In 1983, Erik Buell left his engineering job to devote more time to his dream of building Buell race bikes.
In 1984, Erik Buell designed the RW750, a full-fledged grand prix motorcycle for racing only in the AMA Formula 1 race class. However, the class was eliminated, and only 2 were produced.
From 1985 through 1992, along with running a race parts business and doing consulting engineering for companies such as Schwinn and Yamaha, Erik built a range of street sport motorcycles using Harley-Davidson® engines. The success of this led to Harley-Davidson® purchasing in 1993 a minority interest of Buell® Motorcycle Company.
In 1998, after 20,000+ motorcycles had been manufactured since the start of Buell®, Erik Buell sold additional 49% interest of Buell®.
In 2002, the XBR9 Firebolt was manufactured. It was the first bike with aluminum beam fuel in frame chassis, and perimeter brake rotor. The XB chassis and motor derivatives grew to a substantial business of nearly 90,000 units.
In 2007, the 1125R was manufactured with a new V-Twin motor with liquid cooling, DOHC, and fuel injection.
In 2009, Buell won their first championship at AMA Daytona Sportbike class with rider Danny Eslick.
Beginning in 2010, Erik Buell Racing was formed, first supplying race parts for Buell®.motorcycles, then in 2011 into production with the 1190RS, a $46,000 MSRP factory super premium street/race-bike.
In 2013, it was announced that Erik Buell Racing, partnered with Hero, would enter the WSKB series with the EBR 1190RX, which was based off the 1190RS platform.
In 2014, the EBR 1190SX (Naked Bike) was revealed with a MSRP of $16,995. The SX also features the East Troy V-Twin Motor, as does the RS & RX.
In 2016, EBR Motorcycles was formed to continue the legacy of Erik Buell.
