Erik Buell Racing (EBR) has introduced the new 1190RX at AIMExpo in Orlando. The new model is based on the 1190RS model that the company races in AMA Superbike competition, but is significantly cheaper and more street-oriented with "rider-focused features." The RX utilizes the EBR ET-V2 1190cc V-twin engine, and produces a claimed 185 horsepower and 102 foot-pounds of torque. A new traction control system has 21 settings, accessed through a multi-function dash that also stores track performance data. The EBR1190RX will retail for $18,995, with production in the company's East Troy, WI facility.
Also at AIMExpo, EBR announced that it will be the exclusive distributor of Hero brand motorcycles in North America. Hero MotoCorp, based in India and the world's largest manufacturer of two-wheeled motor vehicles, has a long-term partnership with EBR and recently purchased a minority share in the company. Hero sponsors the American company's racing efforts , while EBR provides technical expertise and engineering services for the Indian company. Hero produces more than 6 million motorcycles and scooters annually; the official launch of the product line in North America will be in mid-2014.
The full text of the EBR press releases follows:
EBR unveils new American sport bike at AIMExpo in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – After months of speculation from motorcycle dealers, media and sportbike enthusiasts, Erik Buell Racing (EBR) today unveiled their latest sportbike, the EBR 1190RX, at the American International Motorcycle Exposition (AIMExpo) in Orlando.
While the new, street-legal high performance motorcycle is a direct descendant of EBR’s race-bred limited edition 1190RS Super Bike, the 1190RX features many new rider-focused features and has substantially raised the bar over competitive sportbike offerings. Most notably, the new motorcycle weighs-in at just 419 pounds, yet boasts 185 horsepower and 102 ft.-lbs. of torque from its ET-V2 1190 cc V-Twin engine. Few, if any, production motorcycles have ever produced this level of peak torque. The 1190RX’s wide torque band assures riders that ample power is available in every gear, and 21 traction control settings keep the power within the rider’s control in all road conditions. Aside from boasting the broadest torque band, the new engine delivers a combined highway/city fuel economy of over 40 mpg. Likewise, the hydrocarbons and nitrous oxide exhaust emissions produced by the 1190RX are less than 25% of those allowed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Carbon monoxide emissions are just 6% of the level allowed by U.S. federal regulations.
The breakthrough engine design and EBR’s racing-inspired handling features are coupled with all-new styling and scientifically-derived aerodynamics that rival the performance and drivability of any superbike produced by any manufacturer in the world. The multi-function digital instrument gauge cluster allows the rider to adjust performance parameters such as traction control, as well as to access numerous functions including track performance data, service intervals and system diagnostics.
Perhaps the most surprising announcement during the unveiling and accompanying press conference, however, is the 1190RX’s price: The new model is being offered with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $18,995.
The EBR 1190RX is completely assembled at EBR’s facility in East Troy, Wis., combining EBR’s in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities with specialized components from world-class suppliers around the globe. Full-scale production is scheduled to begin in December, 2013.
EBR to distribute Hero brand motorcycles and scooters in North America
ORLANDO, Fla. – Erik Buell Racing (EBR) announced today that it will be the exclusive distributor of Hero brand motorcycles and scooters in North America beginning in summer 2014. The announcement was made in conjunction with an unveiling of several Hero motorcycles and scooters at the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) in Orlando. India-based Hero MotoCorp is the world's largest manufacturer of two-wheeled motor vehicles. Specific models to be offered and pricing details have yet to be determined.
“The actual EBR collaboration with Hero MotoCorp began in late 2011, when we were contracted to deliver a concept hybrid scooter for Hero in record time for the January 2012 Delhi show,” said EBR founder Erik Buell during a video address to gathered EBR dealers and media. “In early 2012, EBR next entered a long term strategic partnership to provide technical expertise and engineering services for Hero, the world’s largest producer of two-wheeled vehicles. Hero, a longtime supporter of sports in India, also became a sponsor of our race team in the AMA Pro Road Racing Championship. Since then, the alliance has grown stronger, culminating in Hero MotoCorp purchasing a minority share in EBR this past summer.”
Hero MotoCorp produces more than 6 million two-wheelers in India annually and recently celebrated the production of their 50 millionth unit.
“I am delighted to announce today that EBR will be distributing Hero motorcycles to the United States and Canada on an exclusive basis starting summer of 2014. Here in the booth you will see some examples of models that we are considering bringing to this market, and also some information on Hero MotoCorp. We recently had a great event in India to celebrate our 50 millionth motorcycle, and Erik was there with me to enjoy that event, both as a friend and as the huge fan of motorcycling that he is,” said Hero MotoCorp Managing Director and CEO Pawan Munjal. “Both EBR and Hero believe that the combination of the world’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s leading innovators is a very powerful team and we are excited about the possibilities.”
The official EBR launch of the Hero product line in North America will take place in mid-2014.
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