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A tour of EBR's Wisconsin factory with Erik Buell (pictures)

Every EBR 1190RX is hand-built in East Troy, Wisc. Erik Buell himself showed us around.

Tim Stevens
Tim Stevens got his start writing professionally while still in school in the mid '90s, and since then has covered topics ranging from business process management to video game development to automotive technology.
Tim Stevens
EBR factory visit
1 of 19 Tim Stevens/CNET

EBR factory visit

This is Erik Buell, the namesake for Erik Buell Racing.

EBR factory visit
2 of 19 Tim Stevens/CNET

EBR factory visit

Buell kindly gave us a tour of his company's factory in East Troy, Wisc.

EBR factory visit
3 of 19 Tim Stevens/CNET

EBR factory visit

Buell looks on as an 1190RX, fresh off the assembly line, gets run in on the rolling road.

EBR factory visit
4 of 19 Tim Stevens/CNET

EBR factory visit

Buell examines a wheel with a trademark rim-mounted brake disc.

EBR factory visit
5 of 19 Tim Stevens/CNET

EBR factory visit

A collection of 1190RXs ready for delivery.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

This is the short assembly line, where each 1190RX is hand-assembled.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

Hero, an Indian company, now owns roughly half of Buell.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

Buell stands next to one of his company's race bikes, ready for competition in AMA.

EBR factory visit
9 of 19 Tim Stevens/CNET

EBR factory visit

Buell himself was a racer before dedicating himself to engineering and entrepreneurship.

EBR factory visit
10 of 19 Tim Stevens/CNET

EBR factory visit

An early test ride on the SX version of the 1190, using rather privileged plates.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

A box of parts, ready for 1190RX assembly.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

Exhaust and intake valves, ready for insertion into the 1190RX's V-twin.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

Engines are assembled on-site.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

Once assembled, the bike is built around the motor.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

The motor is a stressed member of the bike, meaning the suspension is bolted directly to it.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

The frame cradles the motor, leaving room for a large air box.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

A row of front wheels ready for mounting.

EBR factory visit
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EBR factory visit

The "fuel" tanks on EBRs don't actually hold any fuel. It's stored in the frame.

EBR factory visit
19 of 19 Tim Stevens/CNET

EBR factory visit

Every EBR is hand-built, not far from Harley-Davidson headquarters.

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