And so, I wonder if Erik Buell would or could restructures his company in such or similar a manner, if perhaps he could then make a good of it once again?
(whatcha think???)
I think not. The Norton people will put a long-missed icon back on the market as an exclusive product (with corresponding pricing), as was the case with MV Agusta and specifically the initial limited edition Serie Oro. For this reason I think Norton could probably get away with selling the bikes right out of the factory (also because of limited production).
If Buell comes back soon, they will never have reached "iconic" status so their product cannot be pidgeon-holed as exclusive. That'll (maybe) take 20-odd years of absence first, if ever.
Where I do think Buell had/has an opportunity (if they ever come back) is to market themselves more aggresively as a streetfighter (I know I am repeating myself) and to emphasize the category, since the category does not really exist in the public's perception, especially if they come back with a clean sheet of paper - strategy-wise. Remember, they'll not have to fit into an overall "picture", as was the case with HD.
Think along Bimota lines (pre the V-Due disaster), without the expensive price tag. In my mind, all the components are already there and they would also have a choice of engines (again as Bimota did/does).
Here's a laugh ... a Buell with a Ducati engine.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
