Buell The Goat: hillclimb concept could become first adventure model

• The basis is an early Super Cruiser prototype, not the production model
• Long-travel WP suspension, stripped-down chassis and coarsely knobbed tyres
• A production version is neither confirmed nor scheduled

Buell has been working for some time on deriving as many variants as possible from a single motorcycle platform. The Super Cruiser, created in collaboration with Roland Sands Design, serves as the technical framework. From this modular kit comes a concept motorcycle that at first glance has little in common with the model it started from. It carries the name “The Goat” and was built for hillclimb competition, in other words for events in which the aim is to get up a steep slope as quickly as possible. What makes the machine interesting, however, is not its sporting purpose but what the company boss subsequently said about its future.

What is behind the The Goat concept?

“The Goat” is a one-off that Buell built as a technical experiment. It is meant to show how far the architecture of the Super Cruiser can be altered beyond its original purpose.

According to information from the manufacturer’s environment, an early Super Cruiser prototype served as the basis, so not a finished production machine. The motorcycle was therefore created from material that was already in-house. The direction taken is notable: instead of deriving a sportier road version, the team went the opposite way and built a machine for loose surfaces and steep climbs.

How does The Goat differ from the production machine?

The most striking differences concern suspension, tyres and exhaust system. These changes turn the low-slung cruiser into a long-legged machine with an off-road look.

A long-travel WP suspension is fitted, meaning considerably more travel than on the road model. That is necessary to absorb impacts on uneven ground. On top of that comes a build reduced to the essentials, without bodywork panels and with a lengthened swingarm. The wheels carry coarsely knobbed tyres of the kind that provide grip off road. The exhaust system has also been newly executed and stands out strongly from the production machine, although the available descriptions of the system differ from one another. Overall the result looks like a mix between a motorcycle for rough play in the dirt and an American-style rally prototype.

What does Bill Melvin say about a possible production model?

Melvin is said to have explained that his team has already talked about a serious adventure version of the platform. He names two concrete changes: an adjusted ride height and possibly a front fairing for longer stages.

That takes the statement beyond the usual vague hints that often accompany concept motorcycles. A front fairing is a core component in the adventure segment because it deflects the airflow on long distances. A revised ride height in turn affects the geometry and with it the question of whether a motorcycle remains usable in everyday riding at all. According to the available information, the discussions took place directly with the team that built “The Goat”. An official confirmation, a timetable or even technical key data are not available, however.

Why an adventure model makes sense for Buell

Buell currently offers four models: the Super Cruiser, the SuperTouring, the Hammerhead and the 1190 SX. None of them is designed for adventure use. It is therefore one of the few large segments in which the brand is not represented at all so far.

The adventure segment has been among the most sought-after areas of the motorcycle market for years, because these machines combine long road stages with light off-road use. Developing an existing platform further for a new segment is also common practice in the industry and saves development costs. For a comparatively small manufacturer that is an essential point. The approach would also be appealing because many modern adventure models have become heavier and technically more elaborate over the years. A motorcycle based on the lightweight Buell construction would take a different direction in this environment.

How likely is production?

Nothing is concrete so far. “The Goat” exists as a one-off and an experiment, not as a pre-production model, and Buell has neither confirmed a production project nor named a development period.

Nevertheless the episode fits a recognisable pattern. Buell has recently shown several conversions based on the Super Cruiser, including a cafe racer that is expressly not intended for production. Such studies usually show what is currently being considered in-house. That in this case the company boss himself is talking about a possible further development sets “The Goat” apart from a pure design exercise. Whether it will actually become the brand’s first modern adventure model is still not decided.

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