The first Buell motorcycle, the RW750, was built in 1985 purely for competing in the AMA Formula 1 motorcycle road racing championship. Buell later turned his focus towards racing-inspired, street-going machines using engines manufactured by Harley who, in 1998, purchased majority control of Buell and it has been a subsidiary since that time. Buell engines - which are modified Harley Davidson Sportster engines - are designed to be street-friendly both in fuel efficiency and power. They are also simple and easy to maintain. Erik Buell brought flair and innovation to both his racing and street going machines.