Erik Buell Racing to Host Dealers at American International Motorcycle Expo

Wisconsin-Based Company Also Will Display EBR Motorcycle Lineup

IRVINE, CA – February 17, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) announced today that Erik Buell Racing (EBR) will be hosting its dealers at the groundbreaking event in October. EBR joins an expanding list of motorcycle OEMs participating in AIMExpo, the powersports industry’s first combined trade, consumer and media event in North America.

Since introducing its first street motorcycle – the 1190RS – in mid-2011, EBR has quickly become a highlyrespected brand thanks to its integration of pioneering American technology to create innovative high performance machines that appeal to the highest level of global sportbike customers. Based in East Troy, Wis., EBR’s presence is built off a strong racing heritage and the unique vision of founder Erik Buell.

At AIMExpo, EBR will also display its newest motorcycles, which will add to the excitement of the award winning 1190RS model. The 1190RS has impressed the motorcycling world with multiple podium finishes in the 2012 AMA Superbike Championship.

“AIMExpo is adding excitement to the revitalized motorcycle industry, and is occurring at a great location and time, when dealers and riders are planning their purchases to be ready for the next riding season,” said Erik Buell. “We are delighted to join in this celebration of motorcycling.”

By using the event to both showcase new product and gather its dealer body, EBR is taking full advantage of AIMExpo’s concept of bringing together the entire powersports industry including dealers, consumers and the press in one single venue for the first time in the United States.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Erik Buell Racing to AIMExpo in October,” said Larry Little, Vice President & General Manager, Motorcycle Group. “EBR is a bright spot in the motorcycle landscape as the company’s beautifully crafted, premier motorcycles have resonated with motorcycle enthusiasts who have longed for a high performance,
innovative American sportbike. We couldn’t be happier that EBR has chosen AIMExpo to assemble its dealer body while presenting both the company and its products.”

AIMExpo will be held on October 16-20, 2013 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit the AIMExpoUSA.com web site, and keep up to date on the continued progress by visiting AIMExpo’s social media pages. “Like” the American International Motorcycle Expo on Facebook by visiting the AIMExpo page, and “Follow” on Twitter: @AIMExpo.

About American International Motorcycle Expo

The American International Motorcycle Expo’s purpose is to serve as the catalyst to bring together industry, press, dealers and consumers in a single arena that creates a grand stage for motorcycling in the U.S. and North America, and delivers an efficient and energetic market-timed expo platform for B2B and B2C in the motorcycle industry. AIMExpo is the single most important show of its type in the North American market and will have international impact within the motorcycling community.

About Marketplace Events

AIMExpo is produced by Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group, the newest division of recognized industry leader Marketplace Events. MPE connects enthusiasts with experts, products and services in dynamic face-to-face environments. From 14 offices in North America, the 115-person MPE staff produces 34 consumer shows annually attracting 15,000 exhibitors, 1.1 million attendees and another 1.5 million unique web visitors. www.marketplaceevents.com

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GE Capital Supports Ramp Up of Erik Buell Racing LLC

Provides dealer financing as motorcycle industry icon expands production of new high-performance cycles

CHICAGO, IL – December 7, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – GE Capital’s Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) business announced today that it has been chosen as the first provider of inventory financing to Erik Buell Racing LLC (EBR). Based in East Troy, WI, the company was started by noted motorcycle racer and designer Erik Buell in 2009. Its first model is the EBR 1190RS.

The funds will support the expansion of EBR’s dealer network in the U.S. Inventory financing, also known as floorplan financing, allows dealers to stock, market and sell a wide variety of motorcycles and related products from manufacturers. It is an important element of a successful manufacturer-dealer business model.

“As we ramp up our production capabilities and introduce other models, it’s great to know that we have a finance company that can support us as we expand,” said Erik Buell. “I’m pleased that GE Capital, with its decades of experience in the motorsports industry, continues to support emerging manufacturers like EBR.”

“We’re not just bankers, we’re builders,” said Sameer Gaur, the commercial leader of CDF’s motorsports group. “Across businesses and industries, it’s important for us to contribute to the growth of American manufacturers at every stage of their development.”

About EBR

EBR has a mission to build high-performance, American-made sport motorcycles without compromise — and has launched into the market to tremendous acclaim. In 2011, Motorcyclist magazine named Erik Buell the Motorcyclist of the Year. EBR built only 100 of the inaugural 2012 1190RS model. Designed and manufactured in East Troy, WI, the bike is receiving accolades in the racing community, and was named Superbike of the Year by Cycle World magazine. For more information, please visit http://www.erikbuellracing.com/.

About GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance

GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance provided nearly $32 billion in financing for more than 30,000 manufacturers, dealers and distributors across North America in 2011. Programs include inventory and accounts receivable financing, asset-based lending, private label financing, collateral management and related financial products. Customers have access to exclusive online tools and analytics to manage their accounts and inventory. For more information, visit http://www.gecdf.com/ or follow company news via Twitter (@GEInventoryFin).

GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit www.gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital).

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ge.com.

Contacts

GE Capital, Americas
Lisa Tibbitts, 203-956-4582
lisa.tibbitts@ge.com
or
EBR Motorcycles
Erik Buell Racing LLC
Jim Dorman, 262-642-1627 ext 222
jim.dorman@ebracing.com

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FirstPathway Partners Commits $20 Million in EB-5 Funding to Erik Buell Racing LLC

MILWAUKEE, WI – July 24, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Investment fund manager FirstPathway Partners LLC today announced it has committed $20 million in EB-5 investment funding to Erik Buell Racing LLC, the East Troy manufacturer of the EBR brand of world-class sport motorcycles. The funding will allow EBR to design and produce additional models of street sport motorcycles and to grow its international exports. EBR also will expand its facility, directly create several hundred new, good-paying jobs for Wisconsin workers and support hundreds of additional indirect jobs.

“EBR motorcycles are made in America and in great demand worldwide. This investment will create good manufacturing and engineering jobs in Wisconsin and greatly strengthen a local company’s position in the global marketplace,” said Bob Kraft, chairman of FirstPathway Partners.

Erik Buell, founder and owner of the company that bears his name, is a recognized pioneer in racing motorcycle technology. A former Harley-Davidson engineer, he started a company – Buell Motorcycle Company, which later became a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson – in 1983. In 2009, Harley ended the Buell line to focus on its own brand. Mr. Buell launched Erik Buell Racing later that year. The company produces high-end, limited-edition street motorcycles under the EBR brand, provides engineering design services, and also runs a successful race team sponsored by Hero MotoCorp and AMSOIL. The team races EBR 1190RS in the top U.S. motorcycle series, AMA Pro Racing Superbike. EBR is currently third in the manufacturers’ championship, behind Yamaha and Suzuki, and has a rider in fourth place in the riders’ championship.

“Our research shows a very strong global market for this kind of motorcycle, and this funding will allow motorcycles designed and assembled in East Troy to be used all over the world. It’s a great boost for our company, for Wisconsin’s exports and for American business as a whole,” Mr. Buell said. Erik Buell Racing will do all design, testing and assembly work in East Troy and plans to focus a substantial portion of its spending on Wisconsin, Midwest and American vendors, although many highly specialized motorcycle parts will be sourced overseas. The company anticipates exporting more than half of its products within three or four years.

 

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OnTheThrottle’s Latest Video: Danny Eslick and Geoff May at Infineon

May 27, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Erik Buell Racing’s Danny Eslick and Geoff May took turns visiting the podium at Infineon’s Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam on the new EBR 1190RS. The bike has only seen a handful of race weekends, but development continues in strides. Next stop is May’s favorite track, Miller Motorsports Park, where Geoff promises to “go all out.” This video is brought to you by OnTheThrottle.TV.

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Hero MotoCorp partners with Erik Buell

 

• TO GET TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN INPUTS FROM EBR 
• “TEAM HERO” TO DEBUT AT AMA PRO RACING SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THE US ON EBR 1190RS BIKES
• TO BRING NEXT-GENERATION HIGH-END BIKES TO INDIA
• TO FURTHER  AUGMENT R&D CAPABILITIES THROUGH MULTIPLE ALLIANCES 

NEW DELHI – February 24, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – In a landmark development, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (HMCL), today announced forging a strategic partnership with Erik Buell Racing (EBR) of the US, encompassing multiple areas of collaboration.

As part of the partnership, HMCL will receive support in terms of cutting-edge technology and design to develop future models from EBR – the East Troy, Wisconsin-based firm, which specializes in designing and manufacturing powerful and high-speed motorcycles.

Announcing this here today, Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said “It gives me immense pleasure to welcome Erik Buell to the exciting world of Hero MotoCorp. This is in keeping with my objective of quickly scaling up our own in-house R&D capabilities to a global two-wheeler technology power-house by leveraging a network of strategic international alliances. Erik and his team have been working closely with our engineers and designers to develop our next-generation range of products with cutting-edge technology and first-of-its-kind features.

“The Indian two-wheeler industry is set to evolve, and it is only natural that as the market leader, we are driving this change. As a part of this plan, Erik is going to play an integral role in giving shape to some of my dream two-wheelers for the discerning youth of today. So my R&D team and Erik’s team together have made some definitive progress in this direction, and we will hopefully be putting a few scorchers on the roads soon.”

Mr. Erik F. Buell, Chairman & CTO of EBR, said “EBR is delighted to partner with a company as iconic as Hero MotoCorp. Both HMCL and EBR share the common commitment to manufacturing world-class two-wheelers with technology of the future. I have personally been deeply impressed with and inspired by Pawan’s vision. He has given us a challenging brief, and our highly-motivated team is working towards giving shape to that dream. We look forward to designing technology solutions which are in line with contemporary global standards and also futuristic in their appeal and utility.”

Through this alliance, Hero MotoCorp will also for the first time enter the exciting world of international motorcycle racing. The company will mark its foray into the racing arena by sponsoring two teams: Team Hero and AMSOIL Hero – a first by any Indian two-wheeler company at the AMA Pro Racing National Guard Superbikes Championship. Popular young racer Danny Eslick will represent “Team Hero” while another well-known racer Geoff May will represent team AMSOIL Hero – both riding on EBR 1190RS bikes.

Hero MotoCorp also showcased an EBR 1190RS bike at the press conference here today.

The first race is scheduled at the Daytona Speedway, at Daytona beach, Florida, USA between March 15th & 17th, this year.

Commenting on the racing debut, Mr. Munjal said, “This is also a key part of our alliance with EBR. Both Erik and I felt that we should carry forward our partnership into the race track. As a company, we have always supported and nurtured sports and sporting talent in India. It is indeed a pleasure to sponsor two EBR teams at the AMA Championships and we are delighted to be taking an Indian brand to a highly-competitive and highly-popular international motorcycle race arena. We look forward to superlative performances from both Danny and Geoff.”

Commenting on the tie-up, Mr. Buell said, “I deeply appreciate the support provided by Pawan and Hero MotoCorp to our two teams and this will only make Danny and Geoff perform better this season. As I kept meeting Pawan over the past several months, I realised his keen interest in moto-racing and the ‘Team Hero’ at AMA Championships is really a natural extension of our strategic collaboration. Top-class motorcycle racing is a very popular sport in the US, and the presence of the ‘Hero’ brand name is going to lend a lot of stature and excitement to all EBR fans out there.”

Hero MotoCorp is also developing the concept hybrid scooter called ‘Leap’, showcased at the recently-concluded Auto Expo, in collaboration with EBR.

EBR 1190RS is the flagship bike from EBR, and an exclusive engineering marvel, as the company is producing only 100 inaugural units of these, including a handful of the carbon edition package. The EBR 1190RS is taking the American motorcycle racing world by storm with its performance, styling and handling.

Before he became successful engineer, motorcycle designer and motorcycle manufacturer, Erik Buell was a motorcycle racer, and he has brought all his past experience from the race track to build the 1190RS.

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Craftsman Experience – The Motorcycle Mini-Series

April 4, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Craftsman Experience will be launching a brand new miniseries this April dedicated to the motorcycle fan. Show dates are April 8th, 15th, and 29th and can all be watched live on Facebook.com/Craftsman from 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm CST.

The series premiers on April 8th with the story of a true American Craftsman, Erik Buell and Erik Buell Racing. Mr. Buell will discuss and demo his history of innovation in the racing world with racer Geoff May and his engineers on hand to show EBR unique innovations.

On April 15th, tune in to a show about Daytona Life including sport racing bikes from the Daytona 200. There will be a demonstration of a race-style tire and clutch change. Riders for Health, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing transportation and support to healthcare workers in Africa, will also be on hand.

Tune in on April 29th to be apart of an “Engine Room” themed show. Erin Hunter, holder of the women’s Land Speed Record will be on hand as well.

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EBR Ultimate Race Fan Giveaway

EAST TROY, WI – July 13, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – EBR in combination with Rat Pak Records will be giving away a ton of cool stuff including, an EBR Custom Racing Jacket, an EBR Custom Riding Helmet, 2010 Sponsored Pit Crew Shirts, a Buell 1190RR Air Box, an Apple iPod Touch, Cannon Power Shot SX20SI digital Camera, CD’s, Shirts, and much more! Rules of the EBR Ultimate Race Fan Giveaway are simple! There are none! Any purchase made from www.erikbuellmusic.com between June 30th and August 30, 2010 will automatically enter you to win one of the items listed. Drawing will take place August 30th and winners will be notified first via email then announced on the Rat Pak Records website and on the EBR site! Profits from this effort will go to further support the ongoing quest of the EBR race team! Check out www.erikbuellmusic.com for more info!

The logos featured on the new 2010 EBR Sponsored Pit Crew Shirt are Erik Buell Racing, Rat Pak Records, and Whip Ale the new pale ale by Michael Wilton of Queensryche – check it out at www.erikbuellmusic.com

Erik Buell and the Thunderbolts CD “Anthem is also now available at all Bull Moose Music and Newbury Comic Stores, Disc Union Japan, iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon MP3 and via CM Distro and RPR Distro! More locations coming soon!

For wholesale orders, bookings, appearances, and other Buell Music releated questions please email iceraven@ratpakrecords.com

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Erik Buell Racing launches 1190RR

EAST TROY, WI – February 26, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Just a few months after Harley-Davidson discontinued the Buell Motorcycles line, Erik Buell Racing has announced a tantalizing first new motorcycle: the 1190RR. Based on the Buell 1125R and Buell 1125RR (which was created to compete in Superbike last year), the 1190RR gets increased engine displacement to bring it closer to the current class limit for V-twins in both the AMA and World Superbike (WSBK).

The new 1190RR is not currently approved for AMA or WSBK racing and we are not yet sure if it will ever clear homologation thresholds. The current intent of this track-only motorcycle is to be run by road racers in many available classes around the world. To me, that would be a great showcase of American motorcycling ingenuity and competitive spirit.

Since Harley-Davidson still owns the Buell trademark, the 1190RR models are constructed under the “Erik Buell Racing” name. The 1190RR is built at the race shop location in East Troy, Wisconsin. Brand new 1125R engines are completely disassembled and blueprinted using top-shelf Superbike internal parts. Increasing the bore from 103 to 106 while maintaining the stroke at 67.5 accounts for the larger displacement 77-degree V-twin motorcycle.

In creating the 1190RR, Erik Buell Racing also goes to work on the 1125R chassis. Updates are made with race-quality components that also allow for added adjustability. Erik has incorporated input from brand-name road racers such as Alex Barros and Jeremy McWilliams in delivering this exotic American racing motorcycle. The end result is a motorcycle that looks great and that we can’t wait to ride in the near future.

www.erikbuellracing.com

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Erik Buell Racing sells first race 1190RR-B

East Troy, WI – January 15, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Erik Buell Racing has sold its first race bikes, a pair of 1190RR-B European Spec superbikes, to an established privateer team with years of racing experience. The Pegasusraceteam.com team will campaign the new 1190RR-Bs in the European Sound of Thunder Series, along with Buell 1125Rs and XBs in support classes.

“We have had great success with the 1125R and XB12R in the last few years,” said Thomas Wanner, Team Principal. “Now we will expand our program by using the new 1190RR-B.”

Harald Kitsch, the 2009 Sound of Thunder champion, will ride the 1190RR-Bs.

“Kitsch is a very talented rider with World Endurance Championship and German IDM experience,” said Jens Kruper, Pegasusraceteam manager. “He is really looking forward to racing the new bike.”

Erik Buell Speaks…

“We are extremely pleased that the Pegasusrace team will be the first team in the world to get the new 1190RR-B. Over the years, I’ve been very impressed with every aspect of their organization and I know they will do well.”

“We’ve been working very hard to develop this bike and get our race shop set up and organized as we begin to showcase the finest race parts and technology we can deliver without restriction.”

Erik Buell Racing specializes in the supply of race-use-only Buell motorcycle parts and race preparation services for engines and motorcycles, and the building and sale of Buell 1125R-based race-use-only motorcycles under license from Harley Davidson, as well as providing technical support to racers of Buell motorcycles.

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Erik Buell establishes Erik Buell Racing

MILWAUKEE, WI – November 20, 2009 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) announced today that following the company’s recent decision to discontinue the Buell motorcycle product line, Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company, will leave the company to establish Erik Buell Racing, an independent motorcycle race shop.

Erik Buell Racing will specialize in the supply of race-use-only Buell motorcycle parts and race preparation services for engines and motorcycles, and the building and sale of Buell® 1125R-based race-use-only motorcycles under license from Harley-Davidson, as well as providing technical support to racers of Buell motorcycles.

“I’m looking forward to helping Buell racers keep their bikes flying,” said Erik Buell. “We’ve got some exciting race development projects in the works and it will mean a lot to me personally to see Buell racers competing for wins and championships in the 2010 season and beyond.”

“I’m pleased that Harley-Davidson is assisting Erik in establishing this business to continue supporting the racing efforts he has had so much passion for over the years,” said Buell President and COO Jon Flickinger. “Harley-Davidson and the Buell Motorcycle Company will always be proud of their affiliation with Erik, and we wish him well in this new endeavor to support Buell racers.”

Erik Buell Racing will be based in East Troy, Wisconsin and will be staffed by Erik Buell and a veteran team of personnel. For more information, after December 1, 2009, contact:

Erik Buell Racing, LLC
2799 Buell Drive, Unit C
East Troy, WI 53120
www.erikbuellracing.com
info@erikbuellracing.com

Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), and MV Agusta.

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