EAST TROY - Fans of the Buell line of sports bikes went for one last ride on Monday, in the hopes of convincing Harley-Davidson officials to keep the line running.

"What is it about Buell motorcycles?" asked TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Michael George
 
"They make a really good street bike," said Buell rider and event organizer Steve Mackay.
 
One hundred of Buell's biggest customers took to the road Monday to support the brand. Harley-Davidson announced it is shutting down Buell later this month due to continued financial losses. The shutdown will cost an estimated 180 workers their jobs.
 
"To let this die without at least a whimper of protest seems just wrong. I think we should at least stand up and say, "We do not approve," said Buell rider Bill Stachour.
 
Some riders came from as far away as West Virginia and Alaska to be at the rally.
 
"We're upset with what Harley-Davidson Motor Company has done. They've pulled the rug out from under our feet as customers and fans, as well as the employees and Erik Buell himself," said rider Jason Katch.
 
Fans are asking Harley to sell the Buell brand rather than shut it down, so someone else can build the famous line of bikes.
 
"Is there any chance that this might make a difference or that there is a future for Buell at this point?" asked TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Michael George.
 
"We chose not to sell Buell, and simply end production, simply because of the interdependencies that exist between Buell and Harley-Davidson. That is the decision we made, and that is not a reversible decision," said Harley-Davidson spokeswoman Pat Sweeney.
 
Walworth county officials hope to work out a deal to keep Buell going, though they admit they are not sure Buell is even interested in new offers at this time.

Even if the riders' rally is not successful, they say they couldn't miss what could be Buell's last ride.