GraphiteAccord

in the SS class? What does Buell have, the 1125R? Are there any plans for the americans to come out with anything that has a fairing?

Z Darkside

http://www.google.com/

MSchu

http://www.rotax.net/

Ron also had great sucess in the mono class in Road Racing ...

Brian*

http://www.roehrmotorcycles.com/

Though it isn't priced to compete. Don't forget MotoCzys (sp?)

Tornadom

I would love to see the United State compete in the Super Sport class. I respect Japan, and all of the European countries that are making outstandingly capable bikes at a reasonable price... but I wonder why the U.S. a country with more land mass than all of the European bike producing countries and Japan combined, and rich with natural resources has yet to produce (on a wide scale) a modern S.S.

Don't flame me too hard, but I wouldn't even be against Harley Davidson being one of the manufacturers. They are one of the oldest motorcycle builders in the world, have a vast dealership network already established along with the factories and tooling to be competitive. Obviously the bike they build would have to be totally different than anything they currently produce, but there is potential for this to happen. HD's stocks are managed better than almost any company I have seen, and there are eleventy billion companies that would probably jump on in support of this program simply because it wears an HD badge.

Food for thought:
-Harley Davidson is already partnered with Brembo brakes
-Harley Davidson is already partnered with Porsche who manufacturers motors for the V-Rod
-Eric Buell is a very innovative designer and understands mass centralization

GraphiteAccord

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tornadom &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would love to see the United State compete in the Super Sport class. I respect Japan, and all of the European countries that are making outstandingly capable bikes at a reasonable price... but I wonder why the U.S. a country with more land mass than all of the European bike producing countries and Japan combined, and rich with natural resources has yet to produce (on a wide scale) a modern S.S.

Don't flame me too hard, but I wouldn't even be against Harley Davidson being one of the manufacturers. They are one of the oldest motorcycle builders in the world, have a vast dealership network already established along with the factories and tooling to be competitive. Obviously the bike they build would have to be totally different than anything they currently produce, but there is potential for this to happen. HD's stocks are managed better than almost any company I have seen, and there are eleventy billion companies that would probably jump on in support of this program simply because it wears an HD badge.

Food for thought:
-Harley Davidson is already partnered with Brembo brakes
-Harley Davidson is already partnered with Porsche who manufacturers motors for the V-Rod
-Eric Buell is a very innovative designer and understands mass centralization</TD></TR></TABLE>
HD pulled the plug on a legit American dirtbike, they claimed lack of funds...when they had already spent a GRIP on R/D on it..

Not sure how a modern SS would do from them, the market may seem flooded already from their eyes. and who would they sell to? the SS appeal is to the younger crowd, and the HD name doesn't do well with them.

Tornadom

I don't buy that HD is hurting too badly for money. I honestly think they feared that they wouldn't be able to compete and pulled the plug. Of all of the American motorcycle makers though, I can't think of any others that would stand a chance against the established companies.

BoostedEG6

I don’t foresee HD even trying to compete in a market that they have never really dabbled in. The closest thing they have to a SS is the Vrod. Even starting out with that foundation there would have to be way to many changes in the design etc.

They pretty much have to cruiser line on lock down. Do you think they would waste their money trying to build a new SS from the ground up? I personally don’t think they will.

ShaunRR

HD is already shifting some of their focus with the extreme drop in domestic cruiser sales. They are already releasing new bikes for the european market(see XR1200). It wouldn't bee too difficult to see this as part of their long term strategy. Although it would involve many "sporty" bikes before it ever got into true top level sportbikes.

BoostedEG6

The HD XR1200 looks nothing more than a restyled Sportster. There really isnt anything different between the two other than different gas tank and rear fender. If you look at the two side by side you will see what I mean.

ShaunRR

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BoostedEG6 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The HD XR1200 looks nothing more than a restyled Sportster. There really isnt anything different between the two other than different gas tank and rear fender. If you look at the two side by side you will see what I mean.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Looks can be deceiving. Its very different and is reported to ride and handle amazing.

BoostedEG6

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rochesterricer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Looks can be deceiving. Its very different and is reported to ride and handle amazing.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah I know what you mean

wesvailco

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BoostedEG6 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I don’t foresee HD even trying to compete in a market that they have never really dabbled in.</TD></TR></TABLE>



-welcome to 1994.....its been done. it failed.

slm

Here's a good read

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/vr1000_obit.htm

Personally I don't see Harley being interested in this market. They make cruisers, that's their game. Many of there riders are snobs who dislike sportbikes, 'cuase there crotch rockets. They have factory race teams, dirt track, more heritage and they can win, nhra drag racing, they win alot too. There not gonna blow a bunch of cash on a road race team, when most of the folks watching those races hate Harley anyway. They'd spend huge money to get beat. They don't want to take them time, unless the rules are set up for them to win right away. Unless they really decide to get into liquid cooling and updating themselves (and not paying rotax or Porsche to do it, I know they designed it right ). They will let buell have their sportbike, but they'll take it back when no one buys and those who do can't get parts or service at the hog shop. That's their game.