[Jeff Higgins]

I think Buell will be just fine. They just spent a good deal on development of the new Rotax powered bike, so it looks like they may already be distancing themselves from H-D.

H-D is in both the most envied and one of the most lamentable positions in the motorcycle market. They have the most loyal customer base of any consumer product, bar none. The flip side is that customer base expects certain things. Harley simply cannot sell a "modern" motorcycle; they are inextricably linked to their v-twin platform. Now, with other brands under which to sell motorcycles, that is about to change.

Buell was never far enough from H-D to attract sport bike riders. It was never close enough to attract Harley riders. I can see them dropping the Sportster motored bikes in a year or two, once the Rotax is dialed. I can see them drifting more towards the Cagiva/MV end of the business. I think the Rotax bike is the tip of that iceberg. There may very well be a market for an American sport bike, as long as it's not a "Harley".