CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive

18 February 2008

Implementation Investments

Buell Motorcycle Company Works with thinkID on Innovative 1125R Sportbike Design

Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., continued its winning ways in the high performance superbike market thanks to the release in November 2007 of the new 1125R, designed with thinkID.

Headquartered in East Troy, Wisconsin, USA, the company has been using think3’s thinkdesign (CAD) and thinkteam (PDM) solutions to automate and optimize their product development process since 1998.

For the creation of the new 1125R, Buell extended their partnership with think3 and adopted thinkID, think3’s styling solution, which ensures maximum design creativity.

“We wanted to create a radically new motorbike focusing on power, maneuverability and agility for a unique riding experience,” said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Buell Motorcycle Company. “thinkID helped us in meeting this challenge. think3’s Global Shape Modeling (GSM3) technology allowed us to carry out accurate changes in a quick and automated way, at different stages of the product development process, while preserving the original design intent and reducing production time. With thinkID, we could meet our objectives within the planned timeframe, presenting an innovative sportbike with a unique design that combines an aggressive style with excellent performance.”

The 1125R leads with an all-new front fairing and radiator cowling for superior aerodynamics, and its new 1125cc DOHC V-Twin Helicon engine is the first liquid-cooled engine to power a street-legal Buell motorcycle.

The multi-year cooperation between think3, Inc., and an innovative manufacturer like Buell Motorcycle Company is a testament to the value and innovation provided by think3’s solutions.

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