Technology and features
The Freedom Edition is based on the familiar Hammerhead 1190, which is characterized by its distinctly sporty design. The triple side air intakes on the fairing are striking, reminiscent of the style of Italian superbikes. Underneath the eye-catching paintwork is proven Buell technology.
The heart of the machine is the liquid-cooled V2 engine with a displacement of 1,190 cm³. According to the manufacturer, it delivers 134 kW (182 hp) at 10,600 rpm. The maximum torque is 138 Newton meters (Nm), which is equivalent to approximately 102 lb-ft, and is achieved at 8,200 rpm. With a stated weight of 190 kg (equivalent to approximately 419 lbs), the machine remains comparatively light for this performance class.
Chassis and brakes
Buell relies on high-quality components to meet sporting demands: the front chassis consists of a fully adjustable upside-down fork with Big Piston technology from Showa. The rear features a central spring strut, also manufactured by Showa, without deflection.
On the front, a special braking system is used, consisting of a 386 mm single disc in perimeter design and an internal eight-piston caliper. The rear wheel has a 220 mm brake disc with a two-piston caliper from Hayes Performance Brakes.
Availability and outlook
The Buell Hammerhead 1190 Freedom Edition is currently only available on the US market. Buell’s return to the UK is via a partnership with Rainbow Moto in Devon, which currently distributes all Buell models for the British market. Whether and when the Freedom Edition will come to Europe is not yet known. Later this year, Buell plans to introduce two more new models, the Super Cruiser and the Super Tourer, for which pre-orders are already being taken.
