EBR (Erik Buell Racing)

In unexpected and disappointing news for bike fans, Erik Buell Racing (EBR) announced on April 16 that it has ceased operations. Facing a debt of US$20 million the company has filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 128.

Here's a gorgeous project of passion worthy of ten minutes of your time: The Ronin is a badass custom motorcycle built from the ashes of the Buell 1125R. 47 individually named bikes will be built, and no more.

We photographed the EBR 1190SX at an abandoned warehouse on the edge of town. Here’s a few first impressions, and a bunch of highly irresponsible photographs to tide you over until we get a chance to do a full road review.

The 1190RX is the first mass-production sportsbike out of the new Erik Buell Racing factory in Wisconsin, a 185-horsepower, torque-stompin', slightly quirky racer with its eyes firmly focused on World Superbike contention. But does that equate to a good road bike?

The 1190SX is basically the full 185-horsepower 1190RX superbike experience, with its pants off, and a higher handlebar. Erik Buell has made almost zero compromises to make the SX more street-friendly. It'll be a handful around town, but on the racetrack or the open road, it'll be sublime.

The first round of the World Superbike Championships was held at Phillip Island on the weekend with strong indications that the 2014 championship will be won on one of five bikes: Aprilia RSV4, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Ducati Panigale, Suzuki GSX-R1000 or a Honda CBR1000RR.