CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive

21 January 2010

Implementation Investments

Erik Buell Racing Selects ThinkDesign to Lead Sportbike Innovation

Erik Buell Racing of East Troy, Wisconsin – the new company founded by Erik Buell after the recent closing of Buell Motorcycle Company – announced that it would be using think3’s ThinkDesign (CAD) and ThinkPLM (PDM) to optimize its product development process.

Buell Motorcycle Company had been using think3’s CAD and PDM solutions since 1998. In 2007, for the creation of the new 1125R sportbike, Buell Motorcycle Company extended the partnership with think3 and adopted ThinkDesign, think3’s styling solution, for ensuring maximum design creativity. Erik Buell, Chairman of Erik Buell Racing and his engineering team were so pleased with the power, ease of use and results attained with think3 that they wanted to continue its use at Erik Buell Racing.

“I’m a huge fan of think3’s solutions,” stated Mr. Buell. “It’s a very powerful product, and can handle the kind of complex designs and design modifications we do daily with lots of ease and lots of speed. ThinkDesign was an invaluable tool for us at Buell Motorcycle Company and we’ll take advantage of this tool again at Erik Buell Racing.”

Erik Buell Racing is devoted to the research and development of racing motorcycles and specializes in the manufacture and supply of race parts (powertrains, brakes, suspensions, bodyworks, chassis, etc.). It offers turnkey new Buell 1125-based race motorcycles – including the 1125RR models. Erik Buell Racing will also be engaged in various racing circuits, especially in competitive AMA Pro Racing, and offers technical support to customers for these competitions.

“We are developing a number of interesting projects related to the upcoming races” – states Mr. Buell -“and this is important because it means a lot to continue to see our bikes run and win in the specialty in which they are engaged, not only in 2010 but beyond.”

Erik Buell Racing has selected think3’s ThinkDesign for its 3D Surface and Solids Design Capabilities and for the flexibility and scalability which allows full customization.

“ThinkDesign’s Global Shape Modeling (GSM3) technology” – adds Buell – “allows 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 ThinkDesign we can meet our objectives within the planned timeframe, presenting sportbikes with a unique design that combines American style with excellent performance.”

“The multi-year cooperation between think3 and Erik Buell is a testament to the value and innovation provided by think3’s solutions,” states Silvano Joly, Vice President Sales and Worldwide Marketing, think3. “Erik Buell Racing and think3 are now true partners, and think3 will help the team to develop their business and find success fast”.

Erik Buell Racing’s partnership with think3 will be supported by think3’s newly-formed International VAR Organization, which is tasked with supporting think3 customers and cultivating new sales throughout the world. Look for more news on the International VAR Organization coming soon.

For more info about Erik Buell Racing: www.erikbuellracing.com

See also Erik Buell video on http://www.youtube.com

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