Buell's company began by building race bikes, based on the Buell 1125R, with a Harley engine in Buell's frame. Harley Davidson initially made a small investment in the company in 1993, moving on to become the majority owner in 1998 which lead to lots of development, culminating in the Buell's very own engine. The Buell engine was a Rotax developed water-cooled DOHC V-twin.

Then came the financial crash and Harley decided to cut off its extremities in order to salvage the core and closed Buell and sold MV Agusta. Erik Buell was allowed to carry on trading as EBR Racing but, despite investment from India's Hero Motor Corps, everything in the garden was not rosy and the company began to experience huge losses.

When the liquidators were called in, the man employed to do this sad job was one Bill Melvin. Strange but true, the new CEO of the resurgent company is none other than that very same Bill Melvin.

Production began again in 2019, and EBR Motorcycles acquired the Buell brand name in 2020 in the US. Here's what Bill Melvin, the new CEO says about Buell:

"We are excited to bring Buell back with this awesome assortment of superbikes and performance motorcycles. We start with the fastest American production motorcycles, hand-built in the USA, so that's a nice start! We're building out those platforms for more touring and adventure models, then we're expanding our displacements to be competitive with other global brands. The passionate Buell Nation can grow and thrive again."

The reborn Buell Motorcycles has announced plans to launch no less that 10 new bike models by 2024. So far the current range is based on Buell's 1190 platform but eventually there will be bikes from all categories, dirt, dual-sport, touring and cruisers and the new line up will encompass some small and medium displacement bikes. Also a potential electric Buell is waiting in the wings!

The new Buells will be hand built in the USA, but without the involvement of Erik Buell the founder, as his new venture is Fuell an electric motorcycle and bicycle company.

Some of the first bikes out of the doors look likely to be the Hammerhead 1190RX Sportbike, 1190SX Naked Sportbike, the 1190HCR Hillclimb race bike and the 1190 Super Tourer. Pricing is not public yet but handmade in the US may be an indication that they are not going to be out of the bargain basement.

It's always good to hear a positive motorcycle story so lets see how this one pans out as Buell hits the road again.

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