Erik Buell Racing back in business; production slated to start in March
It’s been one sequence of corporate upheaval after another in recent years for respected chassis and performance engineer Erik Buell. However, whisper it softly, but it may be that his latest cycle of "difficulties" may after all be about to take a turn for the better - for the time being at least.
After running out of money a year ago, a tortuous on-off process of asset auctions made it unclear (unlikely even) that his EBR business would ever survive an administration process that quickly became liquidation.
EBR is the business that Buell phoenixed from the ashes of Harley's 2009 decision to close Buell Motorcycles, as it reacted drastically to the downturn under the leadership of CEO Keith Wandell. Buell had started the business in 1983; Harley took a 49 percent position in it in 1993, and then took over full ownership 10 years later.
Initially EBR was a race bike business, focused on the 1190RS it launched in 2011. In 2013 EBR sold a 49.2 percent stake to ambitious Indian motorcycle manufacturer Hero Motor Corp as it looked for a northern hemisphere foothold that could be a springboard for entry into the higher value and larger displacement North American and European markets.
Initially that deal looked robust as Hero established a race team, and a European EBR subsidiary was set up with sales underway of its 1190RX production street bike derivative, and the 2013 announcement of plans for an 1190SX streetfighter styled "muscle bike". Indeed there were plans for an adventure bike too, believed to have been designated 1190AX, and work was well underway helping Hero to develop new models, the HX250R among them. Hero is the world's largest single entity motorcycle manufacturer, by unit volume, but efforts to leverage its "strategic alliance" with, and investment in, East Troy, Wisconsin based EBR always looked ambitious, especially in relation to the price it paid for its stake.
That stake was a $25m investment, and it clearly proved inadequate as EBR collapsed with debts put at around $20m when it filed for protection in 2015, leaving some 126 employees with uncertain futures. There still are rumors and uncertainties about the exact role that Hero played (or more to the point did not play) in securing EBR's position.
That uncertainty was only worsened by a liquidation process that saw Hero successfully bid for some assets it claimed as its own, and two failed attempts by at least two other bidders to secure the remaining tooling and parts - one of those bidders had been Belfer, of Atlantic Metals Group in New Jersey, who was also hoping to secure a future for EBR as a viable manufacturer.
However, Bill Melvin's Grand Rapids, Michigan based Liquid Asset Partners (LAP) emerged successful in January at the third time of asking.
No stranger to motorcycle and powersports industry liquidations, from the outset Melvin has made it clear that he wanted to try to secure a future for EBR as a going concern, returning it to production before it could be sold-on as a viable business to owners that would develop it as an American motorcycle manufacturer.
LAP has been one of the 'go-to' liquidation specialists in the motorcycle and powersports industry. Their prior industry involvements have been many and varied. LAP was the company that Harley-Davidson used to sell off the assets of Buell Motorcycles in the first place in 2010, and have previously been involved in several other powersports industry asset disposals - such as "Gilroy" Indian, American Ironhorse and Cannondale. Indeed, LAP is currently conducting the sale of the remaining parts stock of Columbus, Ohio based Dixie Distributing.
At the time of writing LAP was slating March 17th as the day for production to recommence, and inviting the media to go to the factory to witness the latest twist in the Buell story.
The new company, EBR Motorcycles, LLC, will start with production of 2016 1190RX and 1190SX motorcycles. The first bikes are scheduled to roll off the line on March 17th with a Press Day for approved media, with March 18th slated as a day for "the public, Buell Nation, and EBR fans to attend the EBR launch party at the factory."
Bill Melvin Jr., who will be CFO of the new business, is quoted as saying that "this would not be possible without the EBR team. All the credit goes to them for waiting out the storms during the last year. Now the clouds have cleared, EBR is able to shift into gear knowing that it has financial stability, a profitable multi-year plan, and a 5-10 year vision. We feel there is still room for new partnerships or investment, but it is not critical. EBR is on solid ground and moving forward."
Erik Buell, who will serve as Chief Technical Officer, said: "I am really looking forward to the launch and the press day. I have dedicated my life to this and want to get the word out on how great our motorcycles are."
2016 Indian Springfield
Described as being "The Pure, Essential Touring Machine", Indian Motorcycle has announced an addition to its 2016 line-up - the Indian 'Springfield'.
The company says that "simplicity and versatility are the hallmarks of this minimalist touring powerhouse that converts to lean urban cruiser in minutes, featuring class-leading power, handling and comfort."
Named for the birthplace of Indian Motorcycle and designed for a "pure riding experience", the Indian Springfield is a "soulful and versatile new addition to the 2016 line-up. It features true, authentic American craftsmanship, superior refinement and only the most essential touring features for the ultimate in open road touring without distractions."
Designed to be quickly converted into a cruiser with the quick-release windshield and saddlebags removed, or transformed into a high-capacity touring model with Genuine Indian Motorcycle accessories, "the Indian Springfield makes its own distinctive mark in the bagger and touring category. While related to the iconic Indian® Chief® family, the multi-faceted Indian Springfield hard bagger was developed with a unique new trunk-compatible chassis for higher loading capacity and a premium touring experience without sacrificing handling prowess."
"The new Indian Springfield wasn’t designed to fill a space in our line-up; it was built to fill a space in the hearts of riders who value the rich heritage and fine craftsmanship of Indian Motorcycle, and who want both a pure touring bike and a sleek urban cruiser," said Steve Menneto, President of Motorcycles for Polaris Industries. "The Springfield’s unmatched versatility will win the hearts of motorcycling purists around the world."
Powered by the 119 ft./lbs. of torque Thunder Stroke 111 engine, its new chassis concept was designed to handle a wide load range - cartridge forks and an air-adjustable rear shock with 4.5 inches of travel are said to mean that it can carry up to 533 lbs. The new model starts at $20,999, including a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty and one year of free membership in the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group.
www.IndianMotorcycle.com
30th annual Biker Fest International
Italian custom bike rally Biker Fest will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year when Italian riders and custom bike enthusiasts descend in their thousands on the popular resort town of Lignano Sabbiadoro, north of Venice on Italy's East coast, from 19th to 22nd of May.
The event is the culmination of the Italian Motorcycle Championship, a series of regional custom bike show events, and is again an affiliate of the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building - the top three will receive an expenses prize of 1,000 €uro to compete at this year's AMD World Championship at INTERMOT, Cologne, Germany in October.
Staged at the resort's iconic Terazza a Mare overlooking the Adriatic, more than 100 of Italy's finest custom creations will compete for a range of sponsor prizes, including a trip to Daytona.
The event is sponsored by Metzeler and has the backing of several major OEs in Italy, including Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia.
Organized by leading Italian custom magazine Biker's Life publisher Micke Persello, Biker Fest is always one of the first of Europe's rallies and as a season opener based on an area that boasts a wide range of readily available accommodation (from camping and self-catering apartments to hotels to suit all budgets). The event has everything the discerning rally-goer could wish for - great weather, great scenery, great entertainment, great company, great food (of course!) and great custom bikes!
www.bikerfest.com
Jesse Rooke parts designs now available through HardDrive
The latest news at the V-Twin Expo was of an industry debut for the new parts and accessory design partnership announced by the HardDrive V-twin products division of Boise, Idaho based WPS (Western Power Sports) with respected customizer Jesse Rooke.
The alliance that will see the bike builder serve as HardDrive’s creative ambassador for the foreseeable future - the company said that "Rooke brings years of custom bike building experience and his own unique style to HardDrive as he sets to work designing signature V-twin parts for the brand."
As part of the agreement HardDrive will also now serve as the official distributor of Rooke Customs products.
Ahead of what became a custom trend when he burst onto the custom bike scene with his first bike Dinah in 2002, "Jesse established himself as a creative thinker who didn’t feel constrained by the way it had 'always been done' previously.
"Jesse Rooke's unique design style is a direct result of his long history in motorsports: his involvement in AMA road racing, motocross, auto racing and shifter karting all played a role in creating a style which blends form, function, simplicity and performance into machines that perform as well as they look. The lines are smooth and classic, seamlessly blending one curve into the next; the designs are deceptively simple with no extraneous additions that add weight and detract from performance."
www.wps-inc.com
Mustang signs Fred Kodlin
Motorcycle seat maker Mustang Motorcycle Products, of Three Rivers, Massachusetts, has entered into a design collaboration with German custom bike and parts designer Fred Kodlin to sell Kodlin "Signature Series" seats by Mustang.
Europe’s most famous father-son custom bike team, Fred and Len Kodlin have "combined their design vision with the handcraftsmanship of Mustang to create exceptional new seat styles. Whether you ride a Dyna, Sportster, FL or a Softail Breakout, you can now complete your custom look with a truly extraordinary, one-of-a-kind seat from Kodlin and Mustang."
Mustang say that Fred Kodlin seats feature distinctive panels of luxurious Alcantara, described as a high-end material with a suede-like texture and appearance, but offers ultra-durability. It is coveted for use in luxury automobiles as well as space vehicles. "Each new seat is available in a two-tone look that features center panels of soft black or maroon Alcantara with matching or contrasting black or brown vinyl side panels."
They are available in a solo style for Dyna and Wide Glide 2006-up and for Sportster 2004-'06 and 2010-up. In addition to the solo seat, there is an optional matching passenger pad for Softail Breakout models. The Kodlin style seat for 2008-up FL models is described as a distinctive one-piece, two-up style.
www.mustangseats.com
"Rocky the Rig" hits the road
Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice has announced that its mobile showroom - "Rocky the Rig" - will be available for dealership events in the United States as part of the distributor's "Support Your Local Dealer" initiative.
The company says it is to step up the number of dealership stops the rig can make and that it is dialling back its rally appearances.
"We want to show the dealerships that we value their business and want to see them grow", said Don Stewart, Tucker Rocky's Event Operations Manager. "It's always a big event when we stop by, and that's good for everyone involved."
Following Daytona, the rig will be at Salt Lake City Harley-Davidson (March 19th), Phoenix Bikefest (April 7-10), Old Glory Harley-Davidson, Baltimore (April 23rd), and Kingman Harley-Davidson during the Laughlin River Run from April 30.
www.tuckerrocky.com
New from Zodiac for 2016
5-speed transmission for 4-speed Big Twins
The S&S Cycle 5-in-4-speed case is designed for 4-speed Big Twin style frames with 1970 thru 1984 Shovelhead style drivelines and chain final drive. Zodiac can supply the case on its own, or complete and ready to install 5-speed transmissions with choice of Andrews, Jims or Zodiac gears and ship them complete with a bottle of the correct Spectro transmission oil. First gear has 3.24:1, second gear 2.21:1, third gear 1.60:1, fourth gear 1.23:1 and fifth gear 1.00:1 ratio. The transmission case is only compatible with chain final drive, not with the factory H-D primary belt drive (as used on 1980 thru 1983 FXSB Sturgis models) nor any 4-speed Softail.
AFR & Next Generation fuel injection control - including MY2016
This Dobeck Performance AFR and fuel injection controller provides real-time air/fuel ratio data-viewing and gives the rider control over the electronic fuel injection system while riding. This combination is said to make the AFR+ the most powerful, user-friendly tuning device on the market, combining an EFI controller with a wideband O2 sensor and AFR gauge to provide the rider instant fuel trimming ability and feedback about the vehicle's state of tune visible in air/fuel ratio values between 10 and 16; the information on the gauge is said to be all that is needed to get the best fuel mileage out of the bike. A built-in piggy-back EFI control system, which does not replace the stock ECU, the AFR+ instead monitors the signals to the injectors and makes fuel adjustments based on the mode settings. It can be programmed into an auto-tune or a fuel trimming operation mode - the auto-tune mode instantly makes adjustments to the fuel curve based on the wideband O2 sensor input to match the user's desired AFR value; the fuel trimming mode allows a user to make instant changes to the duration of time the fuel injectors are fired. A push button interface on the gauge allows for quick fine tuning; the 2 1/16" (52mm) diameter gauge allows multiple third party mounting systems to be used - the self-adjusting back lighting display delivers clear day/night visibility. Available for all fuel injected Big Twin, Sportster and Twin Cam models, including all 2016 models.
Black Duck parts and accessories
These Spanish made Black Duck parts and accessories are precision-machined and finished to perfection in choice of lustrous chrome, beautiful black, satin brass and - thought to be unique in the motorcycle industry - 24 carat gold. The range includes knurled footpegs, shifter pegs and handlebar grips, ignition cover, gas tank and oil tank caps, fork tube and steering head plugs, and cylinder head bolt covers. They are designed specifically for H-D applications, with Victory and Indian Motorcycle fitments coming soon. In combination with the right mounting kit, the new Black Duck velocity stack design seen here fits the stock Keihin CV carburetor on Evolution Big Twins, Sportsters and Twin Cams, or the Delphi fuel injection throttle body on pre-2008 Tourers, 2001 thru 2015 Softails and 2001 to present Dynas.
European made BUBBA forks by ZODIAC
These European made, TÜV approved billet aluminum BUBBA front forks are Zodiac exclusives and described as being "uncompromised in price and quality." They feature massive triple tree clamps and large diameter fork sliders. Available in mirror-like, highly polished, or high gloss black anodized finish, the upper triple tree clamp is 1 1/8" (29 mm) thick, the lower triple tree clamp measures 1 5/16" (34 mm). The Fat Bubba features fork slider covers and bottom legs with an impressive 2 3/8" (60 mm) diameter. The lower fork sliders feature fender brackets and dual caliper mount. Conversion brackets that take 1984-1999 or 2000-up style OEM or aftermarket brake calipers are available. Zodiac also offers UK made direct bolt-on Harrison Billet 6-piston calipers. The front wheel axle has a hidden mount. Available in +3, +4, +6, + 8, +12, +14 and +16" over stock FL length; with 0, 3 and 6 degrees raked triple trees, complete with 3 different fork stops to work with almost any stock or aftermarket frame. A bottle of Spectro fork oil is included with each set.
PM/RSD wheels with size-specific sensor plates for ABS applications
Performance Machine 21", 23", 26" and 30" wheels are now available with special sensor plates that give the correct signal to the ABS module for use on ABS equipped bikes that were originally fitted with smaller diameter wheels. Zodiac say they now hold some of the most popular Performance Machine and RSD designs in stock in different wheel sizes with the correct ABS sensor plates.
ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV
www.zodiac.nl
Bronze rocker arm bushings and cast iron valve guides
Constructed of SAE660 bearing bronze, Drag Specialities has these rocker arm bushings manufactured in California by Kibblewhite Precision Machining, available in sets of 8.
Also seen here, these Kibblewhite OEM style cast iron valve guides are precision-machined and compatible with no-lead fuel.
They accept any type of valve stem material and have a 1.90" overall length of both intake and exhaust.
DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com
