Buell: A brand with a past – and a future?
Founded in the 1980s, Buell made a name for itself early on with unconventional designs and its proximity to racing. The brand developed into an outsider with cult status. But in 2009, Harley-Davidson, the owner at the time, pulled the plug, followed by years of uncertainty. Between restarts, name changes, and ownership changes, one thing remained constant: the will to survive.
Now Buell seems ready for a new chapter.
Super Cruiser: A mixture of muscle bike and sports DNA
The Super Cruiser is based on the well-known 1,190 cm³ V2 engine from the Hammerhead 1190 and 1190SX. The liquid-cooled V-twin delivers 175 hp (129 kW) with a torque of 137 Nm (101 lb-ft). It is currently unclear whether these figures will remain unchanged in the Cruiser. However, it is likely that the engine will be tuned for more torque in the lower and middle speed ranges for use in the new model – a typical measure in the cruiser segment.
Chassis with a sporty orientation
Buell is also clearly going its own way with the chassis. Prototypes feature a lightweight, tubular steel perimeter frame. This is complemented by a sporty chassis with fully adjustable upside-down front forks and a monoshock rear suspension. This combination could provide significantly more agile handling than traditional cruisers.
An official weight is not yet known, but the performance orientation suggests a significantly lower curb weight than comparable models from Harley-Davidson or Indian.
Electronics: Still open, but crucial
Whether modern riding aids such as traction control, various riding modes, or cornering ABS will be included as standard remains unanswered. However, given the current market environment, it would be surprising if Buell were to forego such features. The same applies to electronic instruments – the previously spartan cockpit could be replaced in the production version by a TFT display with connectivity functions.
Endurance tests under extreme conditions
The Super Cruiser is currently undergoing its final testing phase. According to Buell, the motorcycle is being tested under extreme conditions in the US: from deserts with temperatures above 49°C (120°F) to mountain passes at an altitude of 4,200 meters (14,000 feet). The focus is on fuel stability, starting performance in hot conditions, passenger operation, and protection of the air filter system from dust, among other things.
High expectations, even more pressure
The Super Cruiser is considered the central model in Buell’s current comeback attempt. Expectations are correspondingly high – both among fans and industry observers. The design was created with the support of Roland Sands and aims for a powerful appearance that clearly sets it apart from conventional cruisers. If Buell delivers a convincing overall package here, the model could make a decisive contribution to the revival of the brand.
But after years of announcements and delays, the stakes are high. Buell must not only present a good motorcycle – but a real statement.
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