Kickstand Up, Ready to Roll…
EAST TROY, WI – EBR Motorcycles has recently completed the protracted Wisconsin Chapter 128 business restructuring that began last April. The EBR 2012 – 2015 model parts inventory, brand name, trademarks, patents, operating licenses, testing equipment, assembly lines and all the future models under development are now owned by Liquid Asset Partners of Grand Rapids Michigan.
Liquid Asset Partners is actively reviewing options for a qualified individual or company to acquire or finance the motorcycle business and take it to the next level.
Erik Buell, founder of EBR, said, “This is indeed an incredible opportunity for a huge head start on getting an American sport motorcycle business going. I have to thank Bill Melvin Jr., Bill Sr., and the team at Liquid Asset Partners for seeing this and working toward activating the assets and building motorcycles again. It is also great that they have stepped up to immediately address parts availability for EBR owners. The old company had many of the pieces in place for success, and I am very energized by the opportunity to re-engage under a new corporation with the right ownership and focus.”
Kim Tordik, key management member, has worked side-by-side with Erik for over 30 years. Kim started with Erik in the early years of the fledgling Buell Motor Company, continued through the Harley years and on to the start-up of Erik Buell Racing. “I have seen and been a part of all the challenges and successes over the years. Working with Erik, we have always focused on keeping the customer first and top-of-mind. The amount of energy and enthusiasm for Erik Buell and his legacy brand is as prevalent now as ever. Knowing personally the extraordinary assets that are available and the creative talent we have, the best years are still ahead.”
The first step, beginning next week, will be to make service and repair parts available directly from Liquid Asset to the owners of the EBR RS, RX and SX models, as well as performance parts for previous Buell models that had been available from EBR. Since the motorcycle selling season is approaching quickly, management is making significant progress towards plans for the production of new RX and SX models. The goal is to have 2016 model EBRs rolling by mid-March.
Steve Smith, key management member, says “the ‘muzzle is off’ and that it is time to reach out to EBR suppliers, dealers, customers and fans around the world. During the restructuring process it was inappropriate for the staff to talk about the specifics. Not being able to speak up was very frustrating, as there was no shortage of false information and speculation being spread. The “Buell Nation” and EBR enthusiasts were inundated with all sorts of opinions and misleading stories over the last 9-10 months. With Liquid Asset now in control of the motorcycle assets and intellectual property, we are in a position to begin the process of restarting. We love and appreciate the continued enthusiasm of the EBR riders groups; to help with the future success of EBR, we encourage riders and enthusiasts to talk to their closest dealer and prepare their personal finances for hopefully buying a 2016 model EBR.”
Once the plans are implemented, the path is open for the next step of growth. The American innovation, speed and persistence of Buell and EBR that have been demonstrated and appreciated by hundreds of thousands the world over will still require significant resources to move to the next chapter. Liquid Asset has taken on the mantle of “brand steward” and is committed to preserving the true American Sportbike company with its lineage going back to 1983. Along with production initiating on RX and SX, new segment busting models that deliver Erik’s unique vision are on the drawing board. The new company has many assets and is ready to expand rapidly.
Anyone interested in more information about the EBR opportunity should contact Liquid Asset Partners at www.LiquidAP.com.
Anyone interested in EBR parts should visit www.LiquidAP.com/EBRparts/
Thank you,
Team EBR