Thursday, April 30, 2015

EBR/Hero Withdraws from WSBK

Another hit for EBR fans, EBR/Hero withdraws from World Superbike Series.  This is too bad as the EBR/Hero team was improving on a weekly basis.

Credit: WSBK

Team manager Larry Pegram explains the reason for the withdraw in this press release from Pegram Racing:

"This is a really hard pill for us all at Pegram Racing to swallow, as we always live by the philosophy of Never Give Up” said team owner Larry Pegram. “The whole team did a amazing job of improving results from last year and giving some pride back to EBR and Hero.  Niccolò Canepa was riding like the Champion he is, he was literally making peoples jaw drop at what he was doing with our motorcycle. I am so proud of the job he did. One thing for sure Pegram Racing will be back and it will be sooner than you think."

In making the withdrawal announcement, Pegram Racing would also like to recognize the dedicated employees of EBR, who lost their employment with the bankruptcy. "We have worked closely with them and not only appreciate how amazing it was to have a true American Superbike to ride, but how intensely hard that small group of employees at EBR worked to build the EBR bikes, and also support our racing program and other racers." said Larry. "We are hoping they too will return soon. They deserve to continue." 

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

EBR in Receivership

I was really disappointed to hear that Erik Buell Racing has gone into receivership.  The news spread very quickly across the Bad Weather Bikers Forum and like many other EBR enthusiasts, we are in a state of shock.  Those of you who read my blog know that I am an EBR fan and I was really hoping that Erik Buell and his team could pull this off and be competitive in the motorcycle market.


The motorcycle business is very competitive, especially when competing against well established companies and a relatively small market - sport bikes!  I know one of the reasons that I am an EBR fan is the fact that a small American manufacturer dared to take on the big boys and produce a quality American made sport bike. By all accounts, the EBR 1190RS, RX and SX received favorable reviews from the world of motorcycle journalism.

I am not putting any nails in the coffin yet as Erik Buell is a fighter and he will put every last bit of energy he has into making this work.  Here's hoping that a financial deal can be worked out within the courts and that EBR can continue to produce motorcycles!

The full article regarding today's news can be found in the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel.