In the late 70s, while in high school Erik Buell worked part-time job at a local motorcycle dealership while doing starting some local racing. After graduation, Buell went to work as a chassis engineer for Harley-Davidson.

In 1978, Erik Buell recorded the fastest newcomer qualifying time for the Daytona 200 motorcycle race. Four years later he left Harley-Davidson to pursue his dream of designing his own race Motorcycle. In 1983, he did just that when he designed and built the RW750 Buell motorcycle specifically to compete in the AMA Formula One road racing class.

In the 1990s Buell motorcycles expanded production facilities and added a new composite and paint shop, which led to greater flexibility and control over the manufacturing process.

Buell Motorcycles built a new line of street bikes that were introduced in 1996, including the Lightning S1. Other innovations included two new designs of the Thunderbolt motorcycle; the Thunderbolt S3 and the Thunderbolt S3T.

Buell Motorcycles introduced the Cyclone M2 touring bike in 1997 and developed the Thunderstorm engine in 1998.

In 1999, Buell Motorcycles rolled out completely redesigned models of the Lighting and Cyclone motorcycles. Both bikes had new body styles, frame, suspension, larger and more comfortable seats, and bold colors.

At the end of 1999, Buell motorcycles were producing more than 8,000 motorcycles a year thanks to their new designs and engineering innovations.

Buell has always maintained a close relationship with Harley-Davidson. In February 1994, Harley-Davidson purchased 49 percent of Erik Buell's company and the new Buell Motorcycle Company was born.