[39970]

The ultimate Tuono/ZRXish naked streetbike!? I think it would be better executed by Buell. Think they could put it out for 12k or less?

 

[KPaulCook]

HD should do just that. Or buy Ducati. But folks say there is no money in sport bikes. Yet we keep seing folks get into the mix. KTM etc. Give Eric Buell a beautiful Ducati V-4 to work with. Oh well I figure I have 5 years of good H-D dividends left then it is time to sell.

 

[jmeyn]

Where does all the money come from? Looks like a huge potential for embarrassment. Good luck, KR. You'll need it in bucketsfull.



On the other hand, any success at all will look huge!

 

[13630]

You know, I seem to remember HD having a sportbike line of their own, but I can't remember the name... must be getting old.



I also remember them running some kind of sportbike in a race series... whatever happened to that?

 

[jmeyn]

If HD did that you could say goodbye to your dividends.

 

[417]

Good luck to KR. What did this mean?:



"Proton’s Rapid Prototyping facility was invaluable in the rapid development programme, allowing chassis and engine layouts to be tried and decided with scale models even before the engine was actually built."



Did they sneak a Honda RC211V and copy its engine, suspension and fuel tank? If you can't beat them copy them its almost as good as joining them.



I'm guessing if they've got the chassis right it will competitive.



As for HD you guys must remember the Aermacchi days particularly in the 70's with the 2 strokes - Walter Villa winning a world title etc. Here in NZ Ginger Molloy raced an HD 350 2-stroke with great success.

 

[Buzglyd]

If I'm not mistaken, KTM joined the sportbike mix with a V-TWIN!!!



Just thought I'd point that out.

 

[cycleguy26]

Like that will happen.

 

[KPaulCook]

Nobodys perfect.

 

[Buzglyd]

When you think about it, the new KTM V-twin is exactly what the Buell needs. It's lightweight and powerful-perfect for such a small bike.

 

[crg]

If you're being sarcastic, sorry about being so dense and replying...



Harley campaigned the VR1000 sportbike in ama superbike series. They did it for a few years, I think their best place was a 5th. Supposedly one major cause of the demise of the bike and HD superbike racing was design by committee, as well as a general animosity toward the program which was non-union in a VERY union company.



But some of the lessons learned were applied toward the V-rod, so it wasn't a complete loss.

 

[KPaulCook]

Make it happen Buzglyd

You are absolutely right. I think you should talk to brass at Harley Davidson at the birthday party. Great idea!

 

[Buzglyd]

Re: Make it happen Buzglyd

When I'm kickin' it with Willie G I'll be sure to mention your name as well.

 

[NoKneeDown]

Whatever happened to that?? It crashed and caught on fire. That picture of the VR100's last race will forever be ingrained in my mind. Of course it could happen to any bike, but oh the irony.

 

[zrx]

Lessons learned applied toward the V-rod??? Was one of the lessons learned to not design there own engine for the V-rod.

 

[crg]

Perhaps, didn't porsche make the engine? I think they used cues from the liquid-cooled liter v-twin to the design process for the v-rod.



Quality control and exhaustive testing came from the Buell school of though, I believe. But he also subcontracted almost the entire line of new streetfighter bikes.