Erik Buell doesn't understand the word 'no'. His passion for race bikes and speed, coupled with his engineering creativity, helped him successfully launch and grow a new motorcycle company - not once, but several times. In 1982, Erik built and sold his first bike - an RW7600 - using his own frame and an English engine. However, when AMA canceled the class, which nullified Erik's investment, he started another company to sell his more successful RR1000 - a dual-carbed Harley XR1000 motor in a frame of his own design. Through his small dealer network, he sold 50 of these bikes and then ran out of motors. Tenacious to the end, Erik redesigned his frame to house the Harley 1200 Evolution motor, either fully enclosed (the RR1200) or in an exposed model (the RS1200). He sold several hundred of these bikes.
In 1993, he began company number three, though eventually selling 49% ownership to Harley Davidson. In 1998 Harley bought another 49%, leaving Erik with 2% ownership.
June 7, 2011, 3:59 am
