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." 

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.

Ducati Panigale 1199 vs EBR 1190RX

I just read an excellent article at CycleWorld.Com, Ducati Panigale 1199 vs EBR 1190RX.  This is a comparison that I was looking forward to as it establishes a benchmark for the EBR 1190RX against one of the best, if not the best v-twin superbike in the world!

Photo Credit: Cycle World

I won't mention much here about the review other than the fact that EBR is establishing themselves as a legitimate contender in the superbike market and to that, I say way to go EBR! For a first year production motorcycle, Erik Buell and his team must be thrilled!  Go read the article!

On another note, EBR revealed information about it's latest planned release, the EBR 1190SX.  I expect this naked street fighter will garner much attention once it is available for track testing and purchase!

Photo Credit: Cycle World

Photo Credit: Erik Buell Racing

More info on the 1190SX here.  Ride safe!

EBR 1190RX First Ride

It is great to see the EBR1190RX being profiled in most major Motorcycle Magazines!  As those who read my blog know, I am a big fan of EBR and I am thrilled to see Erik Buell's dream continue to grow.

This is truly a David and Goliath story with EBR going up against the likes of Ducati, Aprilia, BMW, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki. etc...all manufacturers with deep pockets and resources.  Fortunately for EBR, Hero Motor Corporation has come on board with a major ownership share and financing; I believe this is the boost that EBR needed to move to the next level.  Hero is also a major sponsor for EBR Racing and running two bikes in the 2104 World Superbike Series-WSBK should give EBR an even higher profile!

The 1190RX is currently going through major production and from what I have read, models are starting to arrive at locations in their newly established dealer network.  The closest dealer to my geographic location is Derry Cycle in New Hampshire; this summer, I might have to make the 7 hour ride to go and see the EBR1190RX.

Over the past few months, the media in the motorcycle community has been given the opportunity to ride (AKA "First Rides") the 1190RX and provide reviews for the consumer market. The "First Ride" review from On Two Wheels - Motor Trend is pretty good.


I will continue to follow EBR and this new journey into the motorcycle world.  For those of us who are fans, thank you Erik Buell for continuing to follow your dream.  Here's hoping that someday that I will be in a position to upgrade from my Buell 1125R to an EBR1190RX!

EBR & Hero

Interesting collaboration between Erik Buell Racing and Hero MotorCorp. Erik Buell's influence is apparent in the design of this 620cc inline twin Street Fighter.

Hero Hastur Street Fighter

Wonder if this will be released outside of India?

EBR Introduces the 1190RX Street Bike

Check it out, the new EBR 1190RX!  At first glance, I like it!  I am looking forward to reviews and first ride articles!  Motorcyclist magazine provides a good overview of the 1190RX from the 2013 American International Motorcycle Expo.

Photo: EBR.Com

 

1125R Upgrade (Part III)

The 1125R upgrade is 95% complete!  I was held up for a bit trying to locate a 3/4" torque wrench that is capable of the required 295 ft/lbs for the rotor nut/crankshaft. Early yesterday morning, I contacted a friend who works for a heavy equipment company and by the end of the day he had a torque wrench for me!

3/4" Torque Wrench, not that's a tool!

Rotor nut with thread lock and cranked to 295 ft/lbs

Stator cover torqued and top oil line reconnected

Stator wires pulled through wiring harness channel

Stator wires reconnected to plug and wiring harness

Air breather assembly, etc. installed, looking like a bike again!

Exhaust is all that's left to install!

I was hoping to have the 1125R completely back together today, but the stock exhaust can is just to awkward for one person to install. I messed around for an hour or so without success; need an extra set of hands to operate jack while getting the exhaust bolted in place.

1125R Upgrade (Part II)

I have been procrastinating on the 1125R electrical repair; procrastinating for two reasons.  First, I am back at work so time is limited and second, I am riding the Street Glide when I have free time!  I decided that this weekend, I would continue the repair.  Here's how I made out!

Seat, battery and airbox removed.

Stator wires disconnected from harness

Stator wire pulled through harness channel (use mechanic's wire)

Stator cover removed & one well done stator (toasted)!

Damaged stator and new stator

New stator installed

Stock rotor and sprag clutch removed

Crankshaft and starter gears

EBR modified rotor & stock rotor

EBR rotor with sprag clutch

I still have to torque the rotor (295 ft/lbs) and need to borrow a 3/4" torque wrench for that.  Once that is complete, reassembly and I should be good to go.  Will keep you posted!

Until next time, ride safe!

Buell 1190RS - Demo Ride

Check out this 18 minute demo ride of the EBR 1190RS at the Oschersleben Motosport Arena in Germany.  The circuit "is a 3.667 kilometres (2.28 mi) long race track with a width of 11–13 meters and elevation changes of 23 metres. The circuit is located in Oschersleben, Börde (approximately 30 km from Magdeburg), Germany. Its fairly flat contours create a smooth, fast circuit" (source: Wikipedia) as demonstrated in the demo ride.



This video has me thinking that I should have a GoPro Motosports camera to shoot my own videos!

2012 Superbike Shootout - Cycle World

Check out Cycle World's 2012 Superbike Shootout video!  The EBR 1190RS holds its own against the best in the world!  Way to go Erik Buell & the team at EBR! Anxiously waiting for the release of RX, SX & AX from EBR!

Way to go EBR!

Just read a great Superbike Shootout article in the August issue of Cycle World Magazine! 

I was very impressed with how well the EBR 1190RS compared to the big boys considering the fact that EBR is small independent company that does not have the same access to resources as the big players!  I don't want to spoil the read for others, so go out and get the August edition of Cycle World...the Superbike Shootout article alone is worth the $5.99 cover price!

Bottom line, the 1190RS is right there with the Ducati Panigale-S, the MV Agusta F4RR and the Aprilia RSV4! Congrats Erik Buell Racing!

EBR Nation Part 5 "Reckoning Day"

EBR Nation "Reckoning Day" Part 5 in the continuing documentary series on American motorcycle icon Erik Buell and his motorcycle company. Rock on EBR!

EBR Nation Parts 3 & 4

From Erik Buell Racing...American made sport bike, the 1190RS! Go EBR...need I say more, enjoy!

Part 3 - "Made in America"



Part 4 - "We Are Here"

EBR 1190RS Engine Build

The latest video from Erik Buell Racing..."EBR 1190RS Engine Build and Test". Enough said, enjoy!



The background music by Erik Buell and the Thunderbolts is pretty good too!

Finally, the EBR 1190RS

Well, the photos hit the Internet today...the EBR 1190RS Street bike from Erik Buell Racing is here! Erik Buell Racing teased me all morning via Twitter /@erikbuellracing by posting small pics here and there of partial views of the EBR 1190RS. It was a Twitter post from Hell for Leather Magazine that came to my rescue and addressed my curiosity, so thanks Hell for Leather Magazine!








Photos: Steve Anderson/EBR


Photo: Ryan Merrill/Motorcycle USA

At first glance, it is a great looking machine...the only question that I have is why the move away from the under slung exhaust? I wish my 1125R had the same appearance, one thing I do not like about my bike is the two side mounted radiators...I prefer a look more like what we see here with the EBR 1190RS. I find the lines on the 1190RS appealing, almost European like. I look forward to finding out more about EBR and the release of the 1190RS.

Further information is available at Asphalt & Rubber.com and Cycle World. Make sure you check out Motorcycle USA as they have a good selection of pictures of the EBR 1190RS from the 2011 Indy Dealer Expo.

Until next time...ride safe!

Back in Business!

For Christmas, I received the latest copy of Motorcyclist magazine - January 2011 edition. Being the owner of a Buell Motorcycle, one of the articles caught my interest..."Erik Buell is Back in Business. This time, Erik Buell is doing it his way."



As you may recall, I blogged about EBR Racing back in October - Buell Resurrected in Street Mode, so the interview in Motorcyclist magazine is very timely, especially if we are to see something new for Buell enthusiasts. Speaking for myself, I look forward to seeing the day when a new street legal sport bike is available from Erik Buell.

The complete interview: Erik Buell is Back in Business. This time, Erik Buell is doing it his way.

Season's Greetings to all and Happy New Year!

Buell Resurrected in Street Mode?

I recently came across this video teaser on YouTube from RatPak Records and Erik Buell Racing (EBR), it really peaked my interest.



I watched it several times and tried to figure out what the video was about. After some online research and a visit to the Hell for Leather web site, I found out that Erik Buell Racing was going to be releasing a street version of their 1190RR race bike...the EBR1190RS! Being the owner of a 2009 Buell 1125R, you can imagine my excitement upon discovering this news.

Further online research took me to the RatPac Records web site where I discovered that you can purchase EBR1190RS merchandise...and yes, I placed an order during my visit. This was further evidence that Erik Buell would be releasing a street legal motorcycle under the name EBR1190RS.



According to the Hell for Leather web site, Erik Buell's non-competition agreement with Harley Davidson Motorcycles expires in February 2011 and at that time we can expect to see the EBR1190RS. It will more than likely be a limited release motorcycle. I look forward to hearing more about the EBR1190RS.

So, as I sit here wearing my new EBR1190RS t-shirt, I only have one thing to say, welcome back Erik Buell!

Until next time, ride hard and ride safe!