The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

Buell Produces Its Last Motorcycle
March 31, 2010

The announcement of the discontinuing of Harley Davidson’s Buell Motorcycle Company is old news. Months ago, Erik Buell announced that the Buell line will end it’s impressive, albeit short run in 2010.

For 26 years, the Buell Motorcycle Company defied the odds and competed in the Japanese dominated world of sport bikes. Buell’s innovative design of the Blast, Lightning, Firebolt, and the Ulysses made Buell Motorcycles like nothing else on the road. Their short wheel base, high output, and handling characteristics made them a pleasure to ride.

Earlier this year, the last Buell Motorcycle rolled off the production line and Buell is now part of  motorcycle history.

Buell will continue to honor all warranties and will still offer parts and services through their dealer network since Buell Motorcycles will be on the road for many years to come. Without new Buell motorcycles hitting the roads each year however, they will increasingly become a rare sight. Eventually, they may even become collectible.

The last Buell Motorcycle produced, a Lightning XB12SCG, is headed for the Barber Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Alabama. The 2010 Lightning will join a fleet of 11 other Buell motorcycles. The Barber Motorsports Museum will house one of the largest Buell exhibits in the country.

The biggest question is how will other motorcycles companies survive despite the dismal shape of the US and global economies? All motorcycle companies will have to find ways to continue to attract buyers for their motorcycles as the competition for customers becomes increasingly more difficult. Companies will be challenged in terms of design, engineering, economics, and marketing to capture new niches.

The motorcycle industry has seen tough times before and has always found ways to survive. Hopefully as the Buell brand winds down, motorcycle manufacturers of all sizes have learned the necessary lessons to survive for years to come.

Hi, I’m Tom Kiley, and when my buddies and I go riding we always put safety first. Get a free copy of my motorcycle book for some valuable riding tips. And if you or loved one are ever hurt in the Massachusetts area, contact the Kiley Law Group for legal advice from a real motorcycle attorney.