With a smooth shell that curves into a single seat, the computer-generated sketch of the Commuter from VangaurdSpark is pretty common for a concept. However, looks can be deceiving. This sleek new electric bike may just be the calling card of Erik Buell’s latest venture. And if that’s the case, there are sure to be some surprises on the way.
Erik Buell: The Phoenix Rises Again!
A new electric motorcycle company has been announced called VanguardSpark. This company was founded by F-X Terny, the innovator behind Vanguard Motorcycles, Frederic Vasseur, head of Spark Racing Technology—Builders of Formula-E cars—and the legendary Erik Buell. Some may be surprised to see Buell back at it again, but it shouldn’t be too shocking.
Erik Buell became well known, engineering bikes for a little motorcycle company that was bought out by Harley-Davidson. After falling on tough times, Harley shuttered it Buell line of motorcycles, and Erik Buell went on to start EBR. The little company took the bikes that Buell designed at Harley and ramped them up to create exciting V-twin sportbikes, but the market wasn’t friendly to new motorcycle brands at the time.
EBR folded at around the same time as Victory Motorcycles, after being rescued from the brink only one year before. This left many in the motorcycling community wondering what was next for Erik Buell, the motorcycle innovator that keeps on going like the Energizer Bunny. Well, apparently electric motorcycling was the answer to everyone’s question.
The new company VanguardSpark has two projects on the books: a pedal-assisted electric bicycle called the SpeedBike, and the urban-oriented eMoto called the Commuter. Prototypes are expected this summer, but sketches have been released, and the project looks fairly interesting. With partners like Vanguard and Spark Racing Tech, it only seems like a matter of time before we see another race bike straight from the mind of Erik Buell.
The motorcycling attorneys at Metier Law Firm will continue to watch this project and others to keep you informed of motorcycling news.