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Yeah, from what I get, it’s like working at any big company. You gotta sign a piece of paper saying you won’t talk about
what you did or what they’re doing.
As far as the new street bike, seems a few guys on other forums are pretty excited.
Apparently this thing has been in the works for a while, rumors have been circulating.
One must admit, it’s a break from the old HD styling.
If that ain’t a Japan bug eyed looking crotch rocket styled bike I don’t know what is.
As far as the ADV bike, that caught a lot by surprise.
Hardly anyone even knew they were working on one.
It’ll be funny if they stay with belt drive on it.
And here’s the end of the line for the Buell.
The 1125cr. Fly by wire throttle. The trademark front disc Eric Buell just had to have. Displacement that kept it out of
virtually all established racing classes.
Sometimes they’re so smart, they’re stupid.
Wow. That must be the bike Ozzy was involved with. I think it was called the Griffith Project.
https://youtu.be/BLwe7UqUX7k
In your opinion, what do you think the most innovative feature of the bike was? Anything interesting about you time there or the bike itself that you think would be interesting to share?
I'm a little surprised to see linkless rear suspension, right side chain, and what looks like almost zero antisquat with the sprocket/swing arm pivot configuration. Was it intended to be a woods bike?
Hey guy thanks for responding.
I’ve wondered how they were going about it.
You indicate they acquired a 450cr, and used that as a baseline.
Did the make that bike from the ground up?
The frame, for sure different. Looks like they were using the engine as a structural support.
And the motor, did they just make that from billet?
Big question, how does all that stuff happen?
Is there one guy that says, we’re gonna do this, and we’re gonna use that......and then we’re gonna hire this guy
and go racing here.
Or is it all by committe? People making suggestions, and doing things by majority vote?
Watch for me on one of those at A1, my speed in the whoops will blow your mind.
Pit Row
HD can't even begin to dream of some day having the slightest prayer of competing with Euro and jap brands in any other category with their current crop of putt putts...so generally they do not try, preferring to have all their eggs in that one basket.
This hinting at future market diversification is an acknowledgement by HD that the eggs in one basket scenario is not going to work in the future . Some buyers want performance. The traditional HD buyer does not care about performance, all they want is entry into the loud, heavy, ugly wannabe badass club
https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/05/03/harley-davidson-sales-go-from…
https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2018/01/16/harley-davidso…
https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/large-motorcycles-are-dying-in-the-us-a… (This one predates Harley's new direction, admittedly)
https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/2018/04/24/harley-davidson-profit-…
In slightly more optimistic news, it looks like Victory/Indian is doing much better than Harley is.
I think it's wise that Harley is looking to the Adventure market, as lots of Gen-Xers will ride that instead as we get older. The electric model makes sense for millenials, as well.
Erik Buell and I got into a heated argument about a no linkage rear suspension. He was convinced it was the way to go. I told him the mx crowd would not agree. At the time all KTMs were still without linkage as well. I was right about that one.
Another goofy concept on the bike was the seat. Due to airbox placement and frame configuration, the seat was originally designed to have a removable piece at the front to allow access to the air filter. I thought that was the dumbest thing ever. Of course now Yamaha does basically the same thing, so he was right on that one.
I agree with you about Cannondale. Trying to design their own engine was their downfall for sure. They were so early into the market segment of 4 stroke mx bikes, they should have had a good chance at success. Buell had a Cannondale in the bike warehouse for reference,.
As far as I know, I was one of only two people that rode their "mule" test bike. It has the correct engine, but the frame was a fabrication for early engine development only.
My dream is to produce a aircooled 125 with decent suspension for grass roots racing. The numbers just don't work.
Half the bicycles in my local shop cost more than my 250f
you (and whoever else) on this subject. I find this stuff fascinating.
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