Buell is Back

Buell has Returned since Reconstituting in 2012

This Roland Sands—built concept was inspired by Harley-Davidson’s iconic FXR. Since Buell Motorcycle Company re-entered motorcycle production, it has been hard at work developing its line of motorcycles.

For 2024, Buell is introducing the Super Cruiser in a club-style cruiser package. Designed as a high-performance street bike by Roland Sands Design. Sands describes the bike as “450 lbs of SuperSport power with easygoing ergonomics for an iconic throwback to styling “Sunday afternoons.” Cycle World, Mar. 15th, 2024.

While still a concept bike, the specs are somewhat vague, at least until production is confirmed. With 17-inch wheels, unusual perimeter braking on the front wheel (see the photo), the 1,190cc liquid-cooled Buell V-twin is shoehorned onto a one-off steel tube frame. With a claimed weight of 450 lbs and an estimated 175 hp should deliver great performance. If similar specs to the 1190SX are the case, the bike should likely produce 101 ft-lbs of torque. It is stated that a slipper-clutch will be available.

The target for Buell was to attract younger riders, not HD’s typical over 50 crowd. Buell states in its release statement that “Buell is back and building more than sport bikes. Out to the gate, this cruiser will lead performance in the category. It’s light, nimble and high torque, incorporating all the main points that connect the rider to the ground, and it’s cracking open another part of the market—a younger crowd craving speed and performance in a cruiser.” Cycle World, Mar. 15, 2024.

The ergonomics of the bike are fairly upright, which will suit some, but not all. No seat height has been provided as of yet, but it is supposedly a stretch for anyone with a 30” leg inseam. Parts are primarily sourced from the 1190RX so as to reduce production costs. The cockpit is said to be compact with the narrow bars holding fairly generic switch gear and a “clunky TFT display giving you basic information with a bar-type tach and simple digital numbers for speed.”

An addition to Buell’s already announced sport, naked, touring and racing models it will be interesting to see what transpires at Buell in the future. Pre-Orders for the bike are being taken at buellmotorcycle.com for all three models, including the previously available Hammerhead 1190, 1190SX and the Baja 1190 Dune Racer. Pricing is not available on the site as of yet, but it has been suggested that the bike will sell around the $25,000 U.S. price point.

The bike will likely have great performance, something Buell is well-known for, however, with a price point in the mid-20 thousands U.S., it will face some really serious competition. But for those who either are familiar with Buell, or who want a bike that is different than those found throughout the motorcycle world generally, this might be just the ticket.

Buell states that it will begin its dealer network in the near future, so stay tuned.

Thanks to Andrew Cheney for the article/review, and for the images in Cycle World, March. 15th, 2024.

Ciao…

 For more information, go to buellmotorcycle.com