Entrepreneur.com, the web presence of Entrepreneur magazine, has a feature article on Erik Buell and his Erik Buell Racing (EBR) company. While the article reveals some lack of knowledge of the two-wheeled world by overusing the term “crotch rocket” as the generic description for sportbikes, this is forgivable considering it’s coming from a publication specializing in small businesses and, well, entrepreneurs, and not motorcycles.

The article otherwise does a good job of giving a brief but broad synopsis of Buell and the triumphs and tragedies encountered with BMC (Buell Motorcycle Company) — it’s a good primer on Buell if you’re not fully up to speed on Buell’s life in motorcycles. A benefit of the article’s business nature is that we gain some insight and relevant news related to Buell’s plans for EBR and current challenges facing the new-ish company.

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The U.S. motorcycle industry saw a 4.6% decrease in year-on-year sales over the first six months of 2011, thanks mostly to a 17.3% drop in ATV sales. Motorcycle and scooter sales however saw a 1.7% bump in the first half .

Unfortunately, most of that gain in two-wheeled vehicle sales was due to a strong first quarter that saw a year-on-year increase of 7.2%. Second quarter motorcycle and scooter sales totaled 156,215 units, down 1.6% compared to 158,686 units sold in the second quarter 2010.

Compiled by the Motorcycle Industry Council, the figures represent sales over the six months ended June 30, 2011, from 19 reporting manufacturers: Aprilia, Arctic Cat, BMW, Buell, Can-Am, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husaberg, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Polaris, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Victory and Yamaha.

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If there’s one thing I like more than motorcycles, it’s hot supermodels, such as Victoria’s Secret Angel, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covergirl and Harley-Davidson spokesmodel Marisa Miller.

Miller has appeared in a number of promotional spots for The Motor Company in recent years, most notably for the Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle and to support Harley-Davidson’s U.S. Military Appreciation programs (one of Miller’s “American Bombshell” post cards is currently my computer’s desktop wallpaper).

In the latest promotional tie-in, the statuesque model appears in a new video for Harley-Davidson’s Rider’s Edge new rider course. Joined by her father, Marc Bertetta, and husband Griffin Guess (both reportedly, experienced riders themselves), Miller enrolls in the course, riding Buell Blasts in the rain.

As a new rider myself, having recently taken a rider training course, I shared the same feelings, first nervousness, and eventually, accomplishment, that Miller felt. Her husband and father also taking part helped provide Miller with support, but also reminds us that even experienced riders can get something out of a riding school. Check out the video after the jump.

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Erik Buell Racing has released new information about its upcoming 1190RS streetbike including pricing and hints of three new models, the RX, SX and AX.

But first the 1190RS. First revealed back in February, the 2012 EBR 1190RS is the first new streetbike to carry Buell’s name since Harley-Davidson discontinued the original Buell Motorcycle brand.

Revealed on the newly revamped Erik Buell Racing website, the 1190RS’s engine is a liquid-cooled V-Twin claiming 175 hp at 9750rpm and 97 ft-lb. at 9100rpm. As previously reported, the 1190RS will use Ohlins suspension. The front brake uses an 8-piston caliper and is equipped with cooling ducts.

Erik Buell Racing confirmed it will start off with a limited run of 100 1190RS model, as each one uses a modified version of the Buell 1125R’s Rotax engine. The base EBR 1190RS will have a price tag of $39,999 while the Carbon Package is an extra $4,000. The 2012 EBR 1190RS will be available in four colors: Abraxas Inferno, Boreas Frost, Burnt Armor and Pitch Black.

As for the three new models, Buell isn’t revealing very much apart from the letters RX, SX and AX. The X would suggest the three models will share a common platform, but they likely won’t use the 1125R-based engine powering the 1190RS. Production will also likely be in higher numbers than the 1190RS. Based on Buell Motorcycle’s product offerings and nomenclature, the RX will probably be a sportbike, the SX a standard like the Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX and the AX a dual sport (A for Adventure?) like the Buell Ulysses.

More pictures and specs available after the jump.

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2011 Erik Buell Racing 1190RS Preview

[Source: Erik Buell Racing]

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Here at Motorcycle.com we generally have nice things to say about Harley-Davidson products. But we also like a good joke. Especially when it’s full of biting sarcasm.

This YouTuber and motorcycle enthusiast shows his support for Erik Buell and his… er…um… obvious disappoint with Harley’s decision to shutter Buell.

We don’t endorse the tainted view of Harley as seen in this video, but even if you’re a Harley devotee, ya gotta admit it’s funny!

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In what is sure to be a painfully long and tortuous process for the former Buell Motorcycle Company (from Eric down to the graveyard shift janitor), the final act of its disassembly will be handled by Grand Rapids, Michigan – based Liquid Asset Partners.

In a release from Liquid Assets, the company states the “liquidation sale will start January 28th and run everyday for 30 days until everything is sold. Regardless of cost or loss, millions of dollars worth of equipment and tools will be sold directly on the factory floor.”

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The year is coming to a close so let’s take a look back at the top stories of 2009 in the world of motorcycles after the jump.

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The mournful expressions on the Buell workers’ faces in this photo say more than words can. So long old friend.

Harley-Davidson announced yesterday that the final bike built by Buell, a Lightning XB12Scg, rolled off the production line on October 30. This marked the 136,923th motorcycle built by Buell in its 26 years of operation.

On October 15 Buell’s parent company, Harley-Davidson, announced that the Buell line-up would be discontinued effective December 18, 2009. The move, along with ditching its investment in MV Agusta, was seen as necessary by Harley.

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Update Nov 13: Last Buell Motorcycle Rolls Off the Line

An emotional Erik Buell has posted a video on the Buell Motorcycle site officially announcing that Harley-Davidson has shut down all Buell motorcycle production.  Harley-Davidson will honor all warranties for Buell owners, Buell dealers will still be selling the limited supply of bikes that are currently on hand.  Visit Motorcycle.com News for more details.

You can watch the video statement from Eric Buell after the jump.

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The above shoe rendering was created by Industrial Designer, Oliver Henrichot, who is based in Portland, OR, the concept was inspired by the Ducati Monster.  There is no word if it will ever make it into production but its still an amazing design.

Hit the jump to see Henrichot’s Buell Scoop concept.

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