A once-defunct line of motorcycles closely associated with Harley-Davidson is making a comeback.
Buell, previously owned by Harley and discontinued in 2009 amid organizational restructuring, is now being revived under new management.
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Under the leadership of Bill Melvin from Liquid Asset Partners, Buell is now operating independently of Harley-Davidson, crafting hand-built motorcycles in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The current offerings feature impressive models such as the Hammerhead 1190RX, 1190SX, 1190HCR dirt bike, and the 1190 Super Touring.
However, the standout in their lineup is the Super Cruiser.
With aspirations to rival major motorcycle brands in the American sector, Buell is expanding its facilities and laying out plans for future growth.
As reported by SlashGear, Melvin has invested significantly in the company’s future, including $18.5 million towards enhancing operations, increasing staffing, and boosting production capabilities.
Buell has developed a passionate following among enthusiasts, and upon its closure after the financial crisis, retained a strong fanbase due to a robust selection of motorcycles.
However, Harley-Davidson faced its crisis during this period, influenced by the recession and the leadership of new CEO, Keith Wandell, who wasn’t particularly a motorcycle enthusiast—which ultimately led to Buell’s downfall.
This marked a troubling chapter for America’s only sportbike manufacturer at that time.
Founded in 1983 by former motorcycle racer and Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell, the company was acquired by Harley in 1998.
It quickly gained acclaim for producing high-performance, racing-inspired street motorcycles.
After Buell’s discontinuation, Erik Buell launched Erik Buell Racing, which specialized in high-performance racing bikes.
For Harley, Buell’s resurgence may pose challenges as they compete against its former subsidiary and Indian.
Indeed, Melvin is confident that Buell can secure a position as the third largest in the next
END OF AN ERA
In other news, an iconic Harley-Davidson dealership has closed down – but it isn’t all bad news for fans.
The owner of the historic outlet on Route 66 in St. Louis has acquired a local competitor, merging the two into a single entity under a new identity.
Doc’s Harley-Davidson, established in 1955 and located at 930 S. Kirkwood Road, is now managed by Indiana couple Evan and Dina Schipper, who operate several Harley dealerships across the Midwest.
With their recent acquisition, they have leveled the competitive landscape by merging with Gateway Harley-Davidson, previously one of Doc’s main rivals.
The combined dealerships will now operate from Gateway’s former site.
According to Biz Journals, the newly unified dealership is now functioning under the name St. Louis Harley-Davidson, having launched last Tuesday at the Gateway Harley-Davidson location.
Harley-Davidson closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across America.
However, numerous stores have shuttered over various reasons throughout 2024—many without public explanation.
Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have closed this year and their respective reasons:
A location in San Francisco ceased operations in June 2024 after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ introduced by new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September 2024, with no specific reason provided.
Harley-Davidson’s legacy location in New York City also closed on September 28, 2024, with the owner pointing to economic challenges.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, wrapped up operations in October 2024 after being sold to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Additionally, another Illinois dealership closed in November 2024.
The dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
In 2025, Hideout Harley-Davidson in Missouri announced it would shut down at the end of March.