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.

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!

2012 V-Twin Superbikes

As mentioned in a previous post, I was really excited to see the release of the 2012 Ducati Panigale. From what I have read, it is supposed to be quite a machine. To add to this, the rebirth of Erik Buell and the EBR1190RS is another point of excitement for 2012 as is the update to the 2012 KTM RC8. What do each of these bikes have in common, they are V-Twin powered superbikes!

With the introduction of these 2012 models, wouldn't it be great if one of the major motorcycle magazines initiated a 2012 V-Twin Superbike Shootout? Speaking for myself, it would be one comparison that I would be most interested in reading!

After some online research, here is a quick comparison of the power plants behind these three superbikes.

2012 Ducati Panigale

Type: Superquadro: L-twin cylinder 1199CC, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled
Bore x Stroke: 112 x 60.8mm
Power: 195hp (143kw) @ 10,750rpm
Peak Torque: 98.1lb-ft (132Nm) @ 9,000rpm
Exhaust: 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers with aluminum outer sleeves
Transmission: 6-Speed
Clutch: Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

2012 EBR1190RS

Type: Liquid cooled V twin
Bore X Stroke: 4.17 x 2.66 (106 x 67.5 mm)
Displacement: 72.6 cu 1190CC
Compression Ratio: 13.6 :1
Fuel Delivery: Dual 61mm throttle bodies
Exhaust: Primary + Secondary
Peak Torque: 97 ft-lbs @ 9400 rpm
Peak Horsepower: 175 hp @ 9750 rpm
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, slipper
Transmission: 6 speed

2012 KTM RC8

Design: 2-cylinder 4-stroke Otto motor, 75° V arrangement, water-cooled
Displacement: 1,195 cm³ (72.92 cu in)
Bore: 105 mm (4.13 in)
Stroke: 69 mm (2.72 in)
Performance: 129 kW (173 hp)
Peak Torque: 93.7 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed claw gears
Cooling: Water cooling, permanent circulation of coolant by water pump
Clutch: Multi-disc clutch in oilbath / hydraulically operated

Based on the information above, it appears that the Ducati Panigale has a major horsepower advantage over the EBR 1190RS and the KTM RC8, but there are other innovations that have to be considered too re: engine torque, frame, weight, suspension, traction control, etc.,...something a V-Twin Superbike Shootout would tell us. Which V-Twin Superbike do you think would come out on top?

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!