Message from Erik Buell

Some sad news was shared with us this morning, and we wanted to pass on this message from Erik.

[@woska7493]

Thank you Mr. Buell, the honor of owning, riding and sharing your creations is truly mine.

[@JohnDoe-hf2qj]

2006 xb12r firebolt owner here grew up riding ama. Owned a gsxr650 cbr600rr ninja 636 Harley 1200r roadster 127cubic inch chopper . Gave all up for my firebolt. Truly the best bike ever built not only as a rider but in looks. Harley Davidson made a major mistake and lost my business for good after buell left the showroom. I'll have my firebolt till I die. If Eric ever makes another ill be first in line!

[@paolomarletta]

As a lucky owner of a XB12S 25th Anniversary edition, I thank you Mr. Eric Buell for creating such a masterpiece. You are a superior mind and the world is a better place with your motorcycles in the streets.

[@ricosuave717]

Amen as a past Buell Specialist in 2008-2008 Riverside HD formerly known as Skip Fordyce Harley Davidson/Buell thanks for the memories and my riding all of them on a track 2008! And my own moded 2009 Buell 1125CR thanks Erik Buell!✌️and your passionate design and knowledge in motorcycles/racing. enough cannot be said on here for the innovative years and memories with Harley and Buell! 26 years...

[@CeebraBeats]

I own a XB12S Lightning, the by far best motorcycle i have ever ridden. It is a pure joy, something else! Ur Words, Mister Buell, are getting carried over the roads of Switzerland by my Buell. It says on the side: ''May you ride with Pride into the Future'' -Erik Buell Thank you for beeing a pioneer, a true inovator! I wish you the best of luck! Greetings from Switzerland, Zuerich

[@hieunguyen-dg6pi]

I have a BUELL blast and i love my bike, i'm happy to see that Erik Buell continued on with Erik Buell Racing, i hope they'll introduce more entry level bikes similar to the Blast cause there is no way i could afford their current line of bikes but happy to see they're still moving along

[@wilde.coyote6618]

Thanks for not giving up Mr. Erik. Your a class act. God bless you.

[@aircooled2068]

Always wanted a buell,any buell didn't matter what model Now in 2021 I have a 2002 thunderbolt with full buell race kit,why oh why did I not get one before now After 20 plus years riding other bikes,this buell is without doubt the most awesome bike I have ever had, period! Thank you Mr buell

[@mymotoxstuff]

Erik Buell you have been an inspiration to our small company. We can only hope that our determination can go as far as you have.

[@marktr1525]

I never rode a better bike than my XB-9R! Thank you Mr. Buell 👍

[@robotsatemycat]

I bought my first Buell last Fall and I absolutely love it. Never been a sport bike guy and I got the Buell to replace a metric cruiser. This sucks, and it sucks for me personally because now I can never (will never) trade my Lightning in on a new bike. If I had the cash for a second bike I'd seriously consider another Buell. Thanks Erik and everyone at Buell, and congratulations to the world-class "little guy" for such a great run.

[@scottraymondsr3241]

I own a 2000 Buell X1 Red race stripe lightning #240. I bought it 2002. it makes me smile every time I ride it!! I Will own this bike forever!!! PS: Still pissed at HD even though I own 3 of them.

[@b4a9ksy]

I've had the pleasure to meet Erik and ride a Buell motorcycle with him at Deal's Gap. He is a class act all the way.

[@xdeth68]

While Buell ultimately failed as a mass market venture, it represents great American engineering. The passion that was embodied in the small company is evident from the video, I'm proud to own one. Thanks Erik!

[@NickN77]

Even today, it still stings to watch this.

[@supermotomx]

I would be crying too! I was discontinued from my Passionate Buell Specialist job for other reason after 1 year, 3months in California before this happened in August. He is back and passionate to keep the Buell brand and the True American sportbike/superbike alive with Erik Buell Racing! Long Live Buell and my Buell 1125CR!

[@ericpog87]

Thank you for providing the motorcycle community with some truely unique bikes. Best of luck to Erik and the rest of the Buell employees. I guess I own a collectors bike now, never will buy an HD as long as I live

[@erehwyrevekool]

Mr. Buell You was, You are and You will still remain a great motorcycle builder! Good luck!

[@samsonik24]

I have owned an XB9R (2002) and did all mechanicals myself ! It had soul ! Merci Erik

[@RenFuchs]

While I am a metric bike guy, I've always had a respect for the technology and passion Buell put into the design and manufacturing of their motorcycles. While I have only ridden a Buell once on a demo, I have always longed to stretch the 1125r's legs out on a track.

[@leonardomoses]

its truly sad to watch this, you can see Erik Buell's passion and pride being crushed as he delivers this news. i wish him all the best in the future, im sure he will move onto bigger and better things!

[@Eratosthenes0815]

Thanks Erik! - Now it's 2022 and I still have my XB12s and my 1125r. WONDERFUL BIKES...

[@gamesv650]

I have to say as a true motorcycle fanatic that it's a sad day. Buell's motorcycles were innovative. Every piece, every shape was very well thought out, made to specifically function better. Although they did not perform best they were well on their way. Buell's motorcycles were unlike anything in the world. I supported this company and as development grew, I wanted to see them battle out against the best in WSBK. I have to say that everyone from wera and the ccs feels the same way. RIP USA SB

[@buellv]

Erik and the Elves at the factory. Fantastic job over the last twenty five years. I think you will be back. The best motorcycle I hav ever owned, and I have owned over 50 different motorcycles of all brand. I love the looks, the feel, the handling, and the awesome torque. Many good miles in the saddle, and with good friends. May we always have our homecoming events. Rex

[@BogdanGrishin]

Buell was my first bike and I loved it! Thank you Erik for bringing a unique and different product to the market, I wish there have been more company leaders like you!

[@eddepet1984]

Very sad =( Thank you for your efforts Erik and all BUELL employee's!

[@MPMaarek]

You helped to produce some great bikes, there is no shame in what you have accomplished, only in what you will not (as of right now) be able to accomplish with Buell in the future. I've never owned a Buell, but I have always admired them. Head up brother! You helped make bikes better.

[@beachbeemer]

Erik, I am stunned! Things always happen for the best I believe so there WILL be good things to come from this in the future. You have many loyal fans the world over and I myself own two of your bikes and shall own them forever. I never really knew what riding fun was all about before I tried a Buell. I've been hooked since 1998 and will never ride anything else. It has been a pleasure to have met and talked with you both at Loudon and at the many Homecomings. I will miss them. Best of luck.

[@JeremyDearringer]

I believe that Buell will be a mass market brand again when the economy fully recovers. I'm sure some investor group will want to give it a go. Keep the brand alive Erik!!!

[@warkingmars]

After several Hondas and Yamahas I tried a XB, then the absolutely amazing 1125R with her ugly design and just love this piece of master engineered technology. I'm from the younger generation and am more than happy to have the privilege to been riding one of those bikes. Erik did a fantastic job, I'm sure more people will follow and enjoy this motorcycles even if they're not reproduced anymore. Definitely a piece of history and monumental in the bike scene. People who know stop you on the street and ask you about your bike, amazing. Erik you have friends in Switzerland, Germany, France. Greetings from the alps and curious to see if the story will be continued....

[@FofolleBuell]

The world fell on my head when I heard that news a year ago :( Erik I owe you the greatest bike I've ever rode.

[@4ToMiCoR4Ng3]

I am feeling sad for Eric and his team.I own an XB12R-and i love this Bike for its flickability/awesome leanangles (the motor gives just the controllable amount of power i need..and i'am allowed to use on our public twisty roads in germany ;-) I am an enigneer machinery from Germany-who loves both:New-techniques and old fashioned.Thx to Eric and his Team-they made me drive again after 15years pausing-(cause bikes i liked where too expensive or just boring). YOU did ALL right Eric!

[@Gorgotzolas]

Even tho i never owned one, it is truly a great loss for the motorcycle industry and all of us riders in general,no matter the label. I hope it is still alive that first flame in your hart that made you start the company. Regards.

[@sdiesel77]

What a terrible news :( I'm shocked, you were an example for all motorbike fans. I have a XB12S for the last 2years, and that's truly the best bike I ever had ! I REALLY hope you won't give up that easily and that someone will give you the opportunity to continue to make us dream.

[@JeffJeno1000]

The most heartfelt video with a strong message, I will indeed continue to ride my 1125r with pride and passion here in Western Australia. There's nothing like riding a Buell! May the trilogy of Tech live on with every Buell as they like the rest of us get older. Thanks Erik. Stand with pride my friend, same goes for all that have poured their life into these indeed innovative machines.

[@Imagind]

I wish your bikes didnt come with HD motors for so long but I never knew a Buell rider who didnt praise his machine for what it could do. Heres to you Erik and your excellent handling motorcycles.

[@reybelo]

Mr. Buell Thank you for the magnificent and unforgettable ride I've Had several bikes but none as exciting as the Buell,... a bike with soul you changed my way of seeing motorcycling I'll keep my Buell for many years, hoping one day, perhaps to buy another 0Km I and all the Brazilians Buellers are hoping for a turnaround

[@lemster101]

This is truly one of the biggest dissapointments this crisis has brought forth. Buell shouldn't have fallen, I really hope you guys find a way to keep on going. There must be investors out there! Damn, seriously. For you it must be even harder. Again I really hope there is a future for Buell, there has to be. For all the rest, good luck to you and ofcourse your employees. Thanks to all of you for offering us magnificent bikes in both estatic and technical point of view!

[@buell41]

I just teared up. Thanks Erik for a great bike. Never stop the progressive thinking. I dreamed of owning a Firebolt since the day they came out and its everything i thought it would be and more. I'll be riding my Firebolt until i have to weld training wheels on the swing arm to hold it up.

[@EagleKammback]

I love Buell, RIP. This was actually hard for me to watch, and I'm sure this was thousands of times harder for him to tell us

[@rtermini]

Long Live Buell. You will be back Erik.

[@opmike343]

Would have been interesting to see how the old Buell would have done had they been sold in showrooms by sales stuff that actually cared about moving the product. They really should have been in the Triumph, Ducati, Aprilia, etc. combo dealerships that we so frequently see. The average guy strolling into a Harley dealership probably isn't going to be interested in an XB12, so the sales dude isn't going to be interested in pushing it. Happy to see the newly formed EBR is doing well.

[@mindspinn311]

Still utterly depressing even a decade later. HD made the wrong move.

[@jrodrichterscale]

this is a shock to me and everyone at MMI. im currently a student at MMI and truely a shock to all of us from the message we got from our instructor last thursday morning. though we still get to service buell mc in the field its wierd to think that such a great mc will no longer be. erik will always in book be a mc legend.

[@RESET1776]

I saw this day along time ago! I loved my Buell the day I picked it up. The very next day it was in for recalls. From there I felt lucky as hell if I made it 1000 miles before it was down for repair. Then top it off with the fact that they would stop making parts for bikes that where only 4 years old. I grew up dreaming of owning a Buell. Once my dream came true I found it to be a nightmare! So, now it's Buell buy 1 get 2 free. You will need the extra ones 4 parts later.

[@noshowdidomenico]

If tomorrow all the things were gone....I worked for all my life....and I had to start again, with just my children and my wife....I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today...cause there's pride in every American heart and it's time for me to saaaaaaaay.....

[@MasonicInnKeeper]

This man put his heart & soul into this company. They were a tough sell for salesmen because people typically go into a Harley dealership to buy a Harley, not a crotch rocket. The local dealer sells about 300 Harleys a year and 15 Buells. It's an outstanding product just in a tough sales atmosphere. I own a 1125R and love it. I'm not going to be a tough guy running my mouth hiding behind a pc monitor about someone else's bike. 180 Americans are out of work and that's my biggest concern.

[@rlthestig]

This makes me want to eat my head. As an owner of a Buell S2 and someone who was thinking about an 1125R this really upsets me. I would love to see him do something like HD did when it bought it's self from AMF. I would love to see them return without any ties to HD. Erik you make GREAT bikes. Please say it does not end here. I am keeping my S2 forever.

[@phycohogbeast]

ive got one and had it for 8 years,i wont change it untill i find a better bike.looks like i,ll be keeping it for a long time yet.geat bikes

[@tronXB12]

I've owned my XB for 3yrs now and have ZERO complaints! I've always said that this is the one bike I will NEVER sell. I was looking into buying a Harley for longer trips, but now I feel jaded. Maybe I'll look into getting a Triumph or a Victory... My heart goes out to everyone affected by the closing...especially Eric. Thanks for the memories bro!

[@marcslinky]

This is indeed a very, very sad day. Erik, my brother, thank YOU for a great run. Hold your head high, confident in the fact that you have not only advanced the sport of motorcycling but have always done the right thing by your many loyal customers. Many of us will be waiting and looking for your next great adventure. Kindly excuse me now while I take a ride on my XB9 in your honor. Peace out, friend.

[@hugodacosta]

It's May 2023 and I'm in the market looking for a Buell. Always loved their bikes, and I want one as my second bike.

[@alexanderino]

This had to happen to someone who didn't deserve it. Buell has definitely earned its respect through building quality products, not shonky marketing. A pox on you, Harley-Davidson. You are the Montblanc of motorcycling. All hype and no delivery. It crushes me to see a clearly passionate man being wrenched from his dream. Stay strong, Erik.

[@Fipafreitas]

c´mon, this can´t be true... i love my buell and now, i know i have to keep it with me forever!

[@tiaputadobatiman]

You just discribed what I felt when I rode a XB12.... They're awesome and kick ass!!!

[@DarkBioCloud]

The people down at Harley calling the shots are idiots. The younger riders are looking for quick sporty bikes just like Buell was building, Why does Harley insist on forcing bikes that are slow and turn like a truck down the throats of riders that want a American made bike?

[@grtechguy8253]

Best of luck Erik, Hopefully one day I can grab one of your wonderful machines

[@metifex]

Unglaublich ! BUELL zu schließen um HARLEY DAVIDSON zu retten. Ich hätte es andersherum gemacht ! Ich werde sofort in die Garage gehen und meine M2 putzen, das Motorrad kann nur noch im Wert steigen. Danke Erik, für die besten Motorräder, die je gebaut worden sind. WIR sind die KUNDEN und wir werden dein Lebenswerk nicht vergessen. Auch wenn die letzte traurige Harley lange verrostet ist, werden die Biker noch von deinen Rohr-Rahmen Modellen schwärmen !

[@Maat922]

Furthermore, after having watched the Buell legacy build over the years, one thing is certain. Erik Buell just doesn't seem to die easily. I've got a funny feeling this aint over yet, God willing. Erik, if you build it, we will come.

[@WrenchesToRiches]

This is so sad. I didn't even hear about buell until 2016

[@MrGobs]

Shocked was my first response. The HD is a dying breed. Those of us the grew up riding Yamahas', Hondas. and even some of the great european bikes like Montesa, Butaco, would never buy a couch (HD) to ride. Long Live Buell!!!

[@basstard13]

I still can't believe this. I'm with you guys,,,

[@CaptainCropper]

Chin up Erik, there are people all over the world positively willing you to make an awesome comeback one day. Your contribution to motorcycle design and technology is appreciated by many. It's a real shame HD have done this, it's a total bunch of arse. Good luck mate.

[@MarcS4R]

i ride a Ducati but i have always liked and respected Buell. I think its quite sad to them go.

[@vitaminE832]

not gona lie, I tear up every time i see this video even tho i know he is kicking ass and taking names on the track...

[@pianoman1969]

Thanks, Erik! The legend will live on. Hope your phenomenal career will continue with HD. p.s. Please convince them to bring back the FXR.

[@Wipers123]

I live 10 miles from Buell and grew up about 6 blocks from Harley. Sad day... I've got a text out to one of my buddies who works(ed) in Buell's engineering department...may have to go out for a toast tonight...

[@qbert7985]

I've had my buell m2 cyclone for 15 years now.

[@TheMachRider]

wasn't the biggest fan of Buell, but it's sad to see them go. hopefully they can come back in one form or another, I'd love for America to produce a worthy sport bike.

[@exexpat11]

Victory needs to pick this guy up. Then it will have cruisers (Victory and Indian) and a Sportsbike line. Just a thought.

[@dlb83082]

Lol Victory is gone too - and Polaris owns Indian now :o((

[@JWY]

Really painful losses America has suffered of late.

[@Midex74driver]

How sad.... I'm looking at buying a 2007 Firebolt XB12R and will hope HD someday brings them back.

[@Inv4derxXx]

man he was about to cry.... makes me feel sad too

[@gunnydogs]

Damn, sucks to hear. I had a 98 X1 up till about a year or 2 ago. Regret selling now. It was such a fun little bike. It was a mule to ride for long trips. Every part of me hurt, but totally worth it for the fun factor. I did a half day ride from Austin down to Bandera not too long ago. What a blast.

[@carrerito]

Erick, I have a Buell, for me is a great bike ... Go in search of new partnerships, do not let the dream end ... cheered for you

[@essegeo]

I don't think i can add much to all the comments here already. Thank you for the innovative and "out of the box" bikes.

[@TheRealSuperman217]

I love my 2009 XB12R Thank you Erik for a Great Bike. Kevin G.

[@numax94]

Realy sad news !!! Buell always been vrey creative in the bike's world.

[@Ali.M]

I'd never consider a HD either, and I don't like the engine sound, but goddamn, Buell's are something special. Never rode one, but the bikes are interesting, they really stand out from all other bikes. Sad to hear them quit

[@BeulahLips]

Beulls were not 20k, more like 9-12k. I forgot but I think maybe even less. Plus they had a two year UNLIMITED mile warranty. What other bike had that? Problem is they were in a class of their own, and all the pre programmed land mass of tuna could not understand them.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

He looks like a passionate man who's business efforts were destroyed by government intervention. You people who never put your heart, soul and mind into a business do not understand,---it is like watching your child die at the hands of a villain and get away with it.

[@shudnobeta]

Very sad. A major loss to the bike world. It was not the fault of Erik or the bikes - but of the people who liked them but bought another brand. Erik should carry on without HD. Triumph rose from the ashes .

[@matrox]

I never cared much for the look of Sports Bikes and have always been a Harley fan, but sad to see all those people lose their jobs.

[@chicomartins]

Mr.Eric Buell Perhaps the most painful ... but it was not his first fall, get up and keep in mind that: "The only hand that helps is the tip of your arm." and re-accelerate. Hugs

[@Jeepgoup]

Buell Ulysses was the Jeep Wrangler of the motorcycle world, don't let it die! Please!

[@scudracer]

This is very, very sad. I've wanted to own a Buell someday.

[@lastknight23]

Last year I made the best purchase of my life, I bought a new 25th anniversary 1125r. I out cheered all my rice bike riding buddies as the Buell won AMA. This year I had planned to purchase two harley cruisers for the wife and I (my sport bike buddies had become sick of hearing all my Buell talk). However, after hearing todays news, I can swear to you I will never purchase another harley owned vehicle. I am the proud owner of the baddest American motorcycle in history.

[@1finkrat]

Sad to see, a good man and great bikes. The right mix of old school cool and high tech savvy. I'll never sell my Firebolt :(

[@jaswanthrao24]

The best bike to ride in fun & smiles is buell only in this world I really miss it in future if buell reborn sand comes to India I am blessed:|

[@bigphreaking]

Long live Buell. They rock.

[@dbc1dc]

The last H-D associated Buell motorcycle was assembled on 10-29-09. An all black, US spec Lightning XB12Scg. Buell is dead, long live Buell!

[@secretsofthedeep20k]

Keep fighting the good fight Erik.

[@GarethBurlOwens]

It's sad to see a brand that builds interesting and innovative machines which set them apart from others end, while HD will no doubt go on making decidedly old fashioned machines.

[@nyannyan123456]

This is absolutely sad news. Buell was the only inovated american MoCo. With out a doubt marketing and not the product doomed this company. I've always been on a japanese bike ,but I always admired the buell motorcycle.

[@epikladdite]

Sad day!! This shows the state the USA is in!! My favorite bike builder on the planet is now gone!!! :(

[@ilivedowntheroad]

I don't even ride motorcycles.. but this is truly sad.. :(

[@dbc1dc]

You're lucky, I have never met an HD salesman that knew more than I about Buells. Unfortunately this was one of the problems from the beginning. Although there was an outlet for his bikes, the salesmen knew nothing in order to sell it.

[@nifacey]

still the #1 bike to get on my list. I'll get one yet !!!

[@krismcdade3531]

what a shame great bike love the lighting

[@EyeForKnowledge.]

kris mcdade He's not talking about Buell. They stopped those many years ago. He's speaking of EBR bikes.

[@fvgc454ss]

@@EyeForKnowledge. no he was taking about Buell thats when harley shut it down in 2009.....right after they won the AMA superbike championship. Fukrs..

[@GERARDOVZLABARQTO]

FROM VENEZUELA. SORRY ERIK, I HAVE BUELL X1 LIGHTNING YEAR 2.000, IS VERY FUN AND BEST TO BEST BIKE. I WAITING FOR YOU FUTURE BIKES.