motorcyclebloggers.com

I don’t mean due to ill-handling or from being overweight (that’s a joke to all the Buell loyal), I mean on purpose.  It seems that Burll is expanding into a new market - off-road “closed course competition”.  I have to wonder why.  Is it trying to capitalize on the fact that there is no mainstream American designed and manufactured dirt bike?  Will the be as odd looking (unique for those Buell loyal) as their street bikes?

Back in 1985, I was the pround owner of an overstocked new 1984 Yamaha IT490.  It was about $2000 and it was arguably the best al around enduro that the Japanese produced (Husky’s were still bad-ass back then).  That leads me to another question:  PRICE.  Buell hs their cheap entry bike in the Blast, but overall, they are not known for their value…be it bang for the buck upon purchase or resale.

Heh - belt drive?

Check it:

<blockquote>Buell to build off-road motorcycles within two years

Tuesday March 13, 2007

Buell Motorcycle Co. says it has plans to enter a new motorcycle segment — the off-road market.

The company plans to design off-road bikes specifically designed for closed-course competition.

“We’ve told our dealers about our plans to bring an off-road, closed-course competition motorcycle to market within the next two years,” said Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Erik Buell. “This will allow Buell dealers the time needed to make plans to meet the needs of this new market and customer.”

“Harley-Davidson and Buell are highly committed to broadening the range of products we offer and reaching out to new groups of customers,” said Buell President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Flickinger. “We’re always looking at new market opportunities, but this one is particularly exciting.”

No other details about the Buell off-road motorcycle have been released.</blockquote>