked out with the new name LLC?

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Originally Posted by Scott

I was just thinking about this because I saw it as one of the big barriers along with dealership costs and credit to cover those costs etc.

But then I was thinking a little more about this specific situation this morning. Normally a company would have about 30 days to pay their vendor and that's a nice little cushion that disappears if they have money problems and their vendors require cash-in-advance.

But rumor has it that they have parts to make about 300 bikes. Let's imagine they plan to start with 30 great dealers and go slow. Those 300 bikes will likely be a one year supply (assuming each of those dealers selling about 10 bikes). So they haven't put out a dime to suppliers over the first year.

So even if they are on cash-in-advance terms with their vendors, they're already way ahead of the game since they had 'free' parts to start with. Now when they start paying their vendors for new parts a year from now, they can imagine they're actually paying for those first parts used to manufacture the bikes that will be coming off the line in a couple weeks. Instead of 30 day payment terms, that's like 365 day payment terms.

And since they won't have those vendors coming after them for that first year, that gives them some flexibility in the terms they offer to dealers. They don't need to be paid NOW by dealers (or a financing company working with the dealers) because they don't have bills from their vendors coming due that they have to pay.

There are still a lot of hurdles to get past, but cash-flow might not be as big an issue as it would appear at first glance. A smart money manager may be able to work with the tough terms their suppliers and dealers are going to be demanding by using that prepaid inventory as a cash-cushion in place of the credit terms they would typically use as a cash-cushion.

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And who would pony up the money to fund operations Someone(s) needs to come up with significant amount to operate that model. They also need deep revolving credit. And that, if they can get it would be expensive. I don't see how they could get a bond rating much more than Ba3, Non-investment grade, speculative.

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Originally Posted by Hellgate

And who would pony up the money to fund operations Someone(s) needs to come up with significant amount to operate that model. They also need deep revolving credit. And that, if they can get it would be expensive. I don't see how they could get a bond rating much more than Ba3, Non-investment grade, speculative.

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Well, they re-started production today, so somebody's already paying the rent and salaries.

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Originally Posted by Ed / AF1 Racing

"(assuming each of those dealers selling about 10 bikes). "

EBR dealers back when the bikes were new did not sell 10 bikes each....we sold 3 total before all this mess and really bad PR

They haven't released MSRP on these 2016s. Will they be overpriced like the 2014s were?
They have said there is no flooring available for dealer stock -- I imagine GE wouldn't touch them since they are flooring a few hundred 2014s still.
Warranty on these new bikes? Warranty on the old bikes? many are still considered new sitting at dealers.
Parts support? -- hearing that LAP is already out of some spare parts.
Parts distribution to dealers? They are currently selling consumer-direct with no dealer margins.
Can they even find 10-20 dealers still interested in EBR?
Any help for the 2014s that dealers have?
Since they changed the name, do they need to reapply for all new EPA/DOT/CALI certs? Stamping VINs and printing MSOs is a big Federal deal. Is all that worked out with the new name LLC?

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Those are all great points. On the subject of MSRP, they have to be very careful. A low MSRP could move bikes but make long-term sustainability a problem. The relatively high MSRP's we've seen were probably based on selling 1000-2000 bikes a year and the price breaks they got from suppliers at those levels (which is probably why there were so many parts left-over - they probably had to buy in large lots to get the pricing they wanted).

They should try to get themselves into a situation in which demand is driving production instead of pushing bikes into dealers when the demand hadn't yet asked for it.

What they need to do (and whether or not they will do it is to be seen) is:
1. Ensure the public knows they have the funding they need and intend to be around for the next 5-10 years.
2. Work with suppliers to ensure they can get the parts they'll need in the short and long-term.
3. Let current and potential buyers know that those parts will be available.
4. Have extremely efficient 2-way communication with dealers so dealers can feel confident they'll get what they need when they need it and so that EBR has a clear understanding of what dealers need to move bikes. (I would dedicate employees to doing nothing but this with a "hotline" directly to all dealers.)
5. Offer a warranty on the 2014 bikes - the money required for that will be relatively low since they shouldn't be expecting to make many warranty repairs and they need to move the 2014's out of the way before they'll be able to sell 2016's.

The next year should be a slow, steady dealer-driven process focused on moving a small number of bikes into the hands of enthusiastic owners and dealers who are willing to pay the price (both financially and in blood, sweat and tears) to have a unique motorcycle.

As for EPA/DOT/CALI certs, common sense would tell me (and perhaps we can't invoke common-sense when the government is involved) that hardware is hardware and nothing has changed. Manufacturers don't have to re-certify every year as long as they are making the same bikes and EBR will be producing the same bikes that were certified.

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Originally Posted by Hellgate

And who would pony up the money to fund operations Someone(s) needs to come up with significant amount to operate that model. They also need deep revolving credit. And that, if they can get it would be expensive. I don't see how they could get a bond rating much more than Ba3, Non-investment grade, speculative.

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LAP has already put a couple million into this and that money is lost if they don't think they can keep things going. The largest cost for an operation like this would be parts. A profitable business might be buying $1 million worth of parts each month and shipping $1.5 million worth of finished product each month. The difference will go toward, salaries, heating, lights etc. with whatever's left being profit.

In this case, LAP won't have the parts bill. They'll just need to sell enough bikes to cover operational expenses. If they can move 100 bikes over the next 6 months and get $8000 per bike, that's $800,000 to cover costs of a small operation over that time.

If LAP doesn't have the cash to keep this running for at least a year, they shouldn't be trying. Since they're trying, I assume they have the cash (or know where they can borrow it).

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Originally Posted by Scott

LAP has already put a couple million into this and that money is lost if they don't think they can keep things going. The largest cost for an operation like this would be parts. A profitable business might be buying $1 million worth of parts each month and shipping $1.5 million worth of finished product each month. The difference will go toward, salaries, heating, lights etc. with whatever's left being profit.

In this case, LAP won't have the parts bill. They'll just need to sell enough bikes to cover operational expenses. If they can move 100 bikes over the next 6 months and get $8000 per bike, that's $800,000 to cover costs of a small operation over that time.

If LAP doesn't have the cash to keep this running for at least a year, they shouldn't be trying. Since they're trying, I assume they have the cash (or know where they can borrow it).

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You think the new bikes will be priced at 8K? I'm on the fence for a 2014 RX for about 10k but now I may just wait to see how they will price the 2016 bikes. If it will be that low, it'll really be hard for them to increase prices later unless they are trying to clear inventory and raise cash as you mention. Also it would be interesting what they have in the 2017 pipeline, if anything, but may only be evolutionary changes (perhaps not many) - again initial pricing of the new bikes will be pretty important. I'm guessing it'll be around the 13k price point.

My local dealer moved 8 rx/sx and 1 RS so far; apparently that was enough to make them the #1 dealer in the world for 2014.

I'm curious as to the future. There was some mention in the latest article about warranties. LAP did say they are exploring options for us owners.

My take on the new msrp: RX: $12,500 SX: $11,500

^ That right there is where I'd expect prices to fall. They have roughly 300 finished, nearly finished or the parts to build bikes sitting there. Can they sell them as they are? Dunno, but if they can, they're sitting on essentially free money. $3.6 million if sold at $12k average price. All of those bikes/parts are already paid for at the expense of the suppliers for those said parts. I definitely get why some of the suppliers would be a little bit bitter about it all. I'd hate to lose 1/2 a million in parts or whatever and have to write it off. I can see a business tanking pretty quick as a parts supplier if that were the case.

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Originally Posted by d_adams

^ That right there is where I'd expect prices to fall. They have roughly 300 finished, nearly finished or the parts to build bikes sitting there. Can they sell them as they are? Dunno, but if they can, they're sitting on essentially free money. $3.6 million if sold at $12k average price. All of those bikes/parts are already paid for at the expense of the suppliers for those said parts. I definitely get why some of the suppliers would be a little bit bitter about it all. I'd hate to lose 1/2 a million in parts or whatever and have to write it off. I can see a business tanking pretty quick as a parts supplier if that were the case.

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Exactly, that's my point from above. Buell/EBR, etc has never made money. Unless someone(s) has very deep pockets to build a proper dealer network, fund R&D, and pay for operations they'll be out in a 1 to 3 years.

Honestly I don't see anyone, aside from Bad Webber's, buying one. When you go to AF1 and an EBR is parked next to an RSV4, there's no comparison, the Ape wins every time; fit, finish, goodies, etc.

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Originally Posted by Hellgate

Buell/EBR, etc has never made money.

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Please cite your source for this statement. While EBR was obviously deeply in the hole based on published information, we really don't know what Buell's balance sheet was since it was controlled in-house by Harley Davidson. Buell apparently did make a profit for a significant portion of its existence. Published articles state that profits from the sale of XB's were what gave Buell the money to go outside to Rotax to design the 1125 engine.

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Originally Posted by Hughlysses

Please cite your source for this statement. While EBR was obviously deeply in the hole based on published information, we really don't know what Buell's balance sheet was since it was controlled in-house by Harley Davidson. Buell apparently did make a profit for a significant portion of its existence. Published articles state that profits from the sale of XB's were what gave Buell the money to go outside to Rotax to design the 1125 engine.

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Hughlysses,

Clicking on Hellgates profile and viewing past postings just tell me he's a troll to be ignored... He's never said one nice thing about Buell/EBR, at least not here. I'm not sure why else he would contribute, except to excite his own fascination and delight at pissing people off, and somebody that obtains gratification in the failure of others...

Hellgate,

If I am wrong, please provide factual constructive statements for us all here... something that adds to the discussion...

As far as Aprilia next to an EBR... I would challenge the statement that an EBR next to an Aprilia wouldn't stand a chance... A

prilia has been building bikes for many years and have gotten to where they are through many design modifications and changes. They are established. The fact that they can place them next to an Aprilia is really saying something. I would also add that placing a ZX-10R, R1, CBR1000RR, or any other similar bike next to an Aprilia, somebody could say the same thing (the Aprilia would sell first), however, the bikes still sell... The Harley Dealership in Hawaii sells Kawasaki and Aprilia and are across the street from the Honda Ducati dealership, and strangely enough, they still sell other brands... It boils down to personal opinion.... W

e all know the reality of the situation we are in... We all know the troubles that have come down with EBR and Buell in general... We like to stay as positive as we can, with reality still around the corner....

My 2 cents...

EBR next to an aprilia eh?

Attachment 828


They are both beautiful machines. The ape is just strangely beautiful with its sharp lines, mixes of colors and lines. The EBR is understated elegance IMO.
Different bikes for different folks, but I'd pick the 1190 everytime

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Originally Posted by noone1569

Different bikes for different folks, but I'd pick the 1190 everytime

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I agree. Personally I'd take a black RX over anything current.

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Originally Posted by Hellgate

Exactly, that's my point from above. Buell/EBR, etc has never made money. Unless someone(s) has very deep pockets to build a proper dealer network, fund R&D, and pay for operations they'll be out in a 1 to 3 years.

Honestly I don't see anyone, aside from Bad Webber's, buying one. When you go to AF1 and an EBR is parked next to an RSV4, there's no comparison, the Ape wins every time; fit, finish, goodies, etc.

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Good to have a non Buell/ EBR pundit on the forum- looking forward to even more posts!

Really?

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Originally Posted by Doug Porcaro

Really?

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post #45 sarcasm alert

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Originally Posted by yzf29

post #45 sarcasm alert

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You forgot to use the special sarcasm font. :biggrin:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by yzf29

Good to have a non Buell/ EBR pundit on the forum- looking forward to even more posts!

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Hellgate lived the Buell experience already, with an 1125.
Plotter shouldn't be calling folks trolls, at least not on this forum.
That kind of behavior belongs over there on Badweb.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Diablo1

Hellgate lived the Buell experience already, with an 1125.
Plotter shouldn't be calling folks trolls, at least not on this forum.
That kind of behavior belongs over there on Badweb.

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sounds good -Thanks!